Condenser/Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

[Blue in Munich]

We are re-doing our kitchen, and as the current tumble dryer is 23 years old and getting a little crochety, it is going to be retired.

We will be putting against an outside wall so we could go vented again, but the choice seems poor, so we are considering a condenser or heat pump type. However reading the reviews from other customers is a bit confusing. The reviews on the ones we are looking at are around the 4 out of 5 mark, but it seems they are made up of 3 people giving it 5 and the 4th giving it 1. All the reviews are Marmite; either loved or hated but no middle ground. Most of the 1's say they take forever or they don't dry the clothes which is a bit of a problem for a dryer.

Anyone with real world experience that they can share?

 

[Imurg]

We have a Bosch condenser and it works hard.
Normally dries everything after the normal cycle but sometimes needs another 40 minute run for towels or similar.
Empty the water container and clean the filter regularly and that's it really...

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Had condensers for the last 10 years, prefer them to vented.
Are you a member of Costco?
Just bought last month a LG RC9055AP2F, 9kg load allsorts of drying options and comes with 2yr guarantee and eco A++ rating

Costco had it for £150.00 less than anywhere else.

So far so good, only changed it as last one was also from Costco and they gave me a full refund after 4 years when belt went.
Never had an issue with drying clothes etc with a condenser.

 

[Tashyboy]

Just got a new Hotpoint tumble dryer, after the last one threatened to burn down the house. It is an excellent condenser type.

 

[PIng]

I used to have a vented dryer but will now only use condensers. Ours is in the garage and it the humidity in there is now much lower with the condenser. Too many drying options though - we just stick it on high heat and choose the running time.

 

[User62651]

Condenser presently as no vent, a Candy large capacity one per link below, works pretty good although the one before (very similar model Candy) only lasted about 5 years. However with a young family and living in a wet part of UK, there is a lot to dry with weather often preventing outdoor line drying so it gets well used.
http://ao.com/product/gvcd101wb-candy-grando-vita-condenser-tumble-dryer-white-36006-18.aspx
AO delivery service is great too.

 

[sawtooth]

We've had a couple of Bosch condenser tumble driers spanning the last 14 years and they have been great. 5/5 for me.

 

[fundy]

we got an AEG condenser last year and wouldnt hesitate to buy again, much quicker than the previous hotpoint one, much quieter and doesnt cause too much excess heat

 

[sawtooth]

we got an AEG condenser last year and wouldnt hesitate to buy again, much quicker than the previous hotpoint one, much quieter and doesnt cause too much excess heat

I live in a hard water area so we use the water from the condenser for our steam iron. Anyone else do that?

 

[fundy]

I live in a hard water area so we use the water from the condenser for our steam iron. Anyone else do that?

nope, buy clothes that dont need ironing

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I live in a hard water area so we use the water from the condenser for our steam iron. Anyone else do that?

Didn't know you could. :thup:

 

[Blue in Munich]

I live in a hard water area so we use the water from the condenser for our steam iron. Anyone else do that?

Didn't know you could. :thup:

Curiously enough the rep in John Lewis said exactly the same this afternoon, and I didn't know you could.

Thanks guys, much appreciated. :thup:

 

[Blue in Munich]

We have a Bosch condenser and it works hard.
Normally dries everything after the normal cycle but sometimes needs another 40 minute run for towels or similar.
Empty the water container and clean the filter regularly and that's it really...

we got an AEG condenser last year and wouldnt hesitate to buy again, much quicker than the previous hotpoint one, much quieter and doesnt cause too much excess heat

Which models if you don't mind me asking…...

 

[fundy]

Which models if you don't mind me asking…...

https://www.johnlewis.com/aeg-t76280ac-tumble-dryer-8kg-load-b-energy-rating-white/p1964112

 

[Imurg]

Which models if you don't mind me asking…...

It's a few years old now
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=b...UICCgC&biw=1280&bih=800#imgrc=n8G-1gsnUFd7ZM:

 

[Blue in Munich]

https://www.johnlewis.com/aeg-t76280ac-tumble-dryer-8kg-load-b-energy-rating-white/p1964112

Thanks for that, we were recommended this one;

https://www.johnlewis.com/aeg-t7538...dryer-8kg-load-a-energy-rating-white/p1987156

 

[ScienceBoy]

AEG one here too.

I bought a drainage kit online for £20 so I don't even need to empty it!

Little excess heat and low noise were high up our requirements list.

Will buy AEG again, next up is dishwasher.

 

[jusme]

I have never had a problem with condensers drying clothes either. I prefer a model that has a sensor built in as it takes the guess work out of timing. As long as you go through the maintenance as stated you will have no problems. I have got lazy a few times with filters etc and the clothes don't dry as quick.

For what it's worth I have spoken to a few engineers of these things that laugh at people paying big money for a 'certain brand' They swear that most are using identical parts. Various parts are not being manufactured or engineered differently for different brands. I'm not sure if I'm sold on this but for what it's worth there you go.

 

[Blue in Munich]

It's a few years old now
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=b...UICCgC&biw=1280&bih=800#imgrc=n8G-1gsnUFd7ZM:

Like its owner…… Thanks Ian.

 

[ScienceBoy]

For what it's worth I have spoken to a few engineers of these things that laugh at people paying big money for a 'certain brand' They swear that most are using identical parts. Various parts are not being manufactured or engineered differently for different brands. I'm not sure if I'm sold on this but for what it's worth there you go.

It's very true, the same parts are used. You just have to look inside many and you will see they are the same.

This doesn't mean they are going to be as good. The differences will be in assembly, extra features, efficiency and much more. The units are not just a sum of the parts.

I bet sometimes it is a laughing matter though . Do your research and you won't waste money.