I am after a cheapish tumble dryer for drying towels and bedding. Having never owned one before I haven't a jeffing clue!! Has anyone got any reccomendations??

whats your budget? I am in the process of launching an online electrical shop, i mite be able to help. If not, tumble driers are all very similar, and its one of those things that are worth the extra bit to get the insurance. (not something i offer lol)

Are white knight dryers any good? I have heard they are a good brand.

Don't bother with a 'compact' one, get full size. There basicly simple machines, not a lot to go wrong, but they can use a fair bit of electricity.

AndyC

They use a LOT of electric all of them basically the same, just get a full size one, and don't be fooled into taking out insurance ...it's how the sales men make their money

Not strictly true on the insurance front. I used to work for a large electrical retailer and yes, some things are not worth taking it (TV, laptop etc) and yes, I rebelled and told people exactly what I thought of it. However, on certain items i.e a tumble drir, it can make sense...if its priced right. After all the trouble I've had with my tumble drier and its only just over a year, I should have taken it lol..

Also, some insurances cover absoloutly nothing, whereas some of them are pretty good.

1. Get some washing Line from Wilkinsons (£1.99)

2. Affix said line to sturdy points ootside

3. hang washing out.

idle get.

I only asked one question if offered insurance.....put on loud voice and say..........so are you are telling me that it will go wrong after one year .......by not taking out insurance over the years on items I have bought i have saved over £3,000 and had only one item go wrong just out of warranty (sony) so I can't really reccomend it.

and being a salesmans nightmare is my pleasure ...I have never paid the ticket price for any white goods ( the kids wont come with me as they get embaressed)....even got the insurance on a fridge freezer as part of the deal once

1. Get some washing Line from Wilkinsons (£1.99)

2. Affix said line to sturdy points ootside

3. hang washing out.

idle get.

Can't really do that when it's weeing it down or freezing Roy :P It's only towels , my uniform and bedding I really want it for.

I am after a cheapish tumble dryer for drying towels and bedding. Having never owned one before I haven't a jeffing clue!! Has anyone got any reccomendations??

I think you need to decide whether you need a condenser or an evaporator. A condenser collects water in a tank and needs to be emptied (usually gives visual / audible notification), an evaporator needs outside venting to dispose of water vapour.

I don't think there's much different in price.

IMHO the condensers don't dry as well as the venting dryers though

IMHO the condensers don't dry as well as the venting dryers though

So I'm told. I've never owned a condenser and I've the same evaporator for 12 years; it has moved house 3 times and still works very well.

IMHO the condensers don't dry as well as the venting dryers though

I thought that too. However, our esteemed expert (Kentish) said a while ago that they were OK, so I've since persevered with my condenser dryer and learned that you really do need to leave it to do its own thing with its complicated electronics. In my opinion, they do take longer, but don't necessarily cost more to run, since the main cost is when the heater is being heated but then it reverts to just tumbling (presumably to condense the water - needs must).

By choice, I'd still have a vented one if there was a convenient wall for the outlet, but that's just my opinion.

Regards

Mo

John Lewis sell an 'A' energy rated condensing tumble dryer.

It uses a heat pump for heat and dehumidification and not a normal electric element so it's much more economical.

As it can dehum the air it should be far more effective than a standard condensing dryer.

The downside is it's going to be heavy thanks to the compressor and it's VERY expensive - fancy spending 500 notes on a tumble dryer?

Always worth checking what John Lewis has on offer. Free delivery and either 2 or 3 years' guarantee is included. Also, if you apply for a John Lewis card (can be done in store) you get up to 6 months free interest. The JL website gives details of the machines available.

We got ours there. Bosch WTE84102GB - very pleased with it. 2 year free guarantee covering parts, labour and call out. Option to take out up to 3 additional years' insurance for £59 (ie years 3, 4 and 5 covered for the extra total of £59). Large machine (takes up tp 6kg) with condensing tray - £399.

Happy spinning:)

John Lewis sell an 'A' energy rated condensing tumble dryer.

It uses a heat pump for heat and dehumidification and not a normal electric element so it's much more economical.

As it can dehum the air it should be far more effective than a standard condensing dryer.

The downside is it's going to be heavy thanks to the compressor and it's VERY expensive - fancy spending 500 notes on a tumble dryer?

Bear in mind that heat pump tumble dryers also take around twice as long to do a cycle!

I'd just say this:

1. if you have a nearby window or outside wall (and don't mind banging a 4" hole through it) Get a vented dryer

2. If not go for a condensor. If you're buying a condensor, it's worth buying a more expensive onr, or they seem to dump a lot of the heat into the atmosphere, and turn your kitchen into a sauna!

Phil, just spent a lot on a Miele condensor.

PS don't cook pickled onions while your using it, either!

@ The pickled onions!!

I will be getting a vented one as they are less hassle!! I have a Miele washing machine which was worth the extra as it gets used a lot!!! But the tumbler will not be used that much really.

2. ... If you're buying a condensor, it's worth buying a more expensive onr, or they seem to dump a lot of the heat into the atmosphere, and turn your kitchen into a sauna!

I had the sauna effect with my Hotpoint condensor, though probs my fault for opening the door "to see how it's doing".

Opening the door is actually a no-no for those machines as it "blows" the sensors (so will tumble but no heat, making one think it's the element that's gone). Sensors are a common thingy and are available on the Net, about £15, and not difficult to fit oneself. Learned that after paying c.£100 call out charge on a previous occasion.

So, if wanting to open door, should use the propellor button, or run on a cold setting to allow heating element to cool so to avoid shock of cold air. I'm afraid I don't know if this applies to makes other than Hotpoint, so can only suggest a good read of the instruction booklet.

Regards

Mo

Bought my Hotpoint Aquarius tumbler (full-sized and vented) 2nd hand and it's still going strong 7 years later. Only problem I've had with it was when the drive belt wore out and the drum stopped turning, but a new belt was very cheap and fitting it was even something I could manage The chap who had the house before me left his compact White Knight behind and it took forever to dry clothes.

Chris

another thumbs up for a vented dryer , coming up for 8 years old , sometimes the timer doesn't work , but other than that no problems , i just hang the vent pipe out of the window