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Tumble dryer - heat pump or condenser?

(12 Posts)
JaniceF62 Fri 06-Feb-26 19:33:37

We’re researching our next tumble dryer - does anyone have any experience/thoughts on a heat pump or condenser? Thanks.

TheSunRisesInTheEast Fri 06-Feb-26 19:52:24

I have a condenser tumble dryer in my utility room and it takes far longer to dry than my tumble dryer in my shed with a pipe going outside. Hence I never use the condenser one unless it's absolutely pouring with rain and I'm desperate!

midgey Fri 06-Feb-26 20:21:35

Do not buy a condenser tumble dryer if it is going to get cold! I had to keep mine in an out house when I moved and it simply didn’t work if it got cold so a complete waste of time.

25Avalon Fri 06-Feb-26 20:27:16

No trouble with my condenser one. It was all I could have in my utility room. It’s been going for over 25 years and has been repaired once in that time.

MollyNew Fri 06-Feb-26 20:35:58

I've also had a condenser drier for several years with no problems. I haven't noticed that it takes longer to dry the laundry.

Georgesgran Fri 06-Feb-26 20:51:29

Same as MollyNew here. Had a condenser for several years now. Easy to empty the water out and no need to feed the pipe through an open window, which could be a security issue.

karmalady Fri 06-Feb-26 21:10:19

I have a heat pump drier, it uses 60% less electricity and is an A+++ rating

paddyann54 Fri 06-Feb-26 21:34:26

Mine is a heat pump it can take a bit longer to dry but still a fraction of the cost of my last dryer

dragonfly46 Fri 06-Feb-26 21:37:31

I have just bought an AEG heat pump dryer. It is not the most expensive one but it is very cheap to run and dries the washing superbly.

Jane43 Fri 06-Feb-26 21:46:27

Our tumble dryer is in the garage so we have to have a condenser dryer, we looked into getting a heat pump dryer but it is too cold in the garage for it to function properly. Our latest condenser dryer is a Bosch and it is very good.

Isla71 Sun 08-Feb-26 23:27:03

I bought a Meaco dehumidifier last winter, and use it when electricity is half price. It is stored in the downstairs cloakroom which acts as a drying room. I also run a small electric heater at the same time for a few hours. Just finish off with clothes on a hanger when central heating is on for an hour or so in the evening.

Franbern Mon 09-Feb-26 19:15:33

I purchased a heat pump condenser tumble dryer when I moved into my flat with no facilities for outside drying.
It take longer to dry items, but uses so very much less leccie than a my old tumble dryer that had a pipe going through an external wall.
Easy to empty. I keep most of that water to use on my potted plants.