Compare heat pump dryers and condenser dryers
In the table below we have compared the extractor and condenser dryers, after the table we will explain the difference for each part.
| Specifications | Heat pump dryer | Condenser dryer |
| Water disposal | Reservoir or drain hose | Reservoir or drain hose |
| Air outlet | Not to environment | Not to environment |
| Purchase price | Medium-high | Low-medium |
| Energy consumption | Low (environmentally conscious) | High (bad for the environment) |
| Energy costs | Approximately € 40 per year | Approximately € 115 per year |
| Drying temperature | Low | High |
| Better for your laundry | Yes (low drying temperature) | No (high temperature) |
Points to compare
Exhaust air
The condenser dryer does not heat the ambient air. This makes a condenser dryer suitable for small spaces where it is not pleasant or desirable for the temperature to rise. This can include a small bathroom, but also a storage room or closet. However, you should always keep in mind that every dryer loses some heat and you should always place the equipment away from a wall/door. This also applies to heat pump dryers. A duct dryer, in contrast to the condenser dryer and heat pump dryer, does heat the ambient air. This makes this type of dryer less suitable for small spaces.
Water outlet
A vented dryer is a dryer with an exhaust hose to the outside. The drainage hose is a thick flexible hose that you hang out of the window, allowing the condensation to leave the dryer. You don’t have to worry about emptying the water tank. This variant is seen less and less these days. A condenser tumble dryer is a tumble dryer that collects moisture in a condensation tray. In this case, there is no need for a hose to the outside, but it is necessary to empty the tank after every drying cycle. However, with a condenser dryer you can also close the drain or have a hose to the water outlet. In that case, you don’t need to empty the reservoir. In terms of operation, both dryers are similar, so it doesn’t matter whether you buy a vented or a condenser dryer.
Energy consumption
The energy consumption of both appliances is not beneficial to the environment. Condenser dryers are known for their high temperature leading to high energy bills and environmental impact, but it’s no different for a clothes dryer. The energy label of a condenser dryer is B and that of a drain dryer is B or C. Unlike a heat pump dryer, where the energy label varies from A+ to A+++. To give you an indication of this difference for your wallet: a C energy label costs almost three times as much as an A++ energy label when it comes to clothes dryers. To give you an indication of the annual costs: a dryer with an energy label C costs on average about €115 per year, while a dryer with an A+++ label costs about €40 per year. These figures are, of course, global and the exact amount can be calculated based on your personal usage and energy label. The annual consumption on an energy label is based on an average of three drying cycles per week.
Build quality
The build quality of condenser dryers and extractor dryers does not differ much from one type of dryer to another. This depends on the specific model. So there’s no way to tell the difference between the two types of dryers. If you want to take this into account, which we definitely recommend, choose at least a mid-range build quality. Ideally, you’d like to buy a dryer with a top-class build quality. However, these dryers also have a higher purchase price. The heat pump dryers usually have a middle or top class quality. The quality is assessed on the basis of the presence of the following features: moisture expulsion, self-cleaning condenser, anti-vibration walls, cleaning indicators and a brushless motor. In addition, the housing, drum and door hinges are checked for stainless steel. If a tumble dryer has more than 70% of the above features, it is a top of the range tumble dryer. A tumble dryer with less than 50% of the features is in the basic category. Any dryer in between will have a mid-range build quality.
Lifetime
Longevity depends on many factors, including build quality, frequency of use and maintenance. Frequency of use is the most important. The lifespan is therefore determined by the models and the user, not the type of tumble dryer. The lifespan can be estimated for a new tumble dryer, but not for a second-hand one, where you do not know how it has been used in previous years.
Drying temperature
Both tumble dryers use a high temperature to dry the laundry, around 80 degrees. An advantage is that the programs don’t take long. A disadvantage is the energy consumption, which is higher than for a heat pump dryer.
Better for your laundry
It doesn’t matter whether you buy a condenser dryer or a clothes dryer in terms of caring for your laundry. Both condenser and extractor dryers are high temperature dryers, which are less beneficial to your laundry than low temperature dryers, such as heat pump dryers. The different models also have certain programs for certain fabrics such as wool or satin. For example, a hand wash program is extra gentle with the laundry. If you have a lot of these clothes, it is useful to check the available programs, because not every tumble dryer has them.
Specifications
A dryer is now quite old-fashioned, this variant has been on the market for a long time and is no longer sold in every webshop. The tumble dryers that are on the market today are not much different than the older models, except that the energy label has become more favorable. The way a dryer works is quite simple. Warm air is blown through the dryer, which is exhausted by a thick flexible hose. A heat pump dryer is less long in the market and works differently. A heat pump dryer blows the warm air into the drum, where the clothes dry, then the heat and moisture is removed. The air that remains is cool and goes back into the drum. Finally, there is a condenser dryer, which is more like a conventional dryer. This variant requires no external ventilation and uses two circuits and a heat exchanger to condense and heat the air.
Conclusion
Do you want an energy-efficient dryer? Then you’re not in the right place with these two variants, you’re better off with a heat pump dryer. Is the energy consumption less important to you and do you mainly want a nice purchase price? Then a condenser dryer or a dryer with a duct is for you. If you have the possibility to connect a drainage hose to the outside of your home, then a dryer with a drain is an option. If you do not have this option, you will need a condenser dryer. The purchase price of a condenser tumble dryer and a extractor dryer are both not very high, but extractor dryers are available at a lower price. The price of a condenser dryer ranges from €380 to €750. A clothes dryer starts at €230 and can cost up to €700. The price will depend on the brand, energy label, build quality and available specifications. In general, the better the quality (and lifespan) of the dryer, the more expensive it gets. In the end, you will also earn your money back, because the dryer will last longer.