Tumble dryer

[KeyWorker]

My tumble dryer has just stopped working. Talk to me about what I want to replace it with, current one is vented and I know I don’t want a condenser. What about heat pump?

I had a Bosch that was v.problematic but that was some years ago. They are cheaper to run but subject to the cycle they can take longer. There was a thread the other week on heat pump dryers

I may be wrong but I thought heat pump dryers had condensing drawers by definition. Can you get vented heat pump dryers?

I switched vent to AEG condenser about 5 yrs ago which is technically cheaper to run. I wish I'd know this model which was perfect on paper had an un-turn-offable bunch of tuneless beeps when finishing the cycle and then after, then a bit later and just when you relax - there it goes again. Grrr.

I have a heat pump. It is amazing. But I might be in the honeymoon phase where it feels awesome in comparison to my old inefficient condenser that I'm fairly sure just wasn't getting that hot.

It dries a load in 2 hours...I think my smart meter estimates it's about 30p an hour....

But if you don't want a condenser....then well a heat pump is essentially a condenser with a fancy recirculation thing making it a little more efficient.

What's your issue with a condenser?

I've just bought a Candy smart. Drying its first load as I type. Early days obvs but it was cheap.
Hoping it lasts well.

My last dryer lived for 10 years. But I can't remember for the life of me what the brand was 😂

Heat pump is a condenser but the big difference as far as I can see is where the heat goes. My sister has a plumbed in standard condenser and her utility room gets so so hot when it is in use.

I have a heat pump, not plumbed in so I have to empty the water drawer but it hardly alters the room temperature at all. Maybe one degree.
I love it. It takes a bit longer but is so cheap to run and, as it doesn't get very hot even inside, the clothes are much less creased than they used to be from my standard one. (Emptying the drawer is not a big issue for me as I have a sink a couple of foot away)

Very low cost to run but takes many hours for a 10kg load

I have the Miele TEF765WP Heat Pump, quite happy with it. It’s very energy efficient. Takes a few hours to dry a load but that’s not an issue for me.

We went from vented to condenser , it’s a Bosch , dries quickly and I’ve not noticed a hike in bills .

I have a condenser and I love it. Takes about an hour - 1 1/2 hours to dry a load. It’s under the stairs and it doesn’t get too hot in there.

Heat pumps are rubbish, they only work in warm rooms and take forever. Condenser all the way.

I recently had a new dryer and went for a good brand (Hotpoint) with a heat pump. I love it. I'm stupidly grateful whenever I open the door to find my washing is actually dry and not still wet like my last crappy brand left it. I also like not having to feel bad about using it as it's cheaper to run.

Heat pump condensers all the way!

Somehow they pump the heat back into the drum hence the name. In effect you are getting the heat back you have paid for. I wasn't impressed but they will improve.

Thanks all for the tips and recommendations. I think we’ll have a look at the heat pump options.

My Beko condenser broke early last year after just over 2 years, and out of warranty (before that, I had a Bosch which failed after about 3 years, again out of warranty). I didn’t replace the Beko, and have managed without since then … but I will be getting a dryer this year.

I’ve pretty much decided on a Samsung heat pump. Drying cycle time much longer, but not bothered by that due to much lower running costs.

Samsung heat pump
Warranty: 5 years
9kg cotton load: 1.6 kWh
Purchase cost: £669

Condenser (looked at all brands up to £500)
Warranty: 1-2 years, depending on brand
9kg cotton load: 5 kWh
Purchase cost: £350, average across brands

Whilst the heat pump costs nearly double to purchase, the warranty makes it worthwhile. I know some machines go on for years, but my last two haven’t!

This is the one I’m looking at btw, direct from Samsung. £749 less £100 trade up discount, plus £20 deliver/recycle charge = £669.

I recommend Bosch. It dries a full load in 50mins. I've always bought Bosch and never hand any issues.