Is a Heat Pump Tumble Dryer Cheaper to Run? [Real UK Data]

TL;DR: Are Heat Pump Tumble Dryers Cheaper to Run?

If you’re wondering whether a heat pump tumble dryer is worth the higher upfront cost, the answer is simple: yes, they really do deliver big savings. Based on both official figures and my own real-world testing, here’s what you can expect:

• ✅ Yes — 70–80% cheaper to run than condenser or vented models.

• 💷 20–30p per load vs ~£1 for a condenser = ~£200+ saved per year.

• 🔇 Quieter, gentler on clothes, no steamed-up rooms.

• 🏡 The cheapest tumble dryer to run — full stop.

👉 Read on for a deep dive with real-world usage data, annual breakdowns, and side-by-side comparisons.

Introduction

A heat pump tumble dryer can make a huge difference to both energy bills and everyday comfort. For our family of four (now teenagers), the tumble dryer has always been a necessary evil. The washing machine seems to run constantly, and while the best option is drying clothes outside, that isn’t realistic for much of the year in the UK.

I’m not an appliance reviewer by trade — just a UK homeowner who’s owned and run both a Bosch condenser tumble dryer and a Bosch heat pump tumble dryer. This article shares my real-world experience of both, backed up with energy data I’ve tracked over the years.

This article is a comprehensive read, drawing on both data and hands-on testing.

Use the Table of Contents below to jump straight to the questions that matter most — or scroll through at your own pace.

About the Author

I’m Mick Wall, a UK homeowner and energy enthusiast who runs Energy Stats UK as a hobby project.

Over the years, I’ve tracked our household’s energy use, solar PV, battery storage, and smart tariffs — and I share those insights here alongside my own real-world experiences. We’ve owned both a Bosch condenser tumble dryer and a Bosch heat pump tumble dryer, so this article is based on lived family use, not just spec sheets.

A big part of what I write about is how smart tariffs can help cut running costs for appliances like tumble dryers, EVs, and home heating.

👉 You can explore more of my articles and case studies in the Energy Stats UK blog, including my detailed guide to Octopus smart tariffs.

Are Heat Pump Tumble Dryers Cheaper to Run?

Yes — heat pump tumble dryers, the most energy-efficient tumble dryer type, are much cheaper to run than condenser models. In fact, they’re the cheapest tumble dryer to run, especially in the UK where electricity prices remain high

Living With a Condenser Tumble Dryer

Our old Bosch Exxcel 7 condenser tumble dryer worked, but it had some real downsides:

• It used a shed load of energy.

• It filled the downstairs with damp, moist air.

• The clothes often came out almost too hot to touch.

• Yes, the condensation container collected a lot of water, but plenty of it still ended up back in the room — steaming up windows and making the kitchen feel muggy.

It regularly pulled over 2 kW for 90–120 minutes, often using around 4 kWh in a single load.

By contrast, a modern heat pump tumble dryer uses a closed-loop system, so there’s no hot, damp exhaust escaping. At most, you might notice the room is slightly warmer after a long cycle, but without the condensation problems

Bosch Tumble Dryer Comparison: Exxcel 7 vs WTR88T81GB

When people ask about a heat pump tumble dryer vs condenser, the easiest way to see the difference is in the numbers. This Bosch side-by-side also makes it clear why the cheapest tumble dryer to run is always a heat pump model, even if the cycle times are longer.

Here’s what the official Bosch manuals say about energy use and drying times:

👉 As you can see, the heat pump model takes longer, but it uses less than a third of the energy per load.

Here’s snippets from the manuals for each model; Exxcel 7 Condenser on the left, WTR88T81GB Heat Pump on the right.

Making the Move to a Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

After research, we decided to stay with Bosch (we already had their washing machine and dishwasher). We chose the Bosch WTR88T81GB heat pump tumble dryer.

After more than three years of ownership, we love it:

• Quieter than the condenser dryer.

• No moist air discharge into the room.

• Uses a lot less energy

Real-World Heat Pump Tumble Dryer Consumption

Alongside the official Bosch figures, I wanted to see what the numbers looked like in the real world. So I ran a test on the Bosch WTR88T81GB heat pump tumble dryer, measuring energy use with a simple plug-in  monitor. If you’re looking for a genuine Bosch heat pump tumble dryer review, this section shows the actual energy draw and costs in my own home.

