GH Institute

All Tumble dryers

• 
  Review of Siemens WT46W566GB Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: A-50%. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3.5kg easycare. Features: Activeair technology; self cleaning condenser; time delay; drum light; child lock. Programmes: sensor and timed drying, programmes (wool, mixed, outdoor, rapid 40, shirts).

  Comments

  Good points: High performance score. Low energy consumption - 20p to dry a cotton load and 13p for polycotton. Bad points: Filter tricky to replace after cleaning. Water tank awkward to empty completely.

  Rating: 86/100

  Price Range: £729 - 999.99

  Stockist: 0844 892 9044 - http://www.siemens-home.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

  
  

• 
  Review of Miele T8966WP Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: A+. Capacity: 8kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: Perfect dry sensor, basket for sports shoes and soft toys; time delay; child lock; drum light; memory. Programmes: sensor and, timed drying, cottons, minimum iron, delicates, woollens, silks, express, gentle smoothing, automatic, shirts, denim, sportswear, outerwear, pillows, drying basket.

  Comments

  Good points: Very energy efficient on all programmes tested - 38p to dry a cotton load and 11p to dry polycotton. Overall good drying performance. Good range of extra programmes. Useful basket for sports shoes. Water container easy to open. Bad points: Digital display not very clear to read - orange of black awkward to see. Complicated range of options. Unusual terminology for describing dryness levels.

  Rating: 85/100

  Price Range: £1099 - 1149

  Stockist: 0845 365 6600 - http://www.miele.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of LG Sensor Dry RC9011B Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: B. Capacity: 9kg cotton, 4kg polycotton. Features: Time delay; child lock; drum light; more/less time option; favourite. Programmes: sensor and timed drying, cottons, mixed fabrics, quick dry, special fabrics - delicate, sports wear, wool, bulky items.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to dry maximum polycotton load. Laundry evenly dried. Instructions well laid out and clear. Large capacity - easily fit maximum load. Bad points: Fascia looks cluttered and complicated. Not very energy efficient when drying maximum cotton load costing around 77p.

  Rating: 79/100

  Price Range: £545 - 699.99

  Stockist: 0844 847 5454 - http://www.lg.com/uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Hotpoint TVF770 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Vented. Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7.5kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: Woolmark approved; delay start; child lock; power saving feature - goes off after 30 mins. Programmes: Sensor and timed drying. Cottons - ready to wear, cupboard dry, hanger dry, iron dry; synthetics - cupboard dry; specials - bed and bath; delicates; wool; airing; easy iron and cool tumble.

  Comments

  Good points: Satisfactory drying results - quick to dry cotton load. Very easy to select programmes and options. Fascia very simple and logical. Excellent instructions. Bad points: Small port hole. Flimsy filter. Cotton load badly creased after drying.

  Rating: 78/100

  Price Range: £214 - 269.99

  Stockist: 08000 921 922 - http://www.hotpoint.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Whirlpool AWZ3520 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Vented. Energy rating: C. Capacity 7kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: Delay start; over-dry protection. Programmes: Sensor and timer drying. Cottons - ready to wear, cupboard dry and iron dry; mixed fabrics - ready to wear, cupboard dry and iron dry; silk; special programmes - jeans, airing.

  Comments

  Good points: Good drying results particularly quick to dry maximum polycotton load using minimal energy - costs around 14p. Bad points:  Control panel could be clearer - colour coded to distinguish between cottons and synthetics.  Poor instructions.  

  Rating: 77/100

  Price Range: £238 - 379.99

  Stockist: 0870 600 8989 - http://www.whirlpool.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of AEG Prosteam T88840 Tumble Dryers

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: B. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: Delay start; child lock; drum light; wool/shoes rack. Programmes: Sensor and timer drying and steam functions. Wool/shoe rack; silk; cottons-extra, cupboard and damp dry; easycare-extra, cupboard and damp dry; sports; steam functions-cotton shirts, synthetic shirts, cottons, easycare; steam refresh-wool rack, casual, business; jeans; bedlinen.

