Tumble dryer-worth the bells and whistles?

Tibbie's_mum

We got a cheap and cheerful one off freecycle, but I found that it cost so much to run that we passed it on. I recently decided to fork out a small fortune for a Bosch with heat pump and sensors. I had vowed never to have one again, but with 7 people in our household drying things during the winter becomes impossible. I only paid out so much because I was keen to get one that was cost efficient, the sensors are a godsend and it has proved to be quite economical.

Justamum

Sublime wrote: »

Have you though about getting a Dri Buddy? I've currently got an integrated washer/dryer and am thinking about getting one.

There's mention of the dri buddy on this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/83653 plus links to reviews, so it might be worth reading those before buying one. I've thought about getting one too as I'm sure it's cheaper to run than my td. Probably if you have a separate spin drier to get extra water out it would dry things ever more quickly.

starsandmoon

Ive got a Beko condensor dryer with sensors. It was £200 from Curry's I think. I have it in a cupboard under the stairs so couldnt get a cheaper vented model. Its brill and doesnt use much elec. I have key meters and worked out drying a load of towels cost about 40p.

FatVonD

I have a Hotpoint TD which broke down just as it was out of warranty. Even the Hotpoint service engineer said they are rubbish :eek:

I'd definitely never get a condenser drier again either, I miss the smell of fresh washing outside the house from the vented one!

FatVonD

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

It's cheaper than redecorating due to mould and condensation, plus replacing clothes that go smelly as they haven't dried quickly enough.

Lol! I love the smell when you go into someone's house where they dry their washing on the radiators but whenever i've done it just smells, well, damp!

cannyscot_2

My new TD comes today. I have ordered a Zanussi condensing fron JL for 199 with free 2yr guarantee. I now always buy Zanussi -we have had 3 zanussi washing machines -first 2 lasted 21.5 yrs between them -first one I was moving at about 10 yrs and fancied another. The TD -a vented on has just broken down after 2 weeks short of 12 years.

I looked at the sensor drying and checked the which report but worked out it would take me the 12 years to save the extra £100 or so it would cost me to but the sensor dryer so gave it a miss. I also saw that sometimes the sensors get mucky and you need to clean every so often to avoid them breaking so figured this was just another thing to go wrong.

I recently bought a indoor heated dryer from ebay which i try to use more and less TD but having a broken TD for 5 days-I realise I hate the crunchy towels and they come out the Td so nice and fluffy-Td for me saves on loads of ironing -which is great when you are working.

Fluffysheep38

I wanted to share a little bit of info with you. I brought a TD last year and my friend also got one.

One thing which we both hate about the ones we have is that they play a tune when they finish. This is obviously to let you know they are done, but can be a right pain eg. mine always goes off as soon as I sit down lol!

With my friend she used to tumble through the night but can't know because it keeps her awake.

They don't just play it once and shut up either :rotfl:

Just thought I'd share that with you. Mine is a John Lewis basic one and hers is a brand name, but we think they're the same make really cus they play the identical tune lol!

HTH

cyclingyorkie

I've got a dri buddy - it can easily take 1.5 - 2 hours to dry clothes and quiet it aint!

pigpen

I have had 2 TD's for the last 12 years.. and had about 15 in that time altogether so speak from a fair bit of experience.

DO NOT!!!! Under any circumstances get a condenser dryer.. they are noisy and absolutely extortionate to run and take FOREVER and a week to dry anything.. absolute rubbish (I've had 4 different brands and all were rubbish)

The best one I had was a creda vented TD.. one of the small ones.. it was fabulous, fast efficient and quiet! For the full size ones I'd recommend a Hoover vented one.. they are easy to clean filters, efficient, quiet (unless you throw TD balls in or trainers!) large door opening so you can get stuff in and out easily. I've had Hotpoint (very very slow) White Knight (blew up after a few weks.. 3 times!!!! So I got my money back) Bosch (hard to clean, smaller door opening and smaller drum and load size)

Sensors only work once the items are so dry they are all crumbled.

squeakysue

pigpen wrote: »

DO NOT!!!! Under any circumstances get a condenser dryer.. they are noisy and absolutely extortionate to run and take FOREVER and a week to dry anything.. absolute rubbish (I've had 4 different brands and all were rubbish)
.

I disagree, my condenser is no more noisy than my mums vented and dries just as quick, plus we have no choice but to have a condenser as there is no outside wall to put a vent where my machines are.