Written by Nele
Edited on
15 October 2025
·
13:27
How do you choose a dryer with the Stiftung Warentest label?
Do you want a new dryer but can't decide? To limit the selection, it's best to use the test results from Stiftung Warentest as a guide. The independent test authority has been testing products and providing information about their most important properties since 1964. We'll explain exactly how they test and how you can find the best dryer here.
Stiftung Warentest dryer
When looking for your heat pump dryer or condenser dryer, look out for the Stiftung Warentest logo. In the image gallery of the product, you can see the exact test result and the product data will show whether the dryer is the test winner in its category.
How the testing works
Stiftung Warentest tests dryers they bought in retail. That way,, they can ensure that the results are independent. Grades from 1 to 5 are awarded in each test category, which together result in the overall assessment. The test categories are:
- Drying
- Handling
- Environmental properties
- Safety & processing
1. Drying
Does your laundry come out of the dryer and it's still wet? To prevent this, choose a (very) high-rated dryer. The residual moisture, evenness of drying, and the duration of the program are measured in various programs. The programs to test are:
- Cotton cupboard dry with a full load
- Cotton cupboard dry at half load
The result counts for 45% of the overall result.
2. Handling
The screen flashes, you don't know which setting to use, and the manual is no help either? This is exactly what's tested in the handling by experts as well as 5 average consumers. The lint trap and the condensation tank are also cleaned. The result counts for 30% of the overall result.
3. Environmental properties
The power consumption is determined for 4 people with a ton of laundry per year. The consumption of the programs Baumwolle schranktrocken, Baumwolle bügelfeucht and Pflegeleicht are measured. Do you prefer a silent dryers? The noise level is included in this test. The result counts for 20% of the overall result.
4. Safety & processing
To ensure that you don't injure yourself, the power, electrical safety, surface temperatures, and risk of injury are checked. So you can be sure that children are also safe around the dryer. The result counts for 5% of the overall result.
How do you read the test seal?
On the test label, you can also see which product was tested or with which product the excellent product is identical in construction. Not all test results are comparable with each other, as the test methods are adapted to technical developments. That's why you should check when the tests were carried out. You can tell by the date of publication on the seal. The test ratings are given in school grades from very good to poor and are classified as follows:
- 0.5 - 1.5 Very good
- 1.6 - 2.5 Good
- 2.6 - 3.5 Satisfactory
- 3,6 - 4,5 Sufficient
- 4.6 - 5.5 Poor
