Random Musings On The LavaTherm Dryer

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launderess

launderess

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Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage
Did a small load of darks last night in the Miele and decided what the heck, time to try out the other new arrival. Since the place had been shut up with the AC on for a few hours it was cool enough with dry air. Figured for the short time it would take to dry the load it was better to use the condenser dryer than to open window to insert vent for the Whirlpool compact dryer.

Didn't bother with snaps as have posted pics of the dryer before and there really isn't much to see when it operational with the solid door and all.

Anywho am quite underwhelmed with condenser drying, well at least this version anyway.

Load consisted of 1 pair of sweatpants and three dark T-Shirts all black and made from cotton. Used the timed dry setting as the AEG LavaTherm manual seems to suggest this if one is drying <1Kg which this load certainly fit.

Set timer to 20 minutes and pressed start, then went off about my business. After about ten minutes went back to check on things. Popped open the door and yes, there was the "hot" but moist laundry those who use condenser dryers speak of, but items still were not "dry". Closed the door and restarted the machine. Apparently the last ten minutes of all drying cycles timed or sensor, Cottons or "EasyCares", etc... is the cool down phase without heat. So choosing timed dry of 20mins only gives 10 of heating. This wasn't a huge deal at first because there was still a lot of heat inside the dryer (so one thought) and it would be enough to dry things.

Not a bit of it.

Items came out of the dryer warm and damp. By this time things were starting to get a bit warm indoors so decided enough was enough; hung up the moist wash on drying rack and ended the trial run. Cleaned the lint trap of minimal fluff, and emptied the water container (well took it out and held it over the sink as it was empty).

Thoughts? The compact Whirlpool dryer would have had this load almost totally dry in 20mins. While the hems and or elastic waistband of the sweatpants may have still be damp, everything else would be dry if not crisp. All this with using *only* 1450w of heating power versus the 2300w or so of the AEG.

Every so often the Lavatherm would stop, pause then restart. At first this caused concern, then figured out this dryer has a reverse feature and that is what it was doing. Also don't know if it is whatever laundry detergent and or fabric softener previous owners used, but it scented not only the load and wafted through the home as well. Even now many hours later the laundry still has that whiff about it. Used unscented detergent so the scent is very pronounced.

All and all cannot say this will be one's go to dryer. Aside from having a larger drum then the Whirlpool and reversing it just does not seem very efficient or fast. There is a "Quick" button/option but the manual is rather vague as to what that does.
 
AEG dryers were and still are s-l-o-w, in my opinion. Our consumer magazine tested many AEG dryers and they were always on the slow side. Only recently, they tested heat-pump dryers: the AEG took 3:15 hrs to dry an 18 lbs. load, while a Bosch only took two hours ("only"by heat-pump dryer standards). I know that today's AEG units are just Electrolux units, but even our true German AEG we once had wasn't speedy.

 

In the 90s, we had a true AEG dryer that had a similar design like yours. Well, one day, something went wrong and we called for service. The guy took the back panel off (very easy) and... lint! Lint everywhere; hard, baked-on lint! I couldn't believe it, as we always cleaned the dryer. Turned out that the design was such that it would let a fair amount of lint bypass the filter and enter the condenser and heating channel of the dryer. :-( No wonder, Electrolux added a second lint filter when they took over.

 

RE: the quick button. I could imagine it doing two things. Our Electrolux dryer uses a technology very similar to Soft Heat - turning one element off as soon as clothes reach a certain dryness level. Our Lux turns the heat to low when clothes become Cupboard Dry, my Bosch does it as soon as clothes are Iron Dry. Quick might disable the Soft Heat. On the Lux, Quick also reduces the cool down to five minutes.

 

Here's how I cleaned our old Lux. Most dryers have similar panels on their back.

 



 

Alex
 
A few of my thoughts on this:

I never bother with the timed cycles, not even with small loads. Both my AEG vented dryer and the Miele condenser don't have problems drying a small load on an automatic programme.

Stopping a condenser dryer mid cycle is not exactly helping the drying process. The dryer needs to build up the humidity level again in order being able to condense the moisture in the machine.

