There’s nothing quite like the scent of clothes dried outside in the fresh air. But not everyone has the space to dry laundry outdoors, and with the changing seasons and unpredictable UK weather, most households need a tumble dryer.
We recommend condenser tumble dryers as there is no venting required. Water vapour is collected in a detachable collection talk, which means you can quickly dry clothes indoors, whatever the weather.
Choosing a large kitchen appliance can be a expensive business, as white goods are the most costly home purchases. To make life a whole lot easier, we’ve researched and narrowed down the best condenser tumble dryers available under £300.
You can dry clothes indoors without spending a small fortune with these budget friendly great value tumble dryers.
1. Candy CSOEC9TG 9Kg Condenser Dryer
This is a no-nonsense reliable Candy CSOEC9TG condenser tumble dryer that features smart sensor drying and ultra-easy controls that typically retails for £270, fitting we within a £300 budget. The Candy dryers’ sensors detect the amount of moisture per load to adjust settings accordingly. A special wool feature helps to preserve knitted fabrics.
Additionally, lower temperature settings can be used to protect delicate fabrics. The Reverse Action from Candy feature prevents wrinkles and tangling.
Let’s talk interface technology with this dryer. You can use the accompanying Smart Touch app for Android devices to monitor and control cycles with ease, making this a “Smart” tumble dryer. You’ll also appreciate the quick-dry setting on this machine if you like to pop in quick loads that can be dried in a snap.
The machine also features reverse-action drying that turns the drum in two directions to cut down on wrinkles, bunching and entanglement. As mentioned, it utilizes the Smart Touch app to make it possible to monitor and control cycles from your smart phone. Here’s an overview of what this dryer offers:
- 9-kg drum capacity
- One of the best large load condenser tumble dryers under £300
- B-class energy rating.
- Delay timer.
- Noise level is 68 dB.
- Annual anticipated energy consumption of 617 kWh.
- Special wool feature.
- Sensor drying.
- Quick dry.
- Reverse-action drying.
Related: Vented Tumble Dryers for Garage Use
2. Hoover HLEC9DCE H-Dry 300
This model from H-Dry 300 Hoover dryer offers innovation at every turn. The standout feature is a unique and exclusive water reservoir that’s built right into the door. This ultra-advanced reservoir allows you to view and monitor water levels to see when it needs to be emptied. There’s also an easy-to-use handle that makes the emptying process a breeze!
This Hoover dryer model also offers sensor dry technology to combat over-drying issues that could make your fabrics more likely to tear. Additionally, there’s a reverse-action drum to fight wrinkles and bunching without personal intervention. This dryer is compatible with One Touch technology which allows you to monitor and manage everything using your Android device. Here’s a rundown of what this dryer offers:
- 9kg washing load capacity.
- Delayed start (24 hours).
- Water tank Reservoir-full indicator.
- Filter-full blocked warning
- Time-remaining indicator.
- Low Noise level is 68 dB.
- Low B-class energy rating.
- Estimated energy consumption of 5.2 kWh per cycle.
- Estimated annual energy consumption of 617 kWh.
Read Related: Top All-in-One Washer Dryer Brands
3. Beko DTLCE80051W Tumble Dryer 8kg Large Family Value Condenser Tumble Dryer
This is a large-load capacity dryer that offers a lot for less than £300. First, you’re getting a very convenient LED panel that displays the time remaining on each load. This feature is pivotal for keeping track of loads.
You’ll also appreciate this feature if you’ve ever dealt with an over-drying problem that left your clothing stiff, faded and prone to fabric tears. The dryer will actually suspend a cycle as soon as it detects that the optimal dryness level has been reached.
It’s definitely worth mentioning the large porthole door on the Beko DTLCE80051W dryer. The opening offers a 32-centimetre space for loading items. That means no stuffing or cramming when loading items like bed linens or blankets. Another nice feature is an interior light that illuminates the inside of the drum, a feature not found in most general tumble dryers. This is great for being able to spot those smaller items that sometimes get left behind during the unloading process, so you’ll never lose sight of that odd sock.
This dryer isn’t done surprising you with ultra-convenient, thoughtful features. It actually features a reversible door. That means that you can decide which way you want the hinge to swing. This feature makes the dryer one of the more versatile options out there when it comes to having freedom to place it in virtually any space.
You’re also getting an automatic anti-creasing function that will rotate the drum for up to two hours following the end of a cycle. This is perfect for preventing creases on those days when you can’t unload right away. Additionally, a reverse-drum feature helps to make sure your items are being separated during the drying process to reduce creasing and entanglement.
Overall, the design of this condensed tumble dryer is very smart. We see this in the way the filters are positioned to be very easy to maintain. In addition, the design features a direct drain of water that saves you from needing to empty the water manually. The dryer actually comes with a drain hose that can be connected to a drain pipe.
Here’s a rundown of the Beko 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer features:
- Stylish, feature packed digital display.
- Strong 8-kg drum capacity.
- B-class energy efficiency.
- Programming options.
- Auto-cooling phase.
- Anti-crease for quicker post dry ironing
- Reverse-action drum.
- Weighs 38 kg.
- Cycle end alert sound
- Time delay (24 hours).
- Average cost £260
4. Sharp KD-NCB8S7PB91-EN Tumble Dryer Condenser
Sharp has put together a smart, efficient design that streamlines the drying process significantly and is priced at £299. If you’re looking to top-out your budget of £300 to spend on a tumble dryer, then this best-selling Sharp KD-NCB8S7PB91-EN condenser dryer is the ideal pick.
The feature that sets this design apart is an automatic condenser. This feature is significant because of the way it guarantees supreme drying performance. It also drastically cuts down on energy consumption.
