Best Dryers for Apartments and Small Spaces

Apartment living in Australia presents unique challenges for laundry. Limited space, strata restrictions on external modifications, and the absence of dedicated laundry rooms mean standard dryer advice often doesn't apply. This guide focuses specifically on solutions for apartment dwellers and anyone working with limited space.

Whether you're in a Sydney high-rise, a Melbourne apartment, or a compact Brisbane unit, there are dryer options that work for your situation. The key is understanding which features matter most in small-space scenarios and choosing accordingly.

Why Apartments Need Different Solutions

Traditional vented dryers aren't practical for most apartments. They require exhaust ducts to the outside, which typically means drilling through external walls—something strata rules almost universally prohibit, and renters can't do regardless. Even ground-floor units with potential access often face restrictions.

Beyond venting, space constraints are significant. Australian apartments, particularly newer builds, often have minimal laundry areas—sometimes just a cupboard with washer connections. Floor space is at a premium, and ceiling height may limit stacking options.

Ventless Dryers: The Apartment Essential

For apartments without external venting, your choices narrow to two technologies: condenser dryers and heat pump dryers. Both collect moisture internally rather than expelling it outside, making them suitable for any indoor location with a power outlet.

Condenser Dryers for Apartments

Condenser dryers offer a good balance of affordability and convenience for apartment living. They collect extracted moisture in a removable tank that you empty after each cycle, or can be connected to a drain if one is accessible.

Advantages:

• Lower purchase price than heat pump models ($600-$1,200)
• Faster drying cycles than heat pump
• No installation requirements beyond power
• Reliable, proven technology

Considerations:

• Higher energy consumption than heat pump
• Generates heat, which can warm small spaces
• Must remember to empty water tank

Heat Pump Dryers for Apartments

Heat pump dryers are increasingly popular for apartment living due to their energy efficiency and gentler operation. They use significantly less electricity—important when you're paying the bill—and generate less ambient heat.

Advantages:

• Lowest running costs (40-60% less than condenser)
• Quieter operation—important for neighbours
• Less heat released into living space
• Gentler on fabrics

Considerations:

• Higher purchase price ($1,000-$2,500)
• Longer drying cycles
• Less efficient in very cold rooms
• Additional filter maintenance required

Size Matters: Compact and Standard Options

Compact Dryers (4-6kg)

Compact dryers are designed specifically for space-constrained situations. Typically around 60cm wide, 45-55cm deep, and 85cm tall, they fit where full-size models can't.

These work well for singles or couples with moderate laundry needs. However, the smaller drum means you'll run more cycles for the same amount of laundry, which can offset some space-saving benefits.

Standard Dryers (7-8kg)

Most apartment dwellers find that standard 7-8kg dryers offer the best balance. They're not much larger than compact models—often just 5-10cm deeper—but offer significantly more capacity per cycle. The footprint of around 60cm x 60cm fits most apartment laundry spaces.

Measuring Your Space

Before shopping, carefully measure your available space:

• Width: Allow at least 2cm on each side for airflow
• Depth: Account for door opening clearance and any rear space needed
• Height: If stacking, include stacking kit height and check ceiling clearance
• Door swing: Ensure the dryer door can open fully without hitting walls or fixtures

Stacking: Maximising Vertical Space

Stacking your dryer on top of a front-loading washing machine is the most effective way to minimise floor space usage. This arrangement reduces footprint by 50% compared to side-by-side placement.

Stacking Requirements

• Front-loading washer: Top-loading washers cannot be stacked
• Compatible models: Not all combinations work—check manufacturer specifications
• Stacking kit: Required for safety and stability; usually purchased separately
• Ceiling height: Stacked pairs typically need 180-200cm of vertical space
• Secure installation: Must be properly secured to prevent tipping

Same-Brand vs Cross-Brand Stacking

Same-brand stacking is usually straightforward—manufacturers design compatible washer-dryer pairs and sell appropriate stacking kits. Cross-brand stacking is possible with universal stacking kits, but dimensions must be carefully matched. The washer must be at least as wide and deep as the dryer.

Washer-Dryer Combos: One Machine, Two Functions

Combination washer-dryers wash and dry clothes in a single machine, offering the ultimate space-saving solution for extremely limited spaces.

Advantages

• Single footprint for both functions
• No manual transfer between machines
• Can run complete wash-dry cycles automatically

Significant Trade-offs

• Drying capacity is limited: A combo that washes 8kg typically only dries 4-5kg effectively. You may need to remove half the load before the drying cycle.
• Longer total cycle times: Combined wash-dry cycles can take 4-6 hours
• Higher water consumption: Older combos use water in the drying process; newer heat pump combos don't but are expensive
• Can't wash and dry simultaneously: Unlike separate machines, you can only do one function at a time
• Reliability concerns: More components mean more potential failure points

Washer-dryer combos make sense if space is extremely limited and laundry volume is low. For most apartment dwellers, a stacked washer and separate dryer provides better performance and flexibility.

Noise Considerations for Apartment Living

In apartments with shared walls, dryer noise affects your neighbours and your own comfort. Consider:

Decibel Ratings

Look for dryers rated below 65 dB. Heat pump dryers are generally quieter than condenser models. Premium brands often feature better noise insulation.

Placement

If possible, position the dryer away from shared walls. Anti-vibration pads under the dryer reduce transmitted noise to floors below.

Timing

Be mindful of strata rules about appliance use hours. Many buildings restrict noisy appliances before 8am and after 10pm. Use delay start functions to run cycles during acceptable hours.

Water Drainage Options

Both condenser and heat pump dryers collect water that must go somewhere. You have three options:

Manual Tank Emptying

The default method—empty the collection tank after each cycle. Tanks typically hold 3-5 litres. Forgetting to empty causes the dryer to stop mid-cycle once the tank is full.

Gravity Drain Connection

If your dryer is near a floor drain or laundry tub, you can connect a drain hose for automatic water removal. The drain must be lower than the dryer's outlet for gravity flow.

Pump Drain Connection

Some dryers include a drain pump that can push water upward to a sink or higher drain. This offers more flexibility in placement but adds a component that could fail.

Making It Work in Your Space

Living in an apartment doesn't mean sacrificing laundry convenience. Ventless dryer technology has matured significantly, and today's condenser and heat pump models perform excellently in apartment settings. The key is choosing the right type for your situation—considering your space constraints, energy costs, noise sensitivity, and usage patterns.

Invest in proper installation, including a stacking kit if applicable and anti-vibration pads for sound dampening. Keep up with maintenance, particularly filter cleaning, as restricted airflow creates bigger problems in enclosed spaces. With the right dryer and setup, apartment laundry can be just as convenient as in a house.