Clothes dryers have become essential in our busy modern lives. They dry laundry quickly and make household chores easier, especially in places with frequent rainfall. New dryers are continually enhanced with advanced features to simplify drying as technology improves.
However, such variety can sometimes lead to decision fatigue. To assist, we curated a list of the top clothes dryers in New Zealand. Read on to learn more about our handpicked options.
Our Top Picks
For our top picks, here are the best clothes dryers available to New Zealanders:
Samsung Smart Heat Pump Dryer
Best energy-efficient dryer with a 9-star energy rating, Heat Pump and AI Dry technology, 10 kg capacity, and SmartThings App connectivity.
Fisher & Paykel Condensing Dryer
Best clothes dryer with 23 dry cycles, including 5 extra care cycles, Heat Pump technology, 9 kg capacity, and 10-star energy rating.
Kogan Vented Tumble Dryer
Best budget-friendly dryer with a 6 kg capacity, easy control touch panel, intelligent humidity sensor, and a 2.5-star energy rating.
Top 6 Clothes Dryers for New Zealanders
After researching and evaluating over 15 clothes dryers, we have handpicked our top six options. We considered each dryer's energy efficiency, capacity, quality, performance, and unique features to help you make a purchase that truly elevates your laundry experience.
1. Samsung 10kg Smart Heat Pump Dryer
Best Energy-Efficient Dryer
The Samsung Smart Heat Pump Dryer's heat pump technology achieves an impressive 9-star energy rating. It uses 'refrigerant' technology to heat the air instead of solely relying on electricity and recycles warm air, significantly reducing energy consumption. Even more impressive, the dryer's AI Dry technology uses nine intelligent sensors to optimise and control the temperature and humidity levels for fast and precise drying.
The pump dryer also has a Hygiene Care+ cycle. It takes its functionality to the next level by using steam to eliminate common bacteria, mites, and allergens from clothes and other items. It can be connected to and controlled remotely via Wi-Fi and the Samsung SmartThings app.
Samsung's Smart Heat Pump Dryer is easy to maintain. Its durability is similarly unmatched, thanks to its 20-year warranted Digital Inverter Technology, which uses strong magnets for quiet and powerful performance. With a generous drying capacity of 10.0 kg, the dryer can easily handle large loads and bulky items.
Pros
- Large capacity
- 9-star energy efficiency rating
- AI control support
- Hybrid drying experience
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Only one colour option
2. Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Condensing Dryer
Best for Versatile Fabric Care
The Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Condensing Dryer offers 23 dry cycles, including five extra care cycles. Thus, it provides ample options for different fabric types and drying requirements. While its absence of Wi-Fi connectivity distinguishes it from the Samsung 10kg Smart Heat Pump Dryer, it makes up for this with its intuitive controls and LCD, which provide a user-friendly interface for selecting and customising drying cycles.
The Fisher & Paykel dryer also includes Heat Pump technology, which dries clothes at lower temperatures for gentle fabric care. With moisture condensed during the drying process, there is no need for external venting, allowing you to place the dryer anywhere in your home, similar to what Samsung offers. The clothes dryer also has Auto-sensing technology that detects moisture levels inside the drum and shuts off at the perfect time to prevent over-drying.
Fisher & Paykel's Heat Pump Condensing Dryer prioritises convenience, ease of use, and efficient, eco-friendly operation. It has an impressive 10-star energy rating and features like a clean condenser filter reminder, an end-of-cycle signal, and an easy-access lint filter.
Pros
- Large capacity
- 18 drying cycles
- Extra 5 care cycles
- Auto-sensing technology
- 8-star energy efficiency rating
Cons
- Expensive
- Only available in physical stores
3. Kogan 6kg Vented Tumble Dryer
Best Budget-Friendly Dryer
With its 6kg clothes capacity and easy control touch panel, the Kogan 6kg Vented Tumble Dryer offers convenience and simplicity. While it may not have the extensive features and advanced technologies of the Samsung Smart Heat Pump Dryer or the Fisher & Paykel Heat Pump Condensing Dryer, it's a budget-friendly option for those with basic drying needs.
