Thread Number: 59078
/ Tag: Modern Dryers
Whirlpool HybridCare Dryer Review |
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Post# 816422   3/29/2015 at 13:41 (3,287 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)   |   | |
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I am an employee of Whirlpool Corporation and these are my personal opinions which do not reflect the opinion of Whirlpool Corporation.
After a very lucky raffle at work, I got one of these beauties delivered straight from the factory to my basement! I am absolutely in love with this machine! Being a Heat Pump dryer, there are some expected changes in how it's used and how it operates.
1) It does take longer than a regular vented dryer. Previously, I dried this very load of towels in my vented electric dryer on low heat and it would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully dry the load. The HybridCare, in Eco Mode takes about 3 hours and 26 minutes to dry this load of towels. The load consists of 7 thick bath towels and 7 thick hand towels. It's a full load in my 4.5 cubic foot Fusion-Oasis washer. Most other loads take less than two hours on Eco Mode. I could make the dryer run faster by using Balanced Mode or Speed Mode... But I prefer the lower temperatures of Eco Mode. Even on the high heat setting, in Eco Mode, the dryer still runs cooler than the low heat setting on my vented dryer.
2) There are 2 filters to clean. The main filter which I clean after each load and the HybridCare filter located on the bottom front right corner. That one only needs to be cleaned every 5 loads or so. The dryer will tell me when it needs to be cleaned.
I put together a quick video showing the machine's operation... It is slightly louder than a regular vented dryer, but the sound level varies depending on what it's doing. There are multiple fans (at least 2, but there may be more... I'm not sure) that do different things. The main fan seems to be attached to the motor that turns the drum like a normal dryer but it also seems to move more air (possibly spinning faster?) while it's running. There is a fan on the back of the machine near the bottom, about where you'd expect a vent to be on a regular dryer. I'm not entirely sure what this one does. It turns on and off periodically throughout the cycle and blows air out of the back of the unit. I can also hear the compressor come on once the dryer has heated up. The compressor running is hard to pick up, it's pretty quiet. The main blower and the fan on the back are the most prominent sounds from the machine. Certainly not unpleasantly loud.
I'm thinking of getting some cheapy towels and maybe some cheapy t-shirts to do some comparisons between Eco Mode and Speed Mode. I don't want to put any of my stuff through the Speed Mode or Balanced Mode because I like drying everything on really low temps. I've never used anything above low heat on any dryer for almost as long as I can remember.
I'd recommend cranking up the quality of the video, you can see the console more clearly. At 0:42 you can hear the compressor (barely) and the main blower. The fan at the back is not running at this point in the cycle (though it did come on when the dryer first started running). At 1:03 the compressor has shut off and the fan at the back is running again. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Pulsator's LINK |
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Post# 816435 , Reply# 1   3/29/2015 at 14:41 (3,287 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Wow, 3:26 is quite a time, even for a heatpump dryer. Our EU Whirlpool hearpump dryer barley ever takes longer than 2 1/2h, maybe 3 at the most. But knowing the approximate temperatures in a vented dryer, this thing seems to run pretty darn cold by your description. Can you name any numbers temperature wise? |
Post# 816440 , Reply# 2   3/29/2015 at 14:59 (3,287 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)   |   | |
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Post# 816443 , Reply# 3   3/29/2015 at 15:23 (3,287 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Sounds about equal to the EU system... |
Post# 816444 , Reply# 4   3/29/2015 at 15:29 (3,287 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 816462 , Reply# 6   3/29/2015 at 17:40 (3,287 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
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Post# 816471 , Reply# 7   3/29/2015 at 19:10 (3,287 days old) by mielerod69 (Australia)   |   | |
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Post# 816473 , Reply# 8   3/29/2015 at 19:25 (3,287 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)   |   | |
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How can you love a 3.26 hour long dryer? My gas speed queen would take no more than 40 minutes for a load like that out of the Filter-flo, and you also spind dried them before... well yes it was the eco cycle not the speed or balanced..but man 3 and half hours for a load of spind dried towels? This post was last edited 03/29/2015 at 19:54 |
Post# 816479 , Reply# 9   3/29/2015 at 19:58 (3,287 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)   |   | |
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Kenmoreguy, i'd be interested to see how much power it uses as well! The water connection is actually for the drain.
Greg, here are some pics of the HybridCare filter: |
Post# 816480 , Reply# 10   3/29/2015 at 20:01 (3,287 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)   |   | |
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Post# 816534 , Reply# 11   3/30/2015 at 10:03 (3,286 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Thanks for posting this Jamie, I can't wait to get my hands on one of these machines and take it apart.
