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

Guide to test results

Clicking on any model in the list below will bring up full test results and a photograph of that drier. The driers are listed alphabetically by brand within each type.

Air vented
Condenser
Compact air vented

The details below expand on the test result summaries for each model and follow the same order from top to bottom. You can read them straight through or click on the heading you want.

Fitting the vent hose

With most air vented driers, the vent hose attached low down and at the back - difficult for people who cannot bend down easily. The Summaries show which models could vent to the sides or front. The hose was meant to be permanently attached to the Whirlpool. In fact many people leave it attached on other models too.

The ratings for hoses in the Summaries take into account how easy each hose was to grip, whether it was fiddly and the strength needed to attach and detach it. All could be attached with one hand if necessary.

Loading and unloading

Most doors opened by pulling on their handle. The Bosch condenser had push buttons instead - but was not particularly easy to use. The Creda condenser drier opened with a gentle push on one side of its door.

whirlpool

The Whirlpool door opened flat back against the machine - plenty of space for access.

whirlpool

But to open the whirlpool door, your fingers had to fit behind this lip.

The ratings in the Summaries for ease of opening and closing the door cover how easy the handle or button was to grip (we looked at its shape and the space around it), to use, and the strength needed to open and close the door. Models varied a lot: check before you buy.

All the doors opened to the left or right. The Creda had very large square doors. You could hinge some doors on either side - see Summaries. The Summaries show that loading and unloading all the driers was reasonably easy, but those which had doors that opened right back gave the best access.

 

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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