Vented tumble dryers offer a quick way of drying your clothes - no matter the weather outside.
We've put together a shortlist of 9 dryers from the very best brands at great prices. If you´re looking for a tumble dryer for a flat or for your family of 5, find it on our list below!
The Best Vented
Tumble Dryers of 2022
Last update on 2023-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Best Overall Vented Dryer
Our pick for the best overall vented tumble dryer is the Zanussi Lindo100.
It's cheap, easy-to-use, incredibly quiet, and can dry a full load of clothes in just 45 minutes.
- 7kg drum capacity
- C energy rating
- Vented tumble dryer
Last update on 2023-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vented Dryers Reviews
When we compiled our shortlist for review, we tried to choose models from the best brands at the best available prices.
We're sure you'll be able to find something suitable for your home and budget on our list!
If you're searching for a tumble dryer for one person or a couple, this Montepellier 3KG model is a great choice.
It has three drying programs; "Extra-Dry", "Standard", and a "Quick" 45-minutes option.
However, you can also manually set the timer in ten minute increments. Plus you can open the door mid-cycle to check if your clothes are done.
I also like that this model plays a sound when the cycle is done. And there is a reverse-cycle to stop your clothes becoming one tangled mess.
The size of this small vented tumble dryer is 65.5 cm (H) x 43.5 cm (W) X 52 cm (D). It weighs 20 KG and there are two handles either side so it's easy to maneuver.
People find it a bit too big to have on a tabletop or bench, but some do store this model in a cupboard with a hole in the wall for ventilation.
Capacity wise, 3KG is a perfect size for a single person or a couple. Larger families also use it as a back-up to the washing line when the weather turns bad.
You can fit up to a King Size duvet cover in here. But the size means you'll have to split the pillow cases and sheets into another load.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that despite the french sounding name, Montpellier Appliances are a UK brand. And they also give a generous 2-year parts and labour free warranty.
That makes this compact tumble dryer an excellent choice for a person or couple. Especially with the super-low price!
If you´re looking for a well-made compact dryer that fits into a small space, the Hotpoint 4KG NV4D is perfect.
Sized 67 cm (H) x 49 cm (W) x 48 cm (D) this is a perfect tumble dryer if you´re pushed for space. And a 66db, it's
With a 4 kg capacity, it's ideal for a single person or couple. Or if you want something to be a "back up" when the weather means you can´t dry clothes outside.
Weighing just over 20 kg, you can store this one in a cupboard, under a worktop or even under the stairs and pull it out to use. (Just remember to vent it properly!).
The dryer is easy to use with two heat settings. "High" for jeans, towels, and similar fabrics. "Low" for more delicate items.
It can dry a full-load of cotton laundry in around 90 minutes and king-size duvet cover takes about 30-minutes. Partial loads dry much quicker and there is an anti-tangle reverse spin, too.
What I like about this one is the lint filter is very easy to clean on the inside of the drawer. It also has a "blocked filter" alert which is a good safety feature to prevent tumble dryer fires.
In summary, this is a well-built small washing from a great brand that won't break the bank.
If you're in the market for a cheap tumble dryer that's quiet and has good drying power, the Zanussi Lindo 100 is hard to beat.
People love this particular model because it's quick and simple to use. Simply choose either cottons or synthetics, set your desired drying time and the machine will do the rest!
You can expect the Lindo100 to do a 7kg mixed load of clothes in just 45 minutes. If you're a family and have several loads to do, this can save you quite a bit of time compared to condenser dryers.
It also uses a reverse tumble action that many people prefer. This can prevent clothes from tangling together and makes them easier to iron.
Another thing that is really great about this machine is the noise (or lack thereof!). At just 59 dbs, this is one of the quietest on our list. This one does lack some features, most notable a delay timer and a countdown timer so you know how much time is left.
However, it does have the all-important alarm to let you know the filter is full and needs emptying.
There are also not one but 3 different positions for attaching an exhaust hose. And the lefties out there will be kept happy knowing the large-port door is reversible (with the help of an engineer).
The one big drawback with the Zanussi Lindo100 is it's only rated "C" for Energy efficiency. However, as it's available to buy pretty cheaply this could well balance out.
All in all, this is a great vented dryer for the price.
If you're looking for a vented dryer from a premium brand, check out this 7KG model from AEG.
It may be more expensive than some others on our list, but you're getting some extra features that many people love.
The first is "Sensor Drying". As the name implies, this dryer has sensors which balance the weight of your laundry with the optimum drying time.
This saves energy and ensures your clothes aren't too-hot-to-handle when the cycle is finished.
Another things I really like about the AEG TG517OAV is it's really easy to use. There isn't a complicated LED screen to navigate.