  Comments

  Good points: Very clear LCD display. Logical fascia layout. Satisfactory drying performance of cotton loads. Useful shoe rack  feature. Bad points: Slow to dry polycotton load. Steam function disappointing - cotton load was not dry at end of steam cycle; cotton shirts still creased at end of refresh cycle - but better than standard drying. Door had to be opened in exact spot.

  Rating: 75/100

  Price Range: £514 - 649

  Stockist: 0870 535 0350 - http://www.aeg-electrolux.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Beko DRVS73 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Vented. Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: Delay start; child lock. Programmes: Sensor and timed drying. Cotton/synthetics - extra, cupboard and ready to wear dry; rapid dry; shirt; jeans; delicates; freshen-up.

  Comments

  Good points: Basic good value model. Satisfactory results when drying polycotton. Simple and clear fascia. Comprehensive instructions. Bad points: Slow to dry cotton load. No LCD display. Would be useful to have programme time remaining indication.

  Rating: 74/100

  Price Range: £122 - 279

  Stockist: 01923 818 121 - http://www.beko.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Zanussi ZDC67550W Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: Delay start. Programmes: Sensor and timed (small loads) drying. Cottons-extra, strong, cupboard, damp, iron dry; synthetics-extra, cupboard, iron dry; special mixed, easy iron, jeans, cooling.

  Comments

  Good points: Satisfactory results when drying polycotton. Clear colour-coded controls. Easy to select programmes and options. Bad points: Slow to dry cotton load and energy guzzling. Would be useful to have programme time remaining indication. Need to press exact spot on door to open.

  Rating: 73/100

  Price Range: £277 - 407

  Stockist: 08705 929 929 - http://www.electrolux.com

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Bosch Exxcel Steam 8 WTS84500GB Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: B. Capacity: 8kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: Delay start; child lock; drum light. Programmes: Sensor and timer drying and steam functions. Steam dry-minimum iron shirt, daily load; steam refresh-business, freshen up; sportswear; woollens finish; super quick 40; cottons-extra, cupboard, iron dry; easy-care-extra, cupboard, iron dry; mixed load.

  Comments

  Good points: satisfactory drying of cotton and polycotton loads. Clear, logical controls. Bad points: Steam dry results disappointing - can only steam small loads and cottons, even though less creased, still needed to be ironed. Door seal kept coming off every time laundry was removed.

  Rating: 71/100

  Price Range: £454.99 - 629.99

  Stockist: 0844 892 8979 - http://www.bosch-home.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Indesit IDCE845 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7.5kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: Delay timer; power saving feature - goes off after 30 mins. Programmes: Sensor and timed drying. Daily-ready to wear, cotton cupboard, cotton hanger, cotton iron, synthetic cupboard, synthetic iron; special-eco time, wool, silk, jeans, outer; sport-intensive, light, shoes.

  Comments

  Good points: Good sized porthole. Water container easy to empty. Very clear instructions. Bad Points: Door needs to be shut in exact spot. Quiet buzzer. Black finish looks a bit streaky. Flimsy filter. Icons on LCD difficult to read.

  Rating: 69/100

  Price Range: £223 - 339

  Stockist: 08000 921 922 - http://www.indesit.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Gorenje Uselogic D71112 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Vented. Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3.5kg poycotton. Features: 140min timer. Programmes: Timed drying.

  Comments

  Good points: Very simple timer controls. Bad points: No stage of programme indicators. Only a small indicator light flashes when programme has ended.

  Rating: 68/100

  Price: £250

  Stockist: 0208 247 3980 - http://www.gorenje.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of John Lewis JLTDC09 Tumble Dryer

  Features

  Condenser. Energy rating: B. capacity: 7kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: Delay start; child lock; drying rack; drum light; half power button. Programmes: Sensor and timed drying. Cottons-extra, store, cupboard, damp and iron dry; synthetics-extra, cupboard and iron dry; rack dry; wool; extra delicate; easy iron; refresh.

  Comments

  Good points: Very clear instructions. Useful drying rack for sports shoes. Bad points: Poor drying results - very slow to evenly dry cotton and polycotton loads. Labelling on fascia quite small and could be colour-coded to distinguish between cottons and synthetics.

