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liberatordeluxe

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Feb 15, 2012
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Does anyone own a tumble dryer? I am thinking of buying one simply because when its wet and not cold enough to have the central heating on I can not dry clothes easily which means damp clothes everywhere. It would mainly be for the winter and days when it rains non stop. I only want a vented one as it will be going in a porch so the hose can hang out the window. The one I want is C rated for energy so is not too bad but just wondered how expensive dryers are to run seeing as I have never owned one before. I quite like White Knight brand as they are made in the UK. Mainly be used for towels and bed sheets etc.
 
Dryers....

....Do cost a bit to run, but they're not enormously expensive to operate.

And your house may well feel warmer when there is not clammy laundry hanging everywhere! The moisture coming from those clothes will make the house feel colder than it would otherwise.

There is not a great deal of difference between the energy consumption of older units and newer ones, because electrical resistance heating is what it is, leaving little way to improve the consumption.

For that reason, you might consider a used or vintage unit, and apply the savings to your first year's electric rates.
 
Well, I think the most of us owns one.....but may be not from the UK, so the running cost change from country to country..not sure about electricity cost there.
Dryers choiche:

For personal experience I can say european models generally changes like night to day from  american ones...  simply incomparable... european are kinda "toys"...

Over here in Italy because of high cost of electricity (the hghest of europe)  dryers are not that common, but gas models sold from speacial dealers along with agitator washers  are spreading always more...the cost of these machines is prohibitive for the most though...
Are also sold british gas models now, that generally have lower costs, but they're still averagely about 700-800 euros vs. the 1200- 1800 or more of US machines..
So since you're in UK and gas models of White Knight are "cheap" over there, about 350£ I suggest you go for it if you have a  gas hook-up available... not sure about gas costs in UK but generally gas is cheaper than electricity...and they're usually faster.
I never watch energy labels....I think they're BS..... most dryers  rated A, A+  yes they have lower consumption of Kwh, but usually they takes longer than others rated B or C... so that the consumption they have at the end is the same or sometimes more.
Not to mention condenser models, they generally takes longer than vented ones.... drying is different, laundry does not come out well as if dried with a vented one, but of course good (and only)  choiche for those that can't vent  outside.
So if you've the possibility I suggest you a gas model, or if not possible a vented dryer... Vintage, even better.
Leave alone newer stuff...

Even cheaper: http://www.greenandeasy.co.uk/white-knight-eco43a-gas-tumble-dryer-in-white.html
 
Thanks for the links Kenmoreguy. It will have to be electric because I live in a rural area we can't get gas except LPG but I think like you suggest a vented one would be best. Where would be the best place to look for a vintage dryer? Ebay or Charity shop? I can just remember the liberator deluxe tumble dryer but have never seen one since sadly.
 
Second Hand Dryers Can Represent Good Value For Money

If one goes about the thing properly.

Tumble dryers on average are rather sturdy and long lived appliances with proper use and care. Even some of the more better built models can survive years with improper treatment and will still scrub up well.

Most persons chuck perfectly good dryers because they want something "new", usually to match a recent washing machine purchase. This and the desire to simply upgrade or simply want something "different" are common reasons for perfectly good tumble dryers going to the tip or being sold on.

First decide what your needs are in terms of space, type (vented/non-vented, gas or electric) and if you want something modern with all the bells and whistles or simply a box that will dry your clothing. Do you want a machine that reverses? If vented where will it go to be near an outside wall or window? Do you want something portable so it can be moved about into place as needed then shoved away otherwise?

As for where to purchase the world is your oyster. Ebay and appliance resellers are obvious first choices. If possible try to purchase something you can clap eyes on before money changes hands. You don't want to spend dearly for some grotty old bit of tat that is going to require extensive work to bring up to standard.

Great thing about purchasing used is that often you can pick up a TOL unit such as offerings from Miele, AEG and so forth for very little money. However if purchasing something older it is wise to inquire (here in the group or from other sources) as to the availability of spares. Miele for instance only promises to stock parts for 20 years after a model is discontinued.
 
Tumble Dryers

Try & get yourself one of these old classics. The weather here in Cumbria has been well wet of late, full cotton load straight out the washer dried in 55 minutes.

optima++9-8-2013-16-47-14.jpg
 
If economy is your main concern

then you need to go for a new "heat pump " dryer !
Ok they take a bit longer than the classic above but if times not an issue then what takes a while saves a fortune the max input on the Beko I have is 900 watts so when you consider most dryers run at 2.5/3 kw thats a large difference it will of course be non vented but as it really is a closed system there really is no steam or dust to be found.

Austin
 
That Huebsh looks pretty nice. Don't worry about what the Ebay seller says about having to be wired into the mains. You can have a cord installed on it. Unless some UK code requires dryers to be hard wired. And it is a 230V 50 cycle Huebsh too.

I have a 20 year old Whirlpool dryer that has never had to have a repair. Even the interior light bulb is still the original.
 
Energy Costs Of Running A Tumble Dryer

Are directly related to how much moisture is left in the wash load that must be evaporated. Miele and AEG among other brands printed or at least used to drying times based upon various levels of washing machine extraction. This would range from say 800rpms all the way up to 2800rpms (spin dryer). For both vented and condenser dryers energy use/drying time drops dramatically the more water is spun out of the wash load. Difference is greater from say 800rpms and 1200rpms, however once you go to 1800rpms to 2800rpms the numbers begin to level out.

If your washing machine does not have final spin speed at or >1000rpms you might wish to consider a separate spin dryer. Yes, it adds another step on wash day and no not everything will fit (large cotton blankets for instance), but the amount of water flung out of laundry by these devices is often amazing. Spin dryers remove the water so your dryer does not have to, and that translates into energy savings.

You may not notice much of a difference with light cottons such as percale sheets and your shirts, but for heavy items like towels and other bath linen there is a measurable difference. Best of all spin dryers consume *much* less energy than tumble dryers. Barely 50watts IIRC.
 

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