Big-capacity drying with low running costs

The Hisense 5i Series DH5I104BBAB is a 10kg, A+++ rated heat pump tumble dryer aimed squarely at busy households that want to cut energy use without giving up convenience. Finished in black with a modern TFT display, it looks more premium than many white-box rivals.

As a heat pump model, it’s designed to be far cheaper to run than an older vented or condenser dryer, and the generous 10kg drum easily handles family-size loads or bulky bedding. Wi-Fi control, steam to reduce creasing and a quiet running mode push it beyond the basics.

Owners clearly rate it highly: with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 21 reviews, it’s already proving popular with real homes, suggesting the mix of efficiency, capacity and smart features is hitting the mark.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • 10kg drum capacity — Great for large households
  • Power Steam — Loosen up creases with steam
  • Silent Dry — A quiet cycle, ideal for open plan living
  • ConnectLife app — Control this model from your phone
  • Dimensions (cm) – H84.5 x W59.5 x D64

Who this tumble dryer is best for

This 10kg Hisense dryer is ideal for larger households, sharers or anyone who gets through several loads of washing a week. The generous drum means school uniforms, sports kits and towels can go in together, instead of running multiple smaller cycles.

It suits buyers who want to bring running costs under control. The A+++ efficiency and modest 550W electrical rating are a strong fit if you use a dryer regularly and are keen to move away from an older, power-hungry model.

If you like your appliances modern and connected, this is a good choice. The ConnectLife app, smart link features and sleek TFT display will appeal to tech‑savvy users who want to start, check and tweak cycles from the sofa or while out.

It’s less suited to those on a tight budget who dry clothes only occasionally, or to people who want ultra-fast drying above all else. Like all heat pump dryers, it trades shorter cycle times for efficiency, so occasional users might be happier with a cheaper, simpler machine.

What we like

The 10kg drum is a real highlight, comfortably handling family loads and bulky items like duvets or thick hoodies without cramming the drum. This helps clothes dry more evenly and reduces the number of cycles you need to run.

A+++ energy efficiency and an annual consumption of just 209kWh make it a very economical dryer to live with, especially compared with older condenser or vented models. If you dry several times a week, the savings soon add up.

Power Steam and the dedicated anti-crease programme mean noticeably fewer wrinkles straight from the drum. That can translate into much less ironing, particularly on shirts, blouses and cotton tops.

Silent Dry and the inverter compressor work together to keep noise down. That makes it a strong option for open-plan spaces or flats where a roaring dryer would quickly become annoying.

The ConnectLife app, Wi‑Fi and smart link features add genuine convenience. You can monitor progress, get notified when a load is finished and adjust settings without hovering by the machine.

Thoughtful touches like the drum light, water tank full indicator, half-load function, quick-dry options and a supplied drying rack round out a well-specced, user-friendly package.

Where it could be better

Cycle duration is quoted at 227 minutes, which is on the long side compared with traditional vented dryers. This is normal for heat pump technology, but if you’re used to very quick cycles it may feel slow.

The premium-looking black finish and advanced feature set mean the price is likely towards the upper end of the heat pump market. For occasional users, a simpler, cheaper model could make more sense.

The 2-year manufacturer warranty is decent but not outstanding. Some rival brands offer longer cover on certain models, which may matter if you plan to keep the dryer for many years.

The door hinge is fixed on the left, and there’s no mention of a reversible door. If your laundry space is tight, you’ll want to check the layout carefully.

Everyday use

Day to day, the Hisense 5i feels like a modern, thoughtfully designed dryer. The front-loading 10kg drum gives you plenty of room to spread items out, and the internal drum light makes it easy to spot stray socks at the back.

The TFT display and LCD interface are clear and intuitive, so selecting from the 18 drying programmes doesn’t feel overwhelming. An audible end-of-programme tone and on-screen indicators, such as the water tank full warning, keep you informed without needing to constantly check.

The delay timer is handy if you want to run the dryer when electricity is cheaper or simply have it finish as you get home from work. Auto Dry sensors help prevent over-drying, so clothes come out dry but not crispy, and you’re less likely to shrink or damage fabrics.

Noise levels are kept in check by Silent Dry and the inverter compressor, making it far more acceptable to run in the evening or in an open-plan kitchen. The draining option also gives you flexibility: you can either rely on the water tank or plumb it in to avoid manual emptying.

