Tumble dryers aren’t an everyday purchase, and as a result, it can be tricky to know what you are looking for. There are three main types of tumble dryers: condenser, vented and heat pump. The question is, is a condenser dryer right for you?
What Is a Condenser Dryer?
All tumble dryers are designed purely to dry clothing, they just get rid of water and damp air that the drying process creates in different ways.
All types of tumble dryer create water vapour, and in a condenser dryer, this is collected in a container. This means that they don’t necessarily have to be installed near a vent or a window like a vented tumble dryer would need.
Condenser dryers are often reasonably priced, but they aren’t necessarily as cheap as some vented models are.
Condenser dryers usually have quick programs, and some will even have a humidity sensor that will stop the cycle once the washing is dry. However, like other types of tumble dryer, cheaper options will simply have a manual timer.
How Does a Condenser Tumble Dryer Work?
Condenser dryers take the hot air that is produced in the drying process and condense it into water in a storage tank. The water tank will then need to be emptied regularly.
Because the water is condensed in a tank, most condenser tumble dryers need to be placed in a room with an ambient temperature between 5°C and 30°C.
Like all tumble dryers, condenser dryers need to be maintained to keep up their performance in the long term. The lint filters will need cleaning regularly, and the water tank will need emptying frequently too.
Some tumble dryers might also have heat exchangers and sensor bars that need wiping down regularly.
If you are unsure of what maintenance your tumble dryer will need, consult the manufacturer’s guide.
Can You Just Plug In a Condenser Tumble Dryer?
Condenser tumble dryers are an incredibly popular choice because they can simply be plugged in anywhere. As a condenser dryer does not need a hose and instead is a self-contained unit, it can be placed anywhere in your home as long as there is a socket within reach.
Can You Put a Condenser Tumble Dryer in a Cupboard?
Whilst you can put a condenser tumble dryer almost anywhere, it is not recommended that it is placed in a cupboard. Like most things in life, a condenser tumble dryer needs air to work properly.
A steady flow of fresh air is necessary to manage the temperature of the condenser. If a tumble dryer is working with recycled, hot air, the dryer and its components will heat up more than they should, leading to decreased efficiency and higher rates of wear and tear.
Do Condenser Tumble Dryers Need to Be Plumbed In?
The only connection a condenser tumble dryer needs is a plug. The water from the moisture in the air is collected in a tank that needs to be regularly emptied in the sink; no plumbing at all is necessary.
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