All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Picking a dryer is a bit like choosing the right pair of shoes: it needs to fit your life, your home and your budget. A well-chosen dryer will cut drying time, reduce wrinkles and save you grief on wet, cold mornings. Whether you live in a compact flat or a family home, the right model eases the laundry routine and keeps clothes looking better for longer. This guide walks through the stores and specialists you’ll meet when shopping in the UK, explains dryer types, and shares practical tips so you don't overpay or end up with the wrong machine.
Expert Electrical is a specialist retailer known for supplying electrical components and installation gear rather than white goods alone. If you’re fitting a tumble dryer into a new laundry area or swapping out sockets, their range can be a lifesaver. You’ll find things like polycarbonate enclosures for outdoor or garage installs, switched interlock sockets for safety, and surge protection units for workshop-style installations — all items that help make dryer installs cleaner and safer.
If you’re a tradesperson, a DIY enthusiast or someone fitting a dryer into a bespoke layout, specialist suppliers are perfect. They don’t only sell components — they sell technical support, compatible parts and the kind of robust fittings that keep an installation compliant and reliable. Think of them as the toolbox that lets you install a dryer like a pro rather than just buying the machine and hoping for the best.
Downlights, connection units and fused switches might sound unrelated to laundry, but electrical and lighting suppliers often stock the small parts you need when rewiring or adding a vent or feed for a dryer. Items such as fused connection units and robust connection blocks make installations tidy and safe. These suppliers bridge the gap between an appliance shop and a full electrical fit-out, making them handy if you’re renovating a utility area.
Always verify voltage and IP ratings for outdoor or garage installations, and match the connection type to your dryer — whether it’s a simple plug-in or a hardwired unit. Look for weatherproof sockets if the dryer lives in a garage, and consider surge protection if your home has frequent voltage spikes. Small choices here prevent a lot of trouble later.
Currys is a go-to for many buyers because it carries a huge range of brands and models, from basic vented units to premium heat-pump dryers. The advantage is being able to compare machines side by side in-store, and to read plenty of online reviews before committing. Warranty options and installation add-ons are usually available, which is helpful if you don’t want to fit a dryer yourself.
AO has built a reputation on quick delivery and excellent customer service. If speed and clear delivery windows matter — and you want an appliance moved into a tight hallway or upstairs — AO often shines. Their site filters make it easy to sort by capacity in pounds or by tumble type, so you can match a dryer to your household’s laundry load.
Appliances Direct tends to offer competitive pricing and package deals, while John Lewis leans towards service and longer guarantees. If you want a quieter machine and premium aftercare, John Lewis can be a good bet; if you want a bargain on last season’s model, Appliances Direct might save you money.
For convenience, Argos and Amazon are hard to beat. They deliver a wide selection and often have compact or budget models that suit single-person households or small flats. Shopping here is often price-driven, so keep an eye out for seasonal sales or bundles that include installation or removal of an old appliance.
If you’re fitting a dryer into a new utility space, Screwfix and Toolstation provide sockets, connection boxes and safety gear that mainstream appliance shops don’t always stock. Expert Electrical and similar suppliers carry specialist items such as polycarbonate enclosures, switched interlock sockets and surge protection — ideal when you need a tidy, code-compliant install.
Vented dryers expel warm, moist air through a duct to the outside. They’re typically the most affordable option and great if you have an exterior wall nearby. The downside? You need a vent run and the space must accommodate it. Vented models are a good choice if you’re on a tight budget and want a straightforward setup.
Condenser dryers collect moisture in a tank or drain it away via plumbing. They’re ideal for flats and situations where running an external vent isn’t possible. While they can use a touch more energy than vented versions, modern condenser models are efficient and easier to place in varied home layouts.
Heat pump dryers recycle heat to dry clothes using far less electricity than traditional models. The up-front cost is higher, but if you do heavy laundry regularly, the energy savings can add up. Think of a heat pump dryer like a fuel-efficient car — a higher sticker price for lower running costs over time.
If space is at a premium, a washer-dryer combo is tempting. It saves footprint but usually has a smaller drying capacity than the washing side, so expect to split loads. Great for flats or holiday homes, combos suit people who prioritize space over speed.