I would be very interested in how much power it takes to dry the same load as your regular electric dryer. We have an electric meter hooked up at our shop so we can do comparisons of power usage, it should be easy for you to get an old electric meter for this purpose, contact me if you need help doing this.
Also if the dryer is in an area where you can check the starting room temperature and humidity and then compare the readings after a load is dried this would also be interesting data. Also how much ventilation does WP suggest for the area where the dryer will be installed, we see a lot of dryers installed in closets and I was wondering if this will cause any problems.
I think we will sell a lot of these dryers for buildings where in is impossible to vent a regular dryer and some customers will also be interested because of energy savings coupled with utility incentives. |
Post# 816656 , Reply# 12   3/31/2015 at 01:47 (3,286 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Jamie, great review, neat to hear some early word on this interesting machine. Please share any further testing and first hand knowledge as time allows.
A machine like this intrigues me as I am actively working to minimize venting in my home. When it is well below zero here in MN I refuse to run the dryer (hot humid days in the Summer are the same) The loss of all the conditioned air in the home is significant. Of course I could consider an all electric dryer and just vent it indoors in the Winter, but the humidity load may be too great. I too am curious what the kwh comparison would be compared to the standard all electric vented dryer. My hunch is that total energy consumption of a vented gas dryer is likely lower for a given cycle. But when the home environmental losses of a vented machine are considered, it may be different. |
Post# 816662 , Reply# 14   3/31/2015 at 08:01 (3,285 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 816671 , Reply# 15   3/31/2015 at 08:39 (3,285 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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I read that this dryer uses up to 73% less energy than a conventional electric dryer. Of course, there's a fine print to that: "Compared to pre-2004 traditional dryers, when paired with a matching washer, normal cycle, electric only."
Anyway, considering the run time, this must be one efficient dryer. When used on the Eco setting, Miele's most efficient dryer takes 3:26 hrs to remove 21 cups of water from the load - versus the 12.5 cups that the HybridCare extracted in the same time. And the Miele is already in the second highest efficiency tier.
The fan at the rear of the dryer is a cooling fan, by the way. It prevents the heat pump from overheating.
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Post# 816688 , Reply# 16   3/31/2015 at 10:47 (3,285 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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I found that, though our dryer now takes about twice as long, there is neither more or less lint per load on average. I even remeber our test magazine having a statement that only 10% of overall lint caught during a drying cycle is caused by the dryer it self. |
Post# 816972 , Reply# 19   4/1/2015 at 19:04 (3,284 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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this is not good for me aspecaly since laundry is on the second floor i would much rather have an electric convental dryer and the more time the dryer takes to dry a load this is not good in term of the electric bill the washer dryer in the fowllowing is much better 1 the washer is a much better cleaner than any wash plate topload model or front load model and the dryer is more energy conservative
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Post# 816978 , Reply# 20   4/1/2015 at 19:34 (3,284 days old) by beekeyknee (Columbia, MO)   |   | |
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Post# 816982 , Reply# 21   4/1/2015 at 19:57 (3,284 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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I'm probably one of the few people that wouldn't mind the longer running times. I usually use the low heat setting on my year old Oasis dryer, and with a full load of towels it runs around 1:20. Depending on which washer spun them out, it could be less time with the Bravos' high spin speed. I've always been concerned with the intense heat of even the low setting being too strong, and if there were a lower setting I'd use it. Most of the loads being dried are done at night, especially in the summer heat, and half the time I end up going to bed before it's done anyway. If the dryer's only option were the Eco-mode, it could be frustrating if I needed something dried quickly, but because the machine gives the choice between traditional drying or condensing drying, or a mix, I'd be the one always using the gentle eco mode. I care for my clothes a lot so lower heat is a plus to me. |
Post# 816994 , Reply# 22   4/1/2015 at 21:00 (3,284 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)   |   | |
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A mixed load of clothes (3/4 full in my Oasis) generally take about an hour and 45 minutes to dry on Eco Mode in this dryer. At some point I will do some comparison testing of identical loads dried on Eco Mode vs Speed Mode. I highly doubt this dryer uses less power than a gas dryer, after all, a gas dryer only uses power to run the blower, tumble, and ignite the flame. This dryer uses less power than an electric dryer.
As for tumbling, I've actually noticed the opposite of what you'd expect, despite having a much finer lint screen, this dryer seems to accumulate less lint than my old top filter Whirlpool dryer.