  Rating: 67/100

  Price: £399

  Stockist: 08456 049 049 - http://www.johnlewis.com

  GHI Test Report - November 2010

• 
  Review of Siemens WT36V398GB tumble dryer

  Features

  Vented (rear or side). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 8kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: sensor control and anti-crease. Sensor programmes: Cottons: extra dry, cupboard dry plus, cupboard dry, iron dry, wool drying basket; Easy care: very dry, cupboard dry, iron dry. 2 Timed options: 20 and 40 min. Indicators: time remaining, clean filter, door open, start/stop. Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D62.5cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Quickest to dry so used least amount of energy overall. Highest performance and ease of use scores. Large viewing window. Straightforward and uncomplicated fascia. Display indicates time remaining which is useful. Can switch buzzer on/off. Well lit up inside when door is open. Drawbacks: Some fluff build-up on inside of door. No child lock. Instructions lack detail.

  Rating: 86/100

  Price Range: £374.97 - 423.99

  Stockist: 0844 892 9044 - http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

  
  

• 
  Review of AEG Lavatherm T56740 tumble dryer

  Features

  Condenser (water container top left). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: reversible door, sensor control, reverse tumble, anti-crease, delay start. Sensor programmes: Cottons: extra dry, storage dry, iron dry; Easy care: extra dry, storage dry, iron dry, freshen up, bed linen, jeans, sports light, easy iron plus, wool care. Timed options (10 minutes to 3 hrs in 10 minute steps). Indicators: on/off, time remaining, clean filter, empty water. Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D58cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Fast at drying load of cotton and did not use up much energy to do so. Well lit up inside when door is open. Display indicates time remaining which is useful. Detailed instructions. Drawbacks: Cotton load was badly creased. Door awkward to close. No viewing window. Fluff builds up on inside of door. Fascia cluttered.

  Rating: 81/100

  Price: £349

  Stockist: 0870 535 0350 - http://www.aeg-electrolux.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Bosch WTV74103GB Classixx tumble dryer

  Features

  Vented (rear or side). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: sensor control, anti-crease. Sensor programmes: Cottons: extra dry, very dry, cupboard dry, iron dry; Easy care: Very dry, cupboard dry, iron dry, freshen up. 2 Timed options: 20 and 40 min. Indicators: progress, clean filter, door open. Dimensions: H84.2 x W59.8 x D62.5cm.

  Comments

  GH GOOD DEAL. Good points: High performance score. Fast at drying polycotton load and did not use up much energy to do so. Straightforward fascia, easy to use. Has progress lights. Drawbacks: No viewing window, buzzer, child lock or interior light.

  Rating: 78/100

  Price Range: £239.69 - 349

  Stockist: 0844 892 8925 - http://www.boschappliances.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Whirlpool AWZ 8578 tumble dryer

  Features

  Condenser (water container top left). Energy rating: B. Capacity: 8kg cotton, 4kg polycotton. Features: reversible door, 6^th sense sensor control, anti-crease, reverse tumble, auto cool down, delay timer. Sensor programmes: Cotton: Ready to wear, cupboard dry, iron dry; Synthetics: Ready to wear, cupboard dry, iron dry, jeans, airing, silk. 5 Timed options: 20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 min. Indicators: clean filter, empty water, clean heat exchanger, over-dry protection. Dimensions: H85.5 x W60 x D59.6cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Attractive square viewing door. Can switch buzzer on/off. Detailed instructions. Drawbacks: Slow to dry cotton load so high energy usage. Load heavily tangled after cotton cycle. Load creased after polycotton cycle. Quite loud in use. No indication of programme length on machine. No interior light. Fascia cluttered.

  Rating: 76/100

  Price Range: £258 - 369

  Stockist: 0870 600 8989 - http://www.whirlpool.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Hotpoint TCD975P Ultima tumble dryer

  Features

  Condenser (water container top left). Energy rating: B. Capacity: 7.5kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: reversible door, sensor control, reverse tumble, cool-down phase, anti-crease. Sensor programmes: Cotton: high heat, low heat; Synthetics: synthetics, bed and bath, woolmark silvercare, delicates, airing, easy iron. Timed options (20 to 2hrs 20 in 20 minute steps). Indicators: on/off, progress, clean filter, empty water. Dimensions: H85 x W59.5 x D58.5cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to dry cotton load but slow for polycotton. Child lock. Display indicates time remaining which is useful.Drawbacks: High energy consumption for both cotton and polycotton. Cotton load quite creased. Door a bit awkward to use. No interior light and the venting hose did not clip on easily.

