Condensing tumble drier, or hole in wall

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Moving to a house where there's space for a tumble drier on an external wall, but no hole for the vent. Current owners have a condensing tumble drier.
Do I replace my "normal" tumble drier for a condensing one (300 quid-ish), or get a vent put in the wall (I'd think this would be far cheaper option)?

Thanks

I much prefer out vented one. I think condensing ones may be more expensive to run, they need the condenser to be cleaned out and either need emptying or a drain.

a vented one is cheaper to buy, and more reliable since it has hardly anything to go wrong. Using a core-drill, a small builder or handywoman can make a neat round hole in the wall for the duct easily and quickly. Or you can hire one, but they are rather heavy.

The latest heat-pump condensers are cheaper to run, but being more expensive, it will take you some years to see a saving.

If you are having a hole made, do more on the same day for any rooms where you want a vent or may one day have an extractor fan or cooker hood.

Whoops, posted my question, then internet down, only just back up.
Thanks both, vented option much better

Vented is so much better. We had a condenser one once, and the clothes were always damp. My brother has the same issue with his.

We had a vent in and they drilled a giant hole in the way. Was easy.

In the *wall not way

Vented, definitely.

I've had both and would def go for hole in the wall.

we have a vented dryer but the vent goes into a box as didn't want the hole...long story.
You can buy the boxes in Argos if you choose not the make a hole.

Are those boxes good? We are looking to move our washing machine/tumble dryer into our garage when we extend and this seems like a good option, seems to get mixed reviews on Argos though!

I've always had condensor ones and have found them to be great. I have never has issues with damp, condensation or the clothes being too damp. They come with a factory preset as to the dryness level. You can adjust it if the default is not dry enough.

Our last one was a Siemens sensor condensor. It lasted 11 years. Latterly we plumbed in the condensor bypass pipe straight into the downpipe in the utility room where the washing machine drains out to so you didn't ever have to empty the water collector. You did have to clean out the condensor unit occasionally. I just hosed it through with the tap and left it to dry overnight. I think I did this once or twice a year for 11 years - no biggie. Though I have since read that you are supposed to do it monthly!

I have recently bought a new Siemens Heat Pump Condensor and also have it plumbed into the downpipe. So no emptying of water. I find Cupboard dry is not quite dry enough, but cupboard dry extra is perfect. This is on the default dyness sensor setting of 0. It can be cranked up as far as 3. I suspect people that complain that condensors dont get their clothes dry enough aren't adjusting the levels. This one has a self-cleaning condensor which never needs to be cleaned, apparently.

It was expensive - £750, but if it lasts for another 11 years I think it will pay for itself in the long run as we are a large family and it is used for 2/3 washes every other day. It is the current Which Best Buy Tumble Dryer and is A++ rated for energy consumption.

My unofficial survey of friends and family says that the more expensive condensor dryers from mid/top end manufacturers are better and more reliable than the vented ones which, imo, they are beginning to phase out because they are under pressure to make dryers more energy efficient and this is easier with condensors. But the cheaper condensors are maybe not as good as the bog standard vented ones?. Having said that, 2 people I know bought cheap and cheerful vented ones last year, with both the fan belt went within a few months.

A normal sensor, good brand condensor might be a good compromise if you don't want to pay the heat pump prices (or the Miele prices which are insane imo!)

Sorry for the essay, I have recently been researching tumble dryers :)

Definitely a vented one. My experience of condenser ones is that they take about three hours to dry one pair of socks.

Can't beat Miele - I have had the washer and dryer for about 7 years now, and still going strong.

I've had both and definitely on for less time when vented. Too much maintenance with a condenser too. My forgetfulness has made it short the electrics twice in the past year.

having said all that I have just appreciated that you have a perfectly good working vented one, are not buying a new one because the old one is kaput.
So maybe drilling a hole is the quickest and cheapest solution?

I've just switched from a 8 yr old vented to a condenser, and the modern condenser is far better. It takes less time, dries more effectively and creases less, and drains straight down the outlet pipe in the utility so no hassle. And it's got a light inside

i agree! I too love the light :) - it looks so cool at night when the lights are off (completely irrelevant to the business of laundry, i know, but I like it when my appliances are aesthetically pleasing - also you can see when you've left a tissue in a pocket!)

I love my vented and it seems to dry more quickly than my condenser.

Heat pump condenser

We have condensing one and it works really well, it seems to be in constant use and dries brilliantly. I use the water on my house plants! (I have a lots of HUGE house plants!)

Vented. We had a similar issue. Our old vented dryer was leaning against a never used door with the hose out of a cat flap for years, until we got sick of the draught coming in. This summer dh hired a round drill bit and put a hole into the wall to vent it outside - takes half a day if you take into account all the moving of stuff (it creates a lot of dust!) and prob cost about £50. Much warmer room now and much cheaper than buying a new dryer

I have a Beko condenser drier. It is fantastic, and dries a large load in about 45 minutes.