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Heat pump tumble dryer vs. condenser dryer

6 replies

frustrationstat1on · 22/04/2026 19:45

I’ve had a condenser tumble dryer for years and my current one has given up on me, so I’m on the lookout for a replacement. I’ve seen that heat pump dryers can be really energy efficient but slower to dry.

I don’t need brand or specific product recommendations, just your experience of what you’d choose / have chosen, especially if you have a heat pump dryer!

Thanks!

OP posts:
Dearg · 22/04/2026 19:57

Do you have dogs or cats who shed? If so, stick with a condenser.
If not, a heat pump will save electricity costs.

I bought a heat pump dryer about 8 years ago- 2 labs. 5 years ago I ditched it for a condenser, which I could clean.

As the heat pump dryer, which I could not access the condenser to clean, encountered more hair, the drying times increased. The man I complained to said ‘ yeah, dogs will do that’

frustrationstat1on · 22/04/2026 19:58

@Deargthanks for your input! I actually have a cat that sheds quite a bit of fur! My worry about getting a heat pump would be that I won’t like it and will be stuck with it for years!

OP posts:
cantgardenintherain · 22/04/2026 20:04

I have a heat pump. You do have to look at the cost of the machine versus how much laundry to have, to work out the saving.

Catbells7 · 22/04/2026 20:04

My 20 year old condenser dryer finally died last year and we replaced it with a heat pump one as I had read about the energy/cost savings and that they are more gentle on clothes. I was a bit wary as it was going in an unheated utility room but it has worked brilliantly throughout the winter. It does take longer but that doesn't bother me because I put a load on while at home doing other things. It doesn't take long to do single items or a small load. It is definitely cheaper to run than my ancient dryer and is much kinder on clothes, I'm really pleased with it.

DilemmaDelilah · 24/04/2026 17:28

I have a heat pump dryer and it is incredibly energy efficient. This is despite everything taking twice as long to dry.

If I was doing the laundry for a family I wouldn't get a heat pump dryer, but as there are just 2 of us it's fine. Brilliant, in fact. We have solar panels and can dry things with no electricity cost at all on a bright day.

Crikeyomalley · 24/04/2026 17:53

I have both in different properties- i much prefer the condenser - heat pump takes an age and i'm impatient

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