Condenser dryers work differently to traditional tumble dryers. Instead of blowing hot air onto the clothes and out into the laundry, condenser dryers extract moisture before draining it away as condensed water. And rather than pumping humid air into your laundry area, a condenser dryer efficiently extracts the dampness from your clothes without creating a tropical monsoon inside your home.
Some condenser dryers can be set up with a drainage tube that automatically drains condensed water down the sink. Other models feature a water container that will need to be emptied from time to time.
Because condenser dryers do not require as much ventilation as tumble dryers, you are not restricted to positioning the dryer within a well-ventilated laundry area. This makes them perfect for apartment living.
However one drawback is that condenser dryers are too heavy to be wall mounted. You can, however, stack a condenser dryer on top of a front loading washing machine by using a stacking kit.
It is possible to buy washing machines that are also capable of drying your clothes using condenser dryer technology. For more information, please read our Washer Dryer Combo Buying Guide.
A heat pump dryer i s a type of condenser dryer. These dryers are extraordinarily energy efficient, as they recycle heat in the process of extracting moisture - resulting in energy efficiency ratings of up to 6 stars (the best possible). Although heat pump dryers are more expensive to purchase upfront, over time the recuperated energy savings will make the investment worthwhile.
This table will provide a rough guide to sizing:
| Dryer capacity | Suits |
|---|---|
5kg or smaller |
1-2 people |
5kg-7kg |
3-4 people |
7kg or larger |
4+ people |
Most condenser dryers range from 6kg to 8kg of wet weight capacity. Remember to never over-fill your dryer - not only will this decrease its efficiency, it could create a fire hazard.
Please note that due to their weight, condenser dryers cannot be wall mounted. However they can be stacked on top of a front-loading washing machine, using the appropriate stacking kit (available for purchase from Appliances Online).
Before you buy, we strongly recommend that you read the product information closely to make sure that the size of the machine will suit your requirements.
Good question! Before you make a purchase, please:
You may have found the best clothes dryer in the universe, but if you can't get it into your laundry, it's of no use to you. All dryers are different - therefore you always need to measure before you buy.
The length taken to dry a load will depend on the weight of the damp clothes. The heavier and wetter the fabric, the longer the drying cycle will take. The size and efficiency of your dryer are two features which will affect cycle times - but generally speaking, the more room inside the drum, the faster your washing will dry.
The following glossary will provide a brief overview of the features to look out for when purchasing a dryer:
The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. While an energy-efficient dryer will cost you more to buy upfront, the recuperated savings will make the initial expense worthwhile in the end.
If energy efficiency is one of your key requirements, you should consider investing in a heat pump dryer. These dryers use state-of-the-art technology to give you excellent drying results with minimal energy consumption.
Some condenser dryers include auto-sensing technology, able to automatically stop the drying cycle once it senses that the clothes are dry. Not only does this feature help to protect your clothes from the damaging aspects of over-drying, it also helps to save electricity.
Look for a condenser dryer with an easy-to-access lint filter. For best results, the lint filter should be emptied before every load - otherwise you will reduce the efficiency of the machine and run the risk of a fire.
If you get a condenser dryer with an electronic display, you will be able to see at a glance how much time is remaining in the cycle, and when the lint filter and water container need to be emptied.
Before you make a decision, figure out what you want from your new dryer. For instance, if you hate ironing, look for a model that includes an anti-crease feature. Or if you want to dry sportswear, look for a dryer with a special sports program.
Always measure before you buy! Not all clothes dryers are the same size.
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