Capacity is the number one practical factor. In the UK it’s common to think in kilograms, but to keep things imperial: a dryer that handles about 15 to 22 pounds is suitable for singles or couples, while families will want machines that handle 30 pounds or more per load. Think about how many shirts, towels and heavy items you dry at once — that’s the best guide to the capacity you need.
Don’t be seduced by the cheapest buy. Energy-efficient models, especially heat pump dryers, save money over the appliance’s lifetime. Consider how often you dry laundry: weekly drying will show savings faster than occasional drying. If you live in a damp climate and run the dryer a lot, efficiency becomes a major cost factor.
If your dryer sits next to living areas or bedrooms, look for quieter models. Some dryers are engineered to hum gently while running, while others sound like a small fan heater. Think about sound as a comfort feature — the quieter it is, the more options you’ll have for placement.
Most domestic dryers are plug-in and run on standard household sockets, but hardwired or high-current installs require proper isolators and fused connection units. Products such as switched interlock sockets and fused connection blocks ensure your dryer can be turned off safely at the feed. If you’re not fully confident, a registered electrician will make sure the job meets safety standards.
For vented models, plan the duct route to the outside with minimal bends. If the dryer sits in a garage or outbuilding, weatherproof polycarbonate enclosures for switches and outdoor fittings keep everything safe from damp. Surge protection units are worth considering if your home sees voltage spikes — they protect electronics and the dryer’s controls from damage.
These brands deliver reliable mid-market options. They often balance price with decent features, making them a common sight in family homes. Expect solid warranties and replacement parts widely available, which helps if you plan to keep a dryer for many years.
Bosch and Miele focus on longevity and engineering finesse. They typically cost more up front but offer robust construction and quieter performance. If you value insulation of drum temperatures and consistent results over many years, these brands are worth the higher initial spend.
These brands innovate with steam cycles, app connectivity and clever sensors that detect moisture and limit over-drying. If you enjoy smart-home features and want flexible programs for different fabrics, look here. Their machines often present modern designs that fit contemporary laundry rooms.
Appliance prices fluctuate with seasonal sales and model refreshes. Buying when new models arrive often nets discounts on the outgoing stock. Refurbished machines and open-box models can be great value if they come with a short warranty — perfect for bargain hunters who want performance without full new-model pricing.
Many retailers bundle delivery, installation and removal of an old machine. Sometimes these services cost little extra and save a lot of hassle. If you can’t or won’t do the installation yourself, factoring those costs into the total price at purchase time helps avoid surprise expenses later.
Small accessories keep a dryer working smoothly. Anti-vibration pads cut floor noise, venting kits ensure proper airflow and laundry racks give you a place to air-dry delicate items. Buying these alongside the dryer saves multiple delivery charges and keeps the installation neat and efficient.
Keep an eye on spare filters, lint traps and connection parts. Electrical specialists and stores such as Expert Electrical carry items like connection units and surge protectors that prolong appliance life. Having a spare lint filter or replacement hose to hand can turn a frustrating interruption into a five-minute fix.
Measure the space in inches — door openings, hall widths and ceiling clearances matter. Confirm whether the dryer will be vented, condensed or heat-pump and check that the chosen retailer stocks the appropriate installation kit. Finally, read a few user reviews to catch real-world pros and cons that specs don’t show.
Always verify warranty terms and availability of replacement parts in the UK. A longer parts-and-labour guarantee can be worth a bit more if you plan to keep the appliance for several years. Check whether specialist suppliers stock components if you prefer DIY fixes.
Buying a dryer in the UK doesn’t have to be a chore. Start by deciding where the machine will live, how much laundry you handle each week and which features matter most — speed, energy use or quiet operation. Specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical and lighting or electrical shops add real value when it comes to installation gear and safe connections, while mainstream retailers offer breadth, convenience and competitive prices. Match capacity in pounds to your household, choose the right dryer type for your space and don’t skimp on the small parts that make an install safe and lasting. With a little planning, you’ll end up with a dryer that earns its place in the home for years to come.
