The best heat pump clothes dryer in NZ overall is the Toshiba 10kg T15 (TD-BP110GHAUWS), which combines the largest 10kg drum here with an 8-star energy rating, 12 programmes and a 3-year warranty, making it the most flexible pick for a busy family laundry. If budget is no object, the Fisher & Paykel Series 9 with Steam Care is the most capable machine in this guide, while the quiet Bosch Serie 8 is the one to beat in a tight laundry. This guide covers eight heat pump dryers currently sold in New Zealand, across a wide range of capacities and budgets.
Heat pump dryers recycle warm air in a closed loop rather than venting it, so they use up to around 50% less power than a vented dryer and release very little moisture into the room. The trade-off is cycle time: they run cooler and slower, so a heavy load can take two hours or more. For the wider picture on running costs and drying speed, Consumer NZ’s clothes dryer guide and EECA’s efficiency advice are both worth a read. It also helps to compare against a vented or condenser model in our clothes dryers guide.
How we chose
Picks are listed in order of how well they suit the most NZ homes, each with a distinct “Best for” angle so no two compete for the same shopper. Capacity, energy star rating, programme range, drying method, drainage options, noise and warranty were weighed against real owner feedback from NZ retailers and forums. Prices change constantly and are left out on purpose. Where a retailer did not publish a spec (noise in dB is rarely listed on these pages, for example), that is noted rather than guessed.
Best Heat Pump Clothes Dryers NZ
1. Toshiba T15 Heat Pump Tumble Dryer – Best Overall
Best overall for families who want the biggest drum: the Toshiba T15 is the highest-capacity dryer here at 10kg, so it clears big mixed loads and bed linen in fewer runs. It measures 850mm high, 595mm wide and 675mm deep and weighs around 51kg, with a clean white cabinet and an LED display set into an auto-sensing electronic control panel.
The 8-star energy rating keeps running costs low, and the BLDC (brushless) motor is built to run quietly and last. Twelve programmes cover the usual suspects plus a Woolmark-approved wool cycle, a UV Hygiene option, a Refresh cycle for airing worn-once clothes, and a delay start so you can finish a load on cheaper overnight power. The door is reversible, which helps if your laundry layout is awkward, and the unit is stackable.
Two honest caveats. Toshiba does not publish a dB noise figure or a kWh consumption number for this model, only the 8-star label, and the brand notes that some compressor and water noise during the cycle is normal. There is also no verified pool of NZ owner reviews for this exact SKU yet, so the track record is thinner than the Bosch or Fisher & Paykel. At present it shows out of stock in Christchurch, though Auckland and Wellington hold stock.
Pros
- Largest 10kg drum in this guide
- 8-star efficiency with a quiet brushless motor
- Reversible door, Woolmark wool cycle and Refresh option
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- No published noise (dB) or kWh figure
- Thin verified NZ owner-review history for this exact model
- Currently out of stock in Christchurch
Key specs: 10 kg | 850 x 595 x 675mm | ~51kg | 12 programmes | auto-sensing, reversible door, UV Hygiene, Refresh, delay start | 8 star energy | 3yr warranty | white.
2. Midea Heat Pump Dryer – Best Efficiency for the Money
Best value for buyers chasing the lowest running cost: this 9kg Midea carries a 9-star energy rating, the joint-highest here apart from the premium Fisher & Paykel, at a far friendlier price point. The black finish is a genuine point of difference in a sea of white dryers, and the body is a compact 845mm high, 595mm wide and 600mm deep at around 48kg.
Fourteen drying programmes give plenty of choice, including a Woolmark-approved wool cycle, anti-crease and a child safety lock, and there is a delay-start timer. NZ owners of Midea heat pump dryers consistently praise how well they pull moisture out of the home (no more fogged-up windows or damp washing on airers) and how cheap they are to run, especially on off-peak power, with a typical shirt load drying in about an hour.