Simply turn the dial to one of the 12 drying programmes and press the button to choose the type of fabrics.
As you would expect, the drying programmes are more extensive than the cheaper options. And at just 64db, it's incredibly quiet tumble dryer.
Drying programmes of note include "Easy Iron", "Cupboard Dry" and a "Refresh" cycle that uses cool air to revitalise garments you've only worn once. "ExtraDry" is perfect for jeans and denim shirts, because it leaves heavier items ready to wear straightaway.
There's also a 9-hour delay timer but unfortunately there isn't a countdown timer showing how long until the cycle is finished. There is an audible alarm that lets you know it's finished though.
The lint filter is also easy to remove and clean. I do like that there's a "Filter Full" alert to remind you to empty it out.
To sweeten the deal, AEG offer a 2-year parts and labour warranty, where most manufacturers only offer one year. If you're looking for a quiet, medium-sized dryer from a brand you can trust - the AEG TG517OAV deserves a closer look.
Spanish-made Beko laundry appliances have become a lot more popular in the UK over the last few years. They are cheap, well built and liked by consumers. Their 7kg vented dryer is no exception!
I'm actually really surprised at how much you get here for the really low price.
Firstly, the DRTGV7000W is a reverse spin dryer, and that's sure to please many people. It also has a "Anti-crease" setting.
This will give your clothes a few tumbles for up to 2 hours late in case you're late taking them out of the machine.
Beko has also added an "Auto Cool" feature, where cool air is blown into the machine at the end of your cycle. This means you won't have to wait to unload the dryer, and you can wear the clothes immediately if need be.
In addition to 8 drying programmes, you can manually adjust the time and heat on this model. You can expect a full-load to be dry in around 60 minutes. There is also a quick dry "Express 35" cycle, too.
At 66db, it's not the quietest on our list, but it's still o.k for a 7kg tumble dryer.
The filter is conveniently located just inside the door. It's easy to slide out and empty. There is also a light that comes on reminding you to do this, too.
This Beko tumble dryer does lose points in a few places.
It is only graded "C" so it's not as energy-efficient as some models in 2022. There isn't an alarm to let you know the cycle has finished (though the "Anti crease" feature stops the clothes from clumping together) and the door is not reversible - which is not good for lefties.
However, this is a well-made dryer that's cheap and easy to use. Simply twist the nob, press the on/off button and you're set.
If you shop around, you can get it for a bargain price, too
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for a budget tumble dryer, this one for Electriq fits the bill.
Electriq is an "own brand" importer that buys tumble dryers from the same factories that the more expensive brands originate from.
Their website has scant information, but they say their products have the same "Bits and pieces" as the more expensive brands.
That´s an easy claim to make, but judging from the reviews on Amazon, the vast majority of owners are happy with their purchase.
And if you look at the specs, there's little difference to the more expensive models on this list.
This is a 7KG tumble dryer, so it's perfect for a medium-size family of 3/4.
It doesn't come with every single drying programme available. You get a Mixed Load, Cottons, Synthetics and a 1 hour quick-dry programme. There's also 3 drying programmes - Extra dry, Cupboard dry and Iron dry.
So it's definitely a "no frills" approach in the features department. But how many drying cycles do you really need? What is impressive is the "C" score for energy-efficiency - the same as the more expensive dryers on our list.
It's also really easy to reach and empty the lint filter which is housed just inside the door. This is an important safety feature and it's good to see they've got it covered.
If you're in the market for a cheap tumble dryer that's easy to use and switches itself off when done, check out the Electric 7KG Dryer.
Pros
Cons
Looking for a larger tumble dryer that's easy-to-use and energy-efficient? Check out this model from Indesit.
With an 8 Kg capacity, it's perfectly sized for a family-of-four.
And its "Turn & Go" dial is so easy, even the kids can use it (probably with a few reminders, ha!).
With only 3 drying programmes (cottons, synthetics, and delicates) and 3 drying levels, this could be one of the easiest dryers to use on the market.
Another thing I really like about this one is the "Timed Drying" feature. It's handy if you're pushed for time because you can choose exactly when you want the cycle to finish.
The filter is also really easy to get to and clean on this Indesit dryer. It's located just inside the door so it's really a 5-minute job to ensure everything is kept in a safe working condition.
There are a couple of drawbacks with this model. Unlike more expensive tumble dryers, it does not have load sensors so there's no auto-stop. However, this is kind of expected with the low price.
The manufacturer's warranty is also a bit stingy at the bog standard 1 year. But again, for the price you can't really complain too much.
If you're searching for a cheap vented tumble dryer that's easy enough for your 80-year old granddad to use, the Indesit I1D80WUK ticks all the right boxes.
