dryerhelp

Condenser tumble dryer, or a vented tumble dryer?

The first decision you must make when buying a tumble dryer is whether to buy a vented or a condenser dryer. As you'd expect, there are pros and cons for both. This page helps you understand all of the differences, including the reliability and repair implications.

Tumble dryer buying advice

 

What's the difference between a condenser tumble dryer and a vented tumble dryer?

Vented tumble dryers blow the hot damp air out through a venting pipe, ideally straight outside through an open window or through an outside wall using a venting kit. Condenser tumble dryers divert the damp air into a condensing chamber where it hits a metal condenser. The steam turns into water and is collected in a plastic tank, which you have to manually empty. It may be possible to plumb in some condenser dryers so that the water goes to a drain.

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What are the pros and cons of a condenser tumble dryer and a vented tumble dryer?

Vented tumble dryers are cheaper, more reliable and cheaper to run, but they will cause condensation in a room unless they are properly vented to an open window or through an outside wall. If using a window, it may be inconvenient to have to push the vent hose out and to keep the window open while in use - especially in winter when it's cold outside. It may even be impossible if the vent pipe won't physically reach. If vented properly through an outside wall it can be awkward to refit the dryer after getting it out to clean behind or for repair (depending on where it is fitted).

A condenser tumble dryer can be sited in more places because it doesn't have to be near a window or outside wall. You just load it and switch it on. If you buy a good quality condenser dryer there should be no steam escaping into the room. However, some cheap, or just poorly designed condenser dryers can leak damp air into the room and cause condensation or mould.

Condenser dryers also need the plastic reservoir emptying regularly and the condenser chamber needs removing and cleaning regularly too.

Related:

Which? reviews of 101 tumble dryers from brands like Hotpoint and White Knight including 25 Best Buy dryers. Running times, energy use and convenience all independently tested and rated by Which?

Reviews of 101 tumble dryers from brands like Hotpoint and White Knight - Plenty of free information but will need to be a subscriber to see everything (30 day trial available)

 

What are the maintenance and repair differences between a condenser tumble dryer and a vented tumble dryer?

Having repaired many tumble dryers, both vented and condenser, I have the following opinions regarding the repair side of things –

Vented tumble dryers

Condenser tumble dryers

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Which is best, a condenser or vented dryer?

Vented tumble dryers are cheaper than condenser dryers, they are also simpler, more reliable and cheaper to run. According to Which? “on average, vented tumble dryers use about a fifth less energy than condenser dryers to dry a full load of cottons.“

So why bother with a condenser tumble dryer? Condenser tumble dryers are a convenience product but they do offer a solution to a genuine problem for some. My advice would be that if your tumble dryer can be sited somewhere that allows you to vent it outside, either through a wall or through a window, then a vented dryer is probably best. If this would be particularly awkward, then buy a good quality condenser dryer, which should condense the steam into water.

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