As I've said previously, I use low heat for EVERYTHING. Towels will take an hour and a half to dry in a regular vented dryer for me. They come out softer that way and the lower heat is far less damaging. Aside from towel loads, this dryer doesn't take too much longer than what I'm used to with my old dryer. If I wanted it to take the same amount of time, I could, by putting it on Speed Mode. But I prefer Eco Mode and am happy to live with the longer dry times. |
Post# 817032 , Reply# 24   4/2/2015 at 03:58 (3,284 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I suspect that due to the mechanical complexity of this unit, the life span will be short compared to a standard dryer.
Lowered lint collection could be due to lowered air flow through the drum. Hopefully, the interior of the cabinet will remain lint free too. Would be interested to know the weaknesses, most common points of failure, and the cost of replacement parts. Like the refrigerant module. Is it replaced as a single part and does it cost 900 bucks? Malcolm |
Post# 817044 , Reply# 25   4/2/2015 at 05:54 (3,284 days old) by repair-man (Pittsburgh PA)   |   | |
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Not just because of the mechanical complexity but the fact that it runs 2-3 times longer each load. |
Post# 817054 , Reply# 27   4/2/2015 at 07:43 (3,283 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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It will be interesting to see how such long running times affect the life of the dryer, here in the US we have become use to dryers that commonly last 30 years or even longer. I would guess that the long running times could easily reduce the useful life in half of these dryers, which is more like what we see here with the imported dryers which don't come close to the life of good US dryers.
The long times and still considerable use of electricity really still make the case for a gas heated dryer, as Brent and I suggested the best use of these dryers will be for owners that do not have the option of a vented dryer and for people that do not mind very long drying cycles, most larger families will not be candidates for these dryers.
I do find it interesting that some of my customers also like drying their clothing at very low temperatures, someone will have to prove to me that it is better for your clothing to dry them twice as long at 120 F vs 160 F for 1/2 as long, I cannot ever recall ever ruining anything in a dryer in my life and as most people who know me can attest most of my clothing is so old and outdated fashion wise LOL, as most of it seems to last forever. One of my other big concerns about low temperature drying is you may lose the sanitizing effect on sheets, towels, underwear, socks, dish towels and on and on, this is one reason that I do not line dry clothing. |
Post# 817160 , Reply# 30   4/2/2015 at 20:58 (3,283 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)   |   | |
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Post# 817682 , Reply# 31   4/6/2015 at 03:16 (3,280 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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Post# 817708 , Reply# 32   4/6/2015 at 08:40 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 817735 , Reply# 34   4/6/2015 at 11:11 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 817741 , Reply# 35   4/6/2015 at 12:03 (3,279 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 817745 , Reply# 36   4/6/2015 at 12:20 (3,279 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Yes, as I said, E-Lux did it already. However there is no way to put a 1kW compressor unit above a tub unit in a FL. The size of those compressors is comparable to one in a fridge. |
Post# 817746 , Reply# 37   4/6/2015 at 12:35 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Makes their refrigerators with the compressor above the unit. So, I don't think its an impossible task.
Malcolm
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Post# 817761 , Reply# 39   4/6/2015 at 13:50 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 817787 , Reply# 41   4/6/2015 at 16:53 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I don't think we are on the same page. A euro sized machine would not sell here. I am referring to a duet sized machine or larger. The uber sized machines on the market are near 30" wide and would make more sense. And clearly with the popularly of pedestals and the right height machines the GE offered, make the machine taller by default.
Malcolm |
Post# 817791 , Reply# 42   4/6/2015 at 17:32 (3,279 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Yeah, but the compressor would still be situated at the bottom of the machine. |
Post# 817797 , Reply# 43   4/6/2015 at 18:17 (3,279 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 817806 , Reply# 44   4/6/2015 at 19:53 (3,279 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 817867 , Reply# 46   4/7/2015 at 07:58 (3,278 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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To make a fast and efficient appliances these appliances will need to grow in size, the compressor and heat exchanger could be placed either in the top or bottom of the machine, I would probably place the compressor in the bottom and the heat exchanger in the top, the lines to connect the two are tiny and cheap to make [ all refrigerators do this ].
Since all dryers and combos are going to be front loading and are more convenient at a higher level anyway a permanent pedestal will be part of the machine. Now that FL washers are common around the world it is only logical that combination washer-dryers are coming, and making a heat pump unit part of the machine would have the added advantage of letting the HP heat the wash water using only 1/3 the amount of power as using an electric element to do the same. |
Post# 817917 , Reply# 48   4/7/2015 at 11:22 (3,278 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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All FL washers are just 27" wide [ not 30" ] in the US and this is also nearly standard for dryers as well.
No US built W&Ds will fit under a 36" high counter top any longer. { yes I agree Jim that 36" high counters are a little low for me as well, but the US population is becoming shorter on average due to immigration, so don't expect to see higher counter-tops mandated any time soon ].
