While vented dryers and condenser dryers boast their own merits, nothing quite beats the energy efficiency and gentle spinning of a heat pump dryer.
Working as a closed loop system that heats air to absorb moisture from clothes then reusing said air once the moisture is absorbed, a heat pump dryer means serious spinning business. After the air passes through the drum, the evaporator removes the moisture, which is then collected in a tank. And so the cycle of using the same air to dry the clothes repeats. By also utilising a refrigerant in the drying process, less electricity – and therefore energy – is needed to generate heat.
So, now you know why you definitely need to invest in a heat pump dryer, the question is: which one should you buy?
With various options on the market, all differing in terms of features, price and size, we’ve done the research to curate a list of the very best, just for you. Read on for our top picks.
The best heat pump clothes dryers to buy in Australia in 2024
Beko 7kg heat pump dryer, $895 at Betta Home Living
Using humidity and temperature sensors to control drying conditions, this Beko heat pump dryer boasts an intuitive design.
“Much quieter than my last dryer and much more efficient! Great buy, great value for money. Plus towels come out fluffy rather than stiff,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Energy rating: 7 star
Key features:
- 15 drying programs including BabyProtect+
- Made from 15 per cent recycled materials
- Flexible time delay
Also available at:
- $849 from Appliances Online
Bosch 8kg heat pump dryer, $2499 at Bing Lee
This Bosch heat pump dryer is energy-efficient, great for most fabrics, can fit a queen doona and is ideal for households of three to four.
“Great purchase, super happy with the product. Its runs quietly and can do up to 3 loads without emptying the water tank,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “Lots of different setting to adjust it to how you’d like it to dry clothes”.
Energy rating: 10 star
Key features:
- 16 programs including Towels and Delicates
- Sensitive drying system for soft and even drying
- Time delay
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Also available at:
- $2106 from Appliances Online
LG Series 5 8kg heat pump dryer, $1699 at Appliances Online
Featuring sensors that monitor heat exchange, moisture and air temperature to stop the cycle once clothes are dry – plus Wi-Fi connectivity – this smart heat pump dryer is a great pick for the modern home.
“Gentle on clothes. The cycle choices are easy to understand and use. No wet walls and ceiling from condensation. Super power efficient so I use it more regularly than my old dryer,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Energy rating: 9 star
Key features:
- 13 programs including Allergy Care
- Durable Stainless Steel Drum
- Remotely monitor with ThinQ® (Wi-Fi)
- Auto-clean condenser to help maintain performance
- Reversible door
- Double-layer air filter
- 10-year parts warranty on the inverter compressor
Also available at:
- $1699.01 from LG
- $1699 from The Good Guys
- $1699 from Bing Lee
Beko 9kg hybrid heat pump dryer with steam and wifi, $1249 at Betta Home Living
Combining conventional heater and heat pump technology, the Beko Hybrid dryer lets you choose between fast drying time or drying energy-efficiently.
“Excellent value for money lots of different cycles including quick variations which are easy to select,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Energy rating: 8 star
Key features:
- 14 different pre-set programs
- Easy ironing with steam
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 10-year motor warranty
- Time delay
- $1348 from Appliances Online
- $1099 from Bing Lee
Fisher & Paykel 9kg heat pump dryer, $1699 at The Good Guys
This Fisher & Paykel dryer is as energy-efficient as you can get using heat pump technology to gently dry clothes at a low temperature.
“The F&P heat pump dryer has changed my life for the better. We upgraded from our trusty F&P condenser dryer a few months ago and now I spend way less time moving clothing around because the heat pump dryer is gentle enough to do everything. Also, it uses way less energy and doesn’t steam up the room it is in,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Energy rating: 10 star
Key features:
- 23 fabric care cycles including Steam Freshen to quickly de-wrinkle and deodorise clothes
- TangleProtect technology to reduce clothes tangling
- Quiet mode for late-night laundry
- Speed mode reduces drying time
- LCD display
- Two-year warranty
Also available at:
- $1543 from Appliances Online
- $1699 from Bing Lee
Is it worth getting a heat pump dryer?
Overall, heat pump tumble dryers are a more energy-efficient, environmentally-conscious and cost-effective (over time) alternative to traditional vented dryers. You can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages but ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
What are the advantages of a heat pump tumble dryer?
Energy efficiency: As heat pumper dryers use up to 50 per cent less energy than traditional vented dryers, they can save you a lot of money on your energy bills in the long run.
Eco-consciousness: Using less energy, heat pump dryers produce less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional vented dryers.
Gentle on clothes: Drying clothes at lower temperatures, heat pump dryers can help to extend the lifespan of your garments, being gentler on them.
Quieter operation: Not needing as much energy to heat the hair, heat pump dryers are generally quieter than traditional vented dryers.
No need for venting: Heat pump dryers can be placed anywhere in your home, as they do not require a vent to the outside. This can be a big advantage if you live in a small apartment or if you do not have access to a vent.
What are the disadvantages of a heat pump tumble dryer?
Initial expense: Heat pump dryers are more expensive to buy upfront than traditional vented dryers – however, the energy savings over time can offset the higher initial cost.
Can take longer to dry clothes: Heat pump dryers take longer to dry clothes than traditional vented dryers as they use a lower temperature. However, the longer drying time can help to preserve the quality of your clothes.
Requires draining: Heat pump dryers collect water from the air during the drying process which must be drained after each use.
Related articles:
- 6 spin-worthy dryers from $286 that will make laundry day a breeze
- The genius trick that will extend the life of your washing machine
- You’ll want to get your hands on the $99 Anko spot cleaner that’s gone viral for its quality cleaning
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