Condenser dryers are always slower than vented dryers.

I use my condenser dryer in the winter and the vented one in the summer. Best of both worlds!
 
Air-cooled Condenser Dryers

Louis has it about right I would only use a condenser dryer in the winter, they are always slower and use around 25% more electricity to do the job. I have lost count of how many European dryers I have sent to the crusher still in working condition [ condenser and vented ] It is amazing when WPs smallest 120volt dryer can out perform a NEW European dryer.

 

Cimberlic if space is tight I have for sale both the 240 volt and gas versions of your little WP dryer, with one of these higher powered dryers you could dry clothing almost twice as fast as your portable.
 
Thanks Combo, But I'm Good Dryer Wise For Now

Really need one of those vintage chrome stack dryer stands. I know you've got one lying about up there! *LOL*

@Loggix,

Great vid, it has been bookmarked for future reference. Seeing what light to nil use these units have had, don't see the need for a "tear down" just yet. If one uses the dryer more than a handful of times over the cooler months will consider doing a heavy duty cleaning next summer.

As things stand often take large and or bulky items around the corner to the Laundromat. Combination of high final spin (Miele, spin dryer or now the AEG) and those hot gas dryers make for fast and cheap work.

@Louis,

Thanks for the tips. Will use one of the automatic settings next time. Yes, shouldn't have opened the door often, but being one's first time.....
 
matrix "block"must be clean

I have noticed with my asko air-cooled condenser that drying performance really drops off once the condensing matrix gets linted up-I usually check it every 10-15 loads-easy to check and clean on the asko.
 
Quick Button

May equal something along Miele's "Turbo" option for their condenser dryers. That selection gives normal heater operation but temperature is set higher which one presumes gives faster drying.

According to the manual the QUICK BUTTON gives "normal drying in a shortened cycle time". That it cannot be used with "Special Care" (low heat drying for sensitive fabrics) or Hand/Machine IRON tells me it is meant to provide a faster and less monitored drying. That is you won't be bothered if items are "dry" versus various levels of damp for ironing or whatnot.
 
For some reason those chrome stands are everywhere in Canada, but very hard to find in the USA. Each time one does come across they are mated to a set and either one has missed or seller refuses to spilt items for individual sale.

Just feel the metal/chrome racks are more stylish and IMHO a bit more sturdy than the newest incarnation from Whirlpool.

Having leveled and slid the AEG into place can see how really only the open floor area of the older stands works for my situation. Have placed those "slider" pads under each foot of the AEG to make moving it a bit easier, such as for cleaning or whatever. The newer racks have those guides at the base which one supposes is fine for portable washers with casters, but not for us.

Soon as new dryer hose arrives for the Whirlpool (while it was being swapped out give it a good cleaning and decided to ditch the periscope deflector and replace vent hose), will stack it on top of the AEG and that will be that until the desired rack can be sourced. To protect the to of the AEG will either lay down cork tiles with a non-slip mat over, or just purchase one of those appliance "stack mats" and be done.
 
Thought We Were All Mates?

Spent nearly two hours hunched over bathtub cleaning the most horrible gunk out of the AEG condenser exchanger. Why didn't you lot warn me about this? Am here to tell you if one is going to have to do that again anytime soon then this dryer shall see little use.

Didn't want to use it anyway but went for the Whirlpool and after going to place the hose and vent cover into window realized the darn thing wouldn't reach. It is my own fault as had purchased a new "semi-rigid" hose to replace the old foil in preparation for stacking the unit onto the AEG. IIRC the old hose was about eight feet, and the new about four, so that was the end of that.

As the weather has been rather nice these past few days (cool and no humidity), what with it being a cool late night and all figured would give the AEG a try. So in went four sheets, set the unit to "machine dry", pressed start and got on with other things. Came back when the dryer signaled it was done to see the "condenser" indicator light on, and as according to manual removed the thing for cleaning. That is where my troubles started.

