Top 9 Tumble Dryers in the UK (2025)

After extensive research of the UK tumble dryer market, I’ve identified and ranked the top 9 models based on energy efficiency, features, capacity, build quality, value for money, customer reviews, and ease of use. Heat pump dryers dominate the rankings due to their superior energy efficiency, though they typically come with a higher initial cost that is offset by lower running costs over time.

Rankings and Reasoning

1. Bosch WTH85223GB (8kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £440 | Energy Rating: A++

Key Features: AutoDry function, Fast drying program (40 min), Self-cleaning

Why It’s #1: The Bosch WTH85223GB offers the best balance of performance, features, and value. With an A++ energy rating and annual running costs of just £33.04, it’s exceptionally economical over time appliancehunter.co.uk. Its fast drying program can dry clothes in just 40 minutes, addressing a common complaint about heat pump dryers being slow appliancehunter.co.uk. The self-cleaning feature adds convenience by automatically flushing away lint, reducing maintenance and improving safety appliancehunter.co.uk.

2. Samsung Series 9 DV90T8240SX (9kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £799 | Energy Rating: A+++

Key Features: Smart connectivity, Drying rack for shoes and delicates, Interior drum light, Quick Dry 35′

Why It’s #2: This premium model stands out for its remarkably low running costs (£10.19-£20.37/year) and excellent smart features trustedreviews.com. The Samsung SmartThings app integration allows remote monitoring and control, while the special drying rack for shoes and delicates adds versatility trustedreviews.com. It’s particularly gentle on clothes, with tests showing less fiber loss than typical dryers trustedreviews.comcurrys.co.uk.

3. Haier HD90-A3Q397U1 (9kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £1,199 | Energy Rating: A+++

Key Features: i-Refresh Pro mode with ultrasonic atomization, Adjustable fan speed, Multiple drying levels, Smart AI mode

Why It’s #3: Described as “the most flexible tumble dryer” by Trusted Reviews, this high-end model offers unmatched customization options trustedreviews.com. Users can adjust fan speeds, heat levels, and drying targets for precise control over different fabric types trustedreviews.com. The i-Refresh Pro mode effectively removes odors from clothes, while the A+++ rating ensures minimal energy consumption trustedreviews.comcurrys.co.uk.

4. Sharp KD-NHH0S7GW21 (10kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £469 | Energy Rating: A++

Key Features: 8 Sensor Drying, Two Way Tumbling, Bubble Drum for fabric care

Why It’s #4: This Sharp model offers the largest capacity (10kg) among our top-ranked dryers while maintaining A++ energy efficiency at a competitive price point ao.comcurrys.co.uk. The sensor drying technology prevents over-drying, while the two-way tumbling ensures clothes dry evenly ao.com. Its bubble drum design is specially shaped to care for fabrics ao.com.

5. Samsung Series 5 DV90CGC0A0ABEU (9kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £579 | Energy Rating: A++

Key Features: OptimalDry System, SmartThings Integration, Hygiene Care, Quick Dry 35′

Why It’s #5: This model offers many of the premium features of the Series 9 at a more accessible price point samsung.com. The OptimalDry system uses moisture and temperature sensors to optimize drying time and energy usage, while the SmartThings integration provides convenient remote control options samsung.com. Its hygiene care feature provides high-temperature treatment for towels, bedding, and clothes samsung.com.

6. Miele TWF760WP (8kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £1,249 | Energy Rating: A+++

Key Features: EcoSpeed Function, FragranceDos2, PerfectDry Internal Sensor, AddLoad Function

Why It’s #6: Miele is known for premium build quality, and this model is tested for 20 years of use (3000 hours of testing) hughes.co.uk. The EcoSpeed function reduces drying time by up to 40 minutes while maintaining energy efficiency hughes.co.uk. The PerfectDry sensor accounts for calcium in water to ensure perfect drying results, and the AddLoad function allows adding forgotten items during the cycle hughes.co.uk.