I loaded cotton bedding and a mattress protector that had been washed and spun at 1400 rpm. Using the “Cupboard Dry Plus” programme, the dryer:

• Started around 370 W and peaked at 530 W.

• Ran for 1 hour 44 minutes.

• Consumed just 0.78 kWh total.

In real usage, the heat pump tumble dryer vs condenser test shows a draw of 0.78 kWh vs ~4 kWh per load — a dramatic difference in running costs and wattage.

In this separate test run you can see where I trace and graph the usage throughout the drying cycle.

Started about 350 Watts and peaking towards the end at just over 500 Watts.

Annual Running Costs — Low, Medium and High Usage

One cycle doesn’t tell the whole story. To see how much a tumble dryer really adds to your bills, here’s what the annual running costs look like for different usage patterns, based on 25p/kWh.

👉 For a busy UK family, that’s hundreds of pounds saved every year — and well over £1,000 across the appliance’s lifetime.

🌞 Pro tip: If you’ve got solar PV, a battery, or a smart tariff, your real running costs can be even lower than the “heat pump” figures shown here.

Seasonal Usage Patterns (2024 Data)

In 2024, our Bosch heat pump dryer used a total of 169 kWh, measured with a Local Bytes smart plug energy monitor.

Monthly Breakdown

At an average UK electricity price of 25p/kWh, that’s £42.25 for the year.

Seasonal Totals (kWh + Cost)

🌞 Solar + Heat Pump Dryer = Free Summer Laundry
From spring through autumn, many cycles can be covered entirely by rooftop solar PV, especially given the dryer’s low 370–530 wattage draw. The real difference shows up in winter, when usage is highest and solar is weakest — and that’s when the heat pump dryer really helps to keep household energy bills down.

Saving More with Time-of-Use Tariffs

Pairing a heat pump tumble dryer with a time-of-use electricity tariff can cut costs even further.

Providers like Octopus Energy offer smart tariffs such as Agile, Cosy, Flux, and Intelligent Octopus Go, rewarding you for shifting usage into off-peak windows.

• Daytime rate (25p/kWh): 20–30p per load.

• Off-peak rate (7p/kWh with Intelligent Octopus Go): as low as 6p per load.

Pairing a heat pump tumble dryer with a smart tariff can make running costs even lower:

👉 That’s a saving of more than £20 per year on just three loads a week — and much more for higher-usage households.

Learn more about Time of Use (TOU) tariffs in my guide to Octopus smart tariffs.

If you do decide to change your supplier to Octopus Energy, you can claim £50 free credit when switching using my referral link. Thank you if you decide to do that.

💡 Heat Pump Dryer + Off-Peak Tariff = Super Savings

Solar and Battery Compatibility

One of the biggest differences between the old Bosch Exxcel 7 condenser dryer and the newer WTR88T81GB heat pump dryer is how well they work with solar PV systems and home batteries.

• The condenser pulled 2 kW+, which meant it was almost impossible to run fully from solar unless it was a very sunny summer’s day. On batteries, it drained a typical 5–10 kWh unit very quickly.

• The WTR88T81GB’s steady 370–530 W draw makes it:

  • Solar-friendly → more likely to be powered by rooftop panels, even on cloudy days.

  • Battery-friendly → uses only a fraction of storage per cycle.

  • Grid-friendly → lower peaks, easier to combine with EV charging or TOU tariffs.

A heat pump dryer isn’t just cheaper to run — it also fits naturally into a modern home energy setup, maximising solar self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.

What Do Other Real Users Say?

Looking at reviews of heat pump tumble dryers across Reddit, MoneySavingExpert, and appliance forums, consistent themes emerge:

• 👍 Lower energy bills — families report noticeable drops in costs.

• 👍 Quieter operation — less intrusive than condenser models.

• 👍 Eco-friendly choice — reduced carbon footprint.

• 👎 Longer drying times — the most common complaint.

• 👎 Maintenance/reliability — some issues after 4–5 years if not cleaned regularly.

In short, real-world feedback echoes my own: lower running costs and quieter performance, in exchange for longer cycles and a need for basic upkeep.

Conclusion

Having lived with two very different Bosch tumble dryers — first the Exxcel 7 condenser and now the WTR88T81GB heat pump dryer — this Bosch tumble dryer review shows just how big a difference the switch has made.