Placed the unit in the bathtub, aimed shower hose and the gunk just kept coming. Hair, lint, fluff and God only knows what; but wait there is more. Even after fifteen minutes of rinsing there was *STILL* more gunk inside. It took almost two hours in total of rinsing, drenching, soaking and even using a thin credit card to dislodge most of the gunk and leave the unit 99% clean. This I cannot have, so a work around or routine is going to need development. Have never seen such a thing, in all my experience.

A few more niggles. The "empty water" light comes on at the end of each cycle, but thus far the container is empty. Indeed did three loads of sheets (the Miele can only hold four king sized sheets max at a go), and nothing, not a drop of water. Did peek towards the back of the condenser chamber before reinserting and the spot where unit drains into was clear. Is this normal? Dryer operates fine otherwise.

Sateen sheets done to "machine dry" came out hot and damp even after 10 minute "cool down", but once hung up they dried out to barely damp within several minutes. All ready for the Pfaff ironer.

Will say one does notice a difference between sheets dried in condenser dryer versus the Whirlpool or even those huge Laundromat gas dryers. Things feel "different", cannot put my finger on what it is, but it is something.
 
Launderess

one thing I have learned over the years of condenser dryers is it is very important to keep all airways as clean as you can, for instance its a good idea to wash in soapy water all filters as they clog easily, one reason you may have an empty water tank is not enough water in the system to get pumped up it may take a good load of towels to prime the pump etc as long as you do not find any water anywhere I would not worry.
One thing I noticed is all fabrics seem plumped up a little so feel softer.
Good luck.

Austin
 
Apparently the AEG condenser needs more often cleaning than my Miele. The times I cleaned it in the 16 years I have it, can be counted on one hand. Recently took it out, almost nothing there to clean.

One of the reason for not finding any water in the container might be that it is set up for draining in a drain pipe. You might find some water behind the dryer if that is the case. Look in the manual how to change it back if that is what it is set for.
 
Thanks Lads

Checked with AEG manual on how to determine if unit is set to drain or drawer as it were, and yes the unit is set to drawer. No water behind unit around the area where the drain hose leaves.

While the condenser unit was drying using several microfiber dust cloths cleaned the chamber of lint both dry and wet. After sorting that mess out gave the lint filter screen a quick washing.

@Louis,

Methinks Miele dryers have two lint filters or at least a better system than the AEG. IIRC recent Lavatherm models use both a door mounted filter and one under the porthole, mine does not. This probably accounts for the amount of lint and muck both on the condenser unit and in the chamber. Prolly explains the amount that builds up inside the dryer with years of use as well.

It might be previous owners never bothered cleaning the condenser during what appears to be their short period of ownership. It may be gilding the lily but perhaps a more frequent cleaning schedule will keep the gunk factor in check.

It maybe that the "Clean Filter" and "Empty Water" light comes on at the end of the cycle regardless, just as a reminder. Will see the next laundry day before winter that is cool enough and dry a heavy load of towels to "prime" the condenser pump as Ozzie recommends.
 
Lavatherm

Glad you are getting stuck in to the dryer, yes welcome to the world of even higher maintenance, if you are getting so much gunk on the condenser please check that all the seals and rubber gaskets from the door to the box are tight and are sealing well.

This is the main cause of premature breakdown of these condenser dryers, am just about to do a thread on a Hotpoint Creda condenser that I just revamped, the condenser box seals had gone and allowed detritus and steam to flow throughout the dryer, which in turn coated the whole of the working insides with conditioner wax gunk AND broke down all the other internal seals...many repair men would just replace the seals and would not have the time to take apart and clean every sticky icky part - probably just write it off...

Like others have said, use your max spin extract or spinner, always select the AUTOMATIC DRY programme, let the computer work out the settings, and DO NOT open the door to CHECK HOW DRY - just messes up the timings....Dont be put off by it, these dryers do (as you know) work much better in a cool / cold environment.
 
Venting Compact Dryers

Laundress what type of flexible vent tubing did you get for the WP dryer, if it is the horrible flexible aluminum tubing it usually comes in 4 foot lengths and it is designed to be stretched to 8 feet.

 

I have not seen your dryers setup but for a compact dryer where you are using a window vent you are probably much better off with high quality flexible plastic ducting designed for clothes dryers.
 
