Buying Guides
Buying a tumble dryer
If you're thinking "What type of tumble dryer do I need?" please read on.
We offer both heat pump and condenser tumble dryers.
Here's how to choose:
Heat Pump Dryers
If you…
• Are looking to use less energy and save on bills
• Wish to dry your laundry quicker and more efficiently
Then consider a heat pump condenser dryer. They use up to 50% less energy than a regular condenser dryer, saving you as much as £200 a year on bills. Heat pump technology works by recirculating hot, humid air in the dryer through a heat pump for re-use. Water is either pumped out via the plumbing or collected in a removable container to be emptied.
Condenser Dryers
If you…
- Prefer the freedom of being hose-free
- Can install your tumble dryer in a well-ventilated room
Then consider a condenser dryer. They separate water from the moist air into a container which you empty after drying. An option with heat pump technology can also help save energy.
Washer Dryers
If you…
- Have limited space
- Don’t do enough laundry to warrant a full-sized dryer or have a small household
- Can’t fit a permanent vent into an outside wall
Then consider a washer dryer. They have a wet condenser system that uses cold water for the drying process. Although a washer dryer may add to your water and energy consumption, they come equipped with timers or sensors. Some brands also feature a heat pump, which recycles heat in the drum.
Integrated
We even have a few options for built-in dryers. Explore Washer Dryers to see what is available.
Tumble dryer features
Features of full-sized tumble dryers:
Drum Capacity
- Full-sized tumble dryers usually dry a similar load to their corresponding washing machines
- Dryers have larger drums than washers – the larger the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air flow through the machine, and the faster the drying time
- Allowing fabrics to have plenty of room to tumble also means less creasing
- The best quality machines have long-lasting stainless steel drums, and provide a smooth finish so fabrics don't catch
- When loading, a kilo is equal to about an outfit (such as a pair of trousers, top, underwear and socks)
Crease Care Feature
If you can't empty the machine straight away, the crease care feature will continue to give fabrics an intermittent tumble at the end of the cycle, so they don't crease in the drum
Cool air setting
Perfect for airing fabrics that have been stored away for some time
Sensor drying
An energy saving feature that detects the moisture in the items and finishes the cycle as soon as the clothes are dry, whatever cycle you have put them on
Quiet mark
Quiet Mark technically assesses and certifies to highlight products with the quietest solutions to unwanted noise
Time delay
Allowing you to program the cycle to start in a set number of hours, when best suits you
Smart tech
This feature automatically adjusts the heat and duration to prevent overheating, so that your delicate fabrics do not shrink or get damaged
Energy efficiency
Running costs will depend on how long the machine is drying for and how hard it has to work. Dryers cost more to run than washing machines, but if you want to save energy invest in an A-rated heat pump condenser model or one with sensor drying to help you use less energy. Read ‘Looking after your tumble dryer’ below for more energy saving tips.
You might also want to check out our YourEko tool. Designed to help you make informed decisions, it highlights the life-time running costs of your machine.
Final cool tumble
The heating element is turned off during the last few minutes of the cycle and fabrics can tumble in cooling air back to ambient room temperature
Reverse tumble
The drum rotates both ways, pausing inbetween, keeping laundry separated to dry quicker and more evenly
Ordering your tumble dryer
Delivery
Standard delivery of your tumble dryer is free. This can be in as little as 3 working days, but you’ll be offered delivery slots at checkout.
Delivered direct from our suppliers
Delivery by our approved supplier means the machine will be delivered directly by the manufacturer, or their chosen courier, and they will arrange delivery with you
Installation and Recycling
Installation £10 (connection of drainage kits only)Disposal £20
Tip
When ordering, check the tumble dryer dimensions to be sure that you have both sufficient access to enable us to deliver the machine to the space where it’s being installed, and that it will fit that space.
If you’re short of floor space you may be able to stack your tumble dryer on top of your washing machine.
Looking after your tumble dryer
- Clean out your tumble dryer filter regularly to ensure best drying performance. The filter, which collects stray fibres, is often on the inside of the door
- Check wash care labels for the relevant symbol, many fabrics will withstand tumble drying
- Dry similar fabrics together
- Spin dry your wash load at the highest spin possible before loading the dryer so that your clothes aren't too wet
- Use a time delay on your machine so you can use it overnight on a cheaper electricity tariff
Do's
- Install a dryer with a heat pump feature in a garage or outbuilding, as it needs to operate within a minimum ambient temperature range
- Overload the machine
Don'ts
It’s make and bake time
MADE by us, CREATED for you
Guarantees
Introducing the JOHN LEWIS own label for your home
Guarantees on all our laundry appliances are at least 2 years as standard. John Lewis tumble dryers have 3 year guarantees.
Top brands
The names you trust to dry your clothes efficiently and effectively
PARTNERSHIP CARD
Our rewards credit card gives you 1.25% back in points towards vouchers when you shop with us.
PARTNERSHIP CARD
Our rewards credit card gives you 1.25% back in points towards vouchers when you shop with us.
John Lewis plc, 171 Victoria Street SW1E 5NN acts as a credit broker. Credit provided under exclusive arrangements with the lender John Lewis Financial Services Limited
