With the rise of smart home technology in Australia driven by brands such as Electrolux, LG and Beko, it seems like everything from fridges to washing machines can now connect to the internet—and clothes dryers are no exception.

But do smart dryers genuinely make laundry day any easier, or are they just another high-tech gimmick?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Dryer "Smart"?

A smart dryer is any clothes dryer with smart features, but mostly heat pump dryers have the technology to connect to your home Wi-Fi and be controlled via an app. This allows you to start, pause, and monitor your drying cycle from your smartphone.

While this adds convenience, it's worth considering whether these features are essential or simply a nice bonus.

The Difference Between Smart and "Clever" Features

Most heat pump dryers nowadays come packed with advanced technology, but not all of these features fall under the "smart" category.

For example, energy-efficient heat pump technology, moisture sensors, and auto-adjusting drying times are all useful innovations, but they don’t require Wi-Fi to function. These could be described as "clever" rather than "smart" in the connectivity sense.

If you're more interested in features that protect fabrics and save energy rather than remote app control, you may still end up with smart functionality as part of the package. And once it’s there, you might find yourself using it after all.

What Can a Smart Dryer Actually Do?

Smart dryers vary by brand and model, but common features controlled via an app include:

1. Remote Start and Stop – Load your dryer in advance and start the cycle from anywhere. This can be handy if you forget to turn it on or if you want to schedule drying for off-peak electricity rates.
2. Cycle Notifications – Get alerts when your laundry is ready or if an issue occurs, so you're not left wondering why the dryer stopped mid-cycle.
3. Energy Monitoring – Track your dryer's power usage and tweak settings for better efficiency.
4. Smart Home Integration – Sync with apps like Hisense ConnectLife, Beko HomeWhiz, Bosch Home Connect, Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, or Google Home for voice control, so you can start your dryer hands-free.

While these features sound great, it's worth considering how often you’d actually use them. Most people move wet laundry straight from the washer to the dryer, meaning remote start may not be as useful as it seems.

However, notifications and energy tracking could be beneficial, especially in a busy household.

The Tech Behind Smart Dryers

Most smart dryers on the market today use heat pump technology rather than the older vented style. This is because heat pump dryers are more advanced and energy-efficient, making them a natural fit for smart features.

Benefits of Heat Pump Dryers (Smart or Not)

1. Lower Energy Consumption – Many heat pump dryers boast over 7-Star Energy Ratings, compared to 2-Star Ratings on traditional vented models.
2. Fabric Protection – Heat pump dryers use lower drying temperatures, preventing shrinkage and extending the life of your clothes.
3. Moisture Sensors – Load-sensing technology detects how damp your laundry is and automatically adjusts drying time, reducing unnecessary energy use.
4. Steam and Specialty Cycles – Features like steam refresh and dedicated programs for delicates, synthetics, or wool help protect fabrics that wouldn’t fare well in a vented dryer.

However, while most types of smart dryers are heat pump models, not all heat pump dryers include smart connectivity. Brands like Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Miele, and Beko offer smart-enabled dryers across much of their range, while Bosch tends to reserve these features for high-end models. Budget-friendly brands often skip smart tech altogether.

Who do we think should buy a Smart Dryer?

A smart dryer could be useful if you:

1. Like the convenience of controlling appliances remotely.
2. Want to monitor energy usage to optimize efficiency.
3. Already have smart home devices and want your dryer to integrate with them.

However, if you’re perfectly happy pressing buttons on the control panel, or if your internet connection is unreliable, a smart dryer might not be essential.

What’s our Verdict?

While many types of the best heat pump dryers now come with smart features, you don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity to enjoy energy savings and fabric care benefits. If you like the idea of a high-tech home, a smart dryer can be a valuable addition. But if you just want reliable drying performance without the extra bells and whistles, a non-smart heat pump dryer might be the better choice.

At the end of the day, the best dryer is the one that fits your lifestyle—whether it’s Wi-Fi enabled or not.