Buying a tumble dryer - What to look for?

[Deleted User]

Hello,

Somehow I have managed to get to middle age without ever having owned, or even used a tumble dryer - hence asking for help when deciding what to buy.

We currently line dry washing for about 3/4 of the year and then use a de-humidifyer and a clothes rail in a utility room over winter. However, due to the fact that we are going to be knocking a new doorway through in the very area of the clothes rail we need to buy a tumble dryer.

It will be located with its back to the outside wall of the utility room so we can knock a hole through to vent the machine, or buy a condensing dryer if these are better.

I have also seen heat pump dryers which recycle the hot air to save money. Are these any good?

Budget is about £500 (although if I am being too cheap it can be higher). We want something decent quality that will last and a good A rating.

We will be drying the usual stuff towels, jeans, t-shirts, shirts and gym kit for two adults.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Spider.

LandyAndy

I have a condensing dryer. It's a Siemens iQ300 and at about your price point. I've had it about two years and it replaced a 30 year old vented dryer. I'm really pleased with it. I prefer the condensing dryer but I would advise having it close to a sink if possible, carrying the water container a significant distance each time would be a bit of a fag.

DigForVictory

If you can buy over the internet although there may be delivery charges you can usually buy the same model somewhat cheaper - worth checking.

That said when our drier dies, we were able to get a replacement from Currys into the back of a Ford Ka.

If your workplace does any buy-vouchers-for-less-than-face-value, that may be worthwhile but topcashback etc and other cashback sites are also worth checking.

getmore4less

You won't find a vented or condenser that is A rated but that is not that critical as your use cases are what determines the cost.

The annual KWH rate on the sheet is for 160cycles of the cotton eco cycles a a mix of full and partial loads and weighted for standby power use.
(washers are 220cycles)

You also want to look at condensing efficiency look for A, or 90% or better(does not apply to vented).

If you have a good washer that does a good job of spinning the cycle costs will also be lower than specified.

The heat pump will cost less to run but cost a bit more up front.
Condenser and vented are similar running costs

if going condenser or heat pump check it can be plumbed in not all can which means emptying the tank.

Heat pump and condenser have extra filters to clean

Heat pump can take longer to dry but we don't find it a problem as we plan and don't need stuff in a hurry.

£500 is plenty to get a decent one, £400 with a bit of waiting is a good target.

For the record we have the Grundig GTN38250HGCW that comes with a 5y warranty only available from currys, a Beko clone.
https://www.grundig.co.uk/laundry-appliances/product/gtn38250hgc-8kg-tumble-dryer-with-heat-pump-technology

I looked at Bosch to match the washer and the regular brands, Beko looked good value but the 5y warranty swung it to the Grundig.

heat pump you are looking for annual consumption(on the label) 230kwh or less with A rated condensing for an 8kg model.

some new tech has got heatpump down to 177kwh with this model
https://www.grundig.co.uk/laundry-appliances/product/gtn38267gc-8kg-tumble-dryer.

I would look at how many cycles you may do in a year to estimate the savings of a HP over regular and decide if you want to pay the extra.

A vented will costs to put in the vent so factor that, with condenser and heat pump you just need a socket for power and optional drain if you want it plumbed in.

edit:
just checked and looks like thebeko equivalent of the newer grundig model DPH8756W

cranford

You probably know that a million tumble dryers have been subject to a recall in the last few years. When I was looking 2 years ago I ended up with a condensing Hoover that was no more than £250 but now discontinued. Had no problems with it and there was no way I was going to buy from a manufacturer that was on the faulty list having known somebody whose house burnt down when the neighbours dryer caught fire overnight! The manufacture's response to fixing dryers on the dangerous list has been at a snails pace but then with so many to fix its not surprising.
Government dangerous appliance list:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/household-appliances-recalled-due-to-fire-risk

missile

LandyAndy wrote: »

I have a condensing dryer. It's a Siemens iQ300 and at about your price point. ...

+1, bought mine from John Lewis. Check the noise rating.

daveyjp

Only thing I look for is a condensing dryer with a Bosch label.

Our current one has done 13 years of drying (I calculate 3,000-4,000 cycles) and is still as reliable as when we first bought it.

jhe

i have various different brands over the years but for me White Knight is the best. not only cheap but also very reliable
look for one with a sensor- cuts off itself when washing is dry

LandyAndy

missile wrote: »

+1, bought mine from John Lewis. Check the noise rating.

Is it noisy? I hadn't noticed but it is the first 'modern' dryer I've had and it tends to be on at times when I'm not in the same room.

cajef

daveyjp wrote: »

Only thing I look for is a condensing dryer with a Bosch label.

Our Bosch condenser dryer is now eighteen years old and still used several times a week with never a problem, whether they are as well built nowadays I couldn't say but I would certainly buy another when ours eventually gives up and goes to tumble dryer heaven.

getmore4less

Some of the Bosch HP have self cleaning condensers.