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Would you recommend your tumble dryer?

29 replies

GloriousCat · 02/01/2024 20:09

We’d like one that just plugs in, so no vent hose.

What’s better condenser or heat pump?

Do you have one you really rate?


If you’re short on time, here’s a summary of the best tumble dryers Mumsnetters are recommending on this thread:

For a deeper dive into the top tumble dryers for all budgets, take a look at our round-up of the best tumble dryers, according to experts and Mumsnet users.

MNHQ Flowers

OP posts:
beetlebluw · 02/01/2024 20:20

We got a heat pump one when the energy prices went crazy and I bloody love it.
Full load wet to dry is about 40p max, bedding about 30p. It's got great safety features, just empty water tank and lint each time and job done.
Hands down beats faffing about with the dehumidifier then spending a fortune finishing drying off in our old one for sure.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 02/01/2024 20:21

Yes I have a Bosch heat pump. It's really good and economical although it will complain and you when the cycle has finished until you go and see to it 🤣

letstrythatagain · 02/01/2024 20:21

I always joke with my partner that if I had to choose between him and the tumble dryer he'd be out the door 🤣🤣. Honestly I love it! It's a White Knight condenser dryer and is amazing. Not expensive to run either.

We used to have a washer dryer and found that it didn't dry half as well and the cycles took hours.

zakariacf7 · 02/01/2024 20:27

I'm actually using this one, and it's pretty good. and the had good Reviews amazon
advices:
When it comes to tumble dryers, the choice between a condenser and a heat pump depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Condenser Dryers:

Pros:
No need for a vent hose, as they collect moisture in a container that you can empty.
More straightforward installation.
Cons:
Generally less energy-efficient compared to heat pump dryers.
Heat Pump Dryers:

Pros:
Typically more energy-efficient, resulting in lower running costs.
Better for the environment.
Cons:
Usually more expensive upfront.
May take longer to dry clothes than condenser dryers.
If you're looking for a model that just plugs in without the need for a vent hose, you'll likely want either a condenser or a heat pump dryer. Consider your budget, energy efficiency preferences, and the features offered by different models.

As for specific brands and models, it's a good idea to read customer reviews, check for energy efficiency ratings, and look for features that align with your needs.

You might also want to visit websites to compare different models in person and get a sense of their build quality and features.

Remember to consider the capacity of the dryer, especially if you have a larger household with a substantial amount of laundry to dry.

Kpo58 · 02/01/2024 21:20

It depends on where you are putting the tumble dryer. Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers need to be kept inside the house (aka not in the garage) they cannot operate properly in temperatures below 5°C.

scrunchmum · 02/01/2024 21:23

We just got Bosch serie 6 WQG24509GB and I'd recommend. We upgraded from a very old vented one however so probably anything would be better.

ScandiNoirNuit · 02/01/2024 21:24

Heat pump if using inside. You can also get some that have a drainage hose you can plumb to waste outlet which beats having to empty the drawer full of water- not that that is too bad.

Anjo2011 · 02/01/2024 21:27

I have a Miele condenser, it’s about 7 years old now. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and drys well. Previously I had a washer/dryer but wouldn’t have one again. I don’t notice a massive increase in my electric bills when I use it either. We are a family of four with plenty of washing including daily sports kit, it copes well with all of it. I wouldn’t want to be without it.

GloriousCat · 02/01/2024 21:27

Kpo58 · 02/01/2024 21:20

It depends on where you are putting the tumble dryer. Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers need to be kept inside the house (aka not in the garage) they cannot operate properly in temperatures below 5°C.

It will be in the conservatory

It probably gets pretty cold overnight but if it’s warmer during the day is that ok?

I’ll put a thermostat in there and check over next few days

Really helpful posts generally

OP posts:
Snowfairyxx · 02/01/2024 22:23

I recently got a beko tumble dryer, heat pump one from ao. Wasnt as expensive as a lot but it is good so far. I mainly use the eco setting and doesn't take too long to dry a load.

