Since the OP noted he was going to put the dryer on a porch I'd assume he doesn't have dedicated outlet there. Presumably the porch roof is long enough to keep the dryer out of the rain and allow safe operation. If there is no outlet there now it probably isn't much more expensive to install a high-amperage outlet than a normal one, though an electrician might not want to put that sort of outlet in an exterior location even if it is roofed.
Tumble Dryers
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seamusuk
Well-known member
Dedicated outlet for dryers??
In a word no we don't. The 13A socket is universal and designed for anything from a table lamp to a Euro type washing machine/dryer. Anything above 3.2kw requires a fixed dedicated radial type circuit. These are normally 25A for dryers and 32A/40A for cookers/showers. These are normally hardwired although the Blue round Euro plugs/sockets can be used...
Seamus
In a word no we don't. The 13A socket is universal and designed for anything from a table lamp to a Euro type washing machine/dryer. Anything above 3.2kw requires a fixed dedicated radial type circuit. These are normally 25A for dryers and 32A/40A for cookers/showers. These are normally hardwired although the Blue round Euro plugs/sockets can be used...
Seamus
seamusuk
Well-known member
Running costs...
Remember UK guys the simplest way to minimise running costs is to make sure you dry on cheap rate power if you have it- I pay just short of 15p/KWH but this drops to less than 6.5p/KWH off peak(12.30-7.30AM or 1.30=8.30AM during BST). My Miele heat pump uses around 2kwh for a full load so its a worthwile saving!
Seamus
Remember UK guys the simplest way to minimise running costs is to make sure you dry on cheap rate power if you have it- I pay just short of 15p/KWH but this drops to less than 6.5p/KWH off peak(12.30-7.30AM or 1.30=8.30AM during BST). My Miele heat pump uses around 2kwh for a full load so its a worthwile saving!
Seamus
whirlcool
Well-known member
Unless some UK code requires dryers to be hard wired.
is what I said in my original posting.
The plugs are not the biggest problem, but the typical British ring system house wiring is very different than how we do it in the rest of Europe. It's better to leave this to a British electrician than follow advice from anyone from abroad.
Always follow your local codes and you should be safe.
is what I said in my original posting.
The plugs are not the biggest problem, but the typical British ring system house wiring is very different than how we do it in the rest of Europe. It's better to leave this to a British electrician than follow advice from anyone from abroad.
Always follow your local codes and you should be safe.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Allen, sorry, I'm not sure I can get the sense of the your statement about Netherlands.....
Anyway, for the "question" about heavy duty outlets in UK..... I think he started from the premise that one was not available.
In the USA you can find a heavy duty outlets in kitchen (stoves) and in laundry spaces, or areas that once were used as..
From what I know "heavy duty" outlets in the UK are usually found in kitchens only just for the stove or large appliances, most of the times stoves are hard wired with a special switch just for them next to ktchen service outlet/s serviced with special high wattage wirings.... but I think that you could easily make a heavy duty outlet wiring without many troubles and expenses...industrial plug or heavy duty for cookers that is can be also used..you could even buy a US heavy duty one and install it.
http://www.pennylaneelectrical.co.uk/click-45-amp-cooker-outlet-socket-with-neons-p-849.html
The seller also started from the premise that a heavy duty outler was not available (not common in UK) so he just mentioned hard wiring as they do for stoves....
[this post was last edited: 9/9/2013-19:19]
Anyway, for the "question" about heavy duty outlets in UK..... I think he started from the premise that one was not available.
In the USA you can find a heavy duty outlets in kitchen (stoves) and in laundry spaces, or areas that once were used as..
From what I know "heavy duty" outlets in the UK are usually found in kitchens only just for the stove or large appliances, most of the times stoves are hard wired with a special switch just for them next to ktchen service outlet/s serviced with special high wattage wirings.... but I think that you could easily make a heavy duty outlet wiring without many troubles and expenses...industrial plug or heavy duty for cookers that is can be also used..you could even buy a US heavy duty one and install it.
http://www.pennylaneelectrical.co.uk/click-45-amp-cooker-outlet-socket-with-neons-p-849.html
The seller also started from the premise that a heavy duty outler was not available (not common in UK) so he just mentioned hard wiring as they do for stoves....
