Which dryer to buy?

[logixx]

Okay, so after living without one for several months, the time (and money) has come to get my own.

Usually, I would not question which dryer to buy - but there's something about that Bauknecht/Whirlpool dryer that keeps me think about it over and over. Here are the two opponents:

Siemens WT46E305

- will most likey last for many years
- relatively quiet at 61 dB

Bauknecht TK Uniq 71B Di

- on average 70 Euros cheaper
- drum reverses direction
- slighly larger drum volume
- a little faster
- more cycles

These are the two choices. I like the Bauknecht but it have no idea about its durability. Our consumer mag recently tested both units and rated them almost equally. A heat-pump dryer is not a choice because they're too expensive and we have a electricity flat rate at our place.

 

[nrones]

Bauknecht

Personally, I would go for the Bauknecht.

As you said more cycles, quicker, larger, cheaper, and there aren't much signs that would indicate the bad quality

I just wanted to ask, Are these the only 2 choices, so we say get Siemens or get Bauknecht, or can suggest some other models too?

Dex

 

[jlbrazil]

logixx..

I know Siemens has a better history and reliability than Bauknecht , but from my experience, Bauknecht has been a quite awesome brand ( at least on my machine! ).
2 years ago I purchased a Brastemp dishwasher ( Made by Whirlpool/Bauknecht in Germany , and I remember they used to sell the same model over there ) and it's been an outstanding machine which never gave me any trouble!
Since the Bauknecht has more convinient features than the Siemens , I would definitely go with the Bauknecht!

Joao.

 

[logixx]

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Wow, I though you'd say go for the Siemens. And yes, these two are my only choices - after searching for quite some time.

Alex

 

[dave886]

Get the siemens, it will pay off for its self in the long run, siemens will be a better quality in build and durability, i've realized, not because a washing machine has more features it does not mean its better.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

After seeing my Grans Whirlpool washing machines, It's an unreliable piece of rubbish from day 1, the rinse is terrible. I would say go for the Siemens.
The Motor could be dodgy in the Whirlpool made machine, and end up struggling like the washing machine, then you will be very unhappy you had the choice to go for relatively known high build quality machine (Siemens) which could probably last twice as long.
Saying this, if you want more features, look for the higher Siemens ranges, or just go for the Whirlpool made one.
By the way, the drum looks the same from the photo(Back). It could be the Siemens is 8KG and Baucknecht(?) 9KG, but its actually the same drum size, meaning more airflow in the Siemens, and probably faster drying results.

 

[logixx]

Both are rated 7 kg. The Siemens has a 112 liters drum and the Bauknecht is 121 liters. The Bauknecht also dries faster because of the faster airflow Whirlpool accomplishes in their machines.

But yes, if it breaks down earlier, the initial savings on the cheaper dryer are down the drain. The link describes Whirlpool's Carisma design on a different dryer (9 kilo capacity).

Alex

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

I have just completed my research and found out the Siemens actually has more programmes.
If you are looking for sensor drying - then choose the Siemens as it has 10 programmes - 3 Cottons, 3 Easy care (which could also be Classed as Delicate if you use Low heat), plus 4 specials - Mix, Wool, Outdoor, Rapid.
The Baucknecht only has 8 sensor drying cycles - 4 Cottons, 3 Synthetic, 1 special: Delicate (which as I said above - if your choosing it for this, The Siemens can have 3 delicate cycles, if you use easy care and select low heat)

If you want timed drying:
Choose Baucknecht, as this has more timed drying settings up to 90 minutes.
The Siemens only has 1 timed programme.

 

[jlbrazil]

Faster , bigger , cheaper , reverse tumble , more beautiful and still "matches" the brand of your washer .. There's no doubt!

 

[nrones]

Dryerr

Hi again, logixx

Now after seing that video, I am even more sure you should take Bauknecht dryer.

As much as I could see (correct me if I'm wrong), you like your "Big" very much, and I can assure you that if you asked "Which washer to buy?" you would get most people say you "Noo take the Miele or Siemens", but those are just stereotypes usually caused by lack of knowledge, and (in most of the cases) complete personal inexperience with machines suggested "not to buy".

I have a Whirlpool AWZ3303 (video in the link - from 9:08 onwards). I am not a fan of it, just becuase it doesn't have Sensor feature, because it stays on the balcony outside. This winter it was drying at -10c outside temperature 3 or 4 times, and it still works.

I think faster drying is especially important for you, because your machine is much bigger, there fore on big louds you would have to split loads and dry 2 times?

Dex

 

[foraloysius]

In a recent test by the Dutch consumer organisation Bauknecht and Siemens condenser dryers got the same rating. The Bauknecht however had one major negative aspect which didn't have much influence on the rating. The Bauknecht condenser dryers appeared to be extremely noisy. So much that the rating was 1 on a score from 1 - 10. The Siemens scored a 5.

 

[logixx]

Thank you all for taking the time!

Well, I tend to only use Cupboard Dry or Extra Dry cycles on the dryer so I don't really need cycles like Outdoor and such. I try use most cycles and options on my washer but not so on the dryer - it's really supposed to just dry my clothes...

Yes Louis, the Bauknecht also only got a Sufficient for noise by our consumer magazine, while the Siemens scored Good. In numbers, the Siemens is 64 dB and the Bauknecht 74. The Siemens can be made even quieter by spending an extra 20€ on the sound insulation pad that comes with the IQ500 models and is installed underneath the work surface.

All in all, I really like the Bauknecht better but will it last? Well, who knows these days anyway?! I might have to ask some technicians and see what they think.

Alex

 

[lordylord]

Siemens

I have a Siemens IQ-300 WT36V395GB. Can you believe its uni-directional. If you fill it to maximum capacity everything creases. I would definately not recommend!

 

[logixx]

Yes, B/S/H have been non-reversing for years. My GF's parents have an older Siemens with the rectangular door and it doesn't reverse either. It just stops and continues in the same direction. I had some very badly tangled loads in there - usually sheets and pillow/duvet covers.