Kogan's dryer includes an intelligent humidity sensor that gauges the moisture in garments and automatically turns off when the clothes are dry. This saves energy and prevents overdrying. You can set the desired drying time from 20 to 200 minutes. However, unlike the Fisher & Paykel Dryer, this dryer does not have many preset programs, which is understandable.
The Kogan dryer also lacks advanced sensing and control mechanisms in the higher-end models, which may result in less precise drying and energy efficiency. With its 2.5-star energy rating, it is not as energy-efficient as the Samsung or Fisher & Paykel models, either. Still, it has an anti-crease mode that minimises the need for ironing and an IPX4 water-resistant rating that adds durability and protection against water splashes.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Integrated control panel feature
- Intelligent humidity sensor
- Anti-crease mode feature
Cons
- No front venting
- No reverse tumbling option
4. Eurotech 7kg Vented Dryer
Best Compact Clothes Dryer
The Eurotech 7kg Vented Dryer is an excellent choice for small families or individuals who need a compact and straightforward drying solution. It features easy-to-manage touch controls to set the desired dryness for clothes. This feature ensures that garments are dried appropriately, reducing the risk of overdrying or damaging delicate fabrics.
The option to wall-mount the dryer provides flexibility in terms of space use. It includes a transparent door with a 180-degree opening that lets you see inside the drum to monitor the drying process. The auto-stop drying feature ensures that the dryer automatically stops when the desired dryness level is reached, saving energy and preventing overdrying.
Eurotech's dryer offers an anti-crease option, like the Kogan Vented Tumble Dryer, which helps reduce the time and effort spent on ironing. Including a child lock and error alarm adds an extra layer of safety and convenience. In terms of programs and settings, the dryer has four programs and three settings for flexibility in terms of drying intensity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Auto-stop drying
- Anti-crease option
- Freestanding or wall-mounted
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- 2-star energy rating
- Only available in white
5. Haier 4kg Sensor Vented Dryer
Best Clothes Dryer for individuals
The Haier 4kg Sensor Vented Dryer is a practical option for individuals. With its sensor drying feature and reverse tumble action, this dryer ensures efficient and gentle drying while reducing clothes tangling. The sensor drying feature of the Haier dryer is a notable attribute, as it prevents over-drying and under-drying of your clothes. This technology helps maintain the quality and longevity of your garments while optimising energy efficiency.
Haier's dryer has front and rear venting options, which offer flexibility when installing the device. The ability to connect a hose lets you direct moisture out of your home, enhancing ventilation and reducing humidity. This distinguishes it from the Kogan Tumble Dryer, which lacks rear venting options. Haier's Sensor dryer also offers nine drying options and includes the handy Anti-Crease function to minimise the need for ironing.
On the downside, the Haier dryer's energy rating of 2 stars means it isn't as energy-efficient as higher-rated models like the Samsung Pump Dryer. Still, it offers good convenience and features, such as sensor drying, reverse tumble action, and flexible venting options.
Pros
- Reverse tumble action
- Flexible front and rear venting options
- Compact and practical design
- 9 drying options
Cons
- Low energy efficiency
- Basic control interface
- Small 4kg load capacity
6. Westinghouse 4.5kg Vented Clothes Dryer
Best Wall-Mounted Clothes Dryer
The Westinghouse 4.5kg Vented Clothes Dryer has an anti-tangle reverse tumbling action that ensures even drying results. Its front lint filter provides convenience and easy maintenance, and the added rotary dial control makes it easy to operate. The dryer also offers the option to install it on the wall, saving valuable floor space in your laundry area. There's also a child-safety lock door for safety and peace of mind.
Westinghouse's dryer has an energy efficiency rating of 1.5 stars. It offers front or rear venting, with or without the venting kit, which allows you to tailor the dryer to your laundry needs. This distinguishes it from the Haier Sensor Dryer and Kogan Tumble Dryer, which have specific venting options. The dryer also has a reverse tumbling action that reduces clothes tangling and promotes more even drying and an auto cool-down feature.
