As always, we have planned to do things, places to go, things to buy, gifts to sort out, and then something breaks. I’m sure that fate waits for us to just get our finances sorted and then kicks us back down. So this week we had to get a new tumble dryer as ours went kaput.
We set a list of everything we would need, the size of the drum, timer, price etc and then started our search. I wanted to make sure that we were prepared before looking so we would not be disappointed with what we could afford.
I knew that I wanted a vented tumble dryer. This is the one most important thing you will need to know before buying one. There are 2 types, a vented and a condenser. A condenser works by removing moist air from the drum and collecting it into a container inside the dryer itself which can be emptied regularly. A vented tumble dryer works by sending the moist air through a hose at the back of the machine and out of an external wall. You will need either an open window to put the hose through or some where to place it so that the air can get outside. We have a fitted vent hole in our wall which is why we picked vented, that and the fact that vented tumble dryers use less energy and are cheaper to run.
After a while of searching, researching and checking reviews, I went for the Indesit IDVA735 Tumble Dryer. It was an online exclusive and was on sale too, I do love a good bargain!
After trying to find a tumble dryer with a big drum (our washing machine holds 12kg) we eventually settle on this one as it was in our budget range and had the biggest drum of the options.
This Indesit tumble dryer also seemed to have more functions available on it too. A sensor to stop it working once the clothes inside are dry, up to a 24 hours delayed start and a anti-crease option all sold it to me.
Inside, it looked huge as it can fit in 7kg so that is a lot of drying in one go, a lot bigger than our old one. It has a fluff filter which catches all the excess lint coming from clothing. This is located just under the door and can easily be removed for cleaning. It also has a filter full indicator which comes on when the filter is full and also every time the machine is switched on. The dryer will work quicker if this is emptied so it’s always best to check before each use.
The electronic controls are super easy to follow. You can choose different time settings to suit what you are drying, from a 10 minute cool refresh right up to a full 3 hours of drying time. There are then also other varying settings, high heat, anti-crease and timer delay.
I think the only one negative I would give it so far, is that even though you can set it to a different times, once started there is no indicator of how far it is through the cycle. It’s not really a big problem for us but can get annoying when we are wanting to go out and waiting for the tumble dryer to finish. On the plus side though, it is a very quite machine, probably the quietest I have heard.
A tumble dryer is a must have for quickly drying our families clothing and there are many different ones to choose from based on the spec you need and your budget.
Always search for the one that suits you and your needs best. There are some great deals to be had on tumble dryers, check them out here at Argos.
Fab review thanks , i really need to buy a new one and its hard to pick the best x this has really helped x
Oh what I wouldn't give for a tumble dryer, my partner is in the US where top-loading washing machines and big tumble driers are the norm…they are so much better than what we have here, longer lasting and heavy duty!
Let's hope that these products become available here. As people do vary in what they need or prefer from appliances. I worked in a Care Home years ago :- They had top-loading washing machines. I thought they were efficient.
Rachel Craig
I have an indesit washer dryer that is still going strong after three years and is the best machine i have ever had but also the cheapest I have ever brought 🙂 x
Natalie Gillham
Never had a tumble drier. Didn't know there were two types. Thanks for all the information. As there are times when a tumble drier might be useful. Also my mum has washer drier, and only rarely uses drier.
Rachel Craig
Does the energy usage vary much between models? Tumbler dryers use quite a lot of juice, so I imagine a more energy efficient one would save a lot of money long term.
They have the energy rating system in place to let consumers know which appliances are better in this respect, A being the best. This tumble dryer is rated B so still very good.
If you are buying a tumble dryer, with energy efficiency being at the top of your list, then you are best to go for a vented dryer as they use considerably less energy 🙂
Wish I could have read this before buying a condenser dryer – the vented one you chose sounds not only cheaper but far more efficient
mt husband has been wanting to get a dryer for ages, we have a washer dryer but its rubbish
Desperate for a new Tumble Dryer but with so many to choose from I just give up! This review has really helped me, so thank you.