[this post was last edited: 9/9/2013-19:19]
Ultimately the question about outlets is not particularly consequential as hardwiring an appliance to a box isn't difficult or expensive. What is important is whether or not adequate power can be brought to the porch easily. I'm not familiar with UK ring circuits, but at some point the power has to come from the panel and so the main problem is running new wiring from the panel to the porch. If a normal 13A outlet exists on the porch then it would make sense for the OP to look for a lower wattage dryer given that he doesn't intend to use it frequently, unless that circuit is already heavily loaded.
Vented tumble dryers are pretty simple devices. If it were me and I intended only occasional use I'd look for a local used appliance store and see what they could supply with a warranty.
Vented tumble dryers are pretty simple devices. If it were me and I intended only occasional use I'd look for a local used appliance store and see what they could supply with a warranty.
launderess
Well-known member
I'll Do It, But I'll Probably Hate Myself In the Mor
*LOL*
As one who owns several European appliances with heaters (Pfaff ironer, AEG W&D set, etc....) am here to remind Americans that appliances that would normally require special outlets here in the States, do not on the other side of the pond.
We are one of the few major Western nation that has an "old" domestic power system largely of 120v for appliances. The odd exceptions being for appliances such as electric ovens, ranges, dryers, and so forth. The rest of the world runs on 208V-240V power which means a single outlet will provide more with no special wiring.
My Pfaff ironer pulls 3.2kW when the steam function is engaged and can simply be plugged into any outlet in the EU. The directions for Miele 890 ironer which was sold in both EU and USA gives directions for hardwiring or attaching a plug. Indeed one sees that often in installation/owner's manuals for European appliances; that the thing comes with a cord but no plug leaving new owner free to choose which method they wish to use.
Most EU laundry appliances one has seen require between 13amps to 20amps at 208v-240v power.
To many Americans most European tumble dryers are "under powered" with total electrical draw of usually at or just under 3kW, with usually heaters of 2600w or so of power. But for Europeans this is grand because it means the thing can go anywhere a normal outlet is to be had.
*LOL*
As one who owns several European appliances with heaters (Pfaff ironer, AEG W&D set, etc....) am here to remind Americans that appliances that would normally require special outlets here in the States, do not on the other side of the pond.
We are one of the few major Western nation that has an "old" domestic power system largely of 120v for appliances. The odd exceptions being for appliances such as electric ovens, ranges, dryers, and so forth. The rest of the world runs on 208V-240V power which means a single outlet will provide more with no special wiring.
My Pfaff ironer pulls 3.2kW when the steam function is engaged and can simply be plugged into any outlet in the EU. The directions for Miele 890 ironer which was sold in both EU and USA gives directions for hardwiring or attaching a plug. Indeed one sees that often in installation/owner's manuals for European appliances; that the thing comes with a cord but no plug leaving new owner free to choose which method they wish to use.
Most EU laundry appliances one has seen require between 13amps to 20amps at 208v-240v power.
To many Americans most European tumble dryers are "under powered" with total electrical draw of usually at or just under 3kW, with usually heaters of 2600w or so of power. But for Europeans this is grand because it means the thing can go anywhere a normal outlet is to be had.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
I'm not used with ring wiring system either... my understanding is that if you let pass two large L and N wires separately connected to the the main source/wires where ring system is connected to (30 amp??) through the holes already existent for the ring system you could create a heavy duty outlet near another normal already existent and just connect the ground to the wire servicing all the others "ring system" regular outlets...
You could do this also on the other side of the wall in the outside (patio, porch), but you'd need a little carpentry job...or at least a little drill hole to let pass the wires and then make a heavy duty outlet screwed to the external wall...
All this if the ring system tunnel/hole in walls is big enough to have those two large L &N big wires inside also...
I think would be very useful to have a heavy duty outlet outside anyways...if someday you want to make a wash in outside at least you can have two machines heating at same time, not deciding turns for the one that has to heat the water first! LOL Jokes a part.... in the summer you could hook up lots of things and run a big party there...without having the risk the power fail for that outlet...would be nice..no??
