Buy a condenser dryer
Why buy a condenser dryer
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Why buy a condenser tumble dryer
Before we explain to you why you should or shouldn’t buy a condenser dryer, we’d like to give you an explanation of the different types of dryers. These are the duct dryer, the condenser dryer and the heat pump dryer. If you look at energy consumption, the extractor dryer is the worst, and the heat pump dryer the best. It uses the least energy per drying cycle and is therefore the most friendly choice for the environment and your energy bill. The condenser dryer is right in between.
In addition, the biggest difference between the different dryers is in the way condensation drains. The drain dryer uses a hose to lead the moisture outside through a window or a hole in the wall. With both the condenser dryer and the heat pump dryer, you have the choice of using a tank – which is a condensate tray that collects the moisture and you have to empty it after each drying cycle – or you can connect it to the drain. By connecting your dryer to the water drain, you won’t have to worry about the moisture from your clothes dryer.
Now that you know more about the differences between the types of dryers, we’d like to explain the pros and cons of the condenser dryer.
The advantages of buying a condenser dryer:
- Relatively inexpensive to purchase.
- Your laundry is dry quickly due to the use of a heating element.
- Condensation is discharged through a reservoir or the water drain.
The disadvantages of buying a condenser dryer:
- Lots of energy costs.
- The high temperature makes your laundry wear out faster.
- Bad for the environment.
Features of the condenser tumble dryer
The condenser tumble dryer uses a heating element to dry your clothes and other laundry. The high temperature that is achieved means that your laundry is quickly dry. Unfortunately, this way of drying is not economical. The condenser dryer needs a lot of energy to reach the high temperature. Also, the high temperature is not very good for your laundry. As a result, your clothes will wear out faster when using a condenser dryer and there is a greater chance that your clothes will shrink while drying.
The condensation drain of the condenser dryer can be done in 2 different ways. You can use the reservoir. This built-in condensate tray collects all the moisture during the drying process. After each drying session, you need to empty the reservoir into the sink. If you have a water drain in the room where you want to place the dryer, you can also connect the condenser dryer to it. That way, the moisture will automatically wash away and you won’t have to worry about it anymore. Not all condenser dryers come with a condensation drain hose, so you may have to order this separately.
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Condensate drain
The condenser dryer almost always has 2 ways for the moisture to drain. Through a reservoir that you have to empty after each drying cycle, or through the water drain. Most models offer both of these options. Do you have a specific preference for one of these methods of moisture removal? Then choose a condenser dryer that you are sure has that option.
Still not quite sure? Then take a look at our dryer selection guide. With this tool, you can easily answer a few questions, and we will select some of the best washing machines for you.
Filling weight
The fill weight of a dryer indicates how many kilograms of laundry can fit in the drum and is also known as its drying capacity. We recommend buying a condenser dryer with at least as much fill weight as your washing machine. This ensures that all your wet laundry fits into the drum of your dryer. Are you buying a new dryer and washing machine? Then use the overview below as an indication:
- A household of 1 or 2 people needs a dryer with a fill weight of 7 kg.
- A household of 3 or 4 people needs a dryer with a fill weight of 8 kg.
- A household of 5 or more people needs a dryer with a load of 9 kg or more.
Energy rating
The energy label of a condenser dryer indicates how economical the appliance is with energy. A dryer is considered ‘energy efficient’ if it has energy class A++ or A+++. Energy class B is the lowest energy label that a dryer in the Netherlands may have.
Drying programs
Just as your washing machine has different wash programs, condenser dryers also offer several programs for different types of laundry. For example, there are special programs for wool, shirts, silk, baby clothes and towels. These programs ensure that your laundry dries perfectly and your clothes last longer. Almost all modern tumble dryers also have an eco-program, to further reduce energy consumption while drying, or a program that makes your laundry ‘extra dry’.
Noise level
Even though clothes dryers produce significantly less noise than washing machines, the noise can still be distracting. If you would like a quiet condenser dryer, look at the noise level. The noise level is expressed in decibels (dB) and divided into 3 categories: loud (67 dB or more), normal (65 dB or 66 dB) and quiet (64 dB or less). The average condenser dryer produces between 65 dB and 67 dB while drying.
Build quality
The build quality of a dryer says something about the sturdiness and longevity of an appliance. Looking at the build quality, all dryers are divided into basic, middle and top class. If the build quality is not mentioned, the brand and price can also be an indication of the build quality. According to the Consumers’ Association, these are the best brands for clothes dryers: Miele, Bosch, Siemens, AEG and Samsung. Of these, AEG, Bosch and Siemens have condenser dryers in their range. Specifically for the condenser dryer, Siemens and Bosch come out best in the test according to Consumers’ Association, especially the models Bosch WTN83202NL, Siemens WT43N202NL, Bosch WTG86492NL and Siemens WT46G492NL. The “best brands” are generally more expensive, and therefore score less well in the “price-quality ratio” category, according to Consumers’ Association research. Brands that do score well in this category are Beko, Indesit and Zanussi. Zanussi also produces condenser dryers. According to the Consumers’ Association, the Siemens WT43N202NL is the ‘best buy’ in the category ‘condenser dryer’. This device is relatively inexpensive and dries quickly and well.
Condenser Dryer assortment
GE GTD45GASJWS
Maytag MGD5630HW
Maytag MGDX655DW
GE GTD33GASKWW
GE GTD72GBPNDG
Whirlpool WGD5620HW
LG DLGX8101V
LG DLG7301WE
Whirlpool WGD5000DW
GE GTD42GASJWW
Whirlpool WGD6120HW
GE GFD55GSSNWW
GE GFD85GSPNRS
Amana NGD4655EW
GE GFD85GSSNWW
Whirlpool WGD4950HW
Whirlpool WGD4815EW
Maytag MGDC465HW
GE GFD65GSPNSN
GE GTD72GBSNWS
Whirlpool WGD7120HW