The Exxcel hammered through ~4 kWh per cycle, left the room steamy, and produced clothes almost too hot to touch. The WTR88T81GB, by contrast, uses just 0.8–1.2 kWh per load, runs quietly, and dries clothes gently.

At today’s price of 25p/kWh, that’s 20–30p per cycle instead of £1.00 — a saving of 70–80p each time. For a family, that’s easily £200–£250 saved per year, and thousands over the lifetime of the appliance.

For homes with solar panels, batteries, or time-of-use tariffs, the savings are even greater — often pennies per cycle, or free from rooftop generation.

And don’t forget the lifestyle benefits: no steamed-up rooms, no overheated clothes, and longer-lasting fabrics thanks to gentler drying.

So, are heat pump tumble dryers cheaper to run? Absolutely yes.

✅ Highly recommended.

Bottom Line: Are Heat Pump Tumble Dryers Worth It?

• 70–80% less energy than condenser dryers.

• 20–30p per load, saving £200+ per year.

• Quieter, cleaner, and gentler on fabrics.

•  The cheapest tumble dryer to run — and one of the smartest energy-efficient appliances you can buy.

Final Verdict

• 70–80% less energy than condenser models.
• 20–30p per cycle at 25p/kWh — as low as 6p off-peak.
• £100–£250 annual savings.
• Thousands saved over lifetime.
• Gentler on clothes, quieter, more sustainable.
• Ideal with solar, batteries, or smart tariffs.

Cheaper, quieter, cleaner — and one of the smartest energy-efficient appliances you can buy.

Heat Pump Tumble Dryer FAQ

How much does a dryer cost to run?

It depends on the type of dryer:

• A condenser or vented dryer costs around £1 per load (about 4 kWh at 25p/kWh).
• A heat pump dryer costs just 20–30p per load (0.8–1.2 kWh at 25p/kWh).

That’s why a heat pump model is the cheapest dryer to run — saving around 70–80p every cycle.

How much does it cost to run a dryer for an hour?

• Condenser dryer → ~2,000 W (2 kW). At 25p/kWh, that’s about 50p per hour.
• Heat pump dryer → ~400–500 W (0.4–0.5 kW). At 25p/kWh, that’s around 10–13p per hour.

So, a heat pump is about 4–5 times cheaper per hour of use compared with a condenser.

How much does it cost to run a dryer for an hour UK?

In the UK, at an average electricity price of 25p/kWh:

• A condenser dryer uses ~2 kW, so costs about 50p per hour.
• A heat pump dryer uses ~0.4–0.5 kW, so costs around 10–13p per hour.

That makes a heat pump dryer roughly 4–5 times cheaper per hour than a condenser model.

How much cheaper is a heat pump tumble dryer to run?

A heat pump tumble dryer is usually 70–80% cheaper to run than a condenser or vented dryer.

• Condenser/Vented dryer: ~4 kWh per load ≈ £1.00 at 25p/kWh.
• Heat pump dryer: 0.8–1.2 kWh per load ≈ 20–30p.

That means a saving of 70–80p every cycle, or around £200–£250 per year for the average UK family.

How much does a tumble dryer increase your bills?

It depends on the type of dryer and how often you use it:

• Condenser or vented dryer → around £1 per load. For a family doing 5 loads per week, that’s about £260 per year added to bills.
• Heat pump tumble dryer → around 20–30p per load. At the same usage, that’s about £52–£78 per year.

So the choice of dryer can mean the difference between adding £250+ per year to your bills, or just £50–£70.

How can I calculate tumble dryer running costs?

The easiest way is to use a tumble dryer running costs calculator:

1. Take the dryer’s kWh usage per cycle (from the manual or a smart plug).
2. Multiply by your electricity price (e.g. 25p/kWh).
3. That gives the cost per load.

For example, a heat pump tumble dryer running cost is typically 0.8–1.2 kWh × 25p = 20–30p per cycle, compared with about £1.00 for a condenser dryer.

What is the cheapest tumble dryer to run?

The cheapest tumble dryer to run is always a heat pump model. While condenser dryers typically cost around £260 per year to operate for an average family, a heat pump dryer comes in at about £50–£70 per year.

Heat pump tumble dryer vs condenser — what’s the difference?