Maybe I make the technical thing of making a new heavy duty outlet too simple.....but I'm not an electrician, not british and used with ring systems so can't really tell... I just guess..and wonder...
You could do this also on the other side of the wall in the outside (patio, porch), but you'd need a little carpentry job...or at least a little drill hole to let pass the wires and then make a heavy duty outlet screwed to the external wall...
All this if the ring system tunnel/hole in walls is big enough to have those two large L &N big wires inside also...
I think would be very useful to have a heavy duty outlet outside anyways...if someday you want to make a wash in outside at least you can have two machines heating at same time, not deciding turns for the one that has to heat the water first! LOL Jokes a part.... in the summer you could hook up lots of things and run a big party there...without having the risk the power fail for that outlet...would be nice..no??
Maybe I make the technical thing of making a new heavy duty outlet too simple.....but I'm not an electrician, not british and used with ring systems so can't really tell... I just guess..and wonder...
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Voltage differences...
I remember these things from a documentary I watched time ago, not sure if I remember it correctly but that's what I remember:
In the USA it was a choice to deliver lower voltage for household use and illumination (initially) and it was made to solve the problem of people dying elettroshocked due to bad wires insulations of the early times of electricity both external and internal ones....so it was a safety choiche, lower voltage meant less hazardousness
While in Europe for some reasons they didn't care much of elettroshocked people and they went ahead with higher voltage...
Then I also remember a few things about a stance taken by Tesla if I remember right and Edison about what voltage was the better...so for personal pride they just kept their own ideas and so different voltage in the two continents even if i a standardization would have brought considerable advantages.... substantially Edison said FY to Tesla and Tesla the same to Edison...
So things went ahead and they never decided to standardize the things for the two countries....then later of course it was too late to fix things up...
I'm sure both the voltages have their own postives and negatives aspects respectively....so personally I can't really tell what I prefer of the two....
I remember these things from a documentary I watched time ago, not sure if I remember it correctly but that's what I remember:
In the USA it was a choice to deliver lower voltage for household use and illumination (initially) and it was made to solve the problem of people dying elettroshocked due to bad wires insulations of the early times of electricity both external and internal ones....so it was a safety choiche, lower voltage meant less hazardousness
While in Europe for some reasons they didn't care much of elettroshocked people and they went ahead with higher voltage...
Then I also remember a few things about a stance taken by Tesla if I remember right and Edison about what voltage was the better...so for personal pride they just kept their own ideas and so different voltage in the two continents even if i a standardization would have brought considerable advantages.... substantially Edison said FY to Tesla and Tesla the same to Edison...
So things went ahead and they never decided to standardize the things for the two countries....then later of course it was too late to fix things up...
I'm sure both the voltages have their own postives and negatives aspects respectively....so personally I can't really tell what I prefer of the two....
liberatordeluxe
Well-known member
Thanks Paul C for the recommendation of the Indesit dryer. Where did you buy yours from? I have seen that one on Appliances Online and Tesco Direct however TD is out of stock. I have noticed a lot of dryers are now 7kg but that's way too big! 6KG is ample for 4 of us.
hoover1100
Well-known member
Drum size
They all have the same size drum they always did, from 6kg up to 9kg the drum is the same, it will just take a longer to dry 9kg than 6 kg and leave clothes much more creased.
In reality most dryers will only hold around 5kg max.
Matt
They all have the same size drum they always did, from 6kg up to 9kg the drum is the same, it will just take a longer to dry 9kg than 6 kg and leave clothes much more creased.
In reality most dryers will only hold around 5kg max.
Matt
paulc
Well-known member
Matt's right, my dryer certainly doesn't take a full 6kg load out of my Miele washer. I got my dryer from Sainsbury's direct as I got a shed load of nectar points with it.
I would not touch a new Hotpoint, Creda or Indesit dryer with a 10 foot barge pole unless they have changed considerably in the last 2 years! They are just flimsy junk compared to their older models. They did help to keep me in work as they are so unreliable.
