Test result preview
Manufacturer’s product description
These natural dryer balls made from 100% sheep’s wool are an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fabric softeners and disposable dryer sheets. They significantly reduce drying time, saving energy and costs. A particularly positive feature is that they are completely free of chemicals, PVC, or synthetics, making them ideal for sensitive skin and babies. The balls are handmade from high-quality New Zealand wool, can be reused multiple times, and thus offer a clear sustainability advantage.
In testing, it was noted that the dryer balls help reduce wrinkles, static cling, and tangles, leaving laundry pleasantly soft.
One slight negative is that the drying time is not always reduced by the same amount. The result depends on the dryer model and load size.
Overall, the dryer balls impressed in the test with their reusability.
Advantages
- Reduces drying time, thereby saving energy and costs
- Reusable for many drying cycles
- Comes in a practical cotton bag
Disadvantages
- Drying time is not always reduced by the same amount
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here, the packaging is examined in more detail. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, product adequately protected
Points
Sustainability of packaging
No unnecessary packaging waste, plastic film protects product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions
Product is self-explanatory
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
The dryer balls make a high-quality and natural impression as soon as you unpack them. They are delivered in a simple, environmentally friendly cardboard box containing the six wool balls together with a practical cotton bag. Unfortunately, the cotton bag is wrapped in plastic. This plastic packaging could be avoided in terms of packaging sustainability. When you first touch them , the balls feel soft, densely felted, and cleanly finished, with no chemical smell or loose fibers. Instructions for use are not necessary, as the application is self-explanatory—simply put them in the dryer with your laundry. Overall, the packaging and workmanship convey a very high-quality and environmentally conscious overall impression that fits perfectly with the sustainable concept of the product.
First time in hand
Product workmanship and appearance
Before we move on to the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before putting the products to the test, we take a close look at their workmanship. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Appealing design
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
Use of sustainable materials
Points
OVERALL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum score is 100 points
The dryer balls impress from the moment you touch them with their high-quality, soft, and dense finish. The natural, simple design is appealing and fits perfectly with a sustainable household product. It is particularly positive that the balls have no chemical or artificial smell, which underlines their pure and natural material quality. The balls retain their shape very well – even after several drying cycles, they retain their structure and elasticity. It is also clear that great importance was attached to environmental friendliness and sustainability during production, as only wool is used. Another plus point is the cotton bag, which is not only practical but also visually appealing and reusable. Overall, Woolly Dryer dryer balls are a well-designed, durable, and environmentally friendly product that impresses in terms of both quality and functionality.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the highest weighting. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the most weight. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Noise during the drying process
No influence on noise level
Points
Reduction in drying time
Noticeably reduced drying time
Points
Odor neutrality and possible fragrance release
Completely odorless
Points
Dimensional stability
Reliably retains its round shape even after many cycles
Points
Cleaning and maintenance
Easy to clean
Points
OVERALL
96
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum score is 100 points
The dryer balls deliver what the manufacturer promises. They noticeably reduce drying time and help save energy and costs. By naturally fluffing up the laundry in the dryer, air circulation is improved, resulting in clothes that come out of the machine softer, smoother, and virtually wrinkle-free. Thanks to their robust and dense felt structure, the dryer balls retain their shape and effectiveness even after many uses. They are very easy to use – simply put them in the dryer with the laundry, without any additional effort. The simple, natural design and the cotton bag included in the delivery round off the overall package. Overall, the dryer balls impress with their functionality, sustainability, and high-quality workmanship.
Test plan
You can find detailed information about the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the scoring system here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
TOTAL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €39.95 are charged for equivalent products on the internet. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €9.95 . The Berninja Natural Dryer Balls are currently in the lower price segment at €11.49. The price/performance ratio is rated as very good. This rating takes into account both the high quality and performance as well as the low price, resulting in a very good overall ratio.
Overall result
Weight
Score achieved*
1. Packaging & contents
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance ratio
15
Points
TOTAL
Points
*The maximum score is 100 points