The market for European sized 24" Wide laundry appliances in the US is very small and shrinking, No US based manufacturer is building this size here and I dough they ever will, even the biggest laundry builder in the world only sells one Chinese built FL washer model here.
I can see a huge market for an approximately 4 foot high 27" wide combo, that uses a heat-pump for many reasons.
It would require no venting.
It would only require a cold water connection, electric power and a drain.
Because of the HP for water heating and clothes drying it would be by far the most efficient electric laundry possible, allowing the entire cost of $2000-3000 to be eligible for federal and local tax credits.
And best of all the shear convenience of a combo, no transferring laundry, no smelly washer, larger families could have two or more units and really large homes could have these units in more than one location.
They would make total sense, this after all this is the promise that the US appliance manufactures told us of in 1952 when Bendix introduced the worlds first Combination Washer-Dryer. |
Post# 818238 , Reply# 51   4/9/2015 at 09:19 (3,276 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 818242 , Reply# 52   4/9/2015 at 09:45 (3,276 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 818250 , Reply# 53   4/9/2015 at 10:03 (3,276 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Yesterday I dropped in at my local independent appliance dealer (Eden Prairie Appliance) to see what they knew of this new WP hybrid dryer. They had heard of it but that was it, no brochures not even a photo. Have they started marketing these at all to the public or are they still in a "beta test" mode?
They did have four brand new Speed Queen (both FL and TL) electronic control models on the floor though. Neat to see those! |
Post# 818265 , Reply# 54   4/9/2015 at 12:00 (3,276 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 818281 , Reply# 56   4/9/2015 at 13:19 (3,276 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 818314 , Reply# 57   4/9/2015 at 19:10 (3,276 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 818325 , Reply# 58   4/9/2015 at 20:26 (3,276 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Creates some insane energy use standards/laws/rules that pretty much force vented electric or gas dryers off the market can't see these hybrid units taking off.
As with condenser dryers these hybrid dryers do serve a purpose for those who either cannot or will not have a vented dryer. Then factor in a percentage of "tree huggers" willing to have anything with a "green" whiff attached to it; but for the rest of us just don't see it happening. This past winter/fall used my AEG condenser dryer about three times in total. Now that warmer weather is slowly arriving the thing will go into mothballs until next winter. Despite having about half the heating power and a smaller diameter drum my little vintage Whirlpool "compact" dryer does a full load from either the Miele or AEG washers faster than the Lavatherm. |
Post# 818329 , Reply# 59   4/9/2015 at 20:55 (3,276 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 818356 , Reply# 60   4/9/2015 at 23:13 (3,276 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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If I am understanding how this works, wouldn't using it in the full power mode be the same as using a vented dryer? I mean if it is heating the air that is circulating and a heat pump is running like a dehumidifier to take the moisture out how could it not work?
If it works half as good as my dehumidifier does in the summer I'd be sold on one. My 70 pint tank gets emptied once a day set at 45% rh. I have a rack I set the dehumidifier under and hang wet clothes over when it runs sometimes. Especially in the winter when I want the heat. |
Post# 818482 , Reply# 64   4/10/2015 at 13:30 (3,275 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Miele, for example, has the cooling fan on the front of the machine. However, that would of course clash with Whirlpool's design philosophy of making seamless laundry machines that, like the front load washer's pump trap, are impossible to clean. :-/
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Post# 818485 , Reply# 66   4/10/2015 at 13:41 (3,275 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Who would think that one of the biggest, leading applainces brands in the world REMOVES IT SELF FROM THE MARKET just because, once again, design comes over usability? I mean, they did the same with the pumps on their washers, and are still there. |
Post# 818499 , Reply# 67   4/10/2015 at 14:28 (3,275 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 818730 , Reply# 70   4/11/2015 at 08:21 (3,274 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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I guess any dryer that is not well maintained is a certain fire hazzard. And usually, such units detect overheating of components like the heatpump. A fire seems an extreme case. However: I more like the overall irony about heatpump systems: You use a refrigerant to heat something. Kind of a contrast there... |
Post# 819057 , Reply# 72   4/13/2015 at 07:48 (3,272 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I really don't think the pump side of the heat pump will be the source of a fire. More than likely, you'll burn out the compressor before it gets hot enough to burn.
