Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
Tumble Dryers: AEG, Bosch, Hoover, Hotpoint, Miele
ABOUT TUMBLE DRYERS
A tumble dryer dries clothes by rotating them in a heated drum, through which air is blown. The key choice when buying a tumble dryer is whether to buy a vented machine or a condenser machine. The vented machine needs to be placed by an external wall, with a vent to the outside. A condenser machine extracts the dampness into a container which needs to be periodically emptied of water. In the case of a condenser machine there is no need for a vent to the outside. Condenser machines use more energy than vented machines. Other considerations are load and spin speed.
Some tumble dryers have a sensor function. This senses when the clothes have reached the required level of dryness, and turns the machine off. Other optional features include anti-crease function, final cool cycle, and reverse action. Some condenser tumble dryers avoid the need to empty the water container by sending the water to the mains waste pipe.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON TUMBLE DRYERS
John Lewis publishes a good guide to buying tumble dryers. It covers the choice of vented or condenser, the tumble drying process, fabrics, spin speed, energy efficiency, installation, and delivery and disposal.
Which? publishes an online report of its tests on more than 20 top selling condenser and vented tumble dryers including models from AEG, Bosch, Candy and Zanussi. The report includes a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about washer dryers; and reports of product tests. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
Energy Saving Trust has a certification scheme for energy efficiency, and also has links on its website to recommended products and retailers.
The EU Energy Label scheme, described in Wikipedia, certifies the energy efficiency of washing machines and other household appliances.
Reevoo publishes a useful short guide to buying washing machines and dryers, covering types of washing machines, load capacity, loading type, spin speed, energy rating and noise level.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF TUMBLE DRYERS
AEG. The AEG website has a section on tumble dryers. AEG tumble dryers use a reverse action to reduce creasing by loosening the clothes as they dry. If the laundry is not removed at the end of the cycle, the machine will automatically go into a thirty minute cooling phase during which the clothes are periodically lifted and moved to reduce creases.
Bosch. The Bosch UK website has a section covering tumble dryers and other laundry equipment. Bosch tumble dryers come in four ranges: the simple Classixx models, the Exxcel range with additional features, and the Logixx premium range. There are also built-in options. Features include: drums with soft paddles for reduced creasing, drum interior light, and anti-crease cycle.
Hoover. The Hoover UK website has a section on tumble dryers. These cover both free-standing and built-in models, both condenser and vented. Some condenser models have a Hydro Dryer feature, removing the need to empty the water container. Water is pumped out through the mains drain, like a washing machine. Most models offer a delayed start feature and dryness sensor.
Hotpoint. Hotpoint is part of the Zanussi Group. There is a tumble dryer section on its website. This covers condenser and vented tumble dryers finished in white, graphite, and satin aluminium. Brochures can be downloaded.
Miele. The Miele website has a section on tumble dryers, which are either condenser or vented. There are two styles: with circular or rectangular door. Some models have a honeycomb drum and an ergonomic loading angle.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF TUMBLE DRYERS
Empire Direct is a large online supplier of electrical equipment, whose online prices are typically up to a third less than high street prices. Its website has a section covering more than 60 tumble dryers, showing in each case the saving against full retail price.
John Lewis is a reputable firm selling online and through its department stores. Its website has a section on tumble dryers. This can be searched by type (condenser, front-loading, and vented), by brand, and by price. John Lewis provides a free second year service guarantee, and free delivery for orders over £100.
Tesco Direct. Tesco Direct's easy-to-use website has a section covering several tumble dryers. These can be searched by brand, by load, by drying efficiency, by colour (graphite, silver and white), and by feature, including airing cycle, anti-crease function, final cool cycle, mobility wheels, reverse action, and sensor drying.
PRICE COMPARISONS FOR TUMBLE DRYERS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for tumble dryers: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK and provides price comparisons for tumble dryers together with user reviews. Reevoo provides user reviews.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO TUMBLE DRYERS
Wikipedia article on tumble dryers.
Appliance Aid. US website providing repair and maintenance advice for washing machines, refrigerators, dryers and dishwashers.
Diyfixit. UK website with hundreds of articles providing advice on DIY tasks.
Part Select. US website with troubleshooting advice on dishwashers, dryers, ranges, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and washing machines.
Epinions. User reviews on tumble dryers from the US-based Epinions website.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how tumble dryers work, including illustrations.
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