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Original poster

tumble dryers - vented or condenser?

19 replies

deaconblue · 25/03/2007 11:36

Which dries best/quickest?
I realise both are crap environmentally, so want stuff dry as quickly as poss

OP posts:
NannyL · 25/03/2007 12:02

generally vented ones work better

they also cost less £ to buy

sophiewd · 25/03/2007 12:05

We have a 6th sense condenser and love it would never go back to a vented one. Stops when clothes dry not set for a certain time.

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 25/03/2007 12:16

Vented. Condenser is crap.

MintChocChippyMinton · 25/03/2007 12:19

i have a vented one, never had a condensor so can't compare. You do need to be able to stick the hose of the window or cut a huge hole in the wall though, if that makes any difference to your decision. Can get sensor vented ones too but more expensive than conventional. Anyway, if you don't want creases, you have to whip the clothes out smartish at the end of the cycle.

GandWJ · 25/03/2007 12:19

I have a vented one which is fab as it also has the auto dry thing on it so it senses when clothes are dry and stops automatically.

The wild birds love it too, especially when it is cold as they sit in the hedge near the air vent and fluff themselves in the warm air. Does this count as a plus towards being environmentally friendly do you think ?

Cloudhopper · 25/03/2007 12:43

I like my condenser one better, having had both. Mainly because the vented one always did seem to steam up the room somewhat, whereas the condenser actually dries it out (I've never worked that one out?)

It depends on the one you get and your needs, but as mintchocchip says it depends on how easy it will be to get the vent tube installed. I wouldn't want one where I had to drag the tube out of a window every time.

princessmel · 25/03/2007 12:48

Oooh this is interesting.
Our washer dryer broke for good on tuesday. Got a single washing machine this time and looking to get a cheap but reliable dryer. It needs to be small to go in under stairs cupboard. Don't mind about tube. Dh will cut a hole in wall and put a grill on it. What actually comes out of the tube BTW?? Water or air? Sorry stupid question.

It was really bad timing too as the day it broke dd was really sick and we had no where to wash clothes. Apart from a few trips to neighbours to use their machine.

NannyL · 25/03/2007 13:09

its watery steam that comes out of the tube, which is why it HAS to go outside.

tinkerbellhadpiles · 25/03/2007 13:11

I have an A rated condensor (Zanussi) which is good but you want to get some of those dryer balls - they cut dring time by 25%

princessmel · 25/03/2007 13:15

Thanks nannyL

CMac · 25/03/2007 13:26

I used to have a condenser one and it took forever to dry anything. When it broke down we replaced it with a vented one and I have been amazed at how much quicker it dries everything - less than half the time I would say (has a sensor too). That said we had a few weeks using the hose out of the back door until the hole could be cut in the wall and it was a bit of a pita - walls got very wet etc, but with the hole it's great. Nothing would make me have a condenser again

nopudstilleaster · 25/03/2007 13:55

this is interesting, I've had both and love my condenser. It dries a lot quicker than the vented and I use the collected water to water my house plants - surely that's worth some greenie points?!

MuffinMclay · 25/03/2007 14:10

I've had one vented and 2 condensers, and much prefer the condensers. Our present one (John Lewis condensor) is very quick, doesn't crease the clothes, and has a sensor and timer. I save the water for watering plants.

dither · 25/03/2007 14:18

the condenser one seems to make the clothes feel softer (we dont use fabric softener)...or am i imagining that??

i must get some of those dryer balls tho...

princessmelTingChoccyEggs · 25/03/2007 14:23

Im all in a quandry now!! Both types are being described as the best type.
I will hardly ever use it. Only for drying bedding thats needed by bedtime and for teddies that need to be dry asap. Usually dry clothes on airers or line.

gooseegg · 25/03/2007 14:26

We had a condenser which worked fine for 4years until it died.
We replaced it with a vented one recently and the vented one dries things much, much quicker.

dither · 25/03/2007 14:38

i do think vented is quicker. and a bit less hassle. (i have condensers)

Original poster
deaconblue · 25/03/2007 15:05

Thank you all so much. Had no idea this would be such a popular topic LOL
We have a small vented one at the moment which does dry really quickly, was just wondering if the condenser ones are better. Sounds like if you are happy with one type, best to stick with it. I use mine every day in the winter (we DO recycle though, honest ) so needs to be a good one

OP posts:
chirpygirl · 25/03/2007 15:21

I have a vented drier but the only space for it is nowhere near a window or door, so I have a mini condenser that you freeze water in and put the vent into that. Works great, no steam and no fannying about with windows and pipes.

That may help a decision!

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