Product review: Condenser clothes dryers

Useful Functions: The dryer had a steaming programme that effectively removed creases from heavier fabrics like denim; but it didn’t manage lightweight shirts as well. It conveniently redirected water condensed from the drying cycle into the steam tank. It came with a removable rack to dry woolen clothes and sneakers.

Ease of use: It took a thorough reading and rereading of the manual to understand how to use this dryer. Once I figured that out, the dryer was a breeze to use.

Energy Efficiency*: 3 ticks    

Verdict: A quiet dryer that effectively dried and steamed most garments well.

Performance: A regular mixed fabric cycle could dry a full load – except waistbands – thoroughly. The dryer was cool to the touch in front, but warmer on the sides. To prevent clothes from creasing if not removed promptly, the dryer tumbled them every 10 minutes to fluff them up.

Useful Functions: The steaming function to remove creases could handle up to 10 shirts at once. It also steamed heavier clothes better. I had to fill a plastic tank with water from the condenser tray before steaming, making it less convenient. The memo active feature switches the dryer to the most frequently used programme.

Ease of use: The big door made it easy to load and unload my bulky mattress protectors and bedsheets.

Energy Efficiency*: 3 ticks

Verdict: Doubles as an effective steamer for some garments.

Performance: My clothes dried thoroughly and consistently, without any need for extra drying time. The front and sides of the dryer felt hotter than the other machines, although less warm air came out from the front.

Useful Functions: There weren’t any fancy features, but the basic drying functions adequately handled small loads and different types of fabric, including delicates.

Ease of use: This dryer was the easiest to use of the lot; the knob to adjust drying time was easier to use than the buttons of the others. It would have been perfect if the condenser tray was located higher up, to make emptying it easier.

Energy Efficiency: 2 ticks

Verdict: An excellent, basic dryer for small families.

Performance: The ‘cupboard’ option of the dryer left the thicker parts of the clothes, like collars and waistbands, damp; I used the ‘very’ and ‘extra’ options to thoroughly dry my loads. With the anti-crease feature, T-shirts turned out soft and smooth; buttondown shirts were slightly wrinkled.

Useful Functions: The ‘favourite’ button registered my frequently used options. The ‘mixed fabric’ option was useful when I needed to dry a load of cotton and synthetic clothes. I could choose to attach a hose to drain out the condensed water instead of emptying the water tank. This dryer is the only one with a glass door.

Ease of use: This dryer had the most ergonomic controls. The lights around the controls and at the front of the drum were useful in dimly lit conditions.

Energy Efficiency*: 3 ticks

Verdict: Laundry turned out smooth and well-dried.

Score: 8

*Source: Database of registered goods from www.e2singapore.gov.sg

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.

This article was originally published in SimplyHer November 2011.