Pros
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Space-saving/wall-mounted
- Reverse tumbling action
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Low energy efficiency
- Smaller capacity
Why Buy a Clothes Dryer?
Clothes dryers are an integral part of our daily lives, providing many benefits beyond simply giving us dry and fluffy clothing. They serve as a frontline defence against moisture-borne bacteria, harnessing heat to eliminate potential health hazards.
These appliances also offer the practical advantage of drying a substantial volume of clothes and fabrics daily, irrespective of the weather. This is helpful in rainy seasons when sunshine is in short supply. With a dryer, you just need to pop your laundry inside and wait for the cycle to finish.
But before purchasing a dryer, it's essential to consider your specific requirements, the environment of your home, and the variety of fabrics you need to dry to ensure you find the perfect match.
Types of Clothes Dryers
Understanding the different types of dryers available on the market and their unique features and functionalities can help you make an informed decision.
Vented Dryers
Often found in apartments or smaller homes, vented clothes dryers feature a small hole or vent to expel moisture and air. This design makes them suitable for spaces without a dedicated laundry room, as they can be wall-mounted.
The operation is relatively straightforward: the dryer draws in air from the surroundings, heats it, and circulates it through the clothes. Now laden with moisture from the clothes, the air is expelled through the vent.
Reasons to buy:
- Cost-effective alternative to condenser and heat pump dryers
- Compact and suitable for small spaces, wall-mountable
Reasons to avoid:
- Tends to be noisy
- Releases moist air, lint, and particles indoors
- Requires adequate outdoor ventilation
While vented dryers have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and compact design, the release of moist air and the requirement for proper outdoor ventilation are important factors to consider, particularly in settings where indoor air quality and moisture control are important.
Condenser Dryers
As their name suggests, these dryers use a condenser to remove moisture from clothes and heat exchangers to remove water from the air. In short, hot air is passed through the condenser and cools as it comes into contact with the clothes. The water is then collected in a container that can be reused or thrown away.
Reasons to buy:
- Energy-efficient
- No ventilation required
- Faster drying cycle
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher cost compared to vented dryers
Heat Pump Dryers
Among the various types of clothes dryers, Heat Pump Dryers are an innovative solution that employs a small heat pump to dry your clothes effectively. This mechanism uses a heat pump to extract moisture from the air after hot air has circulated through the garments.
Thanks to this "closed loop" approach, virtually no hot air or moisture leaks into the environment, making this type of dryer significantly more energy-efficient than vented or condenser models. This makes them an excellent choice for confined spaces, such as apartments, where outdoor venting isn't feasible. Additionally, as a heat pump dryer removes moisture from the air more rapidly than traditional dryers, your clothes dry much quicker.
Reasons to buy:
- Gentle drying extends clothes' lifespan
- No ventilation required
- Energy-efficient
Reasons to avoid:
- Bulkier than vented and condenser dryers
- More expensive than other dryers
Laura
Guidelines for Using a Clothes Dryer
By adhering to these recommendations, you can achieve optimal drying results, extend the lifespan of your garments, and minimise potential risks.
- Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and optimal usage. Additionally, sort and load clothes appropriately based on fabric type, weight, and drying requirements.
- Regularly clean the lint filter before or after each use to maintain airflow and check for proper venting to allow hot, moist air to escape. This contributes to improved drying performance and safety.
- Select the appropriate heat setting for different fabric types to prevent damage, shrinkage, or excessive drying. Similarly, avoid overdrying by setting the dryer to the recommended drying time or using moisture sensors, if available.
- Keep the dryer clean by wiping the interior, drum, and exterior surfaces. Schedule professional maintenance when needed to address mechanical issues. Always remember to never leave the dryer running unattended to minimise fire risks.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the laundry area for prompt detection of potential hazards. We recommend following additional safety precautions, such as keeping flammable materials away from the dryer and avoiding drying unsuitable items.
How to Choose the Best Clothes Dryer
If you plan to buy a clothes dryer, consider these things and features before purchasing.
#1 - Size
The larger the capacity, the bigger the dryer. However, you must also determine your laundry area's space capacity before buying a larger or smaller dryer. Avoid going through the heartache of purchasing what you believe to be the ideal dryer and finding out it doesn't fit once you get it home.
