drying time of a combo, how much worse?

[gooddancer70]

Could anyone please give some numbers of how much longer is the drying cycle of a combo compared to a CONDENSING dedicated dryer? supposing exactly same conditions (spinning, type of clothes , weight -not exceeding of course the manufacturer’s recommendation for the combo)

I have heard a typical drying time for a condensing dryer (220V) as 1.5 hours. For exactly the same load and conditions, how much could it take for a combo? 2h? 2.5h?

I am tired of finding over the last days opinions saying that combos are much slower. But because they mostly come from US they are speaking about either 110V combos that are slower, or they compare to vented standalone dryers.

I really need the opinion regarding drying time from someone who has experience of both CONDENSING combo and standalone CONDENSING dryer, as a I am about to go for a combo. I have to decide between a 8kg wash/ 5kg dry combo , and a 6kg CONDENSING (not vented which are quicker)) dryer. My typical laundry will be 5kg.
I think I have a clear idea of all other decision parameters (reliability, space, water consumption,electric consumption, washing quality, dry quality) but I don’t have a good picture of the differences in drying time. And especially because with a combo you cannot dry while you wash, time is important.

Thanks

[iadom]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

The simple answer is don’t buy a washer dryer full stop.

Useful article HERE

If you think you need a bigger load size then read THIS and think again.

Not sure of the exact figure but it was reported that the average wash load size throughout the whole of the UK was below 3.kg.

Mind you, as you seem to be posting from Greece, do you really need a dryer at all. 😉

Jim.

[gooddancer70]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

iadom wrote:The simple answer is don’t buy a washer dryer full stop.

Useful article HERE

If you think you need a bigger load size then read THIS and think again.

Not sure of the exact figure but it was reported that the average wash load size throughout the whole of the UK was below 3.kg.

Mind you, as you seem to be posting from Greece, do you really need a dryer at all. 😉

Jim.

Thanks Jim. If I didn’t have lack of space, of course I wouldn’t think about a combo.

I know these articles, but I also see that quite a lot of people like these machines and there are also opinions saying that although no doubt are less reliable, the failure rate is not that bigger compared to those of similar price standalone washer plus standalone dryer (http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/buying-advice-9.html).

Re drum size , the only reason that i like the idea of a 8kg is to be able to wash blankets and duvets.
And of course because with the 8kg wash /5kg dry combo the problem of “you must dry half of the washing load” is not a problem anymore with a typical 4kg load.

About the need of a dryer, it will not be used continuously, the weather here in Greece helps but I know that a dryer can help freeing time by less ironing. So occasionally will free time( that can be used to go out and enjoy the good weather) 8)

Anyway, the question was about the drying time of such machine compared to standalone CONDENSING dryer. Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks

[Penguin45]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

A typical vented dryer will dry the full rated cotton load in 60-80 minutes. Add another 10-15 for a condenser. If you take a typical Lux Group combi (Electrolux/Zanussi/Tricity Bendix/AEG), this has a dryer setup which works reasonably well. Even so, you will need at least 90-100 minutes to dry half the load. Heavy cotton fabrics such as denim, cordrouy and big fleeces simply will not dry. You can finish them with the iron, but they won’t dry. As for duvets and blankets, forget it.

They’re called “batchelor machines” for a reason – turn two knobs and you can have a clean dry shirt and socks in the morning. If you have any volume of laundry to deal with, the dryer will drive you nuts.

The basic problem is that the drum is too small to get the clothes to fly through the airflow properly.

Finally, you finish up with a machine which is so stuffed full of components, it’s almost inherently unreliable. Given the domination of digital control now prevalent across this industry, any fault detected will stop the wash as well as the dry function, leaving you with nothing.

If you really are struggling for space, buy a compact dryer and wheel it out when you need it.

Penguin45.

[hotpnt]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

yup, as much as we like visitors to UKWG you will be very regular if you buy a washer/dryer, ask any engineer here what they would do if they were offered one for free, and almost all would say NO,
P45 has mentioned the best option for you, buy a washer & small dryer for when u need it

[gooddancer70]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

Penguin45 wrote:
The basic problem is that the drum is too small to get the clothes to fly through the airflow properly.

Thanks p45, hotpnt. The “digitally controlled / leave you with nothing” point was very interesting. I will check again my options.

But regarding the drying efficiency due to small drum size I am not fully convinced. Does not a 8/5 combo has a big enough drum for a descent 4kg wash+dry load ? How smaller is a 8/5 combo drum compared to a standalone 6kg dryer?

Thank you.

[Penguin45]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

Iadom, Hotpnt and myself have all basically told you the same thing and we’re all professional repairers with years and years of experience. If you want to be told that they’re wondeful and efficient, I suggest you pop into your electrical retailers and have a chat with the sales staff.

Penguin45.

[gooddancer70]

Re: drying time of a combo, how much worse?

Penguin45 wrote:Iadom, Hotpnt and myself have all basically told you the same thing and we’re all professional repairers with years and years of experience. If you want to be told that they’re wondeful and efficient, I suggest you pop into your electrical retailers and have a chat with the sales staff.

Penguin45.

No, not at all. In fact I had mentioned that I found your words very helpful and especially the point that in case of any problem you get fault status and wait… I was just wondering about the drum sizes and drying times. Anyway, thanks a lot

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