Conflict over tumble dryers

[Savethem]

We are a family of 7, constantly doing laundry and we need a new tumble dryer.

Partner is insistent on a heat pump tumble dryer but I’ve read they take forever which is putting me off and want to stick with a condenser.

Needs to be either a condenser or a heat pump as it won’t be plumbed in. What’s best to go for? Any recommendations on brands/models?
Budget friendly if possible!

Thanks!

Condenser all the way for us. 12kg load done in 60 minutes or less depending what's in it.

I have a condenser beko in one property and heat pump Beko in another. I hate the heat pump - i takes 4 times the length of the other dryer. There are only 2 of us. i like to do 3 loads of washing and drying in a row - lights, darks, bedclothes/towels. Not feasible with the heat pump- the condenser takes about 45 minutes - all done - folded and in basket with minimal laundry chaos.

Speed was important to me so I have a Beko sensor condenser which stops when it senses the clothes are dry, approximately 1 hour.There are different dryness settings too. It is a B energy rating.

I could not be doing with clothing tumbling around for 3 hours or more. My washing machine cycle is 1hr 19 minutes, when that second load is done I can put it straight into the tumble dryer as the first load is dry.

Timing comes down to washing machine spin speed too. Mine is 1600. My washing machine and tumble dryer are both 9kg and we are a family of 4 adults.

I've a heat pump and it's fine, takes 10kg, I've always done an extra spin on the washing machine even before I had the heat pump, it's amazing how much more water comes out. I also do that if I put washing out in the summer. You do have to clean the filter properly but I've always done that too. ( especially because the 1 I had before was one of those models tumble dryers that had a fault and some went up on flames!)

How long do you count as forever? My heat pump dryer can dry a load (about 8kg) in about 90 mins. It says it will take 2h 40 but this is not accurate. It's also one with a sensor so the clothes are not getting overly tumbled unnecessarily.

They seem to vary massively depending on the exact model.

If you are going to have it in an unheated area, the heat recovery won't work as well so that could be a factor for some people.

The only thing I wish I had known before buying which I wasn't aware of is that with a heat pump dryer you can't pull the whole condenser out to clean it, and there is an appliance repair bloke on youtube who sounds like he knows what he's talking about, and he reckons this is basically planned obsolescence and will ensure that the machine doesn't last as long because it is impossible to prevent 100% of all lint making its way into the machine, and it also makes them uneconomical to repair. Ultimately I think we are still happy with ours because TBH we tend to just replace appliances if they stop working after 8+ years rather than repair because I always assume the call out fee for a repairperson will be high and it's usually worth having an upgrade anyway. But if you prefer to invest in something which will last longer and be more repairable, then heat pump might not be a good choice.

My heat pump dryer can dry two loads of washing at once

We have a beko heat pump which is about 6 years old now. Never had any issues with it. Definitely the most efficient option and whilst it takes longer than a standard vented/condenser dryer, I wouldn't say it takes ages. I use the cottons setting for everything and it says nearly 4 hours when I switch it on but it has a sensor and will switch off when everything is dry enough, it has never taken the full 4 hours and is always finished before the washing machine if I start them at the same time.

For reference, we have 2 adults, 2 very mucky young children plus a baby, and youngest 2 are both in cloth nappies. So we have a LOT of washing and I honestly can't say drying has ever been an issue at all

I have a heat pump Bosch tumble dryer. Very cost efficient and as long as it isn't over-filled it seems pretty time efficient too. It nearly always finishes quicker than the initial estimate.

Heat pump.

My Samsung 9kg series 8 uses less electricity per load than the washing machine, and the cycles are about the same length as the wash cycles, so speed isn't an issue.

I’ve got a hotpoint washer/ dryer which is heat pump and it’s shite. Only use it for towels and bedding.

Is that not the case for most washer/dryers? I know my sister has one that came with the house and she bought a separate tumble dryer because the washer/dryer is so rubbish at drying

Washer dryers are shit tho

@GawjussPreMadonna possibly, idk it’s my first one

Heat pump here too. Recently replaced my previous condenser dryer with a Samsung heat pump one - I love it. In the shop, I was told condensers are being phased out, most options were heat pumps.

it doesn’t take ages & has a great range of options eg sheets / towels etc. The ‘eco cotton’ setting is the slowest (3 hours) but is better for the clothes & cheaper.

I know tumble dryers are never going to be energy efficient but mine is suiting my needs (busy house with teens, sports etc so washing & drying multiple times a day).