A friend of mine had an AEG vented dryer. He was quite happy about it. Basically it's the same as the Zanussi vented dryers, but only with more options. So if you want a good basic vented dryer I think Zanussi is a option to consider.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Honestly for the use for bed sheets and towels you're going to use it for, i think pretty much any dryer would work fine...but if you happen to find a very good deal you should take advantage of it immedately!
Used is your best deal...not to mention would be a pity to have a new machine let in an outside space to rust because of wet winter weather...if you buy a used one for a trifle you can even don't care much if it is going to die faster...BTW this is another aspect to consider...try too look for electromechanical timers/programmers ( better, stronger, long-life and more resistant to weather conditions) and simple switches and controls rather than newer junky electronic ones that are more sensible, so to to fog and humidity also...not to mention LCD stuff etc...simple and strong machines are better in your case...no too fancy electronic stuff that may suffer outside conditions...
If I were in your situation I'd probably be more confused than before with all these different suggestions... but that's normal, everyone is different and have different tastes....
But for the use you have to make of it about every one would be good, as long as they're not chinese garbage like my last electric dryer named Bomann that I still have in the garage, and that I'm too honest to trim to someone...
It is simply unusable..... lint filter does not work, it is filmsey, it makes a terrible noise and had well 8 repairs (under warranty) in the 3 months I had it...
I'd personally go for VTG 60s, 70s and 80s... but if you want a new one I say:
Stay away from Bomann and newer "crashed square door" Whirlpool models (the tangler dryers).... the 6th sense style door for istance..
White knight is reliable...the cons about white knight that I could experience was a high level of noise ( inferior panel and control panel and door vibrations against cabinet) and fact that lint tended to get stuck in the door ring thus littering all around during emptying (not a big issue for outside though)..., then it had a too small door access...
You may want one with a large door as to facilitate loading and avoid items dropped or rubbed on the outside dirty floor during loading and emptying opeation especially in the dark or in : <span id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps atn">"</span><span>it's too</span> <span class="hps">damn</span> <span class="hps">cold</span> <span class="hps">out</span> <span class="hps">here</span><span>, better</span> <span class="hps">hurry up and gets things done faster thus not caring much of what you're doing</span><span>, while you're shaking like Miley Cyrus in the last MTV awards" situations</span></span> ..I guess that would be better anyway...
Speaking objectively, euro dryers are better to have the reverse tumble as they have way smaller drum room compared to the size they're supposed to handle, this compared to american dryers and rated size that they're supposed to handle, euro ones do and would tangle and crease stuff alot more compared to american ones, reverse action is true prevent more tangling and creasing but does not solve or avoid it, it became a must for euro ones given the reasons before, true fact is that most american dryers do not have reverse tumble, but there is not that much of a need for them like it is indeed for euro models... on the other hand they have drums more than 2 times bigger than euro ones and tangling is possible but not so likely to happen..
I've seen and owned euro reverse action dryers tangling items so badly that made and kept balls of sheets bouncing till the end cycle having them still wet internally and creased alot.... my whirlpool was a master doing that all the times and when I say all the times I mean all the times! I always had to be at home while drying them, so interrupt the cycle, take sheets out unwrap them and resume... the typical BUM BUM BUM BUM was the signal that it was time to do that...the Bomann, Siltal and the Zoppas (Zanussi) we owned in the past 6-7 on 10 times would have done that while drying large items too.... and you imperatively had to divide bed sheets and rest of laundry in two portions to do not have stuff like if came out from the butt-hole of a chicken...
Since I own the Speed Queen (no-reverse) tangling is happened just once.....and I never experienced it happening so often with other american dryers, like it was for euro ones I have used in my life...
US models have larger rooms, way more space to move the laundry, so tangling is not that common and creasing is almost unexistent...
But again for the use you're gonna do a euro-model would be more than needed...
Keep in mind, this is a personal advice:
If you're like most people that start with your idea: "oh yes I'm going to use it just for towels and heavy hard to indoor dry stuff" be aware that the conveniency of a dryer is addictive..LOL Jokes apart is of course a great convenience...who didn't have one can't really speak and cannot know!
