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Choosing a tumble drier that's easy to use (view report contents)

Finding an easy to use drier

Whether you’re looking at the driers we’ve tested or others in the shops, this section tells you what to look for if you have difficulties with your mobility, hands or sight. The ease of use features of each drier we tested are also described in detail in the full test results. At any stage you can also look at our test results for each drier. Or you can go to our Buying Guide.

If you have weak or stiff hands, or difficulty reaching, look for a front-venting model, or have the machine’s venting hose permanently installed to a wall vent. If you cannot do this, avoid models rated poor in our tests for dealing with the hose. Look for a door which doesn’t need too much strength to open and close, and for timer and heat controls which are easy to grip and turn.

If you have restricted mobility, look for a model which has a door that opens wide for maximum access. A condenser model has no hoses to deal with but costs more and you will still have to bend right down to near floor level to empty the water container unless you go for a model where the water can be piped down a drain.

If you have poor vision, tumble drier controls are potentially less confusing than those on washing machines, but it’s still worth looking for clear labelling and control knobs with click stops.

You can click on the links below to see the driers listed in order of those we think are best for people with restricted mobility, poor sight or poor or painful grip.

Restricted mobility
Poor sight
Painful grip
Buying Guide
Test results

 

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Report contents

Introduction
Guide to types of tumble driers
Buying Guide

Finding an easy to use drier
Guide to test results
Controls
Visibility
Order by Grip
Order by Mobility
Order by Sight
Manufacturers Addresses