Worth knowing before you buy: despite the “Smart Control” name, the listing does not actually detail any app or WiFi connectivity, so treat smart features as unconfirmed. The white sibling of this model is only 7-star, so make sure you are buying the black 9-star version if efficiency is the goal. As with all Midea, the consistent forum theme is that heavy towels and linen can take two hours or more, and the water tank fills faster than newcomers expect.
Pros
- High 9-star efficiency at a mid-range price
- Distinctive black finish
- 14 programmes with Woolmark wool cycle
- 3-year cover (24+12 months)
Cons
- “Smart Control” branding but no confirmed app/WiFi
- White variant is only 7-star, so check the model
- Long cycles on heavy loads; tank fills quickly
Key specs: 9 kg | 845 x 595 x 600mm | ~48kg | 14 programmes | anti-crease, wool cycle, child lock, delay start | 9 star energy | 3yr (24+12) | black.
3. Midea Heat Pump Dryer – Best Mid-Size Budget Pick
Best for a medium household watching the budget: this 8kg Midea hits the sweet spot for couples and small families, with a large supersize door and a big LED digital display that shows adjustable dry-intensity settings. It stands 845mm high, 595mm wide and 650mm deep and weighs about 49kg.
It carries a 7-star energy rating and a useful spread of cycles (Cotton, Wool, Delicate, Mix, Synthetics and more) plus a quick-dry speed function, anti-crease and a child lock. A full-tank warning and a removable water container make day-to-day use straightforward, and Midea owners report an 8kg load drying in around an hour on lighter settings while keeping household moisture down.
The trade-offs are real. At 800W it draws more than the 750W 9kg and 10kg Midea models, so one NZ owner described its running cost as “relatively high” for a heat pump, though still efficient overall. The 7-star rating is a step below the 9-star black 9kg, and stock is currently tight (low in Auckland and Christchurch, out in Wellington). There is no published dB figure or confirmed sensor-dry, so it leans on timed cycles.
Pros
- Right-sized 8kg drum for medium homes
- Large LED display with adjustable dry intensity
- Removable water tank with full-tank warning
- 3-year cover (24+12 months)
Cons
- Higher 800W draw than sibling Midea models
- Only 7-star (vs 9-star black 9kg)
- Tight stock right now; no published noise figure
Key specs: 8 kg | 845 x 595 x 650mm | ~49kg | Cotton/Wool/Delicate/Mix/Synthetics + quick dry | adjustable dry intensity, child lock | 7 star energy | 3yr (24+12) | white.
4. Midea 7kg Heat Pump Dryer – Best Compact Budget Dryer
Best entry-level dryer for small households and flats: the 7kg Midea is the most compact and affordable pick here, aimed at one-to-two person homes that still want heat pump efficiency. It measures 845mm high, 595mm wide and 622mm deep, weighs about 51kg and runs on a low 650W input.
Despite the budget billing, it is surprisingly well specified, with 16 programmes, a “My Cycle” custom setting, a large LED display, adjustable dry intensity, anti-crease, delay start and a child lock. Crucially it offers both a removable water container and a drain-hose option, so you can either empty the tank by hand or plumb it to drain and forget about it. Filter-clean and empty-tank warnings round out the everyday convenience.
Be clear-eyed about the limits. At 6-star it has the lowest energy rating in this guide, and the 7kg drum means a busy household will run it more often. There is also no verified NZ owner-review base for this exact model yet (the TSB listing has no reviews), so it is an unproven value bet rather than a known quantity, and stock is currently low. No sensor-dry or WiFi is mentioned, so expect timed drying.
Pros
- Most compact, budget-friendly heat pump here
- 16 programmes plus a custom “My Cycle” setting
- Both water-tank and drain-hose drainage
- 3-year cover (24+12 months)
Cons
- Lowest energy rating in this guide (6-star)
- Small 7kg drum means more frequent runs
- No verified owner reviews yet; low stock
Key specs: 7 kg | 845 x 595 x 622mm | ~51kg | 650W | 16 programmes, My Cycle, adjustable dry intensity | tank + drain hose | 6 star energy | 3yr (24+12) | white.
