Best dryer? Any recommendations?

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turtleattacks

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#285958 27-May-2021 20:51

Hi guys,

We are looking for a new dryer and apart from that obvious fact that we have to get a heat pump dryer. Are there any specific dryer that people currently own and absolutely love or love to get?

Happy to splash out a bit as we will be using it a bit.

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billgates

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#2714118 27-May-2021 21:16

We have a Miele 9kg heatpump dryer. Works really well and we get 9kg of load dried up in 1.5 hours.

Do whatever you want to do man.

timmmay

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#2714138 27-May-2021 21:55

You don't have to get a heat pump drier. They're more efficient but unless you dry a lot of washing the purchase price can negate the benefit. My main recommendation is to get a drier that's vented, they're more effective. I'm on my second F&P drier in ten years. They work ok and last well but I don't really like it because of all the random squealing type noises it makes. Had it repaired once because of another weird noise, they replaced the motor. Effective at drying though.

BuzzLightyear

377 posts

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#2714143 27-May-2021 22:20

billgates:
We have a Miele 9kg heatpump dryer. Works really well and we get 9kg of load dried up in 1.5 hours.

Same. Got one of these during lock down last year - love it.

Scott3

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#2714222 27-May-2021 23:07

If you can get a vent ducked out, a vented dryer is great. (noting that vented dryers have maximum duct losses that need to be abides by)

We have this one, and it is going well. Biggest downside is that the drum only turn's one direction so is prone to tangling sheets etc.

https://www.bosch-home.co.nz/productlist/WTA74201AU

What I really wanted was a 4kW commercial style unit, but in the end I couldn't justify the high cost or need to get a a sparky in to install a 20A outlet...

https://garyanderson.co.nz/product/speedqueen-les37-10kg-electric-dryer-20-amp-needed/

But if not a heat pump dryer is a lot more desirable than a condenser dryer, or a vented one discharging into the room.

Be aware that heat pump dryers are often a lot slower than vented dryers, and it can take a very long time to pay off their high capital cost in energy savings. Also they are too heavy to hang from the wall, or in some cases stack. Also to heavy for one person to move.

Despite the above, if you have only normal power sockets available, a heat pump dryer is the only way to get a match in size for a 9 or 10kg washer... And it is far more energy efficient, and it does away for the need for ducting.

mattwnz

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#2714226 27-May-2021 23:51

timmmay:

You don't have to get a heat pump drier. They're more efficient but unless you dry a lot of washing the purchase price can negate the benefit. My main recommendation is to get a drier that's vented, they're more effective. I'm on my second F&P drier in ten years. They work ok and last well but I don't really like it because of all the random squealing type noises it makes. Had it repaired once because of another weird noise, they replaced the motor. Effective at drying though.

Heat pump ones don't need to be vented, so no need to cut a hole in the ceiling and soffit or wall etc. If hiring a tradesperson to do that, then it could be false economy not going for a heatpump one. We have a Miele heat pump one, and the major benefit is that the water can be plumbed into the drain, so you don't have to empty any tank after the drying. Used to have a F&P one, and they are pretty primative compared to the Miele heatpump ones.

timmmay

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#2714243 28-May-2021 05:51

There are advantages and disadvantages to both heat pump and standard vented driers. We chose vented even though the cost wasn't an issue, for speed of drying and since we already had the vent.

shanes

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#2714289 28-May-2021 08:43

timmmay:

I'm on my second F&P drier in ten years. They work ok and last well but I don't really like it because of all the random squealing type noises it makes. Had it repaired once because of another weird noise, they replaced the motor. Effective at drying though.

Little bit off topic, but might help someone :)

My F&P drier is around 21 years old, I've found a couple of tricks to make them last.

In my one, the random squealing you mention, was caused by the drum bearing, I do put up with it for a while, but it is a really easy DIY $10 fix, I've replaced ours twice now.

The other problem I have seen on another machine is the motor bearings wearing due to the directional pressure the belts put on it, while I've had ours apart I rotate the motor a little so the shaft is pressing against a different area of the bearing.

timmmay

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#2714297 28-May-2021 08:59

Interesting thanks shanes. I'd just call F&P support. When they last came they just said "all we can do is replace the motor" and did that under warranty.

Geektastic

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#2714299 28-May-2021 09:02

We bought a Miele condenser dryer about 5 years ago. Never missed a beat.

Jase2985

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#2714380 28-May-2021 10:47

@turtleattacks: Hi guys,

We are looking for a new dryer and apart from that obvious fact that we have to get a heat pump dryer. Are there any specific dryer that people currently own and absolutely love or love to get?

Happy to splash out a bit as we will be using it a bit.

Why do you need a heat pump one?

wratterus

1466 posts

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#2714436 28-May-2021 11:08

I bought an old F&P dryer off FB marketplace about 3 or 4 years ago for $40. It runs perfectly. Highly recommend, great value for money. 😁

Stu

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#2714497 28-May-2021 12:25

billgates:

We have a Miele 9kg heatpump dryer. Works really well and we get 9kg of load dried up in 1.5 hours.

As do we. Laundry is in the garage, and nowhere near an exterior wall. Wasn't keen on holes in the ceiling, and wasn't going to vent into the garage. Works extremely well.

It’s not that I’m agoraphobic, it’s just not safe to go out anymore.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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