Tumble dryers (heat pump) - any makes and models to go for? Any to avoid?

[Rollerball]

The title says it all really, any recommendations or tips please?

 

[pcaouolte]

Do you really want a heat pump version? More expensive to buy and less reliable than a "blow air through a hole in the wall" version. Any (minimal) saving in running cost may well be offset by the extra purchase cost and short life expectancy.

 

[Rollerball]

Are heat pump dryers really that unreliable? I didn't know that. Thanks.

How about condenser dryers? Are they more reliable than a heat pump dryer?

 

[flameport]

Are heat pump dryers really that unreliable?

No.
They have more in them than a traditional type so theoretically more things that could go wrong - but that doesn't make then inherently unreliable.
The extra components are those found in any refrigerator or freezer, and no one would claim those are unreliable.
They do take longer to dry items than the heater and fan versions, and they will not work well or at all if the room they are in has a low temperature so don't even consider putting one in a garage or outhouse.

How about condenser dryers?

Standard heater and a fan with an extra bit to condense the water into a tray which you have to empty, or some can be connected to a drain.
Operating costs are still sky high, but they don't require a hole in the wall.

 

[opps]

Back in late 2019, she wot no longer talks to me purchased an integrated Hoover heat pump dryer (price= £600-700). The first (made in Turkey) model was faulty. The replacement stopped spinning after about 14 months. I replaced the motor capacitor and it worked, but I was shocked at how much dust was in the bottom of the machine. In her defence, she only purchased that model because it was the only one she could find that was integrated.

Based on my very limited experience, I would not recommend the Hoover one. I would also add that the drying times were very long. Our old cheapo Hotpoint vented tumble dryer would dry clothes 3+ times faster. I never bothered doing the maths, but given that over 18 years, the £200 machine only need a new belt and a new overheat sensor, I have long wondered if the extra electricity plus cost of purchase and maintenance was more or less than the heat pump version. I dunno.

 

[Rollerball]

Thanks for the additional replies which gives me some useful info and more to ponder, very much appreciated. Whatever I go for I'll certainly avoid Hoover.

 

[opps]

Thanks for the additional replies which gives me some useful info and more to ponder, very much appreciated. Whatever I go for I'll certainly avoid Hoover.

I might be wrong... I often am, at the back of my mind, I think that Whirlpool merged with Beko (the Turkish brand). I think that Hover is now part of the same group. If you are willing to pay a massive premium, yeah, go for Miele, but it is a big premium. Sorry, I have muddied the waters, but my advice is based on (limited ) personal experience.

Hopefully, someone else will be able to give you better pointers.

 

[accelerator]

Look at LG, Samsung and Bosch as these have the best build quality and reliability IMO.

 

[endecotp]

gov.uk says:

On average an owner of a heat pump tumble dryer could have a net saving of £250 (undiscounted), compared to one owning a condenser model over the latter’s twelve year lifetime. A heat pump tumble dryer will also have a longer lifetime meaning the same owner could see a net £900 benefit over the expected 20-year lifetime.

Raising standards for household tumble dryers: new requirements (accessible webpage)

www.gov.uk

Elsewhere, they say the average energy consumption is 225 kWh/y for heat pump vs. 564 kWh/y for condenser.

They cite these links for the longer lifetime claim:

Do Heat Pump Dryers Last Longer Than Traditional Dryers?

Heat pump dryers last longer than traditional dryers. Traditional dryers last an average of 10 years, while heat pump models usually last 20 years. Dryer life expectancy depends on the brand's reliability, as evidenced by the warranty.

www.attainablehome.com

Heat Pump Dryer Pros and Cons: An Eco-Friendly Guide

A heat pump dryer can be great for the environment, but there not for everyone. Let's explore some heat pump dryer pros and cons.

switchingtoelectric.com

Neither of those actually refers to any surveys or other research. The closest they come is the claim that product lifetimes are related to the manufacturers’ warranty durations, i.e. if they expect it to last longer they’ll give a longer warranty. Which frankly I find a bit dubious.

 

[Mottie]

I had one, took ages to dry stuff and then when we needed it in the cold weather, it wouldn’t work. Just don’t fit one in an unheated shed!

Any tumble dryer experts on here? No heat!

Hi We have an AEG Protex Lavatherm tumble dryer. Only a couple of years old but hardly used. Everything works as it should but no heat being produced. No faults or warning lights on now although my wife thinks she saw all three lights on last time she emptied it - filter, water tray and...

www.diynot.com

 

[Rollerball]

I just read a few reviews of heat pump dryers in general and some people have had them run just fine at under 10 celcius, the room I plan to put mine inside is usually anywhere between 10 to 15 celcius in winter when the heating is off, a bit higher when the small radiator in that room comes on.

 

[Mottie]

I just read a few reviews of heat pump dryers in general and some people have had them run just fine at under 10 celcius, the room I plan to put mine inside is usually anywhere between 10 to 15 celcius in winter when the heating is off, a bit higher when the small radiator in that room comes on.

Should be okay then. My one is still going strong in the daughter in laws kitchen.

 

[yorksbuilder]

Very happy with Miele heat pump dryer. Use the condensate water for streak free cleaning of glass etc with a little vinegar added.

Less chance of fire, and less energy use

 

[Rollerball]

On the subject of energy efficiency ratings for tumble dryers - is there a huge difference between A+ A++ and A+++ or is it just a small, hardly noticeable difference between each increment?

 

[endecotp]

On the subject of energy efficiency ratings for tumble dryers - is there a huge difference between A+ A++ and A+++ or is it just a small, hardly noticeable difference between each increment?

The labels also show the actual energy usage, e.g. in kWh per year, as well as the letter ratings. So just look at the numbers if you want.

Note that the EU letter ratings were re-allocated recently, so a 2024 A+++ is a 2025 A. It’s not clear to me if UK labels have changed yet or will soon - there is potential for confusion there.

Anyway looking at a random example from the John Lewis website:

Bosch WQB246C9GB £999 A+++ 174 kWh/yr
Bosch WTH85223GB £499 A++ 236 kWh/yr (reduced to clear)

They’re both heat pumps; this isn’t:

Bosch WTN83202GB £449 B 560 kWh/yr