Posted 14 November 2023

Advice on tumble dryer

I have gone through 5 tumble dryers in as many years (I really don't get why) and need to buy a new one. I reckon I'll go for a condenser model, however after the last 2 I realise I need to find a better model as the last 2 had the water reservoir/tank stored at the very bottom which makes it rather inconvenient - especially as I have seen models with the tank hung on the door.
Has anyone any experience with those types? Is there a better option - such as a self draining version?
The chore of "de-fluffing" is obviously too much (and probably the reason for so many failures!).
I am prepared to take on that chore and ensure the filters are cleaned a lot more regularly. Are they all pretty much the same when it comes to maintenace?
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  1. Happydayz's avatar
    I think the Samsung range is alright, it comes with 5 years warranty and the ones in the following link all have plumbed in options. They include the draining kit. They are energy efficient too. Noise levels is from 65 dB and lower, depending on the model you choose.

    I bought appliances from AO many times, they have excellent service. You can also find similar models from John Lewis if you wanted too.

    ao.com/l/h…vat
  2. harrythefish's avatar
    The talk now is all about heat exchanger models. Basically these are high powered dehumidifiers in a tumble drier package. Trouble is, like condenser dryers they need to drain water out. Our last condenser dryer had a big water tank at the bottom that had to be emptied or it would overflow. What a pain. And it also made the utility room smell of rubber for some reason so had to air that room after drying. Replaced it with a standard hot air dryer.

    If I were replacing again, I'd be looking at heat exchanger ones, claimed as saving 60% of the energy. But I'd need a neat, plumbed-in solution to the waste water. Not sure which manufacturers actually offer this.
    aLV426's avatar
    Author
    Yeah - that's what I am looking for - a dryer with the least on going maintenance. It's not easy to research that! I am tempted to go back to vented as it seemed to dry quicker and much less effort to keep it going (I actually have 3 different models still kicking about - the one in outhouse "mysteriously" had the door hinge broken, the one in the utility room doesn't heat up and the latest Candy model trips the electric!) ugh.
    I not really happy about the prospect of spending yet another ~£400, but needs must.
  3. Willy_Wonka's avatar
    I hope you got your money back or free repairs for 4 of them.
    aLV426's avatar
    Author
    No - I'm far too lazy to process the warranty
  4. Azwipe's avatar
    100% Heat pump is the way to go, much cheaper to run and never shrinks anything. I went for Candy and the water collection is in the door (can use a drain hose). Only cost about £300 for a 10KG A++.
    IAmATeaf's avatar
    Don’t these take many hours to dry though. Also how noisy is yours, our current Bosch condenser is pretty loud so wouldn’t want that on for 4 or so hours.
  5. HonourableGentleman's avatar
    If you get through them that quickly - and don't follow up on warranty's - go for the cheapest one possible!
    IAmATeaf's avatar
    Surely it can’t all be bad luck? To the OP maybe you are overloading them or is the drier in a place where it just gets too hot ie lack of proper ventilation?
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