Condensation dryers: Consumer tips
A large proportion of the tumble dryers sold today are condensation dryers, or simply condensation dryers. Unlike vented dryers, they do not expel the moist air through a special venting system to the outside or a duct, but dehumidify the air inside. Modern condensation tumble dryers also score points in terms of energy consumption – this is especially true for condensation dryers with the labels A++ and A+++.
These two types of condensation dryers exist
In principle, the operation of the two existing variants is the same: The warm, moist air is dehumidified, meaning it condenses into water. This process gives condensation dryers, which are often mistakenly referred to as condensation dryers, their name. If you choose the condensation variant for your tumble dryer, you can choose between two types.
Condensation dryer with heat pump
These condensation dryers are equipped with a heat pump, which is responsible for dehumidifying the warm air. Previously, the warm air heated by the device has flowed through the laundry, extracting moisture from it.
The biggest advantage of the heat pump is that it uses the extracted energy to partially reuse the waste heat for the further drying process – a very energy-saving process. In fact, the best condensation dryers in the energy efficiency class A+++ require only about one to two kilowatt-hours to dry a load of laundry. Prices for condensation dryers with heat pumps start at around 400 pounds.
Condensation dryer without heat pump
Simple air condensation dryers work with a heat exchanger that cools the moist warm air, causing it to condense into water. During the drying process, room air flows in to cool the inside, is heated there, and later escapes again.
Compared to models with heat pumps, these devices consume more energy, but such a condensation dryer is available at a low price – prices start at around 250 pounds.
Good to know: Consumer organisations such as Stiftung Warentest or renowned consumer magazines usually only include condensation dryers in their tests that dehumidify the warm air using a heat pump. The reason for this is the significantly lower electricity consumption of these devices, which even offsets the slightly higher purchase price.
Condensation dryers in tests – even cheap condensation dryers can keep up
When experts examine condensation tumble dryers in standardised tests, they mainly focus on criteria such as drying performance, handling, environmental properties, safety, workmanship, and equipment. Both cheaper and more expensive devices show strong performance, so you need not worry that your laundry will not dry even when purchasing a budget-friendly condensation dryer on offer.
Differences in the test arise, however, in terms of equipment and comfort. The less expensive condensation dryers in our price comparison generally come with fewer settings, which is particularly evident in the number of available drying programmes. Furthermore, not every condensation dryer is easy to clean after use. Good ratings for comfort are given when lint filters and similar components can be cleaned quickly and effortlessly.
What is a disadvantage for the testers, however, does not necessarily have to be a decisive factor for you. Therefore, consider before purchasing a new condensation dryer for your laundry, in addition to a price range, which criteria are important to you. Our test reports will help you identify the optimal model for you – and our price comparison will provide you with the best offer for condensation dryers afterwards.
Buy condensation dryer online: Here are the criteria you should pay attention to
Energy consumption
The most important criterion when purchasing is the consumption of your new condensation tumble dryer. The energy label associated with the device provides information on this. The rule of thumb is: The better the energy efficiency class of the condensation dryer, the lower the electricity consumption – and this not only saves your wallet but also the environment.
The most economical are condensation dryers with energy class A+++, but even cheaper devices with the A++ rating consume little energy. According to calculations by Stiftung Warentest, the higher electricity consumption does not make the devices more expensive than condensation dryers with the best energy efficiency class under average usage.
Capacity
The condensation dryers in our price comparison come with different capacities. When deciding, the household size or frequency of use is not primarily important, but rather the size of the laundry items that will later go into the tumble dryer.
- The average household that occasionally wants to dry larger items like duvets is well advised with a condensation dryer with an 8 kg drum.
- Even larger capacities from 9 kg are recommended for households with a lot of laundry, such as families.
Other criteria
- Drying time: If you want to dry several loads of laundry a day, you should pay attention to the shortest possible drying time.
- Number of programmes: Programmes for drying cotton or easy-care laundry are part of the basic equipment. However, some condensation dryers offer a much wider variety of programmes. Consider before purchasing which laundry you will be drying and then decide if you need programmes for drying shirts, lingerie, wool, and more.
- Useful functions: Do you want to control your condensation dryer via smartphone? Is a delayed start important to you? Are you bothered by the effort of emptying the condensate container and would you prefer a solution with a condensate drain? Modern devices can offer you all of this!
Conclusion
If you make compromises on energy consumption and functions, you can buy heat pump condensation dryers today at a relatively low price. Often, thanks to the guenstiger.de price comparison, you can even save some money.
Are you wondering if a tumble dryer is worth it for you? If you have no option to dry laundry outside or in a drying room, a condensation dryer is a sensible purchase. Because drying laundry in living spaces not only puts more strain on the heating in the cold season but can also promote mould growth.
In addition, a condensation dryer ensures that your laundry becomes wonderfully soft even without fabric softener! Now it’s up to you to find the right condensation dryer – good luck!
