Different types of dryers
Before you start shopping for a new dryer, it is good to know that there are different types of tumble dryers. You can choose between the heat pump dryer, the condenser dryer and the vent dryer. We would like to explain the differences between them so that you can better judge which type of dryer is best for you and your household. As a result, the heat pump dryer has a low drying temperature. This means that it takes a little longer for your laundry to dry, but it is better for it.
In addition, the lower drying temperature also means that your energy consumption remains low. This makes the heat pump dryer the most economical dryer you can choose. In general, these are also the more expensive dryers. However, because they are so energy efficient, they are often the most economical choice. A heat pump dryer with energy label A+++ (the most energy-efficient) can save up to 75 euros a year on your energy bills – compared to a regular condenser dryer with energy class B. As the average dryer has a lifespan of 12 years, you’re guaranteed to make that investment pay for itself.
With most heat pump dryers, you have a choice of how you want the condensation to drain, either by ducting it to the water outlet, or by collecting it in the tank.
Moreover, most heat pump dryers come with a self-cleaning condenser. This keeps the heat exchanger clean, which means less maintenance for you.
Condenser Dryer
Condenser dryers dry using an electric heating element. The high temperature dries your clothes quickly, but this high drying temperature and dry air can be harmful to your clothes, the chance of shrinkage and wear is greater with a higher drying temperature.
In purchase, the condensing dryer is a relatively inexpensive clothes dryer. However, due to the heating element, the energy costs of a condenser dryer are higher. A heat pump dryer is therefore much more economical than a condenser dryer. Most condenser dryers are in energy class B. If you look carefully, you will find an energy-efficient condenser dryer (with energy label A++ or A+++), but in general you should look at heat pump dryers.
Like the heat pump dryer, condenser dryers allow you to choose how you will drain the condensation; you can either connect your dryer to the drain or use the tank to collect the water.
Vented Dryer
Vented dryers, also known as airflow dryers, are being produced and sold less and less. Like the condenser dryer, they are relatively inexpensive to buy, but their energy consumption is high. At most, they have energy class B, which is why we do not recommend buying this type of dryer.
With extractor dryers, the warm, moist air is expelled through an exhaust hose. This is done through a window or a hole in the wall. With these dryers, it is usually not possible to collect the air in a tank or connect it to the water outlet.