The heat pump vs vented dryer question is mostly about upfront cost versus running cost. Vented dryers cost less to buy and are simple to install, but use more electricity each load. Heat pump dryers cost more upfront, but recycle heat to use far less energy, and they're gentler on clothes. If you use a dryer several times a week, a heat pump model usually makes the most sense over time.
How vented dryers work
A vented dryer heats air with an element, tumbles your clothes through it, then pushes the warm, moist air out of the machine. That air either vents into the room or through a duct to the outside. It's a simple, proven design.
Pros: lower purchase price, fast drying, lightweight, can often be wall mounted.
Cons: higher running costs, adds heat and humidity to the laundry, can be harder on delicate fabrics.
Compare models in our vented dryer range.
How heat pump dryers work
A heat pump dryer works a bit like a reverse-cycle air conditioner. It heats air to dry clothes, removes the moisture into a water container or drain, then reuses the warm air. Because the heat is recycled, it uses much less electricity than a vented dryer.
Pros: lowest running costs, gentler lower-temperature drying, no venting needed, keeps the laundry cooler and drier.
Cons: higher purchase price, longer drying cycles, heavier and cannot usually be wall mounted.
See our heat pump dryers.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Vented dryer | Heat pump dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Running cost | Higher | Much lower |
| Drying time | Faster | Slower |
| Drying temperature | Hotter | Gentler |
| Venting needed | Yes, into the room or ducted out | No |
| Water removal | Vented as moist air | Collected in a tank or drained |
| Wall mounting | Often possible | Usually not |
| Typical energy rating | Lower star rating | Higher star rating |
What about condenser dryers?
Condenser dryers sit in the middle. They heat air like a vented dryer but condense the moisture into a tank, so no venting is needed. They use more energy than heat pump dryers and are less common now that heat pump models are widely available.
Running costs explained
Every dryer sold in Australia carries an Energy Rating label showing its star rating and estimated yearly energy use in kWh. Heat pump dryers typically sit at the top of the star range, while vented dryers usually sit near the bottom.
The real cost difference depends on how often you use the dryer. If you only dry a few loads in winter and line-dry the rest of the year, a vented dryer may be all you need. If you run the dryer most days, the savings from a heat pump model add up quickly. To estimate, compare the kWh figure on each label with your electricity tariff.
Which dryer suits your home?
Choose a vented dryer if:
- You use the dryer occasionally, such as on rainy days
- You need to wall mount it above a washer to save space
- Your laundry is well ventilated or can be ducted outside
- You want the lowest upfront cost
Choose a heat pump dryer if:
- You use the dryer several times a week
- Your laundry is small, enclosed or has no window
- You want to minimise running costs and energy use
- You dry lots of delicate fabrics, activewear or wool
What size dryer do you need?
Match your dryer to your washing machine's capacity, or go slightly larger. Clothes need room to tumble so air can circulate.
| Washer capacity | Suggested dryer capacity |
|---|---|
| 6 to 7.5 kg | 6 to 7 kg |
| 8 to 9 kg | 8 to 9 kg |
| 10 kg and up | 9 to 10 kg |
Browse every model in our clothes dryer range, with options from Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux, Beko, Samsung and others. See every brand we stock on our brands page.
Installation tips
- Vented dryers need good airflow. Ducting moist air outside helps prevent condensation and mould in the laundry. Our guide to removing mould explains why ventilation matters.
- Heat pump dryers need floor space or a stacking kit on top of a compatible front load washer. If there's a nearby drain, connecting the drain hose saves emptying the water tank.
- Leave space around the dryer as specified by the manufacturer so it can breathe.
- Clean the lint filter after every load. Heat pump models also have a secondary filter or heat exchanger that needs regular cleaning.
Short on space or budget?
A washer dryer combo gives you both functions in one footprint. And on sunny days, the cheapest dryer of all is still the Aussie clothesline. For indoor drying, a folding clothes airer works well in apartments.
Related guides: Front Load vs Top Load Washing Machine, Dehumidifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heat pump dryer worth it?
If you use a dryer often, usually yes. Heat pump dryers cost more upfront but use much less electricity per load than vented dryers, so frequent users tend to save over the life of the machine.
Why do heat pump dryers take longer?
They dry at a lower temperature to protect fabrics and save energy, so cycles take longer than a vented dryer. Many models include faster programs for smaller loads.
Can a vented dryer be used in a small laundry?
It can, but vented dryers release warm, moist air, so the room needs good ventilation or a duct to the outside. In small or enclosed laundries, a heat pump dryer is usually the better choice.
Can you stack a heat pump dryer on a washing machine?
Many heat pump dryers can be stacked on a compatible front load washer using the manufacturer's stacking kit. Check that the kit matches both machines before installing.