I know many like you that said that and then finished to use almost exclusively the dryer...you know: " I'm in a hurry, still have to clean house, stll have to go shopping, etc------ I'm gonna put this load in the dryer this time, no time to hang it"...finishing then to do that almost always .. absolutely nothing wrong with it....it's more than normal...why waisting time and efforts having to deal with the drudgery of hanging laundry if you can conveniently load and start a dryer in a few seconds, also having your load dried quicker?
Of course there is people who would still use it as prefixed.....
Anyway....speaking too much...
My suggestion is to go for the used market...as Launderess said you can find really good deals that will give you a really long life ahead of them, and for way less than the half of their market value as if new...
So I'd go for the used..... whatever you decide at the end wish you good luck..
[this post was last edited: 9/10/2013-19:11]
Used is your best deal...not to mention would be a pity to have a new machine let in an outside space to rust because of wet winter weather...if you buy a used one for a trifle you can even don't care much if it is going to die faster...BTW this is another aspect to consider...try too look for electromechanical timers/programmers ( better, stronger, long-life and more resistant to weather conditions) and simple switches and controls rather than newer junky electronic ones that are more sensible, so to to fog and humidity also...not to mention LCD stuff etc...simple and strong machines are better in your case...no too fancy electronic stuff that may suffer outside conditions...
If I were in your situation I'd probably be more confused than before with all these different suggestions... but that's normal, everyone is different and have different tastes....
But for the use you have to make of it about every one would be good, as long as they're not chinese garbage like my last electric dryer named Bomann that I still have in the garage, and that I'm too honest to trim to someone...
It is simply unusable..... lint filter does not work, it is filmsey, it makes a terrible noise and had well 8 repairs (under warranty) in the 3 months I had it...
I'd personally go for VTG 60s, 70s and 80s... but if you want a new one I say:
Stay away from Bomann and newer "crashed square door" Whirlpool models (the tangler dryers).... the 6th sense style door for istance..
White knight is reliable...the cons about white knight that I could experience was a high level of noise ( inferior panel and control panel and door vibrations against cabinet) and fact that lint tended to get stuck in the door ring thus littering all around during emptying (not a big issue for outside though)..., then it had a too small door access...
You may want one with a large door as to facilitate loading and avoid items dropped or rubbed on the outside dirty floor during loading and emptying opeation especially in the dark or in : <span id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps atn">"</span><span>it's too</span> <span class="hps">damn</span> <span class="hps">cold</span> <span class="hps">out</span> <span class="hps">here</span><span>, better</span> <span class="hps">hurry up and gets things done faster thus not caring much of what you're doing</span><span>, while you're shaking like Miley Cyrus in the last MTV awards" situations</span></span> ..I guess that would be better anyway...
Speaking objectively, euro dryers are better to have the reverse tumble as they have way smaller drum room compared to the size they're supposed to handle, this compared to american dryers and rated size that they're supposed to handle, euro ones do and would tangle and crease stuff alot more compared to american ones, reverse action is true prevent more tangling and creasing but does not solve or avoid it, it became a must for euro ones given the reasons before, true fact is that most american dryers do not have reverse tumble, but there is not that much of a need for them like it is indeed for euro models... on the other hand they have drums more than 2 times bigger than euro ones and tangling is possible but not so likely to happen..
I've seen and owned euro reverse action dryers tangling items so badly that made and kept balls of sheets bouncing till the end cycle having them still wet internally and creased alot.... my whirlpool was a master doing that all the times and when I say all the times I mean all the times! I always had to be at home while drying them, so interrupt the cycle, take sheets out unwrap them and resume... the typical BUM BUM BUM BUM was the signal that it was time to do that...the Bomann, Siltal and the Zoppas (Zanussi) we owned in the past 6-7 on 10 times would have done that while drying large items too.... and you imperatively had to divide bed sheets and rest of laundry in two portions to do not have stuff like if came out from the butt-hole of a chicken...
Since I own the Speed Queen (no-reverse) tangling is happened just once.....and I never experienced it happening so often with other american dryers, like it was for euro ones I have used in my life...