  Rating: 76/100

  Price Range: £256 - 409.99

  Stockist: 08000 921 922 - http://www.hotpoint.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Beko DRCS76 tumble dryer

  Features

  Condenser (water container top left). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 7kg cotton, 3.5kg polycotton. Features: reversible door, sensor control, anti-crease. Sensor programmes: Cotton: Ready to iron, cupboard dry, ready to wear, extra dry; Synthetics: Ready to iron, ready to wear. Jeans, shirts, rapid dry, delicates, freshen up. 4 Timed options: 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Indicators: on/off, progress, clean filter, empty water. Dimensions: H85 x W59.5 x D65cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Plenty of indicators. Interior light. Door feels secure when opening and closing. Useful programme progress indicators.Drawbacks: Slow to dry cotton load and high energy consumption. Scored poorly on level of creasing and tangling for cotton load. No viewing window. No indication of how much time is left on cycle. Not easy to empty water from container, some gets stuck. Instructions vague.

  Rating: 75/100

  Price Range: £221 - 231

  Stockist: 01923 818 121 - http://www.beko.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Hoover VHC391 tumble dryer

  Features

  Condenser (water container at bottom). Energy rating: B. Capacity: Cotton: 9kg, Polycotton: 4kg. Features: sensor control, reverse tumble, anti-crease, delay start. Sensor programmes: bone dry, extra dry, cupboard dry, iron dry, wool finish, fast iron, refresh. 5 Timed options: 30, 45, 60, 75 and 120 minutes. Indicators: on/off, progress, clean filter, empty water. Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D60cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Fast at drying cotton load. Large capacity. Minimalist fascia. Sturdy, stable door when opening and closing. Detailed instructions. Drawbacks: High energy usage. Creasing and tangling was quite bad on cotton load. Have to remember to press Acrylic/Synthetic button once programme is selected if you have a synthetic load. Fascia was a little confusing at first. Water container was awkward to access as it is right at the base of machine. Condensation builds up on inside of door. No child lock or interior light.

  Rating: 74/100

  Price Range: £268.98 - 349

  Stockist: 01685 721 222 - http://www.hoover.co.uk/buy

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Indesit ISA60V tumble dryer

  Features

  Vented (rear). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 6kg cotton, 3kg polycotton. Features: sensor control, reverse tumble. High and low heat setting. Sensor programmes: automatic drying (average loads), automatic drying (large loads), easy iron, cool tumble phase. 6 Timed options: 20 to 120 in 20 minute steps. Dimensions: H85 x W59.5 x D55cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Minimal creasing and tangling of cotton load. Drawbacks: Slow to dry cotton load and energy consumption was high for both cotton and polycotton. Very plain fascia. Controls not very straightforward to use. No indicators. No buzzer, just clicks very quietly. Venting hose did not clip on easily. No child lock or interior light. Only takes a small capacity.

  Rating: 68/100

  Price Range: £153 - 213.69

  Stockist: 08000 921 922 - http://www.indesit.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of White Knight 44AW tumble dryer

  Features

  Vented (rear). Energy rating: C. Capacity: 6kg cotton, 2kg polycotton. Features: reversible door, reverse tumble, anti-crease. Programmes: timer control ranging from 0-140 minutes. Indicators: progress. Dimensions: H85 x W59.6 x D53cm.

  Comments

  Good points: Hose is built into back of dryer, easier to set up. Minimal creasing and tangling for polycotton. Drawbacks: Low performance and ease of use score. Only takes a small capacity. Slow to dry cotton and polycotton with high energy consumption. This is due to it using timed programmes only and not having a sensor. Very basic instructions, no guidelines or tables. No buzzer. Basic fascia - no indicator lights or display to show time remaining. Fluff builds up on inside of door. No child lock or interior light.

  Rating: 63/100

  Price Range: £134 - 169

  Stockist: 01422 203 585 - http://www.crosslee.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009