What’s Your Type?

The three main types of tumble dryers—heat pump, vented, and condenser—each have distinct methods of extracting and handling hot air during the drying process. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Vented Tumble Dryers

  • Vented tumble dryers expel hot, moist air outside through a vent or hose.
  • They require installation near an external wall or window to accommodate the venting system.
  • Often faster at drying clothes because they use continuous airflow.
  • Installation can be restrictive due to the need for an external vent.
  • Less energy efficient as they constantly draw in and heat new air.

Condenser Tumble Dryers

  • Faster drying times compared to heat pump dryers due to higher temperatures.
  • Flexible placement options as they do not require an externally vented hose.
  • Requires a constant supply of cool air to function effectively. Ideally placed in a well-ventilated room to allow warm air to escape.
  • Uses high temperatures, typically reaching a maximum of 70-75°C.
  • Higher energy usage due to the high temperatures and the need to expel hot air.
  • Regular emptying of the water container unless connected to a drain.

Heat Pump Dryers: The Future of Efficient Clothes Drying

  • Heat pump dryers use a closed-loop heat exchange system to dry clothes efficiently.
  • Hot air circulates through the drum containing the clothes, absorbing moisture from the fabrics.
  • The moisture-laden air passes through an evaporator, which removes the moisture from the air.
  • The extracted moisture is collected in a tank for easy disposal.
  • The dehumidified air is reheated and circulated back through the drum to continue the drying process.
  • Heat pump dryers operate at lower temperatures, typically up to 50°C. This gentle drying process protects delicate fabrics and helps extend the lifespan of clothes.
  • By reusing the hot air, heat pump dryers are highly energy efficient. This recycling process significantly reduces utility bills compared to conventional dryers

Key Features to Look for when purchasing a Dryer

Dryers that Automatically senses when your load is dried

Load up your laundry and Auto Dry will finish it to the exact level of dryness you want – whether that’s dry enough to iron or extra-dry and ready to fold. Its sensors constantly measure the temperature and moisture to protect your laundry from high temperatures and over-drying. Get the perfect dry every time.

Fabric-friendly drying

The Sensitive Drying System cares for your washing by introducing mild, warm air from all sides. This is enhanced by the soft, curved paddles in the drum, which mean your laundry never lies flat, so it doesn’t crease. The result: gently dried laundry that’s soft, fluffy and crease free.

Safe, precision drying

Smart sensors control and monitor your washing to ensure even, gentle drying. Temperature sensors avoid overheating while moisture sensors measure the humidity of the materials, preventing clothes from over-drying. Your washing is dried gently and precisely – meaning reduced energy consumption and less time spent on ironing.

Intelligent drying that prevents over-drying and shrinking

With the Home Connect app your washer can communicate the load, fabrics and the remaining moisture to the dryer. All the dryer has to do is adapt its programme to the information received from the washing machine. Avoiding over drying and shrinking effectively.

SelfCleaning condenser

The SelfCleaning condenser keeps your machine energy-efficient by removing lint from the system. There is nothing for you to do except empty the filter when it is full.

No more large items getting tangled up with Reverse Action Drying

With reverse action dryers, the drum rotates in one direction, causing large items to curl up or wrap around other items in the drum. However, with the bed linen programme, the drum rotation changes direction and stops large pieces of washing from getting tangled up. For laundry loads up to 3.5 kg, it can be selected as an automatic programme.

Energy Rating

Need a tumble dryer that’s kind to the planet and your bills? You won’t have to look any further than the handy energy rating. With a range of A to G, you can easily compare how energy efficient each appliance is – those ranked C and above are the best in the biz. So now you can keep your clothes and your wallet happy.

Warranty

Tumble dryers are built to last, but sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why the warranty is so important, it keeps you safe from any nasty surprises. The standard length is usually 1 or 2 years, but some manufacturers offer extensions and could even cover the motor itself for 10 years. Look out for the warranty section on our product pages to know exactly what you’re entitled to.

Drying Load

Choosing the right drum size for your dry load is important. If it’s too big you’re wasting energy by not filling it but going too small means you need more cycles. Typically, an 8 to 9kg capacity is considered large and would handle the drying for homes of 3 or 4 people.

Tumble Dryer Dimensions Guide

Measuring the dimensions for your tumble dryer is essential to ensure it fits perfectly in your designated space and operates efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Gather Your Tools
  • Tape Measure: A standard tape measure will suffice for accurate measurements.
  1. Measure the Space
  • Measure the total width of the area where the dryer will be installed.
  • Include the distance between any walls, cabinets, or other obstacles on either side of the machine.
  • Check the depth of your preferred dryer model first, as this can vary.
  • Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the space, ensuring you leave room for any door clearance or cabinet edges.
  • Factor in a few additional centimetres at the back for hoses, vents, or plugs.
  1. Account for Ventilation
  • Side and Rear Clearance: Leave 5-10 cm of space around the sides and back of the machine for proper airflow and ventilation.
  • Front Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space at the front for the door to open fully and for you to access the drum comfortably.

Bosch Heat Pump Dryer WTH85223GB Dimensions Below