Built-in tumble dryers

genny

We are still looking at new kitchens, keen to have a separate washer and dryer, as we are still not convinced by washer-dryers.

However I can find very few built-in dryers available, only one eye-wateringly expensive model from Miele.

Is there any reason for this, or any recommendations for others, ideally german and good quality.

CyCo_2

Integrated tumble dryers are few and far between, mainly due to them being less energy efficient than their free-standing counterparts. And the fact that the demand for them isn't that high.

However, White Knight do a couple of different ones. The best of which is this one:

http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/white-knight-43aw-integrated-vented-tumble-dryer-white-00777005-pdt.html

(I'm not recommending you buy it from them, it is just the most detailed link I could find)

I've had a couple of customer who have bought this (well, an older model) and haven't had an issues at all.

Hope that helps?

genny

CyCo wrote: »

Integrated tumble dryers are few and far between, mainly due to them being less energy efficient than their free-standing counterparts. And the fact that the demand for them isn't that high.
However, White Knight do a couple of different ones. The best of which is this one:

Thanks Cyco.

Our kitchen installer mentioned WhiteKnight, but I wasn't keen on the brand, the efficiency is low, all our other devices are A+, and I know we'd have to come down to A or B for a good quality dryer, but C seems poor. It's also vented, as we need a condenser as it won't be next to an outside wall.

Why would build-in condenser be less efficient than free standing condenser, surely they'd be no difference?

The only decent brand I can find is the Miele: http://www.miele.co.uk/tumble-dryers/built-in/

http://www.johnlewis.com/230995485/Product.aspx

I'm surprised Bosch, AEG, Siemens, Neff etc don't offer them too...

This is B efficiency rating, but approx £1140 which is quite a premium for built-in, especially when £500-£600 gets you a top end similar free standing german brand.

CyCo_2

The brand is actually pretty good and they are British made (unlike a lot of the "British" manufacturers where the products are made all over the world)

The reason the other manufacturers don't make them? Demand. Plain and simple. The UK is just about the only country that would contemplate using an integrated tumble dryer and they are made specifically for the UK market. (Just like built-under double ovens) I think you need to chose the right balance of cost/energy efficiency and looks. (You do realise the Miele one is SEMI-integrated right?)

genny

Fair point CyCo, do you know if they make a condenser version? I can find little on line, amazon sells two, both appear to be vented.

Yes I realise the Miele is semi-int. with controls outside, not a major issue, just if we are spending a small fortune on a new kitchen, don't really want non integrated gathering dust down the sides of units. We don't have a dryer at the moment, and it's a must when we fit the new kitchen.

Happy to pay a premium for a good product, and we do, especially for efficience and quality items but I think nearly £1200 for an integrated dryer is a bit OTT, we have a hgh quality washer and dishwasher, and you could buy them both for almost that price on the cheaper net suppliers.

CyCo_2

They don't make a condensing version unfortunately, I think this is mainly so they can keep the cost down.

I think the best way to look at it is: Will the "C" rated dryer use £1000 worth of electricity more than a "B" rated one, over say, 10 years. I really don't think you'll get much benefit from paying £1200 for the Miele.

genny

Thats true, especially as we'll only use in the winter! Unforuntately unless we can find a condensing one, not sure what we'll do, as the only wall we can use for the unit is an interior one, no venting possible

CyCo_2

I've just spoken to a couple of my contacts. They are telling me there is only Miele who make an integrated condensing tumble dryer. All the others (Caple, Baumatic, Indesit etc etc) are vented ones.

Unless of course you were to go for a combined washer/dryer.

genny

CyCo wrote: »

I've just spoken to a couple of my contacts. They are telling me there is only Miele who make an integrated condensing tumble dryer. All the others (Caple, Baumatic, Indesit etc etc) are vented ones.

Unless of course you were to go for a combined washer/dryer.

Yes you are right, in fact Miele make 3 semi-integrated condenser dryers, ranging from £1200 to £1600!

We'd ruled out a washer-dryer, because of having to half unload to run the drying cycle (most are say 6kg capacity wash, 3kg dry). Not to mention we have an £700 washer now!

Next option is to build an area with oversized cupboard 650+mm deep to accomodate a free standing one, but behind a cupboard door fasia.

CyCo_2

If you are going down the oversized cabinet to house it, just bear in mind that you wont get it behind a 600mm door. You need a gap of at least 610mm to allow it room to be moved in and out. It will also mean your plinth line will be out and can look a little odd.

The couple of times I have done this, I have actually used a 700mm deep cabinet, to allow the plinths to fit in line. I have also used a two 400mm fascias (instead of a 600mm one that doesn't fit properly) and put a 150mm pull out cabinet inside the 800 space as well, to make the most of the space. Hope that makes sense?