Tumble dryers are a household staple and an essential appliance for many of us – especially for families with lots of washing. But finding out which type of dryer is best for you can be a bit of a minefield, which is why we’re here to help!
Different types of tumble dryers
A good place to start is probably to explain what the differences are when it comes to vented, condenser and heat pump dryers.
The main difference between tumble dryer technologies is how they expel the hot air and moisture created when drying your clothes. Vented dryers have an extraction hose to remove the air, condenser dryers convert the hot air into moisture, which then collects in a water drawer that gets emptied and heat pumps reuse and circulate their hot air throughout a drying cycle. As heat pumps are a branch of condenser dryer, heat pumps also have a water reservoir that you empty at the end of a drying cycle.
The most notable difference between condenser and heat pump dryers is their energy consumption: heat pump technology reuses hot air rather than constantly generating more heat. Consequently, heat pump dryers use substantially less energy. Although heat pump dryers may take a fair while longer per drying cycle, the trade off is worth it if you do a lot of tumble drying and are looking to save on the cost per cycle.
What are the pros and cons of each dryer type?
Each dryer has its place: each person’s lifestyles, preferences and homes are different and so we find ourselves recommending all 3 of these dryer types, depending on a customer’s needs. Which dryer should you buy? Take a look at the pros and cons of each dryer type below:
Vented Dryers: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No extra energy used to convert hot air into water; no water drawer to empty | Cannot be placed anywhere; must be near an external outlet (e.g. window, door) |
| Cheaper upfront cost | Limited technology and settings |
| Dries clothes quickly | Can create excess moisture/lint in the home |
| Can be placed in outbuildings, sheds & garages |
Condenser Dryers: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be placed anywhere in the home | Emptying water reservoir |
| More efficient drying; more settings | Shorter drying cycles = more energy consumption |
| Shorter drying cycles compared to heat pump | Cannot be placed anywhere with ambient temperatures below 5 degrees C |
Heat Pump Dryers: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be placed anywhere in the home | Longer drying cycles |
| Costs substantially less to run | More expensive upfront cost |
| Better protection for your clothes, as they dry on much lower temperatures | Cannot be placed in outbuildings, sheds & garages |
What else should I be looking for in a tumble dryer?
So, we’ve covered the basics, the costs and the pros and cons, but what else should you take into consideration when purchasing a tumble dryer? Here’s some of our recommendations of features to look out for when tumble dryer shopping:
Reverse Action
If you’re not a fan of ironing, reverse action drums are great for getting a lot of creases out of clothes while they dry by switching up the rotation movement during a cycle.
Anti-Crease
If you’re busy or not around when your laundry finishes drying, machines with an anti-crease function will tumble the laundry at regular intervals until you get to it – effectively preventing creasing.
Sensor Drying
This feature monitors the humidity in the drum, automatically adjusting the drying time depending on the load or the dryness level you select.
Child Lock
Keep little hands from adjusting your drying settings.
Delay Start
Set your laundry to start (and therefore end) at a time that suits you or costs you less.
Self-Cleaning
A dryer with this feature rinses itself several times throughout a drying cycle, meaning there’s no need to pull out the condenser filter and de-fluff it!
Still Undecided?
No problem! If you have any other questions or need further advice, visit your local HBH Woolacotts branch to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable sales advisors. Alternatively you can contact us via our website or our social media pages. We’re always Happy to Be Helpful!
