Heat Pump Condenser Tumble Dryer suitable for family - any recommendations?

[devsdev]

We're finally getting a condenser dryer - I think we should get one with a heat pump since the prices have come down and I understand these are the most energy efficient in the long run. I've looked at AO.com and the cheapest are with 7kg drums. We would mainly want to be able to dry towels, sheets, duvet covers and the like, plus the odd batch of kids clothes. Should I be looking at a bigger drum? Appreciate it should relate to the washer, but we will probably replace our washer in the next year or so and I'm not fussed if a wash needs to be dried in two batches.

Anyway, was hoping for recommendations (or brands/models to avoid) and any experience with these kinds of dryers.

Also, the room has a window which we can leave slightly open, but should we get an exhaust fan installed as well?

Thank you!!

[Strawbs]

We have a Candy 9kg and its great, honestly I'd be lost without it. Either crack the window or get a dehumidifier but the moisture really isn't that bad and it keeps the kitchen toasty warm!

[devsdev]

Thanks Strawbs - is it this one: http://ao.com/product/gvhd913a2-candy-grando-vita-condenser-tumble-dryer-white-36433-18.aspx. If so brilliant because it's the cheapest 9kg out there and it looks great!

Some of the reviews say it's very noisy - it's going to be next to my daughter's bedroom and besides having white noise in her room she's generally a heavy sleeper so I don't think it'll be a problem. But just wondering if you found it particularly noisy? Thank you!

[Strawbs]

It's this one X

http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/1378140.htm?CMPID=GS001&_$ja=cgid:12525739490%7Ctsid:59158%7Ccid:200294090%7Clid:94833385730%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:66128561930%7Crnd:2496066720306284025%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1o1%7Cbku:1&gclid=CIPC8N6Pm8oCFeTnwgodTC8FNw

[ed_pete]

We have an AEG condensor. Probably common sense but the only things I would say is buy the most energy efficient you can if you intend to use it a lot as they eat electricity. Secondly buy the best brand you can (Miele/AEG) afford for the sake of reliability.

[Dun]

Hi we have a Miele T2345C. It is 9 years old, reliable and still going strong. I LOVE it! It is a 6kg drum which is more than big enough for bedding etc. Not noisy either. No more drying clothes hanging over ever surface, things dry quickly, school uniform shirts never need to be ironed (as long as they are put on a hanger right away), feather pillows can be washed and dried on a regular basis, it makes life soo much easier and more pleasant. Have had it in 2 homes and neither had an extractor fan but both have had a window. Also in our previous house we had it hooked up to drain away down the drain but when we moved I decided to use the built in tank which I now empty for watering indoor plants as well as for filling up the floor steam cleaner. Was told that Miele last 20 yrs on average so only disadvantage is that by the time it needs to be replaced technology will have moved on hugely. Our previous dryer was a Bosch dryer and that was also excellent. If I was replacing my Miele I'd probably look at both Bosch (because they are considerably less expensive) and Miele.

[wonderwoman]

Sorry to hijack this thread we are looking to replace our Zanussi W.machine which has been great for over 10 years but now making banging noises and not washing properly. Having a look at washer dryers, does anyone have experience of these and do they have same condensation problem as a dryer? Any recommendations?

[katgod]

don't have a condensation problem with (AEG)dryer - the water goes into a tank which I empty after every dry. Washer drier is less good than a proper drier in my view. I had one, no condensation issue at all as water goes back down the drain same way as the dirty washing water. But it never got things properly dry like the proper tumble drier does. Still had to hang stuff up.

Do rate my LakelanD electric airer though - especially with a sheet over to make a tent - it dries quicker that way. 8p an hour to run.

[devsdev]

Some people swear by their washer dryers - we've never had much luck using them. Our current washer-dryer leaves clothes smelling (dirty damp smell) which is probably a problem with our unit, but the washer works fine. Just got the Candy Heat Pump from AO (via Boots, so got my points!) - will update once I find the time to plug it in and test it out!

-Dev