Dryer Flex

Is the brand hose fitted onto the WP. Looked at the "new" flexible plastic vent hoses but has one has been warned off such things for ages didn't give them a second thought.

Previously had used one of those ghastly periscope things to get unit closer to wall, but found even when all seams are sealed with duct tape dust/lint still leaked out everywhere. It went into the trash along with old vent hose, and you wouldn't believe the amount of lint "caught" inside the thing.

From the colour of the muck washed out of the condenser previous owner had longish blonde or light brown hair and wore lots of dark coloured items. *LOL* Says this after being rather intimately involved with the stuff for hours cleaning the coil and chamber.
 
L, I have the very same AEG dryer. Sorry for being late here. I should have warned you to make sure the condenser unit is clean and lint free. It does build up with time. The condenser light will come on when the machine senses it needs cleaning. I do mine outside with the garden hose and spray nozzle. I concur with the others who say to use the automatic drying cycles. I always choose the very dry setting and everything comes out nice. The only fabrics I have trouble in it are permanent press shirts which come out very wrinkled for some reason. You will appreciate it in winter.
 
Been There And Done That.

Per comment up thread have the condenser compartment a good going over whilst the unit was out and waiting to dry. Am going to see if one can find something like those brushes Frigidaire sold for cleaning their condenser dryers. This would help both for the compartment and unit itself.

One says this because noticed that even with the strongest force of water often lint/gunk congeals inside the condenser and simply won't shift easily. Am thinking a good brushing first to remove a bulk of the lint, then washing might prove beneficial. Maybe using the dust attachment on vacuum is an idea as well.
 
Another Day Another Load, Not Overly Impressed

Did four sheets last night and still say my compact Whirlpool does a better job and faster than the Lavatherm.

For one thing even with all the reversing sheets still bunched up into a ball. You can tell this by hearing the tell tale "thump, thump, thump" one heard so often in the Whirlpool. If the thing goes on long enough and even with reverses won't untangle there is no solution for it; the door must be opened, items removed, untangled/fluffed, then returned to dryer. Well once you do this you might as well go back to starting over because all the heat has escaped and the dryer goes from say "39mins remaining" to 60 or so on the display.

Cotton sateen sheets dried in the AEG are smoother and softer than with Whirlpool or even Laundromat gas driers. Indeed one could almost just hang them up to air so remaining moisture can evaporate and once dry fold and put away, no ironing required.

"Machine Iron" setting though according to the manual is supposed to be for sheets, obviously Germans didn't consider heavy cotton sateen. Things come out too moist and either must be hung to dry or returned for further drying. The "Hand Iron" or even "Cupboard Dry" settings seemed to do a better job. However this means drying for >one hour.

Hot and humid weather is forecast to return to NYC this week so probably won't get to play around with the AEG until after the middle of September or into October when cool and dry Fall weather arrives in earnest.
 
Some thoughts

Yes, the dust attachment is my weapon of choice, too.

Whenever I opened the service/cleaning door to the condenser on our previous Lux, it would actually speed up the drying cycle, as lots of steam came blowing out of the unit. Since condenser dryers can evaporate moisture faster then condense it, any steam that would leave the system made the cycle faster. As a matter of fact, steam only blew out for ten or so seconds and then only warm and slighty humid air as all the humidity that was "stuck" in the system had escaped. OTOH, this excess steam is probably what makes your sheets soft.

If all fails, I'd take the condenser to a car wash and have someone have a (careful) go at it with a pressure washer. Better than having it look like this:

(c) gutefrage.net/frage/aeg-lavatherm-trockner

logixx++8-19-2013-21-22-8.jpg
 
Ewwwwwww!

While not early as nasty mine was not far from what you see in that photo. Happily it scrubbed up well and now the thing is to keep it that way.

Am leery of doing anything that might damage the condenser unit as one assumes the cost of a replacement from AEG Canada probably equals half or more of a new machine. *LOL*

Don't know if there is a "service" door on my unit. This is a plinth that is snapped off and on to get at the condenser unit, but that is all.