In fact, this model has an energy rating of B. A drum that can accommodate 8-kg loads is ideal for a medium-sized household. However, this dryer also adapts to handle small loads spectacularly. There is a “Quick 40” drying feature that is designed specifically to accommodate small loads full of light fabrics in a way that saves time, energy and hassles!
It’s worth taking a moment to marvel over the precision temperatures and dryness monitoring when talking about just how smoothly this machine handles loads. “Quick 40” drying is suited to smaller loads of laundry. Precision temperature control and dampness monitoring guarantee a grab-and-go drying process for light loads.
The Sharp electric damp detector on this model is another feature that deserves its due praise. Bosch’s technology actually adjusts drying programs based on your needs. You also have the option to choose drying programs based on the materials you’re drying. Of course, you generally don’t have to worry about fabric damage with this dryer due to the fact that it also has something called the Bosch Sensitive Drying System.
Sharp actually uses a really innovative, unconventional drum shape for this model. The use of mild, warm air coming in from all sides working in combination with Sharps’s curving soft carriers within the drum creates pampered, crease-free fabric every time!
This premium condenser driven dryer succeeds at using technology to protect laundry from high temperatures, over-drying issues and shrinkage. Users enjoy settings galore in an ultra-efficient package. Here’s a rundown of the features:
- 8-kg load capacity.
- Superb BF rating for energy efficiency.
- AutoDry feature.
- Breezy LED display with touch control.
- Sensitive Drying for gentle, even drying.
- Drying Noise level of just 65 dB.
- Nine programming options.
- Timed programs.
- Time delay of 24 hours
- Anti-vibration design for greater stability and quietness.
- Child safety lock.
5. Candy KSEC8LF 8KG Freestanding White Condenser Tumble Dryer
This dryer is a delight for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, reliable machine with just the right amount of flair. This model has exclusive Sensor Dry technology that monitors moisture levels to ensure that a cycle is stopped once optimal dryness has been reached. That’s great news for preserving garments from over-washing issues and saving energy.
You won’t find tons of bells and whistles here. However, what you will find is the option to pick from four dryness levels to really customize for fabric types and time constraints. In addition, you can sync this machine up with your phone to stay on top of each load. You’re also likely to appreciate the machine’s smooth LED display. Here’s a quick rundown of the dryer’s features:
- 8-kg drum capacity.
- 14 programming options.
- Delayed start (24 hours).
- Reservoir-full indicator.
- B-class energy rating.
- Noise level is 68 dB.
- Estimated annual energy consumption of 561 kWh per year.
- Fluff filter.
Condenser Tumble Dryer Buyers Guide
It might be time to think again if you’ve assumed that you can only have a dryer if you have a vent space. That’s true when it comes to a vented tumble dryer, but built-in condenser units changed the game, and are now more affordable than ever.
How do condenser tumble dryers work?
The machine simply condenses the warm humid air from your damp clothing into the water during the drying process. That moisture collects inside a reservoir that can be detached and emptied. It’s really that simple! Yes, you may be closer to getting dry, fresh laundry than you ever thought possible now that you know a condenser tumble dryer is an option.
A dependable condenser tumble dryer collects water vapour that is created during a drying cycle into a designated container instead of “venting” it out. This is a very important detail for a number of reasons. The first is that you may not have a space in your home that provides access to a window or vent. As a result, you may have assumed that you simply could not have a dryer.
The condenser tumble dryer changes that! That’s because the “container” method of collecting water vapour eliminates the need for access to an external venting point like an open window, open door, or the need to create a wall outlet.
Drum Load Capacity
You need to consider which condenser tumble dryer is the best load size for your washing needs. One of the first factors to look at is drum weight capacity.
They typically fall into the following capacities:
- 4 – 7kg: Small / Medium loads
- 8 – 9kg: Large loads
- 10kg+: Extra large loads
A medium-sized household will generally get what it needs from dryers that range in capacity from 7kg to 9kg. Luckily, most mainstream condenser dryers do fall into that range. According to AO, with a 7-9kg tumble dryer, you can dry 14 items of clothing.
Another example of load-bearing is provided by UK White Goods manufacturer Beko. They state that an 8kg capacity condenser dryer can handle up to 22 wet hand towels.
Energy Rating
Nothing is more environmentally friendly than letting your wet laundry go through the natural evaporation process outdoors. But as we’ve discussed, it’s not always possible to dry naturally outside, and for large families, a condenser tumble dryer is a necessity.
Obviously, tumble dryers require electricity to operate. The spinning drum tumbling heavy wet material combined with heating elements and pumps mean these appliances gobble up a lot of power.
Taking the time to check the dryer energy rating will ultimately help to determine the lifetime cost of ownership and at the same time will ensure you’re doing your bit for the environment. Generally, mainstream condenser dryers have B-class ratings, but there are some Energy Class A++ models to be found.
Related: Most Energy Efficient Tumble Dryers (UK)
Drying Sensor
Some condenser tumble dryers have sensors that monitor drum moisture. When laundry spinning within the drum stops releasing water vapour, the sensor tells the machine to switch off. Sensor drying lets you set and forget – no need to keep checking on how clothes are drying.
Sensor provides optimal drying, by shutting off the dryer as soon as fabrics reach the desired level of dryness. You can often choose between iron dry which leaves cloths slightly damp, ready for ironing, or extra dry to put away right out of the machine.
With this feature, you save energy, protect fabrics, and give you peace of mind to get on with other things while the dryer takes care of everything.
Drying Timer
Dryers without sensors should have a timer, where you can select a suitable drying duration, say 20 mins for a few items, and the dryer will shut down after 20 mins.
Lifestyle plays a big role when figuring out which dryer is ideal. People who use a dryer “in place” of ironing boards will appreciate quick-dry options that allow you to get fabrics crisp and fresh. However, the feature becomes less important if you tend to iron no matter what.
