Are condensing tumble dryers any good these days?

PeteW

About 10-15 years ago we had a condensing tumble dryer and it was rubbish, never got things properly dry. We've had a vented one ever since and in this house the only place for it is the conservatory which means opening a window to dangle the hose out of whenever we use it - and therefore not leaving it on overnight and making the conservatory unbearably cold at this time of year.

The dryer itself is on its last legs so we're looking for a replacement now and are considering a condensing unit. The wife seems to think that they're now much better - does anyone have any experience of recent models (bought in the last year or two) to back this up?

Or do you still get better performance from a vented machine?

Cheers

Pete

tired_dad

condensing is way better.

Got a Bosch 3y ago and delighted.

Free to place wherever.
Only advice would be to get one that allows drainage via external pipe.

Ours has this and therefore we never have to empty the water tray. It just goes into the undressing drain.

Ours dryer according to your selected level of dryness. You can chose light drying or completely dry or unbeaten according to your taste.

thescouselander

I can't agree condensers are better. We've had them for years until we moved and then we went to a vented dryer because we could run a vent in the new house - it was a revelation. As far as I can see the disadvantages of condensing dryers are as follows:

They're slower and noiseier

Fluff builds up in the condenser which has to be cleaned regularly in addition to the usual filter

The condenser never gets all the moisture out of the air meaning condensation builds up in the room.

They seem to be more expensive to buy and run vs the equivalent vented model.

Bottom line - if you have means of running a vent I'd recommend getting a vented model.

Other other hand I've never had a problem with the clothes not being dried so if you're stuck for a vent a condnser will work - just remember it will take much longer than the vented dryer you're used to.

tberry6686

Been using condenser dryers for years now and would not even consider a vented one now.

Pros - dry's my clothes with no issues, as dry as I want. No dangling hose out the window or hole in wall. Heat from the dryer is retained in the house not expelled to the outside.

Cons - a little noisier than vented but not massively so, more fluff in the filter - never had to clean fluff from the condensor itself. Supposedly condensation although I have never had this problem, same with speed, supposedly slower but never noticed myself. More expensive to buy and run but remember that the heat from it is not being thrown out the window so there will be a slight offset in your household heating cost.

The modern heat pump versions are far cheaper to run than both vented and condensor dryers but are much slower and (at present) very expensive to buy..

thescouselander

I was very surprised at the difference in speed. We've been through three condensing dryers and they all seemed to dry at about the same speed. The latest vented dryer we have does the same job in half the time - Mrs thescouselander thinks this is much better as she can get through the washing faster.

CKdesigner

As always you get what you pay for.

We have just upgraded from a fairly old normal condenser Miele tumble dryer to a new heat pump version, still Miele. Wouldn't say it takes any longer to dry than the old one, its pretty quiet and seems to do a really good job.

Without question the best way to avoid long dry times in a tumble dryer is to have a fast spin speed (with good water extraction rate) on your washing machine.

I would have to say though I wouldn't have a lesser heat pump condenser tumble dryer than a Miele. If your budget for a new machine is sub £300 then I would probably say go with vented as its much more basic technology at this price point.

CK

jennifernil

DD has a condenser, about 9 years old, a Bosch.

We have a vented, about a year old but with almost identical programmes and sensor technology, an AEG.

Both dry well, but mine only takes about half as long to do so.

We both have almost identical Bosch washers with 1600 max spin speed.

Vented is the way to go if you can fit a vent. If not, a condenser will do the job just as well, but will take longer and cost more.

tony6403

Had both types. Similar performance in our experience.
What I really like about the present condenser (Whirlpool brand) is that it doesn't dump the heat outside and adds otherwise lost heat to the house - not had any noticeable condensation problems.
Your post prompted me to have a look at Which Magazine's tests. Condensers seem to come out better than vented in the best buys (which take account of time and running cost).

themull1

Ive got a condenser dryer where you empty the water out, ive had two, and wouldnt go back,

Ben84

I have an 8 or 9 year old electrolux condenser. Works well, dries completely and doesn't appear to put any moisture in to the house. Also it's only used in winter and it doesn't pump heated air out the house, in fact it sends waste heat in to the house, so I think it's a bit better for the bills.

One thing however, if I'm using the dryer, I put a little less in the washing machine. The spin dry at the end works vastly better with just a slightly less full load and saves a lot of drying time and energy later.

PeteW

Thanks all. Pros and cons on both sides, will have to think about it…!