5. Fisher & Paykel Heat Pump Dryer – Best Premium
Best premium pick and the most capable machine here: the Fisher & Paykel Series 9 leads on every technical front, with a class-topping 10-star energy rating (just 105 kWh a year) and a 9kg stainless-steel drum. It stands 850mm high, 600mm wide and 670mm deep and is controlled through a SmartTouch dial and LCD screen.
The cycle list is enormous, with 23 programmes covering everything from sneakers and soft toys to a Steam Freshen cycle that de-wrinkles and deodorises worn-once clothes without washing. A Speed mode uses a variable-speed compressor to cut drying time (the usual heat pump weakness), a Quiet mode suits late-night runs, and TangleProtect reverse tumbling keeps loads even. It is WiFi-capable through SmartHQ, includes both a water tank and a drain hose, and rates 4.6/5 on F&P’s own site, with owners calling Steam Freshen a “game-changer.”
The obvious catch is cost: this is comfortably the most expensive machine in the guide, and the warranty is the standard 2 years rather than the 3 you get on the budget Toshiba and Midea models. The listing also sits on a Fisher & Paykel “outlet” URL, although it behaves as a current full-range product with two finishes and a live stock checker, so it is worth confirming it is in-range stock and not a one-off clearance unit at checkout.
Pros
- Class-leading 10-star efficiency (105 kWh/yr)
- 23 cycles incl. Steam Care and a Quiet mode
- Speed mode tackles the heat pump cycle-time problem
- WiFi (SmartHQ), tank + drain hose, 4.6/5 owner rating
Cons
- Most expensive option here
- Only a 2-year warranty
- Sold via an “outlet” URL — confirm in-range stock at checkout
Key specs: 9 kg | 850 x 600 x 670mm | 23 cycles | Steam Care, Speed/Quiet modes, TangleProtect, WiFi (SmartHQ) | tank + drain hose | 10 star energy (105 kWh/yr) | 2yr | white or graphite.
6. Bosch Heat Pump Dryer – Best for Tight Laundry Spaces
Best for compact, open-plan or near-bedroom laundries: the Bosch Serie 8 earns a stellar 4.8/5 from 255 Appliances Online reviews, with owners repeatedly calling it “so, so quiet” and noting it slips into a 600mm-deep space (it is 842mm high, 598mm wide and 648mm deep). AntiVibration side panels keep it steady, and the white cabinet with a silver facia looks tidy.
It pairs a 9-star energy rating (115 kWh a year) with AutoDry sensor drying that stops the cycle when clothes are dry rather than over-cooking them, ActiveAir heat pump tech and a Sensitive Drying System with soft paddles for gentler results. There are 13 programmes including a Hygienic cycle, a half-load option, a self-cleaning condenser, an interior drum light and a 120-minute anti-crease phase, plus the choice of the water tank or an included drain hose.
A couple of honest notes. Bosch publishes the working noise as 64 dB, which is on the higher side on paper even though owners find it quiet in practice, and a minority report a “thud” vibration or sheets coming out slightly damp at the end of a cycle. This exact WQG model has no WiFi (the smart version is a different WQB model), and the warranty is 2 years.
Pros
- Excellent 4.8/5 owner rating; genuinely quiet in use
- Fits a 600mm-deep space; AntiVibration panels
- 9-star efficiency with AutoDry sensor drying
- Self-cleaning condenser, half load, tank + drain hose
Cons
- Stated 64 dB is higher on paper
- Some reports of damp sheets or a “thud” vibration
- No WiFi on this exact model; 2-year warranty
Key specs: 8 kg | 842 x 598 x 648mm | ~55kg | 64 dB | 13 programmes | AutoDry sensor, self-cleaning condenser, half load, anti-crease | 9 star (115 kWh/yr) | 2yr | white.
