Condensor clothes driers - any good?

[MaggieW]

My Bosch drier has died. Because of the fittings for the vent I need to replace it with a condensor or have kitchen cabinets pulled out to fit new vent, which I'd like to avoid! My repair man says to go for a Hoover or Zanussi as Bosch is good at washine machines but not good at driers, so just wondered what they're like to use please? Are they efficient time-wise; and also energy-wise? Any other pluses/negatives? TIA.

My experience is (we currently have a condensor one) that vented ones are quicker and more convenient. With the condensor type, you have to empty the water container each time you use it. Ours (which is 2 years old) has had to be modified by my husband to drain into the washing machine outlet as it was draining all over the floor instead of into the tank which you empty. It has to now be put on twice to dry the clothes as the sensor doesn't appear to work. We have a Hoover 9 kg drier and it's useless. I had a condensor one years ago and that one didn't impress me much then either. Miss my vented one .

Mine's a Candy. It's great, you don't have to empty the water container each time you use it as it's huge! I've had it for 5 years and have never had a problem with it.

We have a condenser as we have no access to a vent, it is great and works very well, you just have to make sure you empty the filter regularly aswell as the water thing.

We've just bought a Miele condenser one-£££ but really good.

I have an indesit condenser dryer and it is great, works really well. I empty the water container probably once every few weeks, and also the filter.

We've got an AEG condenser and its great. Our water container doesnt have to be emptied each time and its only a 30 second job (if that) when it does need doing. We've used it regularly for a couple of years without any trouble.

Siemens one here. Had it 3 years no probs so far. Really quick to empty water tank and only needs doing every few goes. Expensive but worth it so far.

We have one and love it!

We've had a Miele condenser for 10 years and its very good, thought I dont use it much.
BIt of a faff to empty it but otherwise works well.

Mom bought the bosch condenser one. She can't stop raving about it (and she's accustomed to the vent types having lived in the States)

I have a zanussi mini condenser and it's great. Two settings, the condenser holds probably 5 or 6 loads worth of water, and it's relatively speedy.

Got a Bosch one and love it, only cycle worth using on it though is Extra Dry, the other cycles come out too damp LOL
Other than that it's great!

Condenser driers are more complicated and go wrong more often, there are some really good ones at £900 or so

IMO it is much easier to drill a hole in a wall and run a duct than some people think. Once done you have the option to use vented driers should you so desire.