How to Choose the Right Dryer for Your Home

Why Choosing the Right Dryer Matters

A clothes dryer is one of the most convenient laundry appliances you can own, particularly in Australian cities where apartments and smaller homes don't always have outdoor drying space. With a few different types available at very different price points, it's worth understanding your options before you buy.

This guide covers the different types of dryers available in Australia, the features that make a real difference in everyday use, how to choose the right capacity, and what to expect at different price points.

Types of Dryers

Vented Dryers

Vented dryers work by drawing in room air, heating it, tumbling it through the drum to absorb moisture from the clothes, and then exhausting that warm, moist air back into the room. Unlike some overseas markets where external venting through a wall or window is common, vented dryers in Australia are designed to exhaust into the laundry room itself. This means your laundry needs to be reasonably well ventilated when using a vented dryer, with a window or door open to allow the humid air to escape. A poorly ventilated laundry will accumulate moisture quickly, which can cause condensation, mould, and reduced drying efficiency.

Vented dryers are the most affordable type of dryer and are a practical choice for households with a well-ventilated laundry. They use more energy than heat pump dryers but have a lower upfront cost.

Browse our range of vented dryers to compare sizes and features.

Heat Pump Dryers

Heat pump dryers use a refrigerant-based system to recycle heat rather than exhausting it. They draw air from the drum, remove the moisture by cooling it (which condenses the water into a tank or drain), and then reheat and return the dry air to the drum. Because the heat is recycled rather than wasted, heat pump dryers use significantly less energy than vented dryers, typically 50 to 60 percent less. They also exhaust no moisture into the room, making them suitable for any laundry space regardless of ventilation.

Heat pump dryers do cost more upfront, but the energy savings add up quickly for households that dry clothes frequently. They also operate at lower temperatures than vented dryers, which is gentler on fabrics and helps extend the life of your clothes.

Explore our range of heat pump dryers for the most energy-efficient option available.

Washer Dryer Combos

Washer dryer combos combine a front load washing machine and a dryer in a single unit. They're ideal for apartments and small homes where space for two separate appliances isn't available. The trade-off is that combo units typically have a smaller drying capacity than their wash capacity, meaning you may need to split larger loads when drying. They're also generally slower to dry than a dedicated dryer.

Browse our washer dryer combos for a space-saving all-in-one solution.

Which Dryer Type Is Right for You?

• Well-ventilated laundry and budget is a priority: A vented dryer offers the lowest upfront cost. Ensure your laundry has good airflow with a window or door open during use.
• Energy efficiency is a priority: A heat pump dryer costs more upfront but uses significantly less electricity and pays for itself over time.
• Limited space: A washer dryer combo eliminates the need for two separate appliances.
• Delicate fabrics: Heat pump dryers operate at lower temperatures, making them gentler on clothing.

Key Features to Look For

Capacity

Dryer capacity is measured in kilograms and refers to the weight of dry clothes the drum can handle in a single cycle. As a general guide:

• 4 to 6 kg: Suitable for one to two people.
• 7 to 8 kg: Suitable for a family of three to four.
• 9 kg and above: Best for larger families or anyone who does large loads regularly.

A good rule of thumb is to match your dryer capacity to your washing machine capacity, or go one size up to give yourself flexibility.

Sensor Drying

Sensor drying uses moisture sensors inside the drum to detect when clothes are dry and automatically ends the cycle. This prevents over-drying, which damages fabric fibres and wastes energy. It's a worthwhile feature to look for in any dryer, particularly if you dry delicate or mixed loads.

Energy Star Rating

All dryers sold in Australia are rated under the Australian energy star rating system. More stars means lower running costs. Heat pump dryers typically achieve the highest ratings. Given that a dryer can run for 45 to 90 minutes per cycle multiple times a week, energy efficiency has a meaningful impact on your electricity bill over time.

Programmes and Settings

Look for a dryer with programmes suited to the fabrics you dry most often. Common programmes include cottons, synthetics, delicates, woollens, and quick dry. A cool air tumble option (which tumbles without heat) is useful for refreshing clothes or drying heat-sensitive items.

