The search for the most energy efficient tumble dryers

Alnat1

Can I also recommend the spikey type dryer balls (not the scented things). I was sceptical about their claims of reducing drying time but they really do work.

Spies

savers_united said:

Not sure how good the energy monitors are but I have been surprised with our tumble which is 5+ years old how little energy it uses.

At the time we bought it,. It was highly rated with energy saving features, when it's working its magic it only hits 2kwh for about 2mins every 6-7 mins, most of the time it's running at around 0.5-0.8kwh. A normal load for us seems to come in at around 1.5kwh, but it's very rarely left to run a full hour, normally find half hour is enough for the airing cupboard, so 0.75kwh for half hour, just over 20p.

In my case, that would be the difference between grid draw and running it from my solar so heat pump is really the only option for me, there is a Bush A+ heat pump on Argos for £250 right now or a Logik A++ one on Currys for £299.

busybee100

2nd a cheap heat pump

Price runner has lots of filters including heat pump

https://www.pricerunner.com/cl/17/Tumble-Dryers?attr_59486369=59486398&sort=price_asc

Mrs_F_2017

Alnat1 said:

Can I also recommend the spikey type dryer balls (not the scented things). I was sceptical about their claims of reducing drying time but they really do work.

Interesting, I only ever tumble dry towels and bedding in the winter months and have looked at these but always thought they were a gimmick. I might try some. 

Are they all much the same or are some brand better than others? 

YorkshireJames

busybee100 said:

2nd a cheap heat pump

Price runner has lots of filters including heat pump

https://www.pricerunner.com/cl/17/Tumble-Dryers?attr_59486369=59486398&sort=price_asc

Thanks, that was really helpful!

k_man

lohr500 said:

I don't think it can be 3.7kW/h. Well not if it has a standard 13 amp plug. The highest power you can draw from a 13amp plug is 3kw. So you couldn't draw 3.7kw for an hour without blowing a fuse.

The OP refers to 3.7kWh for the full load, which will likely take longer than an hour.

Magnitio

Which? rates the Beko DHY9P56VW quite highly and it is reasonable price.

Alnat1

@Mrs_F_2017 Mine were from Ecoegg but I'm sure they are all similar. The only downside. they do clunk a bit. 

I haven't done any actual timings but it just is quicker. I keep being surprised when I hear the finishing beep. I'd guess a load that used to take over an hour is done in 45 minutes or so.

This has now got me wondering, I will check. I wash the summer duvet weekly (chuck it in cover and all) so this week I'll dry it ball-less, next week with balls.

Spies

The Hotpoint NTM1182XB is a reasonable price from appliance direct. 

clive0510

you can tell how efficient they are by looking at the efficiency table. a-g.  they all have it. I bought a white knight one a few years ago. but I hardly use it! got bathroom mats washing right now, and in the morning they will be on the line. on the other hand if I need to use the dryer, just put it in there and worry about the cost later.