7. Westinghouse Heat Pump Dryer – Best Simple, Easy-to-Use
Best for anyone who wants a no-fuss dryer the whole household can use: the Westinghouse EasyCare 700 keeps things deliberately simple with a single rotary dial instead of a touchscreen, which owners describe as “effortless” and easy for all ages. It is a 9kg machine measuring 850mm high, 596mm wide and 662mm deep, finished in white with a stainless drum.
It runs an 8-star energy rating (152 kWh a year) on a DC inverter motor, with SensorDry auto moisture sensing to end the cycle at the right point, reverse tumbling to cut tangling, anti-crease and a child lock. Two features owners single out are the internal LED drum light (a surprise favourite) and the option to plumb it straight to a drain instead of emptying a tank. It rates 5.0/5 from a small set of Appliances Online reviews.
The simplicity cuts both ways. There is no WiFi, no app scheduling and no reversible door, so it is less flexible for unusual laundry layouts, and the dial-only control means fewer specialist cycles than the F&P or Electrolux. Bosch and F&P also undercut it on stated efficiency. Its working noise is listed at 66 dB, the highest figure quoted here, and like every heat pump dryer it runs longer cycles than a vented machine.
Pros
- Dead-simple rotary dial anyone can use
- SensorDry auto sensing and reverse tumbling
- Internal drum light and direct-to-drain option
- Strong 5.0/5 (small sample) owner rating
Cons
- No WiFi, app scheduling or reversible door
- Highest stated noise here at 66 dB
- Fewer specialist cycles than premium rivals
Key specs: 9 kg | 850 x 596 x 662mm | 66 dB | DC inverter, SensorDry, reverse tumble, drum light | tank + drain hose | 8 star (152 kWh/yr) | 2yr | white.
8. Electrolux Heat Pump Dryer – Best Smart Dryer
Best smart dryer for fabric-care obsessives: the Electrolux 700 is WiFi-enabled through the Electrolux app, so you can start, monitor and get garment-care tips from your phone. It is an 8kg machine in the same 850 x 596 x 662mm cabinet as the Westinghouse, finished in white with a dial-and-LED-display control.
Where it shines is intelligent drying: 3DSense detects moisture deep inside garments (handy for duvets and down jackets), SensiCare adjusts time and energy to the load, and DelicateCare tailors temperature and drum movement per fabric, with Woolmark Blue certification for wool. A high-temperature Hygiene cycle removes 99.9% of common bacteria, there is a Refresh cycle and an extra anti-crease phase, and the 9-star rating (115 kWh a year) means up to around 60% less energy than a conventional dryer. Owners praise the soft, wrinkle-free results.
Two things to plan for. Electrolux’s design vents roughly 20% of warm, moist air out the back, so it needs a reasonably ventilated laundry or you may see condensation on the windows, which somewhat offsets the closed-loop appeal. And the sensor cycles only ramp up when they detect high moisture, so already part-dry items can come out under-dried unless you pick the right programme; several owner complaints trace back to this rather than a fault. The warranty is 2 years, and no dB figure is published.
Pros
- WiFi app control with garment-care guidance
- 3DSense and SensiCare for even, gentle drying
- Hygiene cycle kills 99.9% of bacteria
- 9-star efficiency (115 kWh/yr); Woolmark Blue wool care
Cons
- Vents ~20% of moist air out the back; needs ventilation
- Sensor cycles can under-dry part-dry loads
- No published noise figure; 2-year warranty
Key specs: 8 kg | 850 x 596 x 662mm | 12 programmes | WiFi app, 3DSense, SensiCare, DelicateCare, Hygiene cycle | tank + drain | 9 star (115 kWh/yr) | 2yr | white.
How to choose a heat pump dryer in NZ
Match capacity to your loads. A couple or small flat is well served by a 7–8kg drum, while a family that dries daily or does bulky bedding is better off with 9–10kg so cycles are fewer. As a rule, pair your dryer capacity to your washing machine; if you are also upgrading the wash side, see our guides to the best front loader washing machines and best top loader washing machines.
