Bosch freestanding heat pump tumble dryers come in three series: Series 4, Series 6 and Series 8. Every model uses a heat pump, which recirculates warm air through a heat exchanger instead of venting it. Clothes dry at a lower temperature, which is kinder to fabrics and uses less electricity per load. Heat pump dryers cost more to buy than vented or standard condenser models but less to run, and the saving grows the more often you tumble dry.

The Series 4 dryers take 8 kg and are rated A++, and one has a glass door. Series 6 and Series 8 move up to a 9 kg drum and an A+++ rating, which suits bulky bedding and larger family loads. Series 6 comes in white or graphite. The Series 8 and some Series 6 models are internet connected, so you can keep an eye on a cycle from your phone. Where the figures are given, Series 6 dryers offer 14 programmes and run at 60 to 61 dB, and the Series 8 runs at 59 dB. The standard cotton programme varies too, from about 3 hours 15 minutes on one Series 6 to 4 hours 25 minutes on the connected models, so check it if speed matters.

Start with drum size: 8 kg for smaller households and 9 kg for bigger washes. Then decide whether connectivity and quieter running are worth having, and choose white or graphite to suit your kitchen or utility room. You'll find the same dryers under Bosch heat pump tumble dryers, and all Bosch products cover the rest of the brand's appliances.