Dryer selection can have a major impact on product quality, particularly in the case of thermally sensitive materials such as foodstuffs. This paper discusses some of the principal factors that influence this process. The use of a fuzzy expert system as an aid in the preliminary selection of a batch dryer is described. This incorporates a novel 'multiple goal' approach in which different facets, such as dryer type, single or multiple dryers, and atmospheric or vacuum operation, are determined independently.