Tumble dryer - vented or condensing?

Annie1960

The person who will be fitting my kitchen asked if I'll be having a vented or condensing tumble dryer. I have no idea, as it's a long time since I had one of these.

I'm not even sure if I understand the difference.

Which is best? What are pros and cons?

EssexExile

This explains the difference:
http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tumble-dryer-faqs

Annie1960

I've had a quick look some reviews, and they all seem to be free-standing rather than integrated.

trailingspouse

Personally, I would go for condensing every time.

A vented dryer needs to have a wide flexible tube to carry the damp air out to the outside world (which can be through a large hole in the wall, or through an open window), or it can just vent into the room (with obvious condensation/damp issues).

A condenser dryer collects the condensation in a reservoir which you empty out from time to time. This avoids getting condensation in the room, or losing heat through an open window. It also means that the dryer can be put anywhere - it doesn't need to be next to an outside wall/window.

Annie1960

I've found an integrated washer/dryer. I currently have a free-standing washer/dryer which I've had for almost 10 years and it's great, but will look grubby in my new kitchen.

I don't have to empty anything out of my current one. Will I have to empty a new integrated washer/dryer?

This one:

http://ao.com/product/zwt71401wa-zanussi-washer-dryer-white-24666-2.aspx


My knees are not what they were, and I would find it difficult if I had to get onto knees to empty anything out.

DigForVictory

I'd rather a condenser drier as the vented one let rodents, slugs etc in & those were an addition to my laundry routines that I could absolutely do without!

Nilrem

I've never had slugs/snails/rodents in any of our vented tumble dryers.

Personally I'd go vented if possible, they're simpler (so less to go wrong), and cheaper to buy and maintain.

keith969

Annie1960 wrote: »

I've found an integrated washer/dryer. I currently have a free-standing washer/dryer which I've had for almost 10 years and it's great, but will look grubby in my new kitchen.

I don't have to empty anything out of my current one. Will I have to empty a new integrated washer/dryer?

This one:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry/washing-machines/zanussi-zwi71401wa-integrated-washing-machine-white-10135084-pdt.html?istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istItemId=xxtrpqxaqr&istBid=tztx&gclid=CNH49biR8NICFQaZGwod5FcMmw&gclsrc=ds&dclid=CIDji7mR8NICFRMy0wodqNkN-w

My knees are not what they were, and I would find it difficult if I had to get onto knees to empty anything out.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's a washing machine, not a washer/dryer.

Most people will tell you to avoid a washer/dryer as opposed to separates, as they are less reliable and don't perform as well. If you're stuck for space that might be a valid reason though.

On vented vs. Condensing dryers, I've had both and new condensing dryers are far, far better. They will keep the room they are in warmer rather than all that heat going to waste, and no hole in the wall for a pipe required. The condensate tray on my Bosch is at the top, no bending required, just pull out and pour down the sink.

Oh and avoid Currys!

Ruski

This is what you need to look at: http://ao.com/l/washer_dryers-built_in/1-9/2/

HTH
Russ

Jonesya

If you're going to be using it regularly, worth looking at the heat-pump type condenser dryers - more energy efficient and they seem to have come down in price quite a lot.

Rodders53

Most condenser dryers can be connected to a nearby waste drain where the condensed water can be pumped to (instead of into the removable tank at the top).
Washer dryers are connected to the drain, so have no need of a tank to hold condensed water.
Heat pump dryers consume less electricity per load cf any other dryer type.