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Condenser vs Vented Tumble Dryers: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to buying a new tumble dryer there are many things to consider. From price, energy efficiency and functionality through to load capacity, colour and size; there are a wide range of factors to consider when deciding which one to buy.
A common concern is whether to buy a condenser tumble dryer or a vented tumble dryer. These are words that you’ll often come across when looking at tumble dryers, but what actually is the difference between the two, and are these differences any reason to buy one over the other?
Here we’ll consider the differences between condenser vs vented tumble dryers. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types so you’ll know all the facts before you begin shopping.
What is a Vented Tumble Dryer?
The main difference between a vented dryer and a condenser dryer is how they remove water from the machine. Vented tumble dryers are more common. They feature a long, flexible hose that connects to the tumble dryer and vents the water to the outside of your home.
A vented tumble dryer removes water and moisture via a hose. This means it needs to be installed close enough to an external wall or window for the hose to reach outside.
What is a Condenser Tumble Dryer?
So what does having a ‘condenser dryer’ mean? A condenser tumble dryer collects moisture from your wet clothes in a container, sometimes referred to as a reservoir, which is located within the dryer itself. This tank collects the water and when it’s full you simply have to empty it. Most modern models tell you when the tank is full.
This is beneficial as it means you can place the dryer pretty much wherever you like. It doesn’t have to be placed by an external wall.
Condenser vs Vented Tumble Dryers: How Do They Work?
Vented tumble dryers draw and heat air from the room in which it’s located. The warm air is then blown around the drum as the clothes spin. The warm air passing through the clothes causes the moisture in the material to evaporate, and the air is then vented outside through the hose. This is why the water leaves the hose as steam and not liquid.
Condenser tumble dryers work slightly differently. Instead of venting water by heating it, condenser dryers work by condensing the warm air from the wet clothes into water. Once the air condenses into water, it is channelled into the reservoir.
Why Buy a Vented Tumble Dryer?
So if a condenser tumble dryer can be placed anywhere, and both types do the same thing, why buy a vented dryer? The key benefit to buying a vented tumble dryer is that the upfront costs are lower. Vented dryers also typically dry your clothes quicker than a condenser dryer.
Another advantage of vented tumble dryers vs condenser dryers is that you don’t need to empty the water reservoir manually. The hot air is drawn straight outside your house via the external hose.
Why Buy a Condenser Tumble Dryer?
As mentioned, one of the main benefits of buying a condenser tumble dryer is the fact you can place it almost anywhere in your home. This is because they don’t require a hose to remove the moisture.
This is hugely beneficial if you need a tumble dryer but have little choice in where you place the machine. For example, if you only have space in a smaller room, or you’re renting and don’t have permission to make a hole in an external wall, a condenser tumble dryer is the perfect option for you.
Condenser vs Vented Tumble Dryers: What Should You Buy?
Is your main priority speed? Are you less concerned about energy efficiency? If either of these are the case, take a look at our vented tumble dryers. If you already have a hole in the outside wall from a previous dryer it will make installation easier.
However if you’re looking for an energy saving option, a condenser tumble dryer would be the better choice. Heat pump condenser dryers are the most energy efficient, however they do take longer to dry than standard condenser models as they dry at lower temperatures.
