Hoover H-Dry 300 Lite HLE C8DE-80 8kg Condenser review

Full review

Hoover's H-Dry 300 Lite HLE C8DE-80 is the condenser sibling of the HLE H9A2DE-80 heat pump dryer, which makes it a neat like-for-like test. Hoover UK lists an 8 kg load, class B on the GB label at 561 kWh a year, condensation class C and 69 dB(A); Marks Electrical lists the same energy figures, 16 programmes, a moisture sensor and a 165-minute cycle.

Against the heat pump model, Hoover's own figures show the gap: 561 kWh a year for 8 kg here against 259 kWh for 9 kg on the same label. In return you get a cycle well over an hour shorter than the heat pump's 4 hour 20 minute Eco programme, and a lower price.

It is also the loudest dryer in this comparison and condensation class C means more warm, damp air escapes into the room than with the class B models. The water tank sits in the door, NFC with the Wizard app adds extra programmes, and Hoover gives one year of labour plus ten years of parts.

Availability is limited. Hoover's site still listed it but warned of limited stock, while Marks Electrical showed it as unavailable. With new condenser dryers leaving the GB market from 19 January 2027, expect it to disappear. Hoover's heat pump model is the better buy for anyone who dries regularly.