Condenser dryer model recommendations

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Lizard1977

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#208114 27-Jan-2017 09:59

I'm looking at replacing our failing dryer (2-year old Bosch vented dryer). Just waiting to hear back from Harvey Norman about the refund, so I'm looking at alternatives to simply getting the same model again. While we currently vent our dryer via ducting out a louvre window in the laundry, this isn't ideal and makes the kitchen/laundry area cold in winter. So I thought I would look at condenser dryers, and get the water tank to drain into the sink alongside the washing machine.

I found this 4-year old thread (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=141&topicid=120905) where it seems views are mixed about the performance of condenser dryers. I did note that there were a few people who had good experiences with Bosch and Miele (in particular, @gehenna, @dunnersfella, @netspanner, @wolfmannz, and @azzura). Can anyone recommend a specific model number?

I checked out the Consumer article from 2016, and they recommended the Electrolux EDP2074PDW and the Bosch WTB86200AU (among others). The Electrolux sounded okay (and was available at HN), but online reviews especially from Aussie sounded dire. Consumer also recommended a Miele model, but it's not available at HN. They do have a Miele condenser model (M-TDA150C) but I've no idea how it compares to the model listed in Consumer.

SO - looking for some specific condenser models to look up, based on actual user recommendations.

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#1710529 27-Jan-2017 10:33

In weatherboard houses it's pretty easy to get proper ducting. Condensate driers are meant to be slower and they increase humidity according to consumer, and are double the price of a regular drier. Consumer has a lot of heat pump driers at the top of its list, but for condensate dryers it lists BOSCHWTB86200AU and FISHER & PAYKELDE8060P2. Best buy the article or join if you want full details.

richms

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#1710532 27-Jan-2017 10:36

My LG hasnt let me down yet.

Annoying things on it tho are no sensor dry for bulky things like duvets, it just goes for an hour - cant even add time to it. Not noticed any more humidity inside with it really, but the laundry is quite draughty. When running the unventable crap one the walls in there would be covered in water, so much it was running down and puddling on the floor. None of that happens with the condenser one.

Richard rich.ms

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#1710533 27-Jan-2017 10:36

Condenser driers get "dire" reviews for a very good reason.

They are inefficient, and expensive to buy and to run.

Avoid.

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richms

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#1710535 27-Jan-2017 10:41

Im spending way less than the old F&P one cost, and it is much faster too. The F&P was the crappest model they sold that didnt even have a sensor, but I could start it for 2 hours, and come back and things were still hot and wet inside it. LG has things able to go into the wardrobe room in about 50-70 mins.

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ubergeeknz

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#1710539 27-Jan-2017 10:47

I'll stick with my vintage F&P until it's impossible to get parts. Most loads take 45-50 minutes and come out crispy dry.

WolfmanNZ

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#1710549 27-Jan-2017 10:54

We have an Electrolux cant remember model # prob 3 years old, does a good job, slightly slower but uses less power than old one we had from memory (but old one was REALLY old) Tho you can make it do a faster dry in which case in will use more juice.

Lizard1977

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#1710553 27-Jan-2017 10:55

timmmay:

In weatherboard houses it's pretty easy to get proper ducting. Condensate driers are meant to be slower and they increase humidity according to consumer, and are double the price of a regular drier. Consumer has a lot of heat pump driers at the top of its list, but for condensate dryers it lists BOSCHWTB86200AU and FISHER & PAYKELDE8060P2. Best buy the article or join if you want full details.

Thanks, I've already got a subscription to Consumer and have read their article. Their advice and recommendations are useful, but I'm looking for some actual user reviews to supplement what Consumer are saying.

Lizard1977

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#1710562 27-Jan-2017 11:05

The issue of time to dry is interesting. Our Bosch sensor vented dryer would take about 2 hours for a full load. I guess everybody's definition of "long time" will vary...

CokemonZ

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#1710564 27-Jan-2017 11:09

I have the previous model of the Hoover Heatpump Dryer from Noel Leaming.

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/whiteware-kitchen-appliances/laundry-whiteware/clothes-dryer/hoover-hdnh-d8513ax-aus-8kg-heat-pump-dryer/prod149304.html

Works very well, easy to empty the water, cheap (as far as dryers go) to run. We are a family of 5, with young kids, so we definitely put it through its paces.

Cheapest Heatpump Dryer by about $500 & still 8kg.

Got mine on Special for about $1600 a couple of years back.

Sideface

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#1710565 27-Jan-2017 11:12

Lizard1977:

The issue of time to dry is interesting. Our Bosch sensor vented dryer would take about 2 hours for a full load. I guess everybody's definition of "long time" will vary...

Definitions of "full load" also vary - no drier will work well if you over-fill it, because this makes it hard for hot, dry air to circulate effectively.

I find that two "half loads" dry faster than one "overload".

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gehenna

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#1710597 27-Jan-2017 11:58

Our Bosch is still going strong if that helps. Can't recall the model but I can find out. Though I imagine it's superseded by now.

gehenna

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#1710598 27-Jan-2017 11:58

Our Bosch is still going strong if that helps. Can't recall the model but I can find out. Though I imagine it's superseded by now.

jimbob79

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#1710633 27-Jan-2017 12:16

I have a Bosch Heat-pump/condensing dryer for the last 5 years. Only things I don't like is having to keep emptying the water reservoir every 3~4 loads of washing and very occasionally the micro switch for the door does not always recognise that the door is closed. Simple fix of shoving a pencil in and out of the hole few times.

Lastly the door does not hang correctly and scraped the inside brim of the opening.

michaelmurfy

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#1710665 27-Jan-2017 13:09

I've got a Samsung heatpump condensing dryer - only 2 years old buy drys clothes very well.

mattwnz

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#1710673 27-Jan-2017 13:34

My parents purchased a Miele heat pump dryer and find it excellent, and it has a drain into the tub, It also cost slightly less than other brands, even though it is Miele.

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