Tumble dryer reviews: Features explained

Sensor tumble dryers choose the drying time for you. You select the program based on the type of fabric and how dry you want it. Your basic choices are:

Cupboard dry

Leaves clothes dry enough to store straight away. The load size for synthetic fabrics is usually half that for cottons.

Extra dry

A longer program for multi-layered or thick fabrics such as bed sheets, towelling bathrobes and socks.

Iron dry

Clothes are left very slightly damp which makes them much easier to iron. But you'll need to do so straight away.

Wool/delicates

For drying woollens or delicate fabrics with gentle heat and minimal movement.

Cool tumble

Used at the end of a program to cool the clothes and dryer down to make them cool enough to handle. Can be used to refresh clothes worn previously.

Easy iron

Usually a few minutes of heat followed by a short cool tumble to relax the fibres of creased dry clothing.

Anti crease

The drum moves occasionally after the program ends to prevent creases setting in. Timer dryers do not have programs as such, just guidelines for drying times.