NannyGythaOgg · 02/01/2024 22:25

Definitely heatpump.
My sister has a condenser and loved it - until she saw how my heatpump worked. She's decided that she's definitely getting a heatpump next time.
Mine is a Beko so definitely not the most expensive, but it's perfect for me. It's also in a room that is pretty chilly in winter (down to 8 degrees at worst, although usually 10 -12 during the day. It works fine - but wouldn't use it in an outhouse or detached, unheated garage. It maybe takes a little longer in winter but still under 2 hours (I haven't actually timed it)

skippy67 · 02/01/2024 22:33

We have a beko heat pump. It's fantastic and is very cheap to run.

Notjustabrunette · 02/01/2024 22:38

I have never owned a tumble dryer until last January. I have a Bosch heat pump one, and it’s life changing. It was quite expensive, but cheep to run. I’ve not had any condensation on my windows this year, which I’m putting down to using the dryer rather than washing drying all over the house.

Seaitoverthere · 02/01/2024 22:43

Condenser dryer broke recently and have got a heat pump one, much better.

BillieJ · 02/01/2024 22:45

Hotpoint condenser, and it's the worst one we've ever had.

It's in the utility room, and it get's pretty chilly down there, but probably not to cold for a heat pump model.

Last winter, on standard tariff after decades of fixed deals, I started using the airer rather than tumble drier. I line dry from April -October. I'm sticking with that for now.

Decafflatteplease · 02/01/2024 22:57

We've got a basic condenser one think it's indesit make but it's literally put the stuff in and turn the dial to a time you want. None of this different programmes, sensor fancy stuff 😂 but it's great!

Had it around 5-6 years, had a part replaced about a year ago and it's fine. Used daily either to finish things off that have been on the airers or to tumble dry from scratch any pants/socks/wipes etc.

MumPod · 02/01/2024 23:27

Whatever you do, do not buy a Miele Tumble Dryer. Absolute rubbish! Waste of money

Iwant2beJessicaFletcher · 02/01/2024 23:50

Absolutely love my heat pump dryer. It's a which best buy too.
8kg heat pump condenser dryer AEG T7DBG840N

stayathomer · 02/01/2024 23:52

We have a condenser- go on the internet and fall down the rabbit hole about how shit they are, how some require to be switched on again. They are terrible!!!! Hate it so much but no room for vented

mrsmacmc · 02/01/2024 23:53

Basic condenser dryer that you turn the dial and go rather than a sensor dry that it replaced. Runs fine in the garage and haven't noticed the ⚡️ meter running away with itself

Spareincoming · 02/01/2024 23:56

Question for the heat pump users; a mixed heavy load - jeans, t shirts, a sports towel, fleece jumpers etc, how long would it take to dry? My current turn the dial and go vented drier takes 100 minutes to get a full wash load of mixed heavy fabrics bone dry but won’t last much longer.
I keep hearing horror stories about heat pump driers taking a decade to dry!

Iverymuchdoubtitdarling · 02/01/2024 23:57

I have a Miele condenser dryer. Works well. What problems have you had @MumPod ?

Showmethemoneyyy · 03/01/2024 00:00

Another vote for Bosch Serie 6 heat pump. Ours is a few years old now so doubt you’d get exactly the same model but judging by the number of fans on this thread I reckon they must all be pretty good.

egowise · 03/01/2024 01:39

Spareincoming · 02/01/2024 23:56

Question for the heat pump users; a mixed heavy load - jeans, t shirts, a sports towel, fleece jumpers etc, how long would it take to dry? My current turn the dial and go vented drier takes 100 minutes to get a full wash load of mixed heavy fabrics bone dry but won’t last much longer.
I keep hearing horror stories about heat pump driers taking a decade to dry!

I got one last year after a vented and the time it takes is much longer.

It usually takes around 2 and a half hours for a full load. 8kg washer and 9kg dryer.

However it's meant that I'm now less last minute with the washing 😆 but I can still wash and then dry overnight!

GloriousCat · 03/01/2024 09:49

Thanks everyone we’re going for a Bosch heat pump dryer

Just need to decide between John Lewis and AO.com

It’s the same price for both

OP posts: