Pros and cons of a heat pump tumble dryer

Today, people increasingly prefer heat pump dryers to condenser dryers with heating elements, despite the higher cost of such models. Why is this?

Let's explore how a heat pump in a dryer works. How are these units better than condensing units with heating elements? We'll also discuss which models to consider when choosing a new "home assistant."

Pros and cons of these dryers

Let's say your friends strongly recommend you buy a heat pump dryer. But they can't explain why. Before making a final choice, it's best to research the pros and cons of these models.

The main advantages of dryers with a pump:

• power consumption is much lower than that of condensing type machines with a heating element (the power of models with a heat pump is from 600 to 1100 W);
• they do not heat the air in the room;
• the machine can be placed in any room, even where there is no ventilation duct or possibility of airing;
• Items are dried more gently, the temperature in the working chamber increases and decreases smoothly, which ensures the safety of the laundry.

Machines with a heat pump are more energy efficient, do not heat up, and provide gentle drying of laundry.

If we talk about the disadvantages, they are as follows:

• Higher cost. This technology is complex, and the body of these dryers includes additional components that increase the cost of the unit. Therefore, heat pump dryers are more expensive than models with heating elements.
• The drying time on some programs is longer.

The disadvantages are fairly general, so having a heat pump in a dryer is generally considered an advantage. Let's explore how these devices work and how the pump helps remove excess moisture from laundry.

How does a dryer of this design function?

Modern devices with Heat Pump technology are very reliable and high-quality household dryers that perform their functions perfectly. The design of such models includes an evaporator, a heat pump with a condenser, a fan and pipes for the system to operate. Different manufacturers may have their own special features, but in general, the operating principle of such devices is the same.

These devices operate according to the following principle:

• the pump sends warm air into the working chamber;
• the air becomes saturated with moisture removed from the laundry;
• the air flow passes through the evaporator, where a refrigerant is used to lower its temperature;
• condensation is formed, which flows through the drainage system into the storage tank;
• dry air is sent back to the condenser, where it is heated to the desired temperature;
• The pump again sends warm air into the drum, to the wet laundry.

This process is repeated several times until the laundry is completely dry. The temperature in the machine chamber typically does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius, ensuring gentle treatment of fabrics and preventing deformation.

The best dryers of this design

In fact, the advantages of heat pump dryers outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, if your budget allows, it's best to opt for a heat pump dryer. Which models should you consider first?

The Weissgauff WD 6148 D is a modern model designed for a load of up to 8 kilograms of wet laundry. The dryer can be installed either as a standalone unit or in a stack with a washing machine. The unit has standard dimensions of 60 x 84.5 x 65 cm. It features a display that provides all cycle information.

The dryer's drum rotates in reverse. This allows:

• prevents clothes from creasing;
• things become softer and more pleasant to the touch.

Main characteristics of Weissgauff WD 6148 D:

• maximum load – 8 kg;
• drying type – condensation with heat pump;
• energy efficiency class – “A++”;
• power – 800 W;
• control – electronic;
• noise level – up to 69 dB;
• Number of drying programs – 16.

Weissgauff WD 6148 D dries based on residual moisture, thereby preventing overdrying of laundry.

A variety of drying modes allows you to select the optimal settings for any type of fabric. The machine's memory includes programs for: "Jeans," "Bedding," "Synthetics," "Blends," "Shirts," "Sportswear," "Cotton," "Cold Cycle," and "Wool." You can also create your own custom algorithm.

The Weissgauff WD 6148 D features a delayed start, a child lock, and an anti-crease feature. The machine's white body and black door trim allow it to blend in with any interior. This multifunctional dryer is priced at approximately $450.

Many users praise the Bosch WQG14200M dryer from the German brand. It is designed for permanent installation. The spacious drum holds up to 9 kg of wet laundry. AutoDry technology, which uses temperature and humidity sensors, prevents clothes from drying out and shrinking.

The Bosch WQG14200M control panel features a rotary program selector, touch buttons, and a user-friendly digital display. Features include an anti-crease function, a 24-hour delayed start timer, and a drum light. The side panels of the dryer are equipped with sound-absorbing inserts, which help reduce noise and vibration during operation.

Model specifications:

• capacity – up to 9 kg;
• energy efficiency class – “A++”;
• number of drying modes – 14;
• body dimensions 59.8x84.2x61.3 cm;
• power – 1000 W;
• noise level – up to 64 dB.

The dryer's tank is made of stainless steel. A drain hose is included with the machine for connection to a sewer system. Alternatively, you can leave the unit unconnected; condensate will be collected in a separate container.

SensitiveDrying technology ensures gentle drying. Clothes are swept with warm air, and the drum features gently curved paddles. This ensures that clothes rotate gently, preventing them from sticking to the edges of the drum.

The Bosch WQG14200M dryer is equipped with an ASM inverter motor. Its programmable settings are quite versatile, allowing you to select a drying mode for all types of clothing, including delicate fabrics. This multifunctional device costs approximately $800.

Another favorite is the Electrolux EW8H358S dryer from Swedish manufacturer Electrolux. The build quality of this brand's equipment is excellent. Users note that the machine:

• easy to operate;
• easy to care for;
• has quite a lot of drying modes;
• does not heat the air in the room;
• has a cooling function;
• Dries laundry well, preserving the softness, shape and appearance of items.

Main characteristics of Electrolux EW8H358S:

• maximum permissible load – 8 kg;
• energy efficiency class – “A++”;
• body dimensions: 59.8x85x63.8 cm;
• 16 drying programs;
• control – electronic;
• noise level – up to 66 dB.

The dryer can be installed either freestanding or in a stack with a washing machine. The manufacturer has equipped the unit with a reliable inverter motor. The control panel features an LED display, as well as indicators for the lint filter and condensate container.

The Electrolux EW8H358S features overheating protection. Sensors inside the machine monitor the residual moisture level of laundry. The heat pump ensures the most efficient and gentle drying of clothes.

The Electrolux EW8H358S has the following drying programs:

• "Outerwear";
• "Jeans";
• "Pillows/blankets";
• "Bed";
• "Airing";
• "Synthetics";
• "Silk";
• "Wool";
• "Cotton";
• "Mixed fabrics".

The dryer features "Iron" and "Cupboard" modes, allowing the user to control the level of residual moisture in the drum. The model costs approximately $770. The body is black and white.

   

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