Hisense vs Miele Tumble Dryers

Hisense and Miele sit at opposite ends of the price scale, with Hisense aimed at budget buyers and Miele at premium ones. Hisense's range runs from the 9kg DHQA902U heat pump at £341 to the 10kg DH5S102BB at £499. Miele starts with the 8kg TWA520WP heat pump at £899, followed by the 8kg TWC640WP at £949, the 9kg TWD640WP at £1,199 and the 9kg TWH780WP T1 at £1,449.

Both brands use heat pump technology on the models compared, but Miele adds a set of proprietary features. Its PerfectDry sensing adjusts drying time to moisture levels, EcoDry aims to keep efficiency high over the dryer's lifetime, and its Honeycomb drum is designed to protect clothes while drying evenly. FragranceDos dispenses fragrance on several models, while DirectSensor, DryCare 40 and Miele@home appear on the 9kg TWD640WP. Hisense's features are simpler: Auto Dry and Ion Refresh on the 10kg DH5S102BB, Allergy Care and a reversible drum on the 9kg DHQA902U, and Wi-Fi connectivity on the 8kg DH3S802BB3. Miele quotes operation as quiet as 62dB.

Hisense suits families who want a large drum and heat pump drying at a fraction of the cost, and who are comfortable with a shorter UK track record. Its black or white finishes match Hisense washing machines. Miele suits buyers who want a premium appliance with extensive programme choice and a gentle Honeycomb drum, and who accept paying several hundred pounds more. Miele claims a 20-year design life, but its standard warranty is 2 years, so build quality and careful use do most of the work. Its larger dimensions may not suit compact utility rooms, so check the space before buying a 9kg model.

Bottom line: choose Hisense if you want a 9kg or 10kg heat pump from £341 to £499, choose Miele if you want premium build, FragranceDos and a Honeycomb drum from £899 for an 8kg model.