US models have larger rooms, way more space to move the laundry, so tangling is not that common and creasing is almost unexistent...
But again for the use you're gonna do a euro-model would be more than needed...
Keep in mind, this is a personal advice:
If you're like most people that start with your idea: "oh yes I'm going to use it just for towels and heavy hard to indoor dry stuff" be aware that the conveniency of a dryer is addictive..LOL Jokes apart is of course a great convenience...who didn't have one can't really speak and cannot know!
I know many like you that said that and then finished to use almost exclusively the dryer...you know: " I'm in a hurry, still have to clean house, stll have to go shopping, etc------ I'm gonna put this load in the dryer this time, no time to hang it"...finishing then to do that almost always .. absolutely nothing wrong with it....it's more than normal...why waisting time and efforts having to deal with the drudgery of hanging laundry if you can conveniently load and start a dryer in a few seconds, also having your load dried quicker?
Of course there is people who would still use it as prefixed.....
Anyway....speaking too much...
My suggestion is to go for the used market...as Launderess said you can find really good deals that will give you a really long life ahead of them, and for way less than the half of their market value as if new...
So I'd go for the used..... whatever you decide at the end wish you good luck..
[this post was last edited: 9/10/2013-19:11]
optima
Well-known member
Montpellier
Liberatordeluxe
If your after a low cost but a reliable dryer try googling Montpellier dryers, 2 models are available either vented or condenser. We have sold them for a long time but are only available through independent retailers. Sensor dry & a 6kg load capacity but drum can hold more + a far better build quality than Indesit Company Dryers.
Liberatordeluxe
If your after a low cost but a reliable dryer try googling Montpellier dryers, 2 models are available either vented or condenser. We have sold them for a long time but are only available through independent retailers. Sensor dry & a 6kg load capacity but drum can hold more + a far better build quality than Indesit Company Dryers.
Hoover
I cannot see from your profile where you are based, but the drier on the link might be good if you can get to it:
Reasonably vintage, light (if any) useage, and modest cost
Al
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hoover-Autosense-Tumble-Dryer-Never-Used-/221281301784?hash=item338564b518
I cannot see from your profile where you are based, but the drier on the link might be good if you can get to it:
Reasonably vintage, light (if any) useage, and modest cost
Al
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hoover-Autosense-Tumble-Dryer-Never-Used-/221281301784?hash=item338564b518
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
liberatordeluxe
Well-known member
Thank you all for your contributions in helping me decide what to go for particularly KenmoreGuy.
Regarding the compact dryers I had a look in Currys today and the White Knight seemed to be well built compared to the others despite only being small. The door was a bit flimsy but if it had reverse action that would be enough to hold towels and bed sheets despite being 3kg? The drum is actually not a bad size really. I have seen lots of used ones on Ebay albeit not local.
Regarding the compact dryers I had a look in Currys today and the White Knight seemed to be well built compared to the others despite only being small. The door was a bit flimsy but if it had reverse action that would be enough to hold towels and bed sheets despite being 3kg? The drum is actually not a bad size really. I have seen lots of used ones on Ebay albeit not local.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
I'm glad I was helpful....
Compact dryers are a good choiche for people that actually do not really have space in homes so that is the only thing they can fit...
That said.. if you have the possibility to fir a regular euro size that would be better...I think...I used to always dry bed sheets alone in full size euro dryers...as the results otherwise would have been improposable (for my canons) because of tangling and creasing...
I never owned a 3kg white knight dryer nor seen one in person but I assume that would be able handle a king size bed set without having improposable results... but even if not improposable I think the results would not be that good....
More than tangling (that is anyway likely to happen because of small room) I'd be concerned about the typical euro dryers creasing and limited space to air the load properly, what I call: a typical euro dryer "tight" load, so this if the dryer you're using have a further smaller drum like a 3kg one, a King size bed sheets load plus pillow covers would not come out nice ...and so taking longer to dry and giving creases, not not much for towels (that are harder to get creased) but for bed sheets and else...