Reverse Tumble

Reverse tumble alternates the direction of drum rotation during the cycle. This reduces tangling and helps clothes dry more evenly. It's a standard feature on most mid-range and above dryers.

Condenser Tank vs. Drain Hose (Heat Pump Models)

Heat pump dryers collect condensed water in one of two ways: a removable tank inside the machine that you empty manually, or a drain hose connected directly to your laundry drain. A drain hose connection is more convenient for everyday use but requires a nearby drain. A removable tank works anywhere but needs to be emptied regularly, typically every one to two loads.

Dimensions and Installation

Measure your laundry space carefully before purchasing, including door clearance and the space needed to load and unload the drum. Most full-size dryers are 60 cm wide. Many models can be stacked on top of a front load washing machine using a compatible stacking kit, which is a useful space-saving option for smaller laundries. Browse our laundry accessories range for compatible stacking kits.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $700)

Entry-level dryers in this range are predominantly vented models. They're reliable and practical for households with a well-ventilated laundry that need basic drying capability. Expect standard programmes, manual controls, and moderate energy efficiency. Browse our dryers under $1,000 for options in this range.

Mid-Range ($700 to $1,500)

Mid-range models offer sensor drying, better energy ratings, more programmes, and the entry point for heat pump technology. Most Australian households will find a dryer here that covers everything they need. See our dryers under $1,500 for options.

Premium ($1,500 and Above)

Premium dryers are predominantly heat pump models with excellent energy ratings, large capacities, advanced sensor drying, and refined programmes for specific fabric types. A worthwhile investment for larger households or anyone who dries clothes frequently and wants to minimise running costs. Browse our dryers under $2,000 for options.

Matching the Dryer to Your Household

• Apartment or small home: A heat pump dryer or washer dryer combo is ideal where laundry ventilation is limited.
• House with a well-ventilated laundry: A vented dryer offers the lowest upfront cost and reliable performance.
• Large family: Choose a heat pump dryer with 9 kg or more capacity for efficient, high-volume drying.
• Frequent dryer users: The energy savings of a heat pump dryer pay back the higher purchase price over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vented dryers need to be vented outside in Australia?

No. Unlike some overseas markets, vented dryers in Australia are designed to exhaust warm, moist air into the laundry room rather than through an external vent. You simply need to ensure your laundry is adequately ventilated during use by opening a window or door to allow the humid air to escape and prevent moisture buildup.

How much does it cost to run a dryer in Australia?

Running costs depend on the dryer type, cycle length, and your electricity tariff. A vented dryer typically uses 4 to 5 kWh per cycle. A heat pump dryer uses around 1.5 to 2.5 kWh per cycle. At an average Australian electricity rate of around 30 to 35 cents per kWh, a heat pump dryer costs roughly $0.50 to $0.85 per cycle compared to $1.20 to $1.75 for a vented model.

Can I put a dryer in a cupboard or enclosed space?

Heat pump dryers can generally be installed in enclosed spaces because they don't exhaust humid air into the room. Vented dryers need adequate airflow in the room to function properly and prevent moisture damage. Always check the manufacturer's installation requirements before installing any dryer in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space.

How long does a dryer cycle take?

A standard cotton load typically takes 45 to 75 minutes in a vented dryer. Heat pump dryers run at lower temperatures and may take slightly longer, typically 60 to 90 minutes, but some models with larger drum capacity can be comparable. Sensor drying cycles end automatically when clothes are dry, which avoids wasting time and energy.

Is a heat pump dryer worth the extra cost?

For households that dry clothes three or more times a week, yes. The energy savings over the life of the appliance typically outweigh the higher upfront purchase price. Heat pump dryers are also gentler on clothes and suitable for any room regardless of ventilation.

Ready to Find Your Dryer?

Browse our complete dryer range, including heat pump dryers, vented dryers, and washer dryer combos. You can also explore our full laundry range to find a matching washing machine.