• Condenser dryer: Heats air, passes it through clothes, then expels the hot, damp air into a water container or vent. Typically 3.5–4 kWh per load.
• Heat pump dryer: Uses a closed-loop system that recycles warm air. Typically 0.8–1.2 kWh per load.

👉 A heat pump dryer takes longer (lower heat), but uses 70–80% less energy.

How does a heat pump tumble dryer work?

Instead of generating lots of heat and venting it away like a traditional dryer, a heat pump tumble dryer reuses the same warm air in a continuous cycle. The built-in heat pump acts like a reverse fridge: it extracts moisture from the air, stores the water in a tank (or drains it away), and then reheats the dry air to carry on with the cycle.

Because the air is recycled rather than wasted, the dryer only needs a fraction of the electricity.

Do heat pump dryers take longer to dry clothes?

Yes. A condenser dryer might take 90–120 minutes for a full load, while a heat pump model typically takes 141–177 minutes for the same programme.

The lower drying temperature means longer cycles, but it’s gentler on fabrics and far more efficient.

Do heat pump tumble dryers heat up the room?

Not in the same way as a condenser or vented dryer. Older dryers often released hot, damp air that steamed up windows and made the room feel muggy. A heat pump tumble dryer uses a closed-loop system, so there’s no damp air discharged into the room.

You may notice a slight warmth in the space after a long cycle, but it’s far less than with a condenser dryer — and there’s no moisture problem.

Are Bosch tumble dryers reliable?

Yes. In my experience with both the Bosch Exxcel 7 condenser and the Bosch WTR88T81GB heat pump, Bosch tumble dryers are well-built and perform consistently.

The heat pump model has been quieter, cheaper to run, and more comfortable to live with over the long term. Like all dryers, regular maintenance (filter cleaning, emptying the water tank) is important for reliability.

What are the disadvantages of a heat pump tumble dryer?

• Longer drying times → typically 141–177 minutes, compared with 90–120 minutes for condenser dryers.
• Higher upfront cost → usually £150–£300 more expensive than condenser models.
• Regular maintenance needed → filters and heat exchanger need cleaning.
• Some reliability concerns → issues may appear after 4–5 years if not maintained.

For most households, these are outweighed by the savings and quieter running.

Do heat pump dryers require special installation?

No. Heat pump dryers are plug-and-play appliances. You don’t need special wiring or a vent to the outside.

They collect water in a tank (which you can plumb to a drain if preferred) and recycle warm air internally, making them very flexible to position.

Do you need an outside vent for a heat pump tumble dryer?

No — you don’t need an outside vent. Heat pump tumble dryers are ventless appliances that use a closed-loop system.

Moisture is collected in a water tank or drained away, while warm air is recycled inside the machine. This makes them suitable for utility rooms, garages, or flats without needing an external hose.

Do heat pump dryers really save money?

Yes — heat pump dryers really do save money. Compared to a condenser dryer at ~£1 per load, a heat pump dryer costs just 20–30p.

That’s a saving of 70–80p per cycle, or around £200–£250 per year for the average UK family.

Will a heat pump tumble dryer pay for itself?

Yes. Even if a heat pump model costs £200 more upfront, the energy savings typically cover that difference in 12–18 months of regular use.

Over a 10-year lifespan, the total savings often run into the thousands of pounds.

Are there energy efficient vented tumble dryers?

Not really. Vented dryers are the least efficient type, as they constantly heat new air and expel hot air outside.

Even modern vented dryers still use 2–3 kWh per load, which is much higher than a heat pump model.

Are there energy efficient condenser tumble dryers?

Condenser dryers are more convenient than vented dryers, but not very energy efficient.

A typical condenser uses 3.5–4 kWh per cycle, compared with just 0.8–1.2 kWh for a heat pump dryer.

Is the Bosch heat pump tumble dryer any good?

Yes. The Bosch WTR88T81GB heat pump tumble dryer has been excellent in long-term use.

It typically uses just 0.8–1.2 kWh per load, compared with ~4 kWh for the older Bosch Exxcel 7 condenser. It’s quieter, cheaper to run, and doesn’t release moisture into the room.

Is it worth getting a heat pump tumble dryer?

Yes — for most households, a heat pump tumble dryer is absolutely worth it.

Although they cost more upfront than condenser dryers, they are 70–80% cheaper to run, saving £200–£250 per year.

They’re also quieter, eco-friendlier, and gentler on clothes — so the benefits go beyond cost savings.