Condenser Tumble Dryers

I've just replaced a 14 year old Zanussi condenser drier with a vented one. The Zanussi was still working perfectly, but we've been lucky enough to change the garage into a utility so for the first time could have a vented one fitted. The rubber seals were beginning to go on the Zanussi, and we decided to do fitting etc whilst the rest of the mess was still ongoing. I went for a vented because they are said to be cheaper/more efficient, and certainly the new vented machine is fantastic. I didn't find our condenser inefficient/expensive to run, but am delighted to have been able to make the change.

I have a Hotpoint condenser dryer, very efficient with a large drum. I think I have had it about 12 years and it has never given me any bother.

I had an Indesit condenser dryer for several years and was very pleased with it. Just empty the water after every load and clean the filter regularly.
When I changed countries I had to sell it as I couldn't bring it with me. I'm sure it's still going strong- I have always found Indesit very reliable.

I bought one for DD1 as their laundry was done in an interior room. It sits on top of the washer and is a godsend as they have no means of drying stuff in the open air.

I used to have one many years ago and thought it was expensive and inefficient. However, I would think that modern versions are much better.

Thanks all of you for your feed back. Gransnet is very good for asking others their opinion of a product before buying. I am sure I will get one, but would be careful about putting anything like cashmere in it. I didn't realise they had been around for 12 years or so, must have had my older dryer longer than I thought I don't remember seeing this type of dryer when I was selecting one before.

No, the drum on this one is a 9kilo drum for wash 6kilo for dry.
As I always colour/temp sort my washing, even when the kids stay I find I'm ok!

I too have a condenser dryer, an Indesit. It did break down once - turned out to be insulation chewed off a wire by a mouse...

In addition to emptying the water tank, and clearing the fibre filter, you have to remove the condenser from time to time, and wash any fluff out of it. I do the reservoir and the filter before each load.

Galen - so where does it all go?

I think that is true of most combined washer/dryers Galen - the condensed water is able to exit via the washing machine drainage system - do you have to take half the washing load out to dry it it in two goes? I had one of those machines some years ago and found it a pain to have to do that.

I don't have to empty anything.

I've had the same Hotpoint condenser dryer for over 12 years. The reservoir needs emptying every couple of weeks, depending on usage. The drum is far larger than the one in the vented drier I had in my last house and takes a good machine load. This dryer was a 'manager's bargain' because of a slight dent in the door. It's extremely simple to use having only a low heat and a high heat as well as a timer you set to whatever you think the load needs. The only thing that has ever shrunk was a cashmere cardigan which I should never have put in there in the first place. It fits my DiL very nicely.

I have a condenser washer dryer and its brilliant. It's a hotpoint.

I have a condenser tumble dryer and use it constantly without a problem so yes, I would recommend them. You have to empty the water thingy out between uses or mid-use if you are doing lots of towels perhaps (a rare need) but otherwise they are simple and there's no need to stick a pipe out of a window.