The Hotpoint C HD 93M WW UK is a freestanding 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer in white. It suits families with large loads and pets in the house, and its ColdGuard programme means it can live in a garage or outbuilding rather than the kitchen.

Drying

A heat pump dries at a lower temperature than a conventional heating element, which is kinder to fabrics and uses less energy. On the current A to G label it is class D, using 128 kWh per 100 cycles, and a full load on the standard cotton programme takes 209 minutes. The drum turns in both directions to help keep items from tangling. DelicateDry works at a lower temperature for clothes that need extra care, helping to prevent shrinking.

Programmes and controls

A dial and buttons choose the programme, and a digital display shows the time remaining. The features that set it apart:

• PetHairCare, which uses a burst of steam to relax fibres and reduce static so pet hair is trapped in the filter
• ColdGuard, designed to work in temperatures as low as 0°C
• DelicateDry for delicate items
• a start delay of up to 24 hours
• a child lock and an interior drum light

Indicators tell you when the filter needs cleaning and when the water tank is full. The Easy Clean filter is built into the door, so it is quick to empty, and a 110 litre drum gives clothes room to tumble.

Size and installation

The dryer measures 59.8 cm wide, 84.6 cm high and 60.7 cm deep and weighs 43 kg. It needs no vent: water collects in the tank, or you can run the drain hose straight to your waste pipe. It plugs into a standard socket on a 150 cm cord and has adjustable feet. It is rated at 64 dB, noise class B.