Written by Chiara
Edited on
7 July 2025
·
09:13
Heat pump dryer or condenser dryer?
When you choose a dryer, you may ask yourself if you want a heat pump dryer or condenser dryer. An A+++ heat pump dryer is very energy-efficient and allows you to save up to € 119 on your annual energy costs. That's based on 160 dryer cycles per year. A condenser dryer isn't energy-efficient, but it does dry faster. In this article, you can read all about the differences.
Comparing dryers
| Heat pump dryer | Condenser dryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy-efficient | Yes, from A+++ | No |
| Better for your laundry | Yes (due to low temperature) | No (due to high temperature) |
| Dries quickly | No | Yes |
| Drain options | Condenser reservoir/condensation drain hose | Condenser reservoir/condensation drain hose |
Energy consumption
Heat pump dryer: energy-efficient from A+++
Though a heat pump dryer is a bit more expensive, it'll save you a lot of money every year. With an A+++ dryer for 8kg laundry, you can save up to € 115 annual energy costs compared to a condenser dryer with a B energy label. With an A+++ dryer, you can save up to € 1150 on average during the lifespan of the dryer. This example is based on a dryer that lasts up to 10 years on average, depending on its usage.
Condenser dryer: not energy-efficient
Compared to an A+++ heat pump dryer, a condenser dryer doesn't dry very energy-efficiently. On average, a condenser dryer with a B energy label costs €115 more per year than an A+++ heat pump dryer. During the entire lifespan of the appliance, a condenser dryer will cost you an extra €1 150 on average. This example is also based on a dryer that lasts up to 10 years on average, depending on its usage.
Drying temperature
Heat pump dryer: low (laundry stays in good condition longer)
With a heat pump dryer, your laundry will look good for a long time thanks to the low drying temperature. This is because a heat pump dryer works with a heat pump and a coolant. The coolant of the heat pump dryer ensures that the dryer dries at a lower temperature. Unlike a condenser dryer that works with a heat element, your laundry doesn't come into contact with high temperatures in a heat pump dryer. Your laundry stays in good condition longer and shrinks or wears out less quickly.
Condenser dryer: high (laundry wears faster)
Due to the high drying temperature of a condenser dryer, you have a greater chance of your laundry shrinking or wearing. Unlike a heat pump dryer, which works with a heat pump and a coolant, a condenser dryer uses a heat element to dry laundry. As the element gets warmer, the dry air reaches a high temperature. Your laundry won't last as long with a condenser dryer as with a heat pump dryer.
