How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?

The cost of running a tumble dryer depends on several things, including the type of dryer, energy efficiency of the model, load size and, of course, energy prices.

As part of our extensive tumble dryer testing, we record how much energy each model uses, then calculate how much it will cost you over the year. The estimated annual running cost is based on drying three loads of cotton a week for a year.

We know the type of tumble dryer makes a difference, but just how much will it save you if you opt for a heat pump model instead of a vented or condenser, and do certain brands cost more to run?

We update our running costs quarterly in line with the energy price cap. From April 2025, that's 27.03p per kWh of electricity, so that's what we use in this guide.

In the market for a new tumble dryer? Discover the best tumble dryers, alongside expert buying advice 

Which type of tumble dryer is the cheapest to run?

Although they can be expensive to buy, heat pump tumble dryers cost a lot less to run than condenser or vented models. 

You can pick up an affordable heat pump dryer for around £350, but most cost more than £550 and top-of-the-range models can be more than £1,000. However, over time, the savings made in reduced energy costs will more than offset the higher purchase price.

We've compared the original purchase price and running costs of two recently tested vented and condenser tumble dryers with those of a heat pump model to illustrate how long it might take for you to notice the financial benefit of owning one. 

You can see how, over time, tumble dryers that are cheaper to buy upfront will be far more expensive to run.

We test tumble dryers throughout the year and conduct an annual survey of appliance owners to find the most reliable tumble dryer brands

Most energy efficient tumble dryers

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access. 

Eco Buy tumble dryers

We award our Eco Buy logo to tumble dryers that receive a five-star rating for energy efficiency, a four star or higher rating for dryness of clothes and that score 68% or higher in our expert tests. See which tested models meet our high standards by clicking through to our tumble dryer reviews and using the Eco Buy filter.

What do tumble dryer energy labels mean?

Tumble dryers are given EU energy labels - these range from A+++ for the most energy efficient, to G for the least. The average rating, C-class, may sound fine, but an A-rated dryer would cost you roughly half as much to run. 

Some tumble dryers have special features to help you save energy. Look out for sensor drying; models with this feature automatically detect how wet your laundry is and stop when it’s dry.

Condenser tumble dryer running costs

Condenser dryers are usually viewed as a more convenient alternative to vented models, as they don't require a venting hose, but are still much pricier to run than a heat pump.

• £136.88 average yearly running cost
• £186.35 highest running cost
• £110.86 lowest running cost

Our condenser tumble dryer reviews reveal the models worth spending your money on.

Vented tumble dryer running costs

While vented tumble dryers are often the cheapest to buy, they're also the most expensive to run.

• £151.81 average yearly running cost
• £197.71 highest running cost
• £119.58 lowest running cost

Take a look at our vented tumble dryer reviews to find out which models performed well in our test lab.

Heat pump tumble dryer running costs

Heat pump tumble dryers work by heating air efficiently and reusing the warm air as it leaves the drum, so even though they cost more to buy, they're far cheaper to run.

• £56.54 average yearly running cost
• £81.35 highest running cost
• £38.21 lowest running cost

If you want to save yourself money in the long run, head over to our heat pump dryer reviews to discover which ones we recommend.

Tumble dryer running costs tool

Unless you have an exceptionally busy household, it's unlikely you're running multiple washes a day, so we base our annual running costs on a tumble dryer being used three times a week for a 70% load full of cottons.

Use our running costs tool to find the tumble dryer that will cost the most and least over its life. You can use the search bar to find a specific model or brand. 

Discover which models soared through our rigorous lab tests in our guide to the best tumble dryers

Tumble dryer vs air drying

Air drying is, of course, the only truly free way to dry your clothes - but it takes a long time and can take up lots of space if you need to dry your clothes indoors. There are, however, some easy ways to speed up the process.

Placing your airer in the warmest room in your home (ideally south-facing, upstairs and near a window) will mean items dry more quickly, especially on a hot day. You can also use a heated airer, but obviously you'll need to consider the energy costs - although they are usually cheaper than dryers and can be kinder to certain types of fabrics such as denim and wool.

To try to mitigate the cost of using a tumble dryer, you can remove a handful of items that you don't need in a rush and dry a smaller load – it'll finish more quickly and save you some energy. 

Discover the best and cheapest way to dry clothes indoors

Are lower-capacity tumble dryers cheaper to run?

As a rule, yes, lower-capacity tumble dryers are cheaper to run a single cycle on as the load is smaller and therefore dries more quickly. However, you might find that you need to run more regular drying cycles if you have a lower-capacity machine, so it might end up costing you more in the long term.

Larger-capacity dryers might cost more to run per cycle, but as they can fit more in, you don't have to run them as often – especially if there aren't many of you at home. 

You can filter our tumble dryer reviews by capacity. Choose a maximum of 7kg to discover the best smaller-capacity models or a minimum of 9kg for larger-capacity models.

How to reduce the cost of tumble drying

There are a few ways you can get the most for your money out of your tumble dryer, but start with these quick and easy tips:

1. Fill the drum to its maximum capacity

Every time you use the dryer, be sure you're filling it to its stated capacity, as this will mean you benefit from the highest level of energy efficiency. Be sure not to overfill it though, otherwise you could prevent the air from circulating properly around your items and slow down drying time.

2. Clean the lint filter and heat exchanger

You should clean the lint filter every time you use your machine, as a blocked filter is another thing that will stop hot air from circulating freely around the drum. On some models, there will be a heat exchange to clean, too, which the instruction manual will advise on (the recommendation is usually once a month). 

Check out our guide on tumble dryer tips and maintenance for further advice.

3. Choose an energy-efficient model

The best way to keep costs down is by not replacing your tumble dryer until completely necessary, but when that day comes, you can save money in the long run by choosing one of the most energy-efficient models. Our Eco Buy tumble dryers perform exceptionally well in our energy and water use tests, helping to make the decision a little easier.

For more money-saving tips, read 10 ways to cut the cost of tumble drying