Condenser dryer in enclosed space?

milliebear00001

Hi there

I have a very small kitchen which is currently being revamped. I was going to buy a washer dryer (which I've always had) due to lack of space for separates. However, my OH has just asked if we couldn't just buy a condenser dryer and put it in the under stairs cupboard.

Looking at the Which guide, it suggests this is feasible, but that less reliable dryers can allow steam to escape, which can cause condensation and mould - obviously this would be a real problem in an enclosed space like an understairs cupboard with the stairs immediately above.

Any thoughts about making this work?

tony6403

We have a Whirlpool AWZ 8578 which doesn't cause any problems at all . It contains all the moisture.
In fact, in winter when it is generally used ,we benefit from the additional heat which used to be expelled through the pipe on our former vented dryer.

milliebear00001

bumping...anyone else.

Sunnyday

Seperates are probably the best idea, i remember when i was considering a washer dryer i found quite a lot of information saying that they were not as reliable as seperates also that if one part needed replacing then the whole machine had to be replaced. Not sure whether or not they are more reliable these days.

I have a hotpoint condenser dryer that i keep upstairs in a spare room, it does give out heat and also a little moisture so i like to crack open a window. I know that mine whilst being a great machine would not be a good one for underneath the stairs.

SD

macman

Remember that it needs to both draw in fresh air and expel heated air, so a semi-sealed cupboard might not be ideal. Louvred doors maybe?

milliebear00001

Sunnyday wrote: »

Seperates are probably the best idea, i remember when i was considering a washer dryer i found quite a lot of information saying that they were not as reliable as seperates also that if one part needed replacing then the whole machine had to be replaced. Not sure whether or not they are more reliable these days.

I have a hotpoint condenser dryer that i keep upstairs in a spare room, it does give out heat and also a little moisture so i like to crack open a window. I know that mine whilst being a great machine would not be a good one for underneath the stairs.

SD

I would prefer separates, but have no space at all except under the stairs. Looks like I will have to do for another combined machine.

aboard_epsilon

put an air vent into the cupboad at low level ..maybe in the door ..and put an air vent at the highest point in the cupboard ..may mean drilling chiseling ..making holes in walls.

what you have then is a current of air that gets pulled through the cupboard with the rising hot air carrying any moist air with it.

all the best.markj

foomanchu

Years ago we had a (cheap) condenser dryer that let some moisture out & blew up a microwave that was in the same closet. I’m not saying you shouldn’t but you need to be sure your condenser is ok to run that way. I think we ran it door open from then on.

Mrs_justjohn

I have a condenser dryer in a cupboard (all be it a largish cupboard and it is fine). No moisture at all. The cupboard is like walking into a heatwave when it is on though so I tend to leave the door open a crack.

Finefoot

I have had both. I found i could not dry the entire load that was washed in one go. Checked the capacity.
I have a condenser that I am extremely pleased with. Much better than the vented one even. Just open a window, and its fine. The water is great for your iron too!

property.advert

I have the LG whatever 9kg / 6kg washer dryer with direct drive and it doesn't let much out at all, if anything.