When is a tumble dryer suitable for a large family?
One of the most important aspects of a tumble dryer is its fill weight, also referred to as the ‘drum capacity’ or ‘capacity’ of the tumble dryer. The fill weight indicates how many kilos of washing you can fit into the drum each time you dry. If the fill weight is not in proportion to the size of your household, you will be using a lot of energy unnecessarily.
If you have a tumble dryer that is too small, you will have to dry much more frequently – increasing your energy consumption. On the other hand, it is also a fact that a dryer that is too big is not energy efficient either. This means that you will have to start the drying cycle with a half-full drum, which also uses up energy unnecessarily.
When it comes to the fill weight for tumble dryers, we generally recommend that you use at least the same amount as your washing machine. That way, you can always get all your wet laundry into the dryer. Are you buying a new dryer and a new washing machine? Then we recommend the following household size ranges:
- For a 1 or 2 person household, a 6kg or 7kg dryer. A 7 kg load is generally more common than a 6 kg load.
- For a household with 1 or 2 children: a dryer with 8 kg fill weight. Most dryers sold today have a 8kg fill weight.
- Large families of 5 or more people: a dryer with a 9kg fill weight or more. Dryers with a 9 kg drum capacity are considered large dryers.
Best tumble dryers for a large family in 2024
Are you looking for the best new tumble dryer for a large household? In the list below you’ll find our top 5 tumble dryers with a 9kg fill weight. These dryers are perfect for families with more than 2 children. In making this selection, we’ve obviously looked at the maximum drum capacity first. Then we compared the large dryers based on the type of dryer (all models are heat pump dryers), energy label, different programs, noise level and build quality. So we came up with a list of the best large clothes dryers of 2024! We hope you’ll find the perfect tumble dryer for your family.
1
Best dryer for a large family
The GE GFD55GSSNWW is a front load matching
gas dryer with a large maximum load capacity of 7.8 cu. ft. Use the optional stacking kit model GFA28KITN and pair it with the perfect GE washer. Weighing only 135 lbs., and with True32 Closet depth at 32 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 28 inches wide, you can place this machine in the tightest laundry spaces. Have even more flexibility in placement because it has a reversible glass door that you can see through. The LED interior light lets you see even more clearly so you can find every little article of clothing. The vent can be extended up to 90 ft. long and you get 4-way exhaust options: rear, right, left and bottom for even more installation flexibility.
With 10 different dryer cycles, you can choose the right type of care for your every laundry need from delicates to bulky/bedding. This dryer is smart home enabled with Built-in Wi-Fi so you can control and monitor your laundry with any smart device. When in a hurry, you can finish small loads in 23 minutes or less with Quick Dry. Protect your family with the Sanitize Cycle which helps in sterilizing fabrics by using high temperature levels. The Wrinkle Care option lets you skip ironing by drying fabrics without heat to reduce creasing. Get notified when your load is at the ideal moisture level for ironing or final air drying with Damp Alert. Sensor Dry helps prevent over drying of fabrics thanks to the innovative dual thermistor technology which monitors temperature and moisture in the dryer continually. The Vent Sensor alerts you when it detects blockage and restricting in your vent. Enjoy 5 different temperature options, four separate dryness levels, timed dry and other
GE dryer features like My Settings, delay dry and much, much more.
The GE GFD55GSSNWW does not come with accessories.
The GE GFD85GSPNRS is a great looking, front-load matching gas dryer available in Sapphire Blue or White. The massive total load capacity is at 7.8 cu. ft., allowing you to comfortably dry bulky items like beddings and comforters. Place it in the tightest of spots because it is not only stackable, but also features a true closet depth at 32 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 28 inches wide. Enjoy even more flexibility in placement with its see-through reversible glass door and 4-way exhaust options with 90 ft. of venting length. See the inside of your drier more easily with its LED interior light. The stainless-steel drum is not only durable but resists rust and prevents clothes from snagging.
