5 Different Types of Dryer Vent Hoses and How to Choose One

Semi-Rigid Metal Duct

Semi-rigid metal (usually aluminum) duct tubing is flexible and similar to foil tubing but quite a bit more rigid. Like foil duct tubing, semi-rigid duct tubing should be used only for the transition ducting running from the dryer outlet to the main duct, and it cannot be concealed in walls or floors. It is typically installed with clamps, which make it easier to remove for cleaning. Semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct.

Semi-rigid metal duct is also inexpensive. This type of duct tubing has some inner corrugation and thus tends to trap some lint. Semi-rigid tubing should be used for the entire duct run—dryer outlet to exhaust vent hood— only if the duct run is quite short and direct (less than 8 feet), only if it is exposed rather than hidden, and only if your local code allows such use.

Rigid Metal Duct

Rigid metal ducts are the only suitable duct material for concealed duct installations—that is, ductwork that runs inside walls, floors, or other enclosed areas.

Available in aluminum and galvanized steel, rigid metal ducts are smooth on their interior walls. This means that air flows through with little friction. Of all of the dryer duct materials, rigid metal ducts catch the least amount of lint.

Rigid metal ducts are more expensive than other types, but they are durable and efficient. Building codes generally allow for runs as long as 35 feet, compared to the 8-foot maximum for flexible transition tubing.

Adjustable metal elbows, also with smooth walls, can be used to transition between the rigid vent and the dryer outlet on one end and the vent hood on the other end. This configuration—with a smooth-walled vent running from the dryer all the way to the vent hood outlet—makes for the very best installation.

Working with rigid metal ducts and adjustable collars can be a bit tricky, however, so some homeowners will opt to have the installation done by a professional.

Slim Duct

Slim duct, sometimes called a periscope duct, is a telescoping rigid aluminum tubing used to make transition ducting in tight spaces. It has a wide rectangular shape except for the two ends connecting to the dryer and the vent outlet, which have round collars.

Slim duct allows you to push the dryer close to the wall. This can be a space-saver as long as the dryer and the exhaust vent hood are close together.

Most slim ducts can be adjusted from about 27 inches to about 48 inches in length. It is also adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installations.

Slim ducts are a bit more expensive, but they offer a good option where wall clearance is a problem. They can be tricky to install and sometimes use short lengths of semi-rigid flexible tubing for transitions.

Aluminum Foil Duct

Made of flexible aluminum foil with an embedded spiral wire for reinforcement, this type of duct is appropriate for transitioning from the appliance to the main rigid duct that runs to the outdoor vent hood outlet. It generally should not be used for the entire duct run.

Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations. Double-check to ensure this type is approved for your dryer model and allowed by local code.

Transition ducts cannot be concealed inside walls or other building cavities and usually have a maximum allowed length of eight feet. Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps. Metal tape can also be used to secure the flexible aluminum duct, too, but clamps make it easier to remove the tubing for cleaning.

Aluminum foil duct is inexpensive and relatively easy to work with, but its ribbed walls can trap lint, a potential fire hazard.

Plastic or Vinyl Duct

Flexible plastic (usually vinyl) ducts are similar to aluminum foil ducts but have a thin plastic wall rather than metal foil. Once common, plastic vent hoses are not allowed by many building codes.

If the duct becomes blocked with lint, the duct can become very hot and potentially catch fire. This hazard has resulted in numerous house fires. Plastic duct is the least-safe option, and you will not find a UL-listed product made of this material. The bottom line: don't use it.