Even though the measurements of the appliance you're considering are listed on the tag or website, it is still a good idea to measure it. Remember to allow space between your dryer and the wall or other appliances for safety reasons.
#2 - Ducting
Vented dryers produce a lot of warm, humid air, so choosing one that can be ducted outside is best. This will prevent dripping walls and mouldy ceilings. However, ducting kits are optional extras for different dryer models; kits are provided with some dryers but not all.
#3 - Wall-mounted or Stackable
If your house has a smaller laundry area, you'll save space if your dryer can be wall-mounted or stacked on top of a front-loading washing machine. Ventilated dryers are the only dryers often mounted on a wall.
However, stackable models are intended to be placed on top of a front-loading washer of the same manufacturer. As best advice, before you purchase a clothes dryer, find out if it can be stacked or wall-mounted.
#4 - Drying Racks
Drying racks prevent shoes and other non-fabric items from tumbling while drying. They are typically an extra item and come in internal and external varieties. Only non-ducted clothes dryers with an exhaust grille in the front door are eligible for external racks.
#5 - Child Lock Controls
If you have young children who like to explore, consider a model with safety features like child locks. These usually require a specific combination of buttons to be pressed before the dryer can be opened or started, preventing accidental usage. It's generally recommended that families with children avoid machines that automatically start.
#5 - Variety of Features
Typically, the higher the price of your dryer, the more features it offers. Basic models offer essential programs like quick cycles and specialised settings for light and heavy garments, while premium models offer a wider array.
Although these might seem like unnecessary additions, they are designed for efficiency. Running slightly damp clothing on a quick cycle rather than a full one conserves energy, saving money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about clothes dryers in New Zealand.
How does a clothes dryer affect clothes?
A clothes dryer can be both a boon and a bane to your clothes. On the positive side, it provides quick drying and can help in sanitising your clothes, especially in damp weather conditions. The warmth can also give a softer feel to certain fabrics.
However, on the downside, frequent use of a dryer can cause wear and tear, colour fading, and shrinkage in some types of clothing. Understanding the care instructions for your garments can help balance the benefits of a dryer with maintaining the longevity of your clothes.
Do clothes dryers need maintenance?
Yes, clothes dryers do require maintenance to ensure efficient operation and longevity. This involves regular cleaning of the lint filter, checking and cleaning the venting system, and inspecting the drum and exterior for any potential issues. Proper maintenance improves dryer performance, prevents possible fire hazards, and saves on energy costs.
How often do I need to clean the dryer vent?
Most dryers and vent systems require to be cleaned every one to three years to ensure optimum performance and the highest level of safety. However, the frequency with which your dryer vents must be cleaned is determined by the weekly clothing volume and the vent system's overall length.
How long should a clothes dryer last?
The lifespan of a clothes dryer largely depends on its make, model, usage habits, and maintenance routine. However, on average, a typical clothes dryer is expected to last about 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance and responsible usage can potentially extend this lifespan. Nonetheless, as with all appliances, performance may decrease over time, and newer models with advanced features might offer better energy efficiency and drying capabilities.
What is the best temperature for a dryer?
The optimal temperature for your clothes dryer largely depends on the type of fabric you are drying. For most clothing, a medium heat setting is generally suitable and can effectively dry your clothes without causing undue wear and tear.
Delicate fabrics, like silk or lace, should be dried on a low heat setting to prevent damage, while heavier items like towels or thick bedding can usually withstand a high heat setting. However, it's always best to check the care labels on your garments for specific drying instructions.
Marieta Ivanova
Wrapping Up
Clothes dryers have become an indispensable partner for many New Zealand households, especially when grappling with our notorious wet winters or the rush of our busy Kiwi lifestyle.
However, selecting the perfect dryer isn't a decision to be rushed. It requires considering your specific laundry needs, your home's layout, and the range of features each model offers.
Remember, the best dryer isn't just a machine that gets the job done but seamlessly integrates with your New Zealand home and lifestyle, simplifying your routine rather than adding to your workload.
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