Weigh efficiency against cycle time. Higher star ratings (9–10 star on the F&P, Electrolux, Bosch and black Midea) cut running costs over the 10-plus years a dryer lasts, but every heat pump runs cooler and slower than a vented model. A normal load is often 75–90 minutes and heavy towels can pass two hours, so look for a Speed mode (Fisher & Paykel) if turnaround matters.
Decide how you will drain it. All these models collect condensed water in a removable tank you empty every few cycles, but most also accept a drain hose so the water leaves automatically. If you would rather never empty a tank, choose a model you can plumb to a standpipe or tub, and confirm the hose is included.
Consider noise, controls and ventilation. Open-plan or near-bedroom laundries reward a quiet machine and a delay timer. Dial controls (Westinghouse) are simplest; app control (Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel) adds scheduling and tips. Remember a heat pump dryer is far kinder to a small laundry than a vented one, though the Electrolux still needs reasonable airflow. To compare against other dryer types, see our condenser dryers guide and tumble dryers guide.
The verdict
For most New Zealand families the Toshiba 10kg T15 is the best all-round heat pump dryer here: the biggest drum, solid 8-star efficiency and a 3-year warranty. Buyers chasing the lowest running cost on a budget should look at the 9-star Midea 9kg (black), while the Fisher & Paykel Series 9 is the premium choice if you want Steam Care, 23 cycles and class-leading 10-star efficiency. For a tight, quiet laundry the Bosch Serie 8 is hard to beat, the Westinghouse EasyCare 700 wins on simplicity, and the Electrolux 700 is the pick for app control and a sanitising Hygiene cycle.
Related guides: best clothes dryers, best condenser dryers, best tumble dryers, best front loader washing machines, and best top loader washing machines.
FAQs
How does a heat pump clothes dryer work?
A heat pump dryer warms air, blows it through the clothes, then cools that air to pull out the moisture before reheating and reusing it in a closed loop. The water collects in a tank or drains away, and very little heat or moisture escapes into the room. Lower temperatures make it gentler on fabrics than a vented dryer.
Do heat pump dryers need venting?
No. Heat pump dryers are ventless, so they do not need an external duct or a hole in the wall, which is why they suit apartments, internal laundries and rentals. They condense moisture into a tank or drain it via a hose instead. The Electrolux is an exception that still vents a small amount of warm air out the rear and prefers a ventilated room.
Are heat pump dryers worth it in NZ?
They are worth it if you dry often. Consumer NZ estimates you need to run a heat pump dryer around 383 times a year to beat a condenser model and 549 times to beat a vented one on lifetime cost. For families drying most days the energy savings and gentler drying add up; for occasional use a cheaper vented dryer can work out better.
Why do heat pump dryers take so long?
Because they run at lower temperatures and recycle air rather than blasting hot air and venting it. That makes them gentler on clothes but slower, typically 20–30 minutes longer than a vented dryer. A normal load is often 75–90 minutes, while heavy towels or bedding can take two hours or more. A Speed or boost mode shortens this.
Do you have to empty the water from a heat pump dryer?
With a tank setup, yes; you empty the removable reservoir every one to five cycles depending on load size. However, most heat pump dryers, including all the models here, also accept a drain hose you can run to a sink, tub or standpipe, which drains the water automatically and means you never have to empty a tank.
How much does a heat pump dryer cost to run in NZ?
Running costs are low. EECA and NZ retailers estimate around $60 or less a year for typical use, roughly half the cost of a vented dryer, because heat pump models use up to about 50% less electricity. Exact cost depends on your power rate, how often you dry and the machine’s star rating, with 9–10 star models the cheapest to run.
What size heat pump dryer do I need?
Match it to your household and washing machine. A 7–8kg drum suits singles, couples and small flats; 9–10kg suits families or anyone drying bedding and bulky items regularly. Buying a drum at least as large as your washer means you can dry a full wash load in one go rather than splitting it across cycles.