Washing Machine Help Forum

Hi there,

1) Condenser dryer with sensor
I'm currently looking to purchase a condenser dryer with sensor (stops machine automatically when relatively dry clothes are detected plus it will be put in the garage). The weather's getting more and more tricky and I've got a 3 yr old + a 4 month old who are going through their clothes like mad. So far I've collected brief information on the following brands and models:
Creda - TCS3 Condenser Dryer
Hotpoint - Ultima CTD80/85, Aquarius CTD40
Bosch - WTL6508, WTL6307, WTL6106
Zanussi - ZDC5350W, ZDC5355W
however there may be better brand or models out there.

Can someone pls recommend a reliable, value for money brand and model? My budget is max. 300 pounds all inclusive.

Thank you very much.

B/rgds,
Ning Ning

Ning Ning wrote:Bosch - WTL6307

Ning Ning,

This model is a good choice and a full league above the others you mentioned although somewhat over £300 I reckon

Good choice and a long last servant nonetheless

Martin

Hi Martin,

Tks for the recommendation. However WTL6307 is a bit dearer than my budget. What do u think of Hotpoint models in general? It's got a 7kg load (bigger than most). I needed more info about 1) it's reliability 2) after sales service (is it hassle-free etc. )as I've never had anything from Hotpoint before. Comments from anyone else about your experiences with Condenser Dryer + Sensor would be welcome too.

B/rgds,
NN

Ning Ning,

The Hotpoint is fine overall (facilties/value for money etc). Reliability is questionable and extended warranty a must. The Bosch is in a much higher league I admit, BUT, you only get what you pay for after all

Martin

Hi Martin et al

What is your view on the BOSCH WTL6106? It's slightly over my budget (it's currently available for £325 on various sites).

On that budget would you look at anything else?

Thanks

Doug

It's a proper German built machine, so will be mechanically tough as old boots. Unless you wish to consider the perfection of Miele, don't search around any further.

Regards,
Penguin45.

Thank you Penguin, that's just what I wanted to hear.

doug

Hi,

I've actually got a CTD 85 (identical to the CTD 80, only silver!) - got mine for £285 from a local store.

Hotpoint were hopeless in the run-up to even getting the machine (I documented my woes on my blog and have had several other customers in the same situation contact me!!!) - I paid for it in August 2004 and it didn't arrive until three weeks ago!!! (I'd actually ordered the CTD80, but when i saw that the place I'd ordered it from had the CTD85 just arriving on the shop-floor as a display model I persuaded the manager to give me that one since I'd been waiting so long!)

In answer to your questions (only some though, it hasn't gone wrong so don't know what Hotpoint's after-sales care is like but, based on their pre-sales care, I'm not expecting much!) the machine is very efficient at drying the clothes and the redesign (having the water tank in a tray at the top, just like in a washing machine) is much more convenient.

I'm a student, living with three other students, and the dryer is used at least once a day and being able to use the 'Set and Forget' programmes (whereby it senses that the clothes are dry) is good for our electricity bills! Also the delicates cycle is handy for drying non-tumble-dryable items when you can't be bothered with hanging things all over the place like a Chinese laundry! It's being put through it's paces and is sticking up well!

However, it is incredibly noisy - think Harrier Jump Jet and add a few decibels...!!!

James
jnlonline.co.uk

Hi,

I've had a CTD40 for a couple of years and its been a pain. ITs finally given up the ghost now that the relays have fried. Some experts recommended looking at the Zanussi range which don't appear too bad - the bottom of the range sensor model the ZDC47100W has £50 knocked off at currys and if you use the code 5tumble before 10/01/10 (checkout myvouchercodes for full details) you get an extra 5% off - hence you can get it delivered free for £237 (original about £299)