Don’t Ignore Running costs of tumble dryers
Heat pump condenser dryers are the cheapest type to run – using significantly less energy than standard condensers. Which? testing found annual running costs ranging from £42 to £129 for the same usage pattern. The cheapest and most expensive models over five years can cost almost the same once the purchase price is included.
The running cost of a tumble dryer varies enormously between models and types. Ignoring energy costs when choosing a dryer can turn out to be a very expensive mistake over the lifetime of the appliance.
How Much Do Tumble Dryers Cost to Run?
Which? compared the annual energy costs of twenty tumble dryers, each running three full cotton loads per week for a year. The results showed a wide spread:
Cheapest model tested
£42 per year to run
Most expensive model tested
£129 per year to run – a difference of £87 per year, or £870 over 10 years
That gap of £870 over ten years does not account for energy price rises, which are likely to make high-running-cost appliances even more expensive to own over time.
The Four Types of Tumble Dryer Tested
Which? tested condenser, vented, heat pump, and gas vented dryers. The majority of models tested were condenser or vented. Only one gas vented model was included.
One condenser dryer – the Indesit IDCA8350, priced at £290 – cost £129 per year to run, compared with £40 per year for the most efficient Bosch model tested. Which? gave the Indesit a Don’t Buy rating based on this and other issues.
Does Paying More Upfront Save Money Overall?
The most efficient Bosch model cost £738 to buy – £609 more than the Indesit. However, at £89 less per year to run, Which? also published the total five-year cost of each including the purchase price. The result was striking: the cheap Indesit cost £935 over five years, while the expensive Bosch cost £938 – virtually identical.
In other words, for anyone who could afford the higher upfront cost, the premium Bosch would have delivered a significantly better dryer for the same five-year total spend. Beyond five years, the savings from the lower running costs would grow substantially.
When comparing running costs, the purchase price must always be factored in. An appliance that costs £20 per year less to run but costs £500 more to buy will only break even after 25 years at those rates. The calculation changes significantly if energy prices rise or the appliance is expected to run for many years – both of which favour choosing a more efficient model.
What if the Higher Upfront Cost Is Not Affordable?
Not everyone can invest extra money upfront to benefit from lower running costs. Even within similar budget ranges, running cost differences exist and are worth comparing before buying. Checking the energy rating and estimated annual running cost of any model under consideration takes only a few minutes and can save considerably over the lifetime of the appliance.
Which Type of Tumble Dryer Is Cheapest to Run?
The choice of dryer type makes the biggest difference to running costs. In order from cheapest to most expensive to run:
| Type | Running cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump condenser | Cheapest | Uses significantly less energy than other types. Higher purchase price but lowest running costs |
| Vented | Mid-range | Generally cheaper to run than standard condensers. Requires an external vent or open window |
| Standard condenser | Most expensive | No external vent needed but typically higher running costs than vented or heat pump models |
| Gas vented | Similar to heat pump | Low running costs but very few models available and requires a gas supply connection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tumble dryer is cheapest to run?
Heat pump condenser dryers are the cheapest type to run, using significantly less energy than standard condensers or vented dryers. They typically cost more to buy, but the lower running costs mean the total five-year cost can be comparable to a cheaper, less efficient model. Gas vented dryers have similar running costs but are rarely available and require a gas supply connection.
How much does a tumble dryer cost to run per year?
This varies considerably by model and type. Which? testing of 20 models running three loads per week found annual costs ranging from around £42 to £129. Heat pump models tend to sit at the lower end; standard condenser models at the higher end. An efficient heat pump dryer running the same loads could save over £80 per year compared with an inefficient condenser model.
Is it worth paying more for an energy-efficient tumble dryer?
Often yes, especially when the total five-year cost including purchase price is considered. Which? found that a £738 Bosch heat pump dryer cost virtually the same over five years as a £290 Indesit condenser dryer, despite the £448 price difference. Beyond five years the more efficient model becomes progressively cheaper to own. The higher the energy prices, the faster the payback period.
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What is cheapest dryer to buy and what is best cheaper one to run