A decent tumble dryer can be a real help around the house especially if you’ve got kids running around getting muddy and dirty. Then add to that our British weather – having piles of damp washing draped over radiators and clothes horses can be a pain.

Tumble dryers not only get clothes dry but it is said that nothing fluffs up towels like a spin in a tumble dryer.

Basically there are two types of tumble dryers. Vented dryers and condenser dryers.

Vented dryers direct the warm moist air out of the machine and then outside via a hole in your wall or out through a window usually using a large bendy tube.

Condensers collect the water in a tray or container which is then emptied. The water is collected by driving the warm moist air out of the drum and over the a “condenser”. Because the “condenser” is cool the water forms into droplets and is collected in a reservoir or it can be pumped out automatically.

So what are the pros and cons of vented dryers as opposed to condensers?

Well, positioning is often an issue with vented dryers because the air needs to get out of of the house some how. However they do tend to use less electricity than a condenser.

With a condenser you can have it anywhere in the house, it doesn’t need to be near a window or have a hole built into the wall.

However, you don’t want to be constantly emptying out the reservoir – so if you’re doing a lot of washing and drying, then go for one that automatically pumps the water out for you.

Other things to consider would be what size of drum you need, the bigger the drum, the more washing you’ll be able to dry in one load. We have some compact 6kg models, perfect for small families and some larger 8kg models.

As ever with kitchen appliances, you really do get what you pay for. We’ve got a range of really good Bosch and Miele machines ranging from a little over £300 to some amazing machines for around a £1,000.

Some of the Miele vented dryers have a unique honeycomb venting systems that protects and cares for the clothes.

So there you have it, the difference between vented and condenser tumble dryers.

It’s really up to you which type you go for and if you need any more information give us a call on 01603 621772, send us an email or drop in and see at our Norwich kitchen appliance showroom and we’ll take through all the options.