Talk to me about condenser dryers . .

[user1488286290]

So we're getting a new kitchen (yay!). Having had a washer/dryer for several years I'm very excited about being able to wash and dry separately.

However, because of where the dryer is going, I either need an extra deep worktop to accommodate the rear venting hose out to the side wall, or choose a side venting machine which seem few and far between (and none of those I've found I like the look of). I'm not massively keen on either option and DH has suggested we just get a condenser dryer instead of vented. It's the only place in the house it can go.

How easy is it to empty? I can barely lift a saucepan of water so don't fancy schlepping across the kitchen with a large box of water. Do they dry as well!? Our washer/dryer basically steams the clothes so we gave up on it for drying but I don't see how a water collection box is any different than the water being removed via a waste pipe as per washer/dryer . .

I've already compromised on several other aspects for various reasons and this may be the straw that breaks the camels back!!

We have a Zanussi condenser dryer and it works great. If you empty the water drawer after every cycle it shouldn't be too heavy. Also, save the water for using in your iron as its distilled and you won't clog up your iron with lime scale.

I've got a condenser dryer in our garage - we got a Candy dryer, and it's been fab. Ours has got a relatively small tank for the water - it needs emptying after every load, but it doesn't get massively heavy.

My mum has a much larger Candy model, though, and her water collection tank is huge - I can barely lift it!

If you can have a look at the different models available in a shop, you should be able to find one with a manageable tank.

I'm just about to go for a condenser, in fact I'm on the phone to JL now to replace the horror described in this thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/3021032-Hoover-think-its-fine-for-a-BASTARD-heat-pump-dryer-to-take-EIGHT-HOURS-to-dry-a-load

So, I can't help you with what to buy, but maybe what not to buy.

Our Bosch heat pump dryer is great. Quickest dryer I've owned but also hasn't shrunk anything yet. The water tank is in the bit that would be the detergent drawer in a washing machine. I empty after each use but it's easy as just slides out.

We have a hoover one and it's amazing. I empty it after every load and it's never that
much water.

BASTARDdryer I could get my five year old to blow on it and it would dry quicker.

I'm sorry you've had such trouble - our washer dryer was much the same, and would get too hot and switch itself off after an hour so it'd take forever to dry, hence we stopped bothering. I hope you get it sorted and your new dryer is everything you've dreamt of!

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So condensers are ok then . . . Seems I'll begrudgingly have to concede this too!!

We've got a side vented AEG and it's brilliant, ours is about 10 years old but the updated one is still available. Loads of programmes, timer and sensor options (sensor works extremely well). We put virtually everything in it (only avoiding silk, wool and football socks) and none of it shrinks. Worth considering.

i think its easy enough to empty the condenser but you do have to do it after every load.

stear clear of anything by indesit or associated brands they're bloody shit.

I have a condenser dryer for years. I empty the tray after every load. It is very easy to empty and not heavy. Good try time.

Hi OP it's possible to get a condenser dryer plumbed in so that the water is drained away rather than collected. Ask whoever is doing the plumbing for your new kitchen if that would be possible for you. I've got a condenser drier and have never had to empty any water out of it. In fact I don't even know where I would empty it from if I had to ifyswim

I love my condenser dryer. Couldn't get a normal one as there's no outlet pipe and I was a bit worried, but it's absolutely fantastic and works brilliantly. The tray is large but not massive and easy enough to empty.

I did read somewhere that they can make a room a bit damp. It's not a problem for us as we have the window open in there a lot and we also use a heated drying rack most of the time so that keeps the air dry. But it's worth considering - you do ideally need good ventilation.

And before anyone asks it defo is a condenser because I had a vented drier before this one but had to get a condenser when we did our kitchen cos it's not on an outside wall

I have a Beko condenser dryer which is brilliant...dries very quickly and easy to empty...highly recommend

I have a Gundig heat pump one and when I do towels or heavy cottons, a lot of water comes off them, probably about the same as a big pot of water. It's heavy enough to empty.

You can pause it during the cycle and empty it then but it's something to consider.

I have a Beko heat pump (A+++ energy) condenser dryer. Love it.
The tank is at the front (like where the detergent tray is on washer) I'd recommend it. It was £349 from AO.com

Have had about 5 or 6 dryers and all but 1 have been a condenser.

They dry absolutely fine, yes they take a smidgen longer than a vented, but they dry perefectly and are nothing like a washer dryer combined.

We have a zanussi condenser dryer too and it's brilliant.

Another vote for that Beko cheap AND works brilliantly.

Love it. We have a miele and the water holder is at the top so no bending to lift it. Empty after every dry and you'll not have to carry anything heavy.

I'd look for one with a water holder at a height you can reach easily

I have a condensing dryer but instead of emptying a drawer, it is plumbed into the washing machine outlet. Really easy to do and no more emptying drawers. I thought all condensing dryers had this option, but if not mine is an LG 8KG dryer.

Yes, get it plumbed it. Much easier.

in

A condenser that can be plumbed in - genius! Never knew!

Great to hear some recommended brands too - gives me somewhere to start!

Thanks mumsnetters, you may have just solved my issue!

have a Miele condenser, can either be plumbed in, or you can you use the tray at the top.

Heat pump condenser here. Have never had anything other than a condenser (on third one I think).