7. AEG TR718L4B (8kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £440 | Energy Rating: A++

Key Features: SensiDry Technology, ProSense technology, MixDry technology

Why It’s #7: This AEG model offers excellent energy efficiency at a reasonable price point ao.com. Its multi-layer fluff catcher design is particularly effective, and customers report improved fabric care with fluffier textiles ao.com. However, some users note drying issues with full loads and longer drying times compared to traditional dryers ao.com.

8. Beko BM3T3944W (9kg Heat Pump Dryer)

Price: £449 | Energy Rating: A+++

Key Features: SteamCure Technology, Sensor Drying Programs, Automatic Anti-Creasing

Why It’s #8: This Beko model offers excellent value with an A+++ rating at a competitive price beko.co.uk. The SteamCure technology removes odors and refreshes clothes without a full wash, while the sensor drying programs prevent over-drying beko.co.uk. It also comes with a 10-year parts guarantee for peace of mind beko.co.uk.

9. Hotpoint H2 D71W UK (7kg Condenser Dryer)

Price: £274 | Energy Rating: B

Key Features: Anti-rub Drum Design, Optimal Temperature Control, Refresh Programme

Why It’s #9: The only condenser dryer in our top 9, this Hotpoint model offers an affordable entry point for those with limited budgets comet.co.uk. While its B energy rating means higher running costs than heat pump models, its gentle drum design helps maintain fabric quality, and the refresh program provides a quick 20-minute cycle for lightly worn items comet.co.uk.

Market Trends and Considerations

Energy Efficiency

Heat pump technology dominates the premium segment of the market, with most top models achieving A++ or A+++ ratings which.co.uk. While these dryers have higher upfront costs, their significantly lower running costs make them more economical in the long term which.co.ukwhich.co.uk. For example, the Bosch WTH85223GB costs approximately £33.04 per year to run, while the Samsung Series 9 costs as little as £10.19 per year appliancehunter.co.uktrustedreviews.com.

Capacity Range

Most recommended models offer between 7kg and 10kg load capacities which.co.uk. Larger households should consider models with at least 9kg capacity, while smaller households might find 7-8kg sufficient which.co.uksamsung.com. The Sharp KD-NHH0S7GW21 offers the largest capacity in our rankings at 10kg currys.co.uk.

Smart Features

Connectivity features are increasingly standard in mid to high-end models, with Samsung and Haier offering particularly strong smart home integration samsung.comtrustedreviews.comtrustedreviews.com. These features allow remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps, with some models even linking with washing machines to automatically select the best drying program trustedreviews.com.

Price Range

Budget options start around £274 (like the Hotpoint H2 D71W UK), mid-range options between £440-£600, and premium models from brands like Miele and Haier exceeding £1,000 comet.co.ukhughes.co.uktrustedreviews.com. While heat pump dryers have higher upfront costs, their lower running costs can make them more economical over time which.co.uk.

Value Recommendations

• Best Budget Option: Hotpoint H2 D71W UK (£274) comet.co.uk
• Best Value for Money: Bosch WTH85223GB (£440) appliancehunter.co.uk
• Best Premium Option: Haier HD90-A3Q397U1 (£1,199) trustedreviews.com
• Best for Large Households: Sharp KD-NHH0S7GW21 (10kg capacity, £469) ao.comcurrys.co.uk
• Best Smart Features: Samsung Series 9 DV90T8240SX (£799) trustedreviews.com

Conclusion

The UK tumble dryer market in 2025 offers excellent options at various price points, with heat pump technology providing the best long-term value despite higher initial costs. The Bosch WTH85223GB stands out as our top recommendation for its exceptional balance of efficiency, features, and price, though consumers with specific needs may find other models in our top 9 better suited to their requirements.

When choosing a tumble dryer, consider your household size (which determines capacity needs), available space, budget (including long-term running costs), and whether you need special features like smart connectivity or specialized drying programs. Heat pump models are the most energy-efficient option and dominate our rankings, but the Hotpoint condenser model provides a solid budget alternative for those with limited funds.