When shopping for tumble dryers, it’s a good idea to know the different types of tumble dryers available. That way, you can be sure that the dryer you buy is exactly what you want.
Despite there only being three types of tumble dryers, it can be a minefield of confusing information to read through and understand.
We have plenty of articles on In The Wash going into detail about the different dryers. However, today, we’d like to discuss non-condensing tumble dryers or traditional dryers. What they are called, how to tell them apart from other tumble dryers, and a few more FAQs about this style of tumble dryer.
What Is a Non-Condensing Tumble Dryer Called?
A non-condensing tumble dryer is called a vented tumble dryer. This is because these models need a vent hose that pushes the hot, damp air outside your home.
As the tumble dryer vents the air out of the machine, it takes the moisture from the clothes and dries them.
There are also heat pump tumble dryers, which work in a similar way to regular condensing tumble dryers but are more energy efficient.
Vented tumble dryers are nice and simple when compared to condensing or heat pump dryers, and they dry clothes very effectively.
But how can you tell tumble dryers apart when looking at which one to buy?
How to Tell a Vented Tumble Dryer from a Condensing Dryer
If the literature and info of a tumble dryer state that it is supplied with a vent hose, there is a good chance that it is a vented tumble dryer, although some condenser models can be vented as well. So, try and find words like ‘vented’ or ‘venting’ in the details of the tumble dryer.
If the tumble dryer you are looking at has a water reservoir or water catchment container, it is likely a condensing or heat pump tumble dryer.
While condenser and heat pump tumble dryers are excellent at drying clothes, if they aren’t the type you need or want, it’s best to avoid any dryer that says it has a water tank or catchment device.
These days, the vast majority of dryers on the market are condensers and heat pump dryers rather than vented dryers.
Vented or Condensing – Which Dries Better?
Vented tumble dryers are often more efficient at drying clothes than condenser dryers and, as a result, often use less energy.
This can depend on the model you buy, of course, but in general, most vented tumble dryers are more energy efficient and quicker at drying clothes than condenser tumble dryers.
Vented tumble dryers are also usually less expensive than condensing dryers unless you are buying a dryer with all the bells and whistles on. So, they are cheaper to buy and cheaper to run in the long run.
Are Vented Dryers Being Phased Out?
With new tumble dryer technology being invented, it is fair to say that vented dryers are at risk of being phased out at the moment.
However, there are still plenty of tumble dryer manufacturers making these dryers. So, while vented dryers may be being phased out slowly, they aren’t going anywhere yet, and there are still spare parts being made for these dryers.
If you buy a vented tumble dryer, you shouldn’t have any issues with servicing or repairs for the foreseeable future.
We hope this look at non-condensing or vented tumble dryers has been helpful. Check out our comparison of the three types of tumble dryers if you’d like to understand more.
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