Here is a video of how a load of sheets + pajama would do in a compact white knight...personally looks like a big twisted and wrapped ball tumbling, not drying as it should and hus getting lots of wrinkles, would be nice to know the exaxt load composition (king size? Single? Heavy pajama? Thin Pajama?), but this gives an idea:
[this post was last edited: 9/11/2013-14:58]
Compact dryers are a good choiche for people that actually do not really have space in homes so that is the only thing they can fit...
That said.. if you have the possibility to fir a regular euro size that would be better...I think...I used to always dry bed sheets alone in full size euro dryers...as the results otherwise would have been improposable (for my canons) because of tangling and creasing...
I never owned a 3kg white knight dryer nor seen one in person but I assume that would be able handle a king size bed set without having improposable results... but even if not improposable I think the results would not be that good....
More than tangling (that is anyway likely to happen because of small room) I'd be concerned about the typical euro dryers creasing and limited space to air the load properly, what I call: a typical euro dryer "tight" load, so this if the dryer you're using have a further smaller drum like a 3kg one, a King size bed sheets load plus pillow covers would not come out nice ...and so taking longer to dry and giving creases, not not much for towels (that are harder to get creased) but for bed sheets and else...
Here is a video of how a load of sheets + pajama would do in a compact white knight...personally looks like a big twisted and wrapped ball tumbling, not drying as it should and hus getting lots of wrinkles, would be nice to know the exaxt load composition (king size? Single? Heavy pajama? Thin Pajama?), but this gives an idea:
[this post was last edited: 9/11/2013-14:58]
passatdoc
Well-known member
Stateside, they are standard issue, and most new or even 50-year-old construction has provision for a dryer hook up. In California, electricity is 15 cents/KwHr, on the high end of prices for the USA, and it has always been more economical to use a natural gas dryer. While the machine may cost $40-60 more than its electric version, the cost gap is quickly recouped.
Most condenser type dryers are European in make and size (24inch/60 cm instead of 27 inch/70 cm), for use where there is no venting: converted closets, under kitchen counters. That said, most mid-century or later houses and condominiums have a laundry area with hook ups and venting.
My current dryer is a Frigidaire/Electrolux gas model, which stacks on top of its matching washer. Although I have space to place them side by side, I choose to stack so that I can use the freed space for something else (a table for folding and storing clothes). The two most important features of my dryer to me are:
1. Moisture sensor. My former dryer was mid-range but did NOT have this feature, and sometimes shut off before clothes were fully dry, or it would cook the clothes long past the point where they were dry
2. Permanent press cycle: starts out warm, releases wrinkles, then cools down to lock in "straightness". By cycle end, clothes are room temperature.
Most of my work clothing is office casual: khaki trousers and collared shirts (no ties), all 100% cotton with no-wrinkle finish, and nearly all of them from LL Bean (www.llbean.com). If hung up promptly, they look as if someone slaved over an ironing board, but the system only works with a moisture sensor and a true perm press cycle. Next to my machines I have a "laundry center", a set of steel shelving with a rod to hang the clothes, plus three sorting bags. Similar to the device in the photo, except mine has a shelf above the hanging bar allowing storage of lightweight items. So I am well equipped to hang clothes after drying. I need a device on wheels, because the tank water heater is tucked in the corner next to the washer/dryer stack, and if service is required, I have to be able to move the laundry organiser without a lot of fuss.
PS: if you buy a dryer with moisture sensor, and if you use dryer sheets, the waxy substance in them can coat the sensor and render it less effective. I tear the sheets into thirds, using only enough to prevent static cling, and clean the sensor with alcohol on a quarterly basis.
Most condenser type dryers are European in make and size (24inch/60 cm instead of 27 inch/70 cm), for use where there is no venting: converted closets, under kitchen counters. That said, most mid-century or later houses and condominiums have a laundry area with hook ups and venting.
My current dryer is a Frigidaire/Electrolux gas model, which stacks on top of its matching washer. Although I have space to place them side by side, I choose to stack so that I can use the freed space for something else (a table for folding and storing clothes). The two most important features of my dryer to me are:
1. Moisture sensor. My former dryer was mid-range but did NOT have this feature, and sometimes shut off before clothes were fully dry, or it would cook the clothes long past the point where they were dry
2. Permanent press cycle: starts out warm, releases wrinkles, then cools down to lock in "straightness". By cycle end, clothes are room temperature.
