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Which tumble dryer is best for me?

A washing machine and a dryer stacked on top of each other in a laundry room.

Which tumble dryer is best for you? Our dryer buying guide.

How do you choose the best tumble dryer for your home and needs? What's the best clothes dryer? Find out in our buying guide which factors to keep in mind when choosing a new machine.

Which dryer should I buy? Which dryer is best?

A dryer makes doing laundry much more convenient. Just wash, dry, fold and done! Whether you opt for a heat pump or condenser version is entirely up to you. Those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bill should choose a heat pump model for its high energy efficiency.

A big household might look for the best dryer for a large family, such as our 9 kg machines that can dry a large capacity of laundry at once. If a quick dryer or one that's whisper quiet is a priority, you've got options as well. Read on to find out exactly what to consider when choosing a new product.

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Top energy efficiency: a heat pump dryer.

1. Condenser vs. heat pump dryer: same difference?

Both are ventless machines. Alternatively, a two-in-one washer dryer is a good option for those short on space.

What is a heat pump tumble dryer? How does it work?
This is the most energy efficient option. Instead of warming the air with a heating element, it reheats the circulating air. Although it comes with a slightly higher purchase price, this system consumes significantly less energy, meaning the investment quickly pays for itself.

Technically speaking, this technology is a type of condenser dryer since it collects humidity during the drying process.

What is a condenser dryer? How does a condenser dryer work?
Typically, these machines dry clothes quicker than a heat pump model, but they consume much more energy. Humidity from the drying process collects in a water compartment that must be emptied after each load. They use the ambient air temperature to dry your clothes, therefore if it is very cold outside it will take much longer to dry your clothes.

What is a washer dryer?
As the name suggests, these products combine the functions of two appliances in one housing. They're ideal for those who long for a dryer, but lack space for two separate appliances. The washing and drying capacity of these machines is typically lower than that of a standalone dryer.

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2. How much laundry should my dryer hold?

Capacity is measured in the number of kilograms of laundry a machine can dry at once. Our products hold between 8 kg and 9 kg. You can determine the volume you need based on your household size and the type of items you dry. Also, a large load washing machine is best paired with a large load tumble dryer.

Energy label for dryers showing an A++ energy rating.

3. What about a highly energy efficient dryer?

Running a tumble dryer can consume a lot of energy. That's not only bad for the planet, but also for your long-term electricity expenses. If this is a priority for you, bear in mind that heat pump technology is the most energy efficient. In fact, our Series 8 model is an energy efficient premium dryer with a 10 Energy Stars rating. With the other value classes also offering many 7 energy stars rating and higher machines, you're sure to find a low consumption dryer that's right for you.

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4. A quick dryer: is speed important to me?

If your eye is constantly on the clock, a high-performance machine will get the job done fast, no matter the drying program. Or better yet, opt for a premium product with Speed Perfect, which cuts drying time significantly.

Many of our models also come with our innovative AutoDry feature, which adjusts the program time, so your clothes come out just as dry as you want. Plus, our washer-dryers have a time-saving 60-minute wash & dry program.

* Comparison of runtime cotton and cotton with Speed Perfect option activated.

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5. Do I want an ultra quiet dryer?

Generally speaking, our machines emit less noise than, for example, washing machines. If your unit is placed in the laundry, the noise level is likely of secondary importance. But a quiet appliance makes sense if it's located in or near your living space. An ultra-quiet condenser tumble dryer from Bosch emits between 62 and 65 decibels, about the equivalent of low background music.

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6. How do I want to deal with fluff?

While fluff accumulates in every dryer, not every model comes with the same system to filter it and keep the appliance clean.

For ultimate convenience: AutoClean
Models with AutoClean collect the fluff in a compartment instead of in a door filter. The special filter needs to be emptied around every 20 cycles.

For less hassle: Self Cleaning Condenser
A machine with a Self Cleaning Condenser cleans itself during each cycle. For maximum energy efficiency, the door fluff filter should be emptied after every cycle.

For the essentials: fluff filter and bottom filter
Some models come with a door fluff filter that should be emptied after every load you dry. The EasyClean bottom filter needs to be cleaned every 20 cycles.

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7. Which features and programs do I need?

Drying delicates? Long to skip ironing? Love smart appliances? A host of highlight features and programs take drying to the next level. Here are four to look out for.

Let the machine decide: Smart Dry selects the right drying program based on information from your washer. When paired with Home Connect, your appliances communicate even better, so your dryer takes into account the load size and moisture levels.

Fabric-friendly drying: The Sensitive Drying System gently dries laundry so it comes out soft, fluffy and wrinkle-free.

Your ironing assistant: Reduce your ironing pile with the Iron Assist steam treatment that smooths out dry laundry.

All under control: Via the Home Connect app, you can select a program and start your machine, from wherever you are.

How long does a tumble dryer last?

A machine's lifespan depends on a number of factors, including the initial quality of the appliance as well as maintenance and care. High-quality Bosch models with German engineering are made to last for years. External tests and certifications are a testament to our high quality standards. So when you choose Bosch you can be certain to have made a good decision.

What tumble dryer dimensions are important?

The models in our range are 85 x 60 x 60 cm. This is the standard size in many parts of the world.

Pro tip: High-volume models that can dry more laundry at once have the same external dimensions as those with a lower capacity.

Which tumble dryer is best?

What type of tumble dryer is the best? What's the best tumble dryer? What's the best condenser tumble dryer? What's the best heat pump tumble dryer? No matter what you're looking for, it's natural to want peace of mind about your decision. The best dryer for you is the one that meets your personal needs, such as your household size, type of laundry items and living space. Because our high-quality products are made to last, any changes you anticipate, such as a growing family or impending move, might factor into your decision.

Tumble dryers reviews: what do others say?

So disappointed

Takes so long to dry clothes ,keep having to reset timer ,clothes don't even feel warm /hot ,still remain damp around waistbands etc Definitely not cost effective as takes so long to dry small load of clothes,so disappointing,previous two different brand dryers 100% better ,was expecting more from Bosch and buying a relatively expensive product

Bosch Serie 4 Vented tumble dryer

We bought the tumble in 2014 and never had any issue with it and it is still performing almost as new today.

Washer dryer combo

Seems to be working good. Washing is great drying is good. I've had trouble with other brands so time will tell. I hope there is no issues with the dryer. But I like it alot so far. Customer service is awesome so far

Which dryer type interests you?

Condenser tumble dryer

Washer dryer

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