If the dryer has a sensor (determines when the clothes are dry and automatically turns the dryer off), we use it. Otherwise we test using the timer.

Our priority is testing the models you'll see in stores and from major online retailers. To do this, we check current market data to see what's most popular. We'll also test models that a lot of members have requested.

We use set loads of cotton materials that are specified in the Australian and International Standards for testing clothes dryers – these are made up of bed sheets, small towels and pillow cases. Where we can, we use the Australian and International Standards, then temper these with real-world responses from you, our members. This means we don't use the dryers at a full load, because we've discovered that generally, consumers don't do this. We normally use a dry 3.5kg load (which gets a lot heavier when wet to 90% moisture content).

Unlike other product review sites, we don't accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you'd get, and can be sure the model hasn't been potentially 'tweaked' for better performance.

We rate the clothes dryers we test based on how long it takes to dry a load of wet washing and how much energy is used. Using our ratings, you should be able to work out the model that's best for you.

Our expert testers have more than 30 years' experience in the laundry lab. Many of them sit on international and Australian standards committees, which helps us stay in touch with how labs and manufacturers are changing the standards.