Aldi is selling a super-cheap vented dryer and front-loader washing machine in this Saturday’s Special Buys sale. We’ve tested similar models in our labs.
The Aldi clothes dryer is on sale for just $269, making it cheaper than any model we’ve tested. When our experts tested a very similar Aldi model, it scored 68%.
At $329, the Aldi 6kg front loader washing machine is significantly cheaper than other 6kg models we’ve tested. We’ve tested a different 10kg Aldi front-loader washing machine, which scored 75%.
With winter fast approaching and the cost of living skyrocketing, a cheap clothes dryer or washing machine could well be an appealing option.
Aldi is selling a bargain vented clothes dryer and front-load washing machine as part of its Special Buys sale this Saturday 18 April.
With some of the cheapest prices we’ve ever seen for these types of appliances – $269 for the clothes dryer and $329 for the front loader – the low price tags are certainly enticing if your dryer or washer is on the fritz and the budget is tight. But are these appliances worth buying?
We share the pros, cons and need-to-knows to help you decide.
What is a vented dryer?
Aren’t clothes dryers all the same? You just throw your clothes in, turn the dial, and your clothes come out toasty warm and perfectly dry, right?
Not quite. There are two main dryer types: vented and heat pump dryers. The type you buy can impact what you’ll pay upfront and in the long run.
Vented dryers can be an economical option if you rarely use your dryer.
Vented clothes dryers can be an economical option if you rarely use your dryer
They’re usually quite a simple, light design, which means they can generally be wall-mounted to save space.
But they’re more expensive to run than heat pump or condenser dryers, and will pump hot, wet air into your laundry. So you’ll either need to vent the hot air outside or ensure your space is quite well-ventilated, either with an open window or exhaust fan.
If you use a dryer frequently, you’re better off going for a more efficient (and more expensive) heat pump model. If you only use your dryer occasionally, or you don’t have the cash for an expensive heat pump model, a vented dryer is usually your best bet.
“Due to their energy inefficiencies, vented dryers usually only score around the 70-77% mark in our expert CHOICE reviews,” says Denis.
“If you have solar and only run the dryer during the day then the factors that contribute to these lower scores, such as longer cycle times and higher energy costs, may not be as big an issue for you.
“Although we haven’t tested the model being sold at Aldi, it’s very cheap, even for a vented dryer, and could be worth looking at for people who want a dryer only for occasional use.
It’s very cheap, even for a vented dryer
Denis Gallagher, CHOICE whitegoods expert
“However, if you anticipate using your dryer daily, you should look at a heat pump dryer. Although these are more expensive, they are more efficient to run so will cost you less in the long run.”
If you’re considering picking up this $269 Aldi clothes dryer while you do your grocery shopping, we’ve put together some pros and cons below to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Check our clothes dryer reviews to see what other options might be better suited to your needs.
Is the Aldi front-loader washing machine any good?
Front-loader washing machines are generally a bit more expensive than top loaders, due to how they’re built, and can cost anywhere from $499 up to over $1800. They generally perform better, though, and use less water and energy.
“While there are some great performers at the cheaper end of the scale, there are also some duds – this is why it’s vital to do your research before handing over your credit card.”
What’s to like about cheap Aldi laundry appliances?
Price
We’ve reviewed 45 vented dryer models in the last few years, ranging in price from $249 for a 4.5kg-capacity dryer from Aldi to $999 for a 7kg-capacity model. So this Special Buy from Aldi is cheap at $279 for a 6kg-capacity machine.
At $329, the Aldi washing machine is significantly cheaper than other 6kg models we’ve tested, which range in price from $499 to $1899.
Of the 13 front loaders our experts recommend in our current review, ten of them cost less than $1500 – so if you check our detailed washing machine reviews before you buy, you can save yourself hundreds on a new front loader.
Three-year warranty
These Aldi Special Buys come with a three-year “in-home” warranty. This means that if a service under warranty is required within three years, a technician from the product manufacturer will come to your home.
Most other dryers and washing machines in our reviews come with just two-year warranties.
Our experts haven’t reviewed these specific models, as Aldi products pop up at short notice and usually sell out quickly, so unfortunately we can’t tell you exactly how it will perform. (However, we’ve been testing clothes dryers and washing machines for decades so we know a thing or two.)
No delivery – and they are heavy
Aldi doesn’t deliver, so you have to head in-store to pick up the appliance yourself. The dryer weighs around 29kg and the washing machine weighs around 50kg, so you’ll need a trolley, a vehicle that fits the appliance and at least one very helpful assistant. While the cheap price tag is enticing, consider if you’re willing to pay more from a retailer who will deliver the new appliance, perhaps even install it in your laundry and take away your old washer or dryer to recycle it.
Limited stock
As with all Aldi Special Buys, stock is limited, so there’s no guarantee this product will be available at your local store.
You can check stock levels at stockcheck.aldi.com.au, but you can only use this one day after the products appear in store, by which time they may have sold out if they’re popular.
Returning it will be a pain
If things go awry with your new appliance, it’s a bit harder to return to the store than, say, a packet of biscuits that were past their use-by date when you bought them.
Just like getting it home, you’ll need a trolley and an assistant to get it into and out of your car and back into the store.
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Pru Engel is the Audience and Engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.
She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaigns team on content covering issues such as grocery pricing, product safety and scams.
Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.
Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Find Pru on LinkedIn.
Pru Engel is the Audience and Engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.
She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaigns team on content covering issues such as grocery pricing, product safety and scams.
Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.
Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Find Pru on LinkedIn.
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