Heat Pump vs Condenser Dryer: Which is Best?

How do condenser dryers work?

Condenser dryers dry faster than heat pump dryers, as they generate more heat to dry the load – and because of that, they tend to emit a lot of moisture during operation and therefore should be placed in rooms with good ventilation. They’re typically heavy-duty performers which come with a larger wet weight capacity, ranging from 6kg to 10kg, and are quieter in operation. Ideal for families and large households.

How do heat pump dryers work?

However, heat pump dryers offer better protection for clothing and textiles, as they use a lower air temperature to do the job. They’re also more eco-friendly, as they recycle the hot air (while condenser models expel) they create back into the drum to keep the cycle going. Another benefit of heat pump dryers is that they don’t need to be vented, since they recycle hot air and don’t produce as much heat as condenser dryers. This means you can place these dryers practically anywhere in the house. This is an ideal choice if you live in an apartment.

Heat pump dryer pros and cons

Pros

• More energy-efficient and eco-friendly
• Gentler on fabrics
• Doesn’t require ducted venting

Cons

• More expensive up-front
• Limited capacity
• Typically louder than condenser dryers

Condenser dryer pros and cons

Pros

• Larger capacity
• Quick drying
• Ideal for apartment living

Cons

• Too heavy to be wall-mounted
• Need to be connected to a drain or  have the water tank emptied frequently
• Can damage garments over time

Which is cheapest?

Heat pump dryers are more expensive – costing between $300 and $800 more to buy up front than condenser models, but this will be offset by energy savings in the long term, as it is the most energy-efficient design of the two. Here’s a quick price comparison for a 8kg heat pump vs a condenser dryer*.

*Prices correct as of September 15, 2023.

Which is more energy-efficient?

Thanks to the reheating and recycling process of heat pump dryers, these are the most energy-efficient types of dryers on the market. Heat pump dryers use less than half the energy per load than condenser dryers.

Condenser dryers typically consume about 3kWh per average load, while heat pump dryers will use roughly 1.5kWh per load.

At the current average national power price of 33.5c per kWh that works out to around $1 (3kWh) vs 50c (1.5kWh).

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Which has more functions and features?

Heat pump and condenser dryers are pretty much tied in the way of functions and features. Both are well-regarded for their smart drying and durable designs. Most heat pump and condenser dryer models on the market today will typically come with auto-sensing technology which automatically stops the drying cycle when your clothes are dry to prevent over-drying and save on energy, and multiple drying settings to cater to different fabrics such as silk and wool. Other features to look out for include:

• Drum size: this will impact the functionality and efficiency of your dryer, so choose a large enough capacity to accommodate your household’s needs
• Reverse tumbling: rotates the drum both ways and pauses in between, to keep your laundry separated and dry fabrics evenly
• Dampener system: reduces noise operating levels
• Fast-drying: speeds up the drying process without putting strain on your clothes

Which is best?

If your priorities are fast action and a large capacity to get as much drying done as possible with each load – which is often the case for families and large households – then a condenser dryer may be best suited to your needs. On the other hand, if reducing your carbon emissions and saving on energy in the long term is more important to you, then a heat pump dryer is an ideal choice, that is if you’re prepared to pay a little more upfront. When shopping for a new dryer, it’s also important to consider the additional features, functions, design, and cycles of each model, plus energy efficiency and stated performance.

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About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.