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Tumble dryers- which one would you recommend and why?

(27 Posts)
Bakingmad0203 Sat 21-Aug-21 07:44:09

We are moving to an apartment and will need to buy a tumble dryer. There will be no outside wall for a vented one, but the choice is massive and the price varies tremendously. I don’t want anything with lots of different programmes, just one that is efficient at drying clothes!

dragonfly46 Sat 21-Aug-21 07:46:53

I have a Bosch condenser so no vent. I have had it for years and it is still excellent. It wasn’t the dearest model.either.

SpringyChicken Sat 21-Aug-21 07:55:47

You’ll need a decent condenser dryer which doesn’t let a lot of water vapour into the room. When researching for one (around fourteen years ago), reviews on Trust Pilot were very helpful in steering me clear of the bad ones. I opted for AEG in the end and it’s been wonderful. It also has a sensor so it stops drying when the required level of dryness has been reached.
Cheaper dryers were available but considering the number of years we’ve had it, it was worth it. You will be reliant on the dryer so it’s worth getting a good one.

Grandmajean Sat 21-Aug-21 08:06:40

I had my kitchen renewed 13 years ago and chose Bosch on the advice of the fitters. I have both a washing machine and a dryer. Only one problem in all that time which was a flimsy door handle ! Brilliant machines still going strong. Highly recommend.

LadyGracie Sat 21-Aug-21 08:27:07

I also have an AEG condensing dryer that stops when clothes are dry it is excellent.

Franbern Sat 21-Aug-21 08:52:35

I moved from a house to a flat a couple of years ago. In the house I used whirlygig in garden in summer and cheap vented tumble dryer in my utility room for bad weather days.
So, I was in the same situation as you are. Left at the house that tumble dryer.
I spent a long time checking and looking at what choices I had. There was no way I could have a vented tumble dryer in the flat..
I decided to splash out on a Condensor Heat Pump dryer - more expensive to purchase, but cheaper to run , and better on an eco-basis. I knew I would be using this for most of my washing in the future. They all (like washing machines) seem to come up with multiple programmes, which I just ignore. I keep mine on just one programme.
As the machine has in-built sensor which means it stops itself when there is no more moisture in the articles in the machine, do not need to change programmes.
Did not go for the most expensive. I purchased a Beko. It has a very easy to get at, and use filter cleaning area.
I am very happy with mine -use the water in the condensor tank to water house plants, and it does not seem to use too much leccie when in use.

Scribbles Sat 21-Aug-21 09:04:15

I love my Bosch condenser/heat pump dryer. It does offer a lot of programs but it's simple to operate and I only ever use two or three of them.
It has a sensor and stops when the laundry is dry; it's economical to run - much easier on the electricity bill than its 10 year old predecessor.

Bakingmad0203 Sat 21-Aug-21 11:40:41

Thank you for your advice everyone. I’ve been on a few review sites, but I thought I’d get a more reliable opinion from Gransnetters!

Welshwife Sat 21-Aug-21 12:06:34

I looked for the position of the water container in a condenser dryer - most of them are at the bottom - I bought a Hotpoint as the water container is at the top of the machine and much easier to empty. I have had the machine for 15 years and so far so good.

DanniRae Sat 21-Aug-21 12:23:56

I too have a Bosch and I am very happy with it. The water container is at the top.

SueDonim Sat 21-Aug-21 12:54:54

Bosch condenser here, too. It’s fourteen years old. We did think it was about to go on the blink as it kept cutting out but Dh spent some time clearing out the filter thoroughly and it seems to be working properly again. ?

Whatdayisit Sat 21-Aug-21 13:06:11

I have an Indesit condenser I don't recommend. It has a funny smell that I can't put my finger on only got it in January and has broke once. The repair man gave me a lecture on washing properly when I mentioned the funny smell.
Honestly men lecturing/mansplaining how to wash clothes to women .

Franbern Sat 21-Aug-21 13:48:22

Whatdayisit - Repair men who become instant experts on everything are not new.
About twenty years ago, I had a blocked toilet - plumber came in, cleared it then told me - quite seriously - that I was using the 'wrong sort of toilet paper'.!!!

More on topic - I was interested to see the comment from 8welshwife* about position of condensor tanks - when I was first looking at these I was considering 'stacking' over my washing machine, and actually gave up that idea as could not find ANY dryer with the tanks at the bottom - all at the top.

Susie42 Sat 21-Aug-21 13:52:25

I wouldn't bother, mine just takes up space and costs a fortune to run. I bought a heated dryer from Lakeland and haven't regretted it.

Bakingmad0203 Sat 21-Aug-21 14:09:23

Susie42
Yes there will be a problem with limited space. I may need to stack the washing machine and dryer. I shall look at the heated dryers as an option Thanks
You are all giving me very useful advice and things to consider that I hadn’t thought of. Thank you

Whatdayisit Sat 21-Aug-21 14:29:49

Franbern - ridiculous it could be a stand alone thread.

DanniRae Mon 23-Aug-21 07:59:33

Whatdayisit

Franbern - ridiculous it could be a stand alone thread.

Err? That was a bit unkind Whatdayisit There are no rules about adding something extra - it makes the thread all the more interesting in my opinion.

silverlining48 Mon 23-Aug-21 09:06:17

Bought one 45 years ago for nappies etc then gave it to my Friend whose children were younger.
Not expecting it to last but she still uses it and refused to hand it back when I asked sweetly. Yes dear Reader she is still My friend.
So recently I decided to replace with similar small model. However in those intervening years there were no small ones to be had apart from just the one in the shop (curry’s). It needs a window outlet.
The one I gave my friend was a condenser which doesn’t, but amNot bitter (well not a lot.)
45 years of use must be a record of sorts though.

Whatdayisit Mon 23-Aug-21 09:41:10

Dannirae?
I meant mansplaining repair men are ridiculous and we could have a full thread on their comments.
It was not meant at all how you have taken it. I am always up for a bit of off topic chat it adds to the variety. Sorry for any offence.

Shelbel Mon 23-Aug-21 10:02:22

Beko. Cheap and easy to use. 15 years old now.

DanniRae Mon 23-Aug-21 11:50:12

Whatdayisit - sorry for misunderstanding smile

Whatdayisit Mon 23-Aug-21 12:13:33

DanniRae

Whatdayisit - sorry for misunderstanding smile

Thank you.?

dogsmother Mon 23-Aug-21 13:23:07

Mines a Hotpoint 8kg condenser, we even put it in a cupboard.
It takes the bedding and I love it for softening towels.

Franbern Mon 23-Aug-21 14:09:17

I did not take the comment from whatdayisit as being at all nasty. Took that advice and have started a new thread on this in Chat, which is going very well.

Whatdayisit Mon 23-Aug-21 14:39:22

Franbern

I did not take the comment from whatdayisit as being at all nasty. Took that advice and have started a new thread on this in Chat, which is going very well.

Thank you. I will have a look for it I bet there are some corkers!