Which is better, a condenser or a vented dryer?

Author: Gabriella Christiansen  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

The key benefit to buying a vented tumble dryer is that they cost less than condenser dryers, and so the upfront costs are lower. The other advantage that vented tumble dryers hold over condenser dryers is that since they vent moisture straight outside, there is no water reservoir to empty.

What is the downside of a condenser tumble dryer?

Energy use

We've previously found condenser dryers to not be very energy efficient. Along with older vented varieties, they use around three times more energy to dry a load than their heat pump counterparts. This means vented and condenser dryers cost more to run in the long term than a heat pump.

Why are vented dryers being phased out?

Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.

What are the disadvantages of a vented tumble dryer?

They're also more economical to run than a condenser dryer. A few disadvantages include the susceptibility to breaking down. Delicate vent hoses and fixtures can easily become loose or damaged, and the location is limited due to the wall and window requirements. And useful features and functions are often unavailable.

Which type of dryer is best?

On the other hand, condenser dryers are more likely to shrink or wear out your clothes due to their higher drying temperatures. Heat pump dryers are much better at preserving your clothes, since they avoid putting your laundry in close contact with high temperatures.

Which Drying Type is Best? Heat Pump vs. Condenser vs. Vented

Which dryer has least problems?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs.

Which dries better a condenser or vented dryer?

A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.

Where should you not put a condenser tumble dryer?

Here are three places that aren't suitable for housing a tumble dryer:
  1. Garage. The garage is a no-go area for installing your tumble dryer. ...
  2. Under the stairs. The space under your stairs is fantastic for storage. ...
  3. Inside a cupboard.

What's the best tumble dryer on the market?

Best Reviewed Tumble Dryers
  • Hotpoint ActiveCare 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Bosch Series 4 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Indesit Turn&Go 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Hotpoint 4kg Compact Vented Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • electriQ 12kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Beko 10kg Condenser Tumble Dryer - White.

Do vented dryers need to be vented outside?

Dryer vents assist in creating a suction force that removes lint from clothes and allows air to circulate more effectively. The exhaust of the dryer vent should be directed outdoors where warm air, gases, and lint are expelled away from the home.

What is the dryer vent rule?

Per the requirements of the International Residential Code, Section M1502 (2009-2021 IRC), the clothes dryer exhaust duct should be a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct made of galvanized steel or galvanized aluminum with a smooth interior finish and a duct diameter of 4 inches.

Which is the best tumble dryer, vented or condenser or heat pump?

If however you're looking for a money saving option a condenser tumble dryer could be the better choice, heat pump models being the most efficient but bear in mind that they take longer to dry than normal condenser models as they dry at lower temperatures.

How long do vented dryers last?

Cheaper to replace: 8.5–9 years (heat pump dryer) 6–7 years (vented dryer)

Is it worth buying a condenser tumble dryer?

They cause up to 15 percent more than vented dryers, however the majority of models now come with heat pump technology that has credible energy ratings. Condenser dryers are slightly more expensive than vented dryers, but, they offer convenience which many people want when it comes to the washing!

Why are condenser dryers so slow?

Check and clean the condenser

A dirty condenser will cause poor drying results. Note: Do not operate the tumble dryer when the condenser is blocked with fluff. This could cause damage to the tumble dryer. This also increases energy consumption.

Do condenser tumble dryers use a lot of electricity?

Running costs for a condenser tumble dryer

An 8kg example of a condenser tumble dryer uses 5.6kWh of electricity for a standard cycle and roughly 560kWh per year. This works out as £1.68 per use or £168 per year.

What is the most reliable brand of dryer?

The Best Electric Clothes Dryer Brands Ranked by Reliability
  • #5: LG.
  • #4: GE.
  • #3. Whirlpool.
  • #2. Electrolux.
  • #1. Speed Queen.
  • FAQ.
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Choosing the best electric clothes dryer for your home can be an overwhelming task, with so many options available on the market.

Can you still buy vented tumble dryers?

Vented dryers are available in a range of drum sizes and styles, with a model to suit every budget, so are an ideal choice option for making laundry day easier. We stock appliances from every major brand, including Bosch, AEG and Whirlpool, all at competitive prices.

Do condenser dryers cause damp?

But because they create heat when running, a condenser dryer will heat the air around it and the moisture in the air will condense on any cold surface such as tiles or even other appliances near by – especially if used in a garage near a freezer as mine is.

What are the disadvantages of a condenser tumble dryer?

Cons of condenser dryers:
  • More expensive to run than heat pump tumble dryers.
  • Not as energy efficient as heat pump models.
  • Need to empty the water container on a regular basis.
  • A little more expensive to buy than vented models.

How often do you have to empty a condenser tumble dryer?

You should clear out the filter and empty the water tank after every cycle. As for a deep clean, including washing the drum and condenser unit, it depends on how much you use your dryer. If you use it every day, monthly is enough. If you use it more than once a day, clean it every one to two weeks.

Do condenser dryers need an outside vent?

As with heat pump tumble dryers, condenser dryers do not need an externally vented hose, meaning you will be able to install your appliance anywhere in your home. However, a condenser dryer does need a constant supply of cool air to function.

What type of dryer vent is best?

Rigid metal options are the best types of dryer vent hoses. They are sturdy and completely smooth, meaning they catch the least amount of lint. If you're looking for the safest, smartest option, rigid metal dryer vent hoses should be your go-to.

What is the most efficient type of air dryer?

A refrigerated non-cycling dryer is an excellent cost-effective choice for anyone looking to improve their compressed air quality. The term "non-cycling" means this type of dryer constantly operates refrigeration. It also utilizes a hot bypass valve to redirect the coolant, even at a less than full load condition.

What are the downsides of a heat pump dryer?

What are the disadvantages of a heat pump tumble dryer?
  • They cost more to buy. Although the price of heat pump tumble dryers have gone down over the last few years, they still cost considerably more to buy than the other types of tumble dryer.
  • They dry clothes slower.

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