Because you have 12 different dryer cycles available to choose from, you can choose the right type of drying for different fabrics. Enjoy the benefits of steam with PowerSteam. Remove wrinkles and static, refresh small loads and keep clothes looking fresh. This dryer is smart home enabled with Built-in Wi-Fi so you can control and monitor your laundry with any smart device. With Washer Link, choose the perfect settings in combination with your GE Washer in one go. Protect your family with the Sanitize Cycle which helps in sterilizing fabrics by using high temperature levels. When in a hurry, you can finish small loads in 23 minutes or less with Quick Dry. Reduce cling static on fabrics at the end of the cycle as a gentle mist spray near the end of the cycle. The Wrinkle Care option lets you skip ironing by drying fabrics without heat to reduce creasing. Get notified when your load is at the ideal moisture level for ironing or final air drying with Damp Alert. Standard features include end-of-cycle signal, adjustable legs, control lock, delay start, lint filter, and much more.
The GE GFD85GSPNRS comes with hoses and a power cord.
The LG DLGX8101V front load matching gas drier will perfectly pair with your favorite
LG washing machine. The massive 9.0 cu. ft. maximum load capacity will allow you to dry even more loads in even less time. Weighing only 161 lbs., and measuring 32.1 inches deep, 40.8 inches high and 29 inches wide, stack it on top of your matching LG washer to save space. Because the square glass door is reversible, you have even more flexibility in placement. Venting options are 3-way including the back, left side and right side. The NeveRust stainless steel drum is low maintenance, won’t rust or chip nor snag your clothes.
Featuring 14 dry cycles, you have a plethora of choice including delicates, cotton, heavy duty and even special cycles like SteamFresh™, SteamSanitary™, Anti-Bacterial and more. With the SteamFresh™ cycle, refresh clothes and reduce wrinkles in just 20 minutes, so your outfit will be ready in no time without the need for ironing. The SteamSanitary cycle uses the highest temperature provided by steam to help get rid of germs and bacteria while still being gentle on all kinds of fabric. The LG SpotClean cycle enhances the performance of stain removal treatments by harnessing the power of steam to gently loosen soil and penetrate fabrics. The LoDecibel™ Quiet Operation lets you enjoy a quiet time while the drier runs. Get an alert whenever it’s time to clean the ducts with FlowSense, to ensure that your machine runs at its tip top shape. Smart features like the SmartDiagnosis ™ helps diagnose and solvce problems quickly with the LG SmartThinQ app, saving you a call to the customer care service. This drier also has standard features like interior lighting to help you with loading and unloading, child lock, end-of-cycle signal, status indicator and others.
The LG DLGX8101V comes with a power cord.
Your search for the perfect drier is done with the GE GFD65GSPNSN front load drier. This front load matching gas drier handles up to 7.8 cu. ft. of laundry in one go, so you can do more in less loads. Stack your matching
GE washing machine on top or put it on an optional pedestal (model # GFP1528PNSN), it’s up to you. Weighing just 137 lbs., and measuring 32 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 28 inches wide, it will fit in most laundry closets and the smallest laundry spaces. The reversible glass door lets you see inside so you can see the drying action. Up to 90 feet of venting capability and 4-way venting, so you can place it anywhere.
This machine is packed with amazing GE features. Choose from 12 different dry cycles to give each load the right kind of dry it needs. The 12 dry cycles include SteamRefresh which will have your favorite outfit refreshed and free of creases in no time. SteamDewrinkle does the same with any load size. The Wrinkle Care option lets you skip ironing by drying fabrics without heat to reduce creasing. Protect your family with the Sanitize Cycle which helps in sterilizing fabrics by using high temperature levels. This smart-home enabled machine has built in Wi-Fi so you can start, pause and stop every cycle with your smart device anywhere you are. Get notified when your load is at the ideal moisture level for ironing or final air drying with Damp Alert. The Vent Sensor alerts you when it detects blockage and restricting in your vent. Quiet-By-Design so you won’t even know the laundry is running from the next room. With five heat selections and five dryness levels, you have full control of how you want your laundry done. Enjoy this plethora of features and others with this amazing washer.
The GE GFD65GSPNSN comes with hoses.