Most of my work clothing is office casual: khaki trousers and collared shirts (no ties), all 100% cotton with no-wrinkle finish, and nearly all of them from LL Bean (www.llbean.com). If hung up promptly, they look as if someone slaved over an ironing board, but the system only works with a moisture sensor and a true perm press cycle. Next to my machines I have a "laundry center", a set of steel shelving with a rod to hang the clothes, plus three sorting bags. Similar to the device in the photo, except mine has a shelf above the hanging bar allowing storage of lightweight items. So I am well equipped to hang clothes after drying. I need a device on wheels, because the tank water heater is tucked in the corner next to the washer/dryer stack, and if service is required, I have to be able to move the laundry organiser without a lot of fuss.
PS: if you buy a dryer with moisture sensor, and if you use dryer sheets, the waxy substance in them can coat the sensor and render it less effective. I tear the sheets into thirds, using only enough to prevent static cling, and clean the sensor with alcohol on a quarterly basis.
paulc
Well-known member
liberatordeluxe
unless space is an issue do not get a compact dryer. You will certainly NOT get a kingsize bedding set in it without long drying times and excessive creasing. The novelty of separating loads to dry them will soon wear off.
unless space is an issue do not get a compact dryer. You will certainly NOT get a kingsize bedding set in it without long drying times and excessive creasing. The novelty of separating loads to dry them will soon wear off.
hoover1100
Well-known member
Compact dryers
If it is a choice between a compact or a washer/dryer or no dryer at all, then a compact is best, but they are NOT practical if you can fit a full size model in.
Sheets will have to be washed individually and they are more expensive to run as you have to run more loads to get the same amount of washing dry.
If I had to have a compact I would certainly have an Indesit/Hotpoint (Creda) over a white knight!
Matt
If it is a choice between a compact or a washer/dryer or no dryer at all, then a compact is best, but they are NOT practical if you can fit a full size model in.
Sheets will have to be washed individually and they are more expensive to run as you have to run more loads to get the same amount of washing dry.
If I had to have a compact I would certainly have an Indesit/Hotpoint (Creda) over a white knight!
Matt
launderess
Well-known member
According To The Owner's Manual For My Whirlpool
Compact it can do two sheets or one sheet and two pillow slips. These were given for full through king sized and find are pretty accurate.
One rarely dries bed linens n dryer anyway as they are put through the ironer or Kaltmangel, if not hand ironed. On the rare occasion it is required normally do so only long enough to get the creases out and the things are "damp dry", they are then hung up to finish drying/airing.
Sheets will most always ball up to some extentIMHO. They do it in my WP compact, and they have done so in the Lavatherm despite it having drum reverse. The only place it does not happen is with the large dryers at Laundromat. However things do often end up in a tangle. To solve this usually stop things about halfway, pull everything out, fluff/untangle and put back into the dryer.
I believe energy savings wise you get the most value for money when dryers are operated at or near full capacity for cottons. Find also fuller loads tend to tumble better as small ones slide about from vane to vane without the free falling through air that makes for better tumble drying.
Compact it can do two sheets or one sheet and two pillow slips. These were given for full through king sized and find are pretty accurate.
One rarely dries bed linens n dryer anyway as they are put through the ironer or Kaltmangel, if not hand ironed. On the rare occasion it is required normally do so only long enough to get the creases out and the things are "damp dry", they are then hung up to finish drying/airing.
Sheets will most always ball up to some extentIMHO. They do it in my WP compact, and they have done so in the Lavatherm despite it having drum reverse. The only place it does not happen is with the large dryers at Laundromat. However things do often end up in a tangle. To solve this usually stop things about halfway, pull everything out, fluff/untangle and put back into the dryer.
I believe energy savings wise you get the most value for money when dryers are operated at or near full capacity for cottons. Find also fuller loads tend to tumble better as small ones slide about from vane to vane without the free falling through air that makes for better tumble drying.
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