Wondered if placing a tray of ice before the bottom of the unit where air is drawn in would make a difference. It didn't. *LOL*

One can only wait for weather to change and temps go <40F to see if things change. Really cannot see how anyone not living in cool to cold climate would or could use these sort of dryers year round. Basically the only thing to cool the moist air inside the dryer is cold and dry air being sucked over the condenser unit.

Here is one poor soul in NYC dealing with condenser dryers:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg051026331355.html
 
I run my Miele with the condenser out and all covers off, it just vents straight into the room which is usual for a dryer over here.

Ihad a few experiences in summer where it'd run for 3 plus hours and still be very wet and steamy inside.

These days, with it open to the air, a full load is dried in about 90mins.
 
4 sheets? or 3 sheets?

Launderess Im not surprised they are balling up if your only drying just sheets.

One needs to get out the mindset that sheets are washed on one load towels in another clothing in yet another etc.

Im quite sure the washer manual states to mix large items with small and thus the load transferred to any dryer would also be a mix.

Loads here in europe would and should be sorted by fabric type, colour, then soil.
Garment 'SHAPES' dont come into the equation at all.

If one has white cottons towels and sheets with an assortment of white undergarments, dishtowels, shirts, then one would wash this in the load together mixed up.

Once in the dryer the smaller garments stop the large items balling up. Dont be afraid to fill that dryer with whatever the matching machine can hold.

And dont be afraid to let that sensor work it out and tell you when the machine is finished.
 
"<a name="start_47957.697628">Really cannot see how anyone not living in cool to cold climate would or could use these sort of dryers year round."</a>

 

Well that isn't what they are designed for, they're aimed at the European market, where they are only really used during cold/wet weather, mainly in the temperate countries of North West Europe, most of the world line dries when weather permits.

 

I say pack it full and let it do it's thing, a small load will take proportionately more time than a large load, so it works out cheaper and more economical as well as faster in the long run.

 

Bear in mind the whole reason these dryers came to be is that renters (There are Countries in Europe where far more people rent their homes rather than own them) or households where the dryer cannot be positioned against an outside wall or near a window cannot use a vented dryer, they are not necessarily designed to be as quick or efficient as one, they exist to provide a solution to what could otherwise be a problem.

 

Matt

 




[this post was last edited: 8/20/2013-11:57]
 
Dryer use

Rob and Matt, I don't know about you, but my Mum always did this and it's something I always saw sense in doing.

I don't tumble dryer everything. Even in wet/cold weather. I never tumble dry jeans, t-shirts or jumpers. If the weather means having to hang them on an airer in the house, I will.

When I'm using the dryer, I often take things out of each cycle that will tumble dry and will make 1 large drying load from several wash loads. We've always done it and it means less dryer usage and less electricity used.
 
Thanks for the feedback all,

Normally one would do all bed linens in one load, pillow slips and sheets; however this time that is all there was (sheets) and that was that. Suppose could have rummaged around to find other white garments to put in the same load but that would have created several problems. One the Miele's capacity is about four king sized sateen sheets. To place anything else inside would mean one or more of the sheets would have to come out. That in turn means turning one load into two. Again had there been some pillow slips one could see and would have done things that way by necessity.

Next tend to use rather less powerful detergents from my stash on bed linens since they aren't grossly filthy. Can even get by with various vintage "non-bio" detergents and or modern stuff like "Linen Wash". Also have a nice stash of various French lessives pour linge such as Persil Savon de Marseille that one loves for linens.

Leaving the condenser unit out is not on for this AEG dryer. Given the amount of fluff found inside the unit and it's compartment the mind reels at the lint this dryer would spew all over one's home. IIRC Miele condenser dryers are much better at filtration than this Lavatherm.

Will see how things go once winter weather arrives in earnest. Went to local hardware store yesterday and collected a longer vent hose for the Whirlpool. Soon as that is fitted can go back to using the vented dryer for the duration.
 
My Bosch, infamous for rolling things into a ball, will handle bed linens just fine <span style="text-decoration: underline;">unless</span> they're lightweight material like microfiber. These will ball up straight away. Probably what happened in the Lavatherm as well.

 
 

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