The Electrolux EFME627UTT comes in an attractive design and is packed with must-have features. This vented electric drier has a massive maximum capacity of 8.0 cu. ft., so it can take on piles and piles of laundry in less cycles. Stack it on top of your favorite Electrolux washer or put it on top of a pedestal to add height (model number EPWD257UTT). It weighs just 130 lbs., and measures 31.5 inches deep, 38 inches high and 27 inches wide, the perfect size for closets and smaller laundry spaces. It features a reversible round door that lets you look inside to watch the drying action. With Luxury-Design® Lighting, loading and unloading clothes is easier because you can see the inside of the drier clearly. Your guests will never know you are doing the laundry with the Luxury-Quiet™ Sound System.
Packed with so many wonderful features! Equipped with 9 unique dry cycles for every kind of fabric and load. Handle anything from delicates to heavy duty in ease. The Instant Refresh Cycle removes wrinkles and quickly refreshes fabrics with steam in 10 minutes. Know when the cycle will end in 90 seconds with Predictive Dry™, so you don’t have to keep checking if the cycle is done and you can get it out in time before creases and wrinkles set. Special sensors monitor the temperature and dampness level during the cycle to prevent over drying or under drying with the LuxCare® Dry System. With Perfect Steam™, the steam comes from the bottom up to release wrinkles and reduce static to keep your clothes looking great. The Extended Tumble Option helps in keeping your clothes wrinkle free by continuing to tumble even after the cycle ends without using heat. Keep lint off your clothes every time, all the time, no matter when you clean your filter with LuxCare® Lint Shield.
The Electrolux EFME627UTT do not come with additional accessories.
Buy a large washer dryer; what to look out for?
As we mentioned earlier, the fill weight is one of the most important aspects when buying a new washer dryer. To save energy, but also for your own convenience, it is important to buy a dryer with a fill weight that is in proportion to the size of your family. There are, of course, many other things to consider when buying a new tumble dryer. There are several different types of dryers, including airflow dryers, condenser dryers and heat pump dryers. The energy consumption of the air-flow dryer is the highest of these, and the heat pump dryer is the most energy efficient. Heat pump dryers are often more expensive to buy, but they are cheaper to operate because they use less energy. All dryers must also get rid of moisture. It varies by type of dryer where it directs the water. The air-dryer leads the water outside through a hose, a window or a hole in the wall. For both the condenser and heat pump dryers, you have the choice of a water collection tank (a condenser that you empty a few times a week) or a hose that connects to the drain.
Sound level
The sound level of a dryer indicates how much sound it makes while running its programs. All clothes dryers are a lot quieter than the average washing machine, but they still make noise. Dryers are therefore divided into 4 categories: loud, medium and silent. Most large family tumble dryers generate less than 65 dB and therefore fall into the ‘quiet’ category.
Energy label
We previously explained that the type of dryer has a big impact on energy consumption, but there can still be quite a difference between two heat pump dryers. That’s why you should look at the energy label to see how energy efficient you are. Dryers always fall between energy class A+++ up to energy class B. For the most energy-efficient dryer, choose a heat pump dryer in energy class A+++. A tumble dryer with a good energy label may be more expensive to buy, but it will save you money in the long run. This includes features like a lighted drum, delayed start, app control and a self-cleaning condenser. Think you and your household can benefit from such technology? Just like your washing machine, tumble dryers have a range of different programmes for different types of laundry, such as wool, shirts, silk, baby clothes and towels. These programs ensure that your laundry dries perfectly and lasts longer. Some dryers also have short programmes that last up to 40 minutes – which can be very useful for a large family that is often busy! For this, tumble dryers are divided into 3 categories: basic, mid-range and top-range. If this is not listed, you can also look at the price range and the brand. Of course, an expensive A-brand tumble dryer is not necessarily a good choice, but the brand and the price can be an indication that the appliance is made with care and from good materials. According to the Dutch Consumers’ Association, these are the best brands for tumble driers: Miele, Bosch, Siemens, AEG and Samsung. In general, you pay more for these brands, so according to the Consumers’ Association, they score less well when it comes to value for money. Brands that do score well in this category are Beko, Indesit and Zanussi.