Maintenance is straightforward, with self-diagnostic capabilities to flag issues early. The Wi‑Fi link means you can keep an eye on progress from your phone, which is particularly useful when you’re juggling other jobs around the home.

Performance and features

Performance-wise, this Hisense heat pump dryer is built around efficiency and fabric care rather than raw speed. The 10kg drum paired with Auto Dry sensors ensures large loads are dried evenly while protecting clothes from unnecessary heat.

With an A+++ rating and a low annual energy consumption of 209kWh, it’s one of the more frugal ways to dry laundry, especially if you’re switching from an older B or C-rated machine. The inverter compressor is key here, delivering steady, efficient operation and contributing to lower running noise.

The 18 drying programmes and half-load function give you plenty of flexibility. Quick-dry options, including a dedicated 59/29-minute feature, are ideal for when you need a few items ready in a hurry, while more gentle cycles look after delicates and mixed fabrics.

Power Steam stands out for everyday practicality. By loosening creases as clothes dry, it improves how garments look straight from the drum and reduces the time you’ll spend at the ironing board. Combined with the anti-crease programme, it’s particularly useful for workwear and school uniforms.

On the smart side, ConnectLife, Wi‑Fi and Smart Link add features more commonly found on premium machines. You can start or pause cycles remotely, check remaining time and, depending on your wider setup, potentially link washer and dryer programmes. A bright TFT display, drum light and clear alerts round off a feature set that feels a step up from basic heat pump dryers.

Value for money

Given its 10kg capacity, A+++ efficiency and strong feature list, the Hisense 5i DH5I104BBAB sits in the more premium end of the heat pump dryer market, but it earns its keep for households that dry several loads a week.

The low annual energy consumption, inverter compressor and heat pump technology should significantly cut running costs compared with older dryers. Over a few years, that saving can offset much of the upfront cost, particularly in a busy family home.

The inclusion of steam de-creasing, quiet operation modes, app control and a drying rack make it feel well specified for the price, not an entry-level machine dressed up in black. The only slight downside is the standard 2-year warranty, where a longer guarantee would have made the value proposition even stronger.

Backed by a 5.0/5 owner rating from 21 reviews, it appears to deliver on its promises in real-world use, which reinforces the sense that you’re paying for a genuinely capable, efficient dryer rather than just a long spec sheet.

Our verdict

The Hisense 5i Series DH5I104BBAB is a compelling choice if you want a large-capacity, energy-efficient tumble dryer that feels modern and refined. With a 10kg drum, A+++ rating, quiet operation and steam-assisted crease reduction, it tackles everyday family laundry with ease while keeping bills in check.

It’s particularly well suited to busy, tech‑comfortable households that will make use of the app control, multiple programmes and quick-dry options. The smart features and premium black finish justify a higher price than basic models, even if cycles are longer than traditional vented dryers.

If you dry only occasionally or are on a very tight budget, you may be better off with a simpler, cheaper dryer. But for regular users looking to upgrade to heat pump technology with a strong feature set and excellent user feedback, this Hisense 5i deserves to be high on the shortlist.

FAQs

What size household is the Hisense 5i DH5I104BBAB suitable for?

With its 10kg drum capacity, this dryer is ideal for larger households, families and sharers who regularly run big loads or dry bulky items like bedding and towels.
It has an A+++ energy rating and an annual energy consumption of 209kWh, making it significantly more efficient than older vented or condenser dryers and cheaper to run over time.
The quoted cycle duration is 227 minutes, which is longer than many traditional dryers. This is typical for heat pump models, which use lower temperatures to save energy and protect fabrics.
Yes. The dryer has built-in Wi‑Fi and works with the Hisense ConnectLife app, letting you start, pause and monitor cycles remotely and receive notifications on your phone.
Yes. The Silent Dry function and inverter compressor are designed to keep noise down, making it more comfortable to run in open-plan kitchens or near living areas.
The Power Steam feature and dedicated anti-crease programme help loosen wrinkles during drying, so clothes typically come out less creased and need less ironing.
You can do either. There is a water tank full indicator for standard use, and a draining option if you prefer to connect it to a drain and avoid manual emptying.
This model comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, covering parts and labour for that period when registered in line with Hisense’s terms.

Hisense 5i Series DH5I104BBAB Wifi Connected 10Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer Review

£699.00

Overall score

9.2/10

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