Best of · Laundry
Best heat pump dryers of 2026: ventless, efficient, and full-size options
LG’s 7.8 cu ft heat pump dryer finally brings ventless drying to full size. Miele’s T1 is still the most reliable compact pick.
Our pick: LG DLHC5502 for full-size households; Miele T1 (TXR860WP) for compact spaces
LG
7.8 cu ft Mega Capacity Heat Pump Dryer (DLHC5502)
8.8$999–$1,399
Full-size capacity with ventless heat pump drying. It is the best heat pump dryer for most families.
Pros
- • 7.8 cu ft
- • Dual Inverter HeatPump
- • ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024
- • ThinQ app
Cons
- • 240 V outlet
- • Longer cycles than vented dryers
Miele
T1 Heat Pump Dryer (TXR860WP)
8.9About $2,899
The most reliable compact heat pump dryer, and it runs on 120 V.
Pros
- • 120 V
- • Lowest service rate in its class (6.8%)
- • EcoDry and PerfectDry
- • Steam
Cons
- • 4.0 cu ft
- • Expensive
LG
24 in Heat Pump Dryer (DLHC1455W)
8.3About $1,349
The value compact heat pump dryer for stacking under an LG 24-inch washer.
Pros
- • ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
- • ThinQ
- • 7.1% service rate
Cons
- • 240 V
- • 4.2 cu ft; slow drying
Samsung
Bespoke 7.8 cu ft Ventless Hybrid Heat Pump (DV53BB8900HD)
8.2Check current price
Samsung’s full-size ventless hybrid, which adds a resistive heater for faster cycles.
Pros
- • 7.8 cu ft
- • Hybrid mode for speed
- • AI Optimal Dry
- • SmartThings
Cons
- • Hybrid heater uses more energy than pure heat pump
- • 240 V
Bosch
800 Series Heat Pump Dryer (WQB245AXUC)
8.0About $2,299
Quiet, well-designed compact with a self-cleaning condenser.
Pros
- • Self-cleaning condenser
- • Home Connect app
- • Quiet
Cons
- • 240 V
- • 8.4% service rate
- • Thinner service network
A heat pump dryer pulls moisture out with a refrigerant loop instead of blowing hot air outside. That uses a fraction of the energy, treats clothes more gently, and lets you install a dryer anywhere with power and a drain. In 2026 the best heat pump dryers finally come in full 7.8 cu ft sizes, not just 24-inch compacts.
| Dryer | Capacity | Width | Voltage | Type | Est. energy | App | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG DLHC5502 | 7.8 cu ft | 27 in | 240 V | Ventless heat pump | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | ThinQ | $999–$1,399 |
| Samsung DV53BB8900HD | 7.8 cu ft | 27 in | 240 V | Ventless hybrid heat pump | n/a | SmartThings | Varies |
| Samsung DV45DG6000HW | 7.5 cu ft | 27 in | 240 V | Ventless hybrid | ~250 kWh/yr | SmartThings | ~$1,199 |
| Miele TXR860WP | 4.0 cu ft | 24 in | 120 V | Ventless heat pump | ~210 kWh/yr | n/a | ~$2,899 |
| LG DLHC1455W | 4.2 cu ft | 24 in | 240 V | Ventless heat pump | ~217 kWh/yr | ThinQ | ~$1,349 |
| Bosch 800 WQB245AXUC | 4.0 cu ft | 24 in | 240 V | Ventless heat pump | ~215 kWh/yr | Home Connect | ~$2,299 |
| Beko HPD24414W | 4.5 cu ft | 24 in | 240 V | Ventless heat pump | ~217 kWh/yr | HomeWhiz | ~$1,099 |
Best full-size heat pump dryer: LG DLHC5502
LG’s 7.8 cu ft Mega Capacity dryer uses a Dual Inverter HeatPump and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient model in 2024. It handles king-size bedding that overwhelms 24-inch compacts, needs no vent, and connects to ThinQ for cycle alerts and diagnostics. Sale prices around $999–$1,399 make it the easiest heat pump dryer to recommend.
Best compact heat pump dryer: Miele T1
Miele’s T1 runs on 120 V, which is rare, and has the lowest service rate in published data at 6.8%. EcoDry, PerfectDry, and steam programs make it the premium choice for apartments and condos. It costs about twice as much as LG’s compact.
Pure heat pump vs hybrid heat pump
Hybrid models like Samsung’s add a conventional heating element to speed up cycles. They are faster but use more energy than pure heat pump designs. If efficiency is the goal, choose a pure heat pump.
Living with a heat pump dryer
- Clean the lint filter every load and the condenser filter as directed (Bosch’s cleans itself).
- Connect the drain hose if you can. Otherwise empty the water tank every one or two cycles.
- Expect longer cycles than vented dryers. Smart alerts help.
- Leave some airflow around the dryer. Closets that trap heat slow drying.
Questions we get
What’s the advantage of a heat pump dryer?
It recycles heat instead of venting it outdoors, so it uses far less energy (LG cites 50–60% savings on its WashTower heat pump), dries at lower temperatures that are gentler on fabric, and needs no exterior vent.
What are the downsides of a heat pump dryer?
Longer cycles, a higher purchase price, and lint filters and condensers that need regular cleaning. Ventless models also need a drain hose or a water tank you empty every cycle or two.
Is it worth paying extra for a heat pump dryer?
Usually yes if you can’t vent a dryer, have high electricity rates, or dry a lot of delicate fabrics. Full-size models like LG’s DLHC5502 now sell for around $1,000–$1,400, which shrinks the premium.
Do heat pump dryers need a 240 V outlet?
Most do. Exceptions include the Miele T1 (120 V) and all-in-one combos like the LG WashCombo and GE Profile UltraFast Combo, which run on standard outlets.
Can a condenser tumble dryer have a heat pump?
Yes. Heat pump dryers are a type of condenser dryer. Standard condensers use an electric heater and cool the air to remove water. Heat pump models use a refrigerant loop, which is much more efficient.