Pros
Cons
Have a large family and want a tumble dryer with a big drum? Then the Hoover HLV10DG has you covered.
With a 10 Kg capacity, it's perfect for larger families. The huge drum means you won't need to split your drying into two loads. And drying larger items like curtain, sheets, and king-size duvets is no problem at all.
Apart from the size, there's a lot to like about this Hotpoint 10 Kg dryer.
The first is that it does have sensor drying, so it will automatically switch off when the cycle is complete.
There are four levels of dryness including "Wardrobe Dry" and "Extra Dry". Couple that with a 10-minute anti-tangle cycle and you'll have clothes ready to wear without ironing.
Which we're all for!
Speaking of convenience, unlike many other vented dryers, this one has a "rapid 45-minute" programme for when you're in a rush.
Another feature that other models don't have is a delay timer. With the Hoover Link dryer, you can delay the start by up to 23-hours.
You can also power this dryer using an app on your smart phone. Like many laundry apps, this is a bit hit and miss. Quite a few users report having to stand right next to the machine to get it to work. Which kind of defeats the object!
However, if you're looking for a large tumble dryer from a reputable brand and a great price - the Hoover HLV10DG is a winner.
Pros
Cons
What Size Tumble Dryer Do I Need?
There's a few factors that go into choosing the best tumble dryer for your needs.
If you live alone or are a couple, a 4kg dryer could be perfect. For families of 3/4, you might consider a 7kg or 8kg model. For lager families, there are 9kg and 10kg tumble dryers.
The right size will also depend on how often you do the laundry. Do you do lots of small bits or get it all done in one big go on the weekend? Do you have lots of things that take ages to dry on a line like jeans and skirts?
Size wise, they are pretty similar to washing machines, measuring 60cm by 60cm by 85cm on average. The smaller models (3kg/4kg) have a slimmer width and depth.
Is a 7kg Tumble Dryer Right For Me?
To give you a better idea of capacity, a 7kg tumble dryer will be aible to dry a load of 20 hand-towels or 35 t-shirts.
Usually, people like to match the size of their washing machine (in kg) with the size of their dryer. There are many reasons they're different, though. Due to high running costs, some people prefer to use them sparingly, and only as a back-up to drying on a washing line.
Also, the smaller the appliance, the cheaper they (usually) are to buy and run.
Vented Vs Condenser Tumble Dryers
Vented tumble dryers are becoming more of a rarity these days as manufacturer's shift production to the newer condenser design.
However, vented models still have a few advantages for consumers - the main one being they're (usually) cheaper to buy and run.
How They Both Work
As the name suggests, a vented dryer has an exhaust hose which you'll see hanging out of many windows in the UK. You can also get fitted vent kits which can be installed onto walls.
The hose takes the warm air and moisture away from the machine and expels it outside.
The condenser dryer on the other hand has no need for an exhaust hose. It works much like a dehumidifier, with moisture being collected in a water reservoir which you much empty every now and then.
Advantages of Vented Dryers
- Usually cheaper to purchase and run
- Usually more energy efficient
- Less moving parts so easier to maintain
- Only one filter to clean
Disadvantages
- Need to be near a window or wall vent
- Can cause a lot of condensation
Advantages of Condenser Dryers
- Can be placed anywhere
- Don't need to fix a hose or install a vent
- More modern design
Disadvantages
- Usually more expensive to buy and run
- Usually less energy efficient
- More moving parts
Features To Consider
Ostensibly, these appliances look very similar and all have the same function - dry your clothes quickly.
When you look closer at each model, you will observe quite a few differences which can impact their performance.
Here are a few to consider:
Lint Cleaning – Due to the fire risk of these appliances, it's absolutely vital the lint tray be easy to get to, remove and clean.
Energy Rating - Tumble dryers are around 3 to 5 times less energy-efficient than washing machines!
You will usually find them rated from A - C,
Quietness – Nobody needs extra noise around the house, especially when baby's asleep or your favourite show is on,
We found dryers which make roughly the same amount of noise as a high-spin washing machine - between 60dbs - 70dbs. One on our list only makes 59db though!
Reversible Action - People generally prefer tumble dryers to have a reversible action. This prevents the clothes from tangling together and getting really creased.
Vent Hose Installation – The best vented tumble dryers will have several options for fixing an exhaust house. This could be the rear, side and front.
Reversible Door - Not all models come with reversible doors. If you're left handed you'll certainly prefer one that does!
Adjustable Feet - Adjustable feet are good feature many dryers don't have.
They help keep your dryer level even if the ground is not - as is the case with many sheds and garages.
