Clothes Dryers – 2013 Ratings

One in two left high and dry with clothes drying costs

Is the use of a clothes dryer a bit of a luxury? It is to some, as close to half of the respondents to our recent survey told us their dryer’s running costs are too expensive to warrant regular use (49%). Similarly, 46% of New Zealanders only use their clothes dryers in emergencies.

Perhaps because of the expense required, more than four in five find it important their appliances are energy efficient – and have a sufficiently high energy rating to reflect this.

Some respondents have revealed they use their dryer for more than just drying. For instance, nearly a third of respondents use their dryer to smooth out wrinkles in clothes rather than using an iron.

A quarter of respondents did more harm than good, however, by ruining clothes in their dryer. The highest proportion of these respondents belonged to Generation Y (44%).

Bosch hit award-winning stride for appliances in 2013

Those in the market for a dryer may appreciate some direction on where to start in order to get the best dryer for their money. To help, we’ve compared clothes dryer brands with our customer satisfaction ratings.

Bosch has added to its ‘laundry list’ of award wins from Canstar Blue by receiving our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Clothes Dryers for 2013. They have previously received our 2012 and 2013 Washing Machines awards, as well as our 2012 Dishwashers award.

While Bosch was a standout brand with top ratings in six of the eight criteria, others managed to step into the limelight as well. Fisher & Paykel secured five stars for performance and reliability, and Simpson achieved top ratings in performance and reliability, value for money and the feel of clothes after a wash.

Canstar Blue commissioned Research Now to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased a clothes dryer in the last three years- in this case, 472 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.

Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.

Overall customer satisfaction

Bosch emerged with the top rating for overall customer satisfaction in the category, outdoing four star recipients Fisher & Paykel and Simpson. Haier received three stars for overall customer satisfaction.

Value for money

If you need the dollar to go further with every laundry load, look out for Simpson clothes dryers; our five star recipient for value for money. Following the five star recipient was Fisher & Paykel with four stars, then Bosch and Haier with three.

Performance and reliability

Good clothes dryers perform well in both the short and long term, and three brands lived up to this with five star ratings in this area: Bosch, Fisher & Paykel and Simpson. Haier secured four stars for performance and reliability in this category.

Time taken to dry clothes

Bosch received five stars for the time its machines’ take to dry clothes, making it an ideal purchase for time-poor New Zealanders. Fisher & Paykel and Simpson achieved four star ratings, and Haier received three.

Noise while operating

White goods are at their best when you don’t even notice they’re operating. Customers of Bosch dryers were most satisfied with the noise level of their dryer when operating, which saw the brand receive a five star rating. Next were Fisher & Paykel and Simpson with four stars each, then Haier with three.

Warranty

A good warranty can ensure you won’t need to pay unnecessary repair or replacement costs in the event that something goes wrong with your appliance. Bosch achieved five stars for its warranty, Fisher & Paykel and Simpson each received four, and Haier received three.

Feel of clothes after drying

Does your dryer make your clothes feel warm and fluffy after a cycle? Simpson was ahead of other brands for the feel of clothes after a wash: receiving five stars. Bosch and Fisher & Paykel secured four star ratings in this area, and Haier received three.

Energy efficiency

Bosch customers were most satisfied with their clothes dryer’s energy efficiency, which earned the brand a five star rating. Both Fisher & Paykel and Simpson received four stars for energy efficiency, and Haier achieved three.