Condenser Dryers

A condenser dryer generates quite a bit of heat inside the drum to get the job done relatively quickly. Moisture is extracted from wet clothes, condensed into water, and collected in the condenser container for emptying with each cycle. You can instead use the supplied drain hose to have the water drained (recommended by some brands to avoid emptying the container mid cycle on big loads).

Although they don’t need venting to the outside like a vented dryer does (these generate a lot of hot air and moisture), they can still expel some hot air, so you’ll need some ventilation in your laundry. Standalone condensers have a capacity around 8kg, and you can also find them in washer dryer combos (these have a lower drying capacity like this one from Fisher & Paykel).

Many have sensors that auto-stop the cycle once moisture is no longer detected in garments to prevent overheating like the Haier condenser dryers, as well as reverse tumbling for less bunching like the Electrolux condenser dryers.

Heat pump dryers are great for regular use as they use little power by relying on a unique set of technologies like a refrigerant to create and evenly distribute warm air (the savings made over time offset the higher initial outlay). They also reheat and recycle the same air back into the drum. If drying infrequently then a condenser dryer may suit better as price wise, you’re looking at about half the cost of a heat pump dryer.

While condenser dryers push out some hot air, heat pump dryers (also known as heat pump condenser dryers) omit none and don’t require any ventilation whatsoever – so they can be placed anywhere including a cupboard (they too condense water into a condenser container for emptying). They can be set up to be drained too, depending on where you place your dryer.

Heat pump dryers take longer to dry but they’re gentler on clothes. However, many condenser dryers come with an included drying rack for extra care, while the ASKO condenser dryer has the same ‘Soft Drum’ as found in their heat pump dryers to help cushion the load.

Condenser dryers cannot be wall mounted (same as heat pump dryers - only vented dryers can be), they can either sit freestanding or stacked above a front load washing machine using the required stacking kit. Stacking can be a great way to save space providing that any existing cabinetry doesn’t get in the way, or, if doing a new laundry build - go for your life.

That is why condenser dryers are ideally suited to accompany their matching front load washer – whether it be stacked or sitting side-by-side under a bench – this can bring a sense of calm and seamlessness to your space. At The Good Guys you can find a washing machine to match your condenser dryer, from the brands Aussies love like Haier and Fisher & Paykel.

It’s best to have your condenser dryer living in your laundry for washing/drying convenience but if you need to place it elsewhere, make sure the room is well ventilated and only run small loads so you don’t need to rely on a drain to get rid of the condensed water – just remember to empty out the condenser container.

Condenser dryers will cost you more to run compared to heat pump dryers. Looking at condenser dryers versus vented dryers, these are around on-par with the majority of models with a 2 Star Energy Rating, however you do get a greater drum capacity in a condenser (8kg) than you do with vented (around 4.5 to 6.5kg), so when viewed that way, they can in fact be more cost effective.

If you’re not using your dryer that often, then go for the one that suits your laundry set up and your living arrangements – e.g. for renters, condenser dryers are great as they don't require a vent to push hot air to the outside. Always use the max spin speed on your washer where possible to help cut down on drying time.

Remember to compare dryers of the same capacity to gauge what the energy efficiency is like, and estimate what the average annual running cost will be by referring to the Australian Government’s Energy Rating site which says to multiple the kWh on the energy label by the cost of electricity in your area.