Dryer capacity is one of the most important yet frequently misunderstood specifications. Too small, and you'll be running multiple cycles for each wash load. Too large, and you're wasting money upfront and running inefficient partial loads. Getting it right makes a real difference to your laundry routine and energy bills.
This guide helps you understand how dryer capacity works, calculate what you actually need, and make a decision that serves your household well for years to come.
Understanding Dryer Capacity Ratings
Dryer capacity is measured in kilograms and refers to the maximum dry weight of clothes the drum can handle effectively. This is different from washing machine capacity, which measures wet clothes - an important distinction we'll explore below.
Common Capacity Ranges
- 4-5kg (Compact): Designed for tight spaces and light use
- 6-7kg (Medium): Suitable for smaller households
- 8kg (Standard): The most popular size for Australian families
- 9-10kg (Large): For bigger families or heavy-duty use
Most Australian households find 7-8kg to be the optimal balance between flexibility and efficiency. This size handles everyday loads comfortably while still accommodating larger items like bedding when needed.
Matching Dryer Capacity to Washing Machine Capacity
Here's a crucial point many people miss: you don't necessarily want your dryer to match your washing machine's capacity exactly.
Washing machine capacity refers to dry weight before washing. Clothes absorb water during the wash cycle, increasing their weight and volume. Additionally, clothes need more space to tumble freely for even drying than they do for effective washing.
The General Rule
Your dryer should have equal or slightly greater capacity than your washing machine. An 8kg washer pairs well with an 8kg or 9kg dryer. Never choose a dryer smaller than your washer - you'll end up splitting loads unnecessarily.
Capacity Guidelines by Household Size
Singles and Couples (1-2 People)
Recommended capacity: 4-6kg
A compact dryer handles the laundry needs of one or two adults comfortably. If you do laundry frequently (every few days), a 4-5kg unit is sufficient. If you prefer weekly laundry sessions, lean toward 6kg for flexibility.
Compact dryers also make sense when:
- Space is severely limited
- You line dry most items and use the dryer only occasionally
- Budget is the primary concern
Small Families (3-4 People)
Recommended capacity: 7-8kg
This is the sweet spot for most Australian households. An 8kg dryer handles a full wash load from a matching washing machine, including a mix of everyday clothes, towels, and bedding.
At this size, you can dry a queen-sized doona or multiple sets of sheets in a single load, reducing the burden of big laundry days.
Large Families (5+ People)
Recommended capacity: 9-10kg
With more people comes more laundry - and more large items like towels, bedding, and bulky winter clothing. A 9-10kg dryer reduces the number of loads you need to run, saving time and energy.
Large capacity dryers are also beneficial if you have:
- Active children with frequent wardrobe changes
- Sports enthusiasts with lots of workout gear
- A king-size bed (doonas require extra space)
- Limited time for laundry - fewer larger loads is more efficient
Special Considerations
Bedding and Bulky Items
If you regularly dry bedding, consider sizing up. A doona that technically fits in a drum based on weight may not have enough room to tumble properly, resulting in uneven drying and damage.
General bedding guidance:
- Single/Double bedding: 7kg minimum
- Queen bedding: 8kg minimum
- King bedding: 9kg minimum
- Thick doonas: Consider largest available or commercial drying
Working from Home
Remote workers often run smaller, more frequent loads. If this describes you, a moderate-capacity dryer with good sensor technology may serve you better than a large drum you rarely fill.
Sportswear and Active Lifestyles
Athletic clothing dries quickly but takes up significant space due to bulky construction and technical fabrics. If you're regularly drying sports gear, allow for extra capacity or plan for dedicated sports loads.
Future Planning
Consider whether your household size might change. A couple planning to start a family might choose an 8kg dryer now rather than a 6kg model they'd need to replace in a few years. Dryers typically last 10-15 years, so think ahead.
The Problem with Choosing Too Small
An undersized dryer creates several issues:
- Multiple cycles per wash: If your dryer can't handle a full washer load, you'll run two or more drying cycles for every wash - doubling time and energy costs
- Overloading temptation: Stuffing too many clothes in reduces efficiency and causes uneven drying
- Bedding struggles: Large items won't dry properly if they can't tumble freely
- Increased wear: An overworked dryer may fail sooner
The Problem with Choosing Too Large
While less problematic than too small, an oversized dryer has drawbacks:
- Higher purchase price: Larger dryers cost more upfront
- Space requirements: Bigger drums mean bigger machines
- Energy inefficiency: Running partial loads wastes energy (though sensor drying mitigates this)
- Unnecessary features: You're paying for capacity you don't use
That said, if you're torn between two sizes, the larger option is usually the safer choice. It's easier to run a dryer below capacity than to deal with an undersized one.
Space Constraints
Your available space may dictate capacity regardless of household needs. Standard dryers are typically:
- Compact (4-6kg): 600mm wide × 850mm high × 450-500mm deep
- Standard (7-8kg): 600mm wide × 850mm high × 550-600mm deep
- Large (9-10kg): 600mm wide × 850mm high × 600-650mm deep
Width and height are fairly consistent, but depth varies significantly. Measure your space carefully, remembering to allow clearance for ventilation and door swing.
If space is tight but you need larger capacity, consider stacking on a front-load washer or wall-mounting a compact model to free floor space.
Capacity vs. Cycle Time
Larger capacity dryers don't necessarily take longer to dry clothes. A 10kg dryer with a 5kg load will dry faster than a 5kg dryer stuffed with the same 5kg load because of better air circulation.
The key is matching your typical load size to a dryer that can handle it comfortably at about two-thirds capacity. This optimal loading allows for efficient tumbling and drying.
Our Recommendations
Quick Capacity Guide
- 1-2 people, apartment: 5-6kg
- 1-2 people, house: 6-7kg
- 3-4 people: 8kg
- 5+ people: 9-10kg
- Match or exceed your washing machine: Always
Finding the Right Dryer
Now that you know what capacity suits your needs, explore options in that range. Use our dryer comparison tool to filter by capacity and compare features, or take our dryer finder quiz for personalised recommendations based on your household size and preferences.
For more on choosing between dryer technologies, check out our guide on heat pump vs condenser dryers, or read our complete beginner's guide for a full introduction to the world of clothes dryers.