What does a tumble dryer cycle cost?
A tumble dryer usually uses more electricity than a washing machine. The calculator shows the cost of a cycle and the cheapest start.
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
A tumble dryer’s electricity use depends above all on its type. Motiva notes that modern dryers are heat-pump models and energy-efficient, while old condenser dryers can use a lot of electricity, especially at high temperatures. The calculator’s default is 2 kWh and a 2.5-hour programme; check your own dryer’s energy label. In Elenia’s area, on night transfer and a spot contract with a 0.51 c/kWh margin, a cycle costs €0.15 today at the cheapest start (04:30) and €0.26 at the dearest (16:00). On Elenia’s general transfer the cheapest cycle costs €0.21. In Helsinki on Helen’s general transfer a cycle costs €0.23 at the day’s average price, and three cycles a week come to about €35 a year. Choose your operator, transfer product and contract below to see the cheapest drying time today or tomorrow.
Tumble dryer: cheapest run today
€0.15
2.00 kWh over 2.50 h
| Cheapest start 04:30 | €0.15 |
| Dearest start 16:00 | €0.26 |
| At the day’s average price | €0.21 |
| Per year, 3 times a week at average price | €33 |
Exchange prices published for 17 October 2026, FI bidding zone, source Nord Pool.
Assumptions
Energy is spread evenly over the quarters of the run. Price = spot + margin (or fixed price) + transfer fee + electricity tax, all incl. 25.5% VAT. Real use varies with the appliance, programme and temperature. Method and sources
Today’s drying cost
| Network and product | Cheapest start | At average price | Dearest start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elenia, night transfer | €0.15 (04:30) | €0.21 | €0.26 (16:00) |
| Elenia, general transfer | €0.21 (04:45) | €0.25 | €0.28 (16:00) |
| Helen, general transfer | €0.19 (04:45) | €0.23 | €0.26 (16:00) |
On night transfer the gap between the cheapest and dearest start is wider than on general transfer, because the transfer fee changes at 22:00. On general transfer the gap comes from the spot price alone.
The dryer type decides
According to Motiva’s advice, modern dryers are heat-pump models and energy-efficient, but old condenser dryers can use a lot of electricity. If your dryer is old and used often, a new one may save more than timing. The energy label gives use per 100 cycles; divide by 100 and enter it in the calculator.
The cheapest time to wash and dry
Washing and drying together take several hours. The calculator’s cheapest window finds one continuous slot, so set the length to the combined time and start the washing machine at the beginning of the window. The washing machine calculator shows the wash’s share. Sometimes the spot price even goes negative, making drying exceptionally cheap.