Now, the heat strip in this particular model could be suspect to a fire, but not sure what the cooling fan in the back would have to do with that. On a side note, my cousin had an LG full sized dryer with one of them flow sensing do-hickees on the control panel. That dryer nearly burned her house down so a lot of good that did her... Malcolm |
Post# 819058 , Reply# 73   4/13/2015 at 07:52 (3,272 days old) by iej (.... )   |   | |
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Miele do a commercial heat pump dryer but the heat pump module is about 1/3 the size of the dryer and sits behind it. They're huge heat pumps. |
Post# 819332 , Reply# 75   4/15/2015 at 07:03 (3,270 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)   |   | |
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Post# 819334 , Reply# 76   4/15/2015 at 07:12 (3,270 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)   |   | |
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Post# 828806 , Reply# 77   6/20/2015 at 16:17 (3,204 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I stopped by my local Fry's this morning. Thought I would see if they had one of these on the floor. After walking the floor and not seeing much, an employee asked me what I was looking for. I told him I was wondering if they had the new Whirlpool heat pump dryer in stock. His response? "What is a heat pump dryer?" After pointing him to the website, he replied, "Oh, we no longer carry any Whirlpool product." I told him that LG also had a heat pump dryer coming out. But it hadn't been added to their inventory.
So, is Whirlpool losing market share now? Malcolm |
Post# 828894 , Reply# 78   6/21/2015 at 13:15 (3,203 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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Post# 831949 , Reply# 79   7/12/2015 at 09:50 (3,182 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 831999 , Reply# 80   7/12/2015 at 17:08 (3,182 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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I just found this post. Hmmm, I noticed the OP said in his vented dryer it took 90 min's to dry a large load in a vented dryer. I don't think my vented dryer takes that long, unless it's a unusually large load of clothes...
I lived in a house where the dryer was a 110 v electric vented dryer. It took FOREVER to dry a load of clothes and that does become a major issue when trying to do laundry. I HATED it. So I am imagining I would not like those dry times at all, even though I think it's a really cool machine. (no pun) |
Post# 832001 , Reply# 81   7/12/2015 at 17:24 (3,182 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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The original video indicates that the load of towels that took over 3 hours to dry were passed through a centrifuge spinner beforehand. Makes me wonder what real world drying times might be if no spinner is available. While I don't think adjustment to this type of dryer would be easy for most Americans, I would be more accepting of it if it had a really good timer delay function. That is, put your load of wet clothing in before bed and say complete drying at 6 am and actually have it estimate and hit the target. Malcolm |
Post# 832004 , Reply# 82   7/12/2015 at 18:11 (3,182 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Post# 832016 , Reply# 83   7/12/2015 at 20:35 (3,182 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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This was in a 2 story apartment and I was on the 2nd floor. The washer/dryer were stacked and in a small closet in the middle of the house. They were Kenmore. This was 1996. It was the small washer/dryer. It HAD to vent through the roof so God knows if the run was clogged that made the dry times in the 110v even longer than it should have been. At that time in my life, I gave NO thought to clogged vent runs, so I just thought it was the dryer not being powerful enough. I DREADED doing laundry because I knew the dryer would take forever. It was dusty too doing laundry with that dryer, almost as if there was extra lint on the load of laundry, so something must have been clogged somewhere. I was only there for approx 6 mos though.
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Post# 832067 , Reply# 84   7/13/2015 at 08:00 (3,181 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Still puzzeled about these 3 hours as well. Our heatpump dryer has a way smaller drum, how ever finishes a full load of towels in less then 2h. A typical load of jeans is just about 1 1/2h, both from a cold start (consecutive loads take about 10-20 minutes less), and this is after a year of use. |
Post# 832204 , Reply# 87   7/14/2015 at 06:54 (3,180 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)   |   | |
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Post# 885120 , Reply# 88   6/14/2016 at 13:16 (2,844 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)   |   | |
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I hate to bring this thread up again, however I am very interested to see just how this dryer is treating you and your clothes after quite a while. Any possibility you could give a review? Thanks! |
Post# 885312 , Reply# 90   6/15/2016 at 13:03 (2,843 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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But, the HybridCare isn't a combo washer/dryer. It's simply a condensing heat pump dryer, which most of the eastern world has adopted as a primary dryer type. Not only that, the HC still has a traditional heating element, and when set to do so, can dry a load of clothes in the same quick fashion that a conventional vented dryer can, with the only exception being that the compressor still runs in order to pull the moisture out of the air and drain it away, rather than throwing heated moist air outdoors. Even in this mode, it saves more energy than a vented machine.
While I do agree that the vent grille could be mounted on the front of the machine, I don't see the fuss about grabbing your vacuum's extension tube and nozzle and giving it a few swipes. The only issue I can see with that are these "minimalist" folks who want their machines installed in premade cabinets as one would a dishwasher or refrigerator, which I find to bring up numerous other issues as well with any frontloading pair, but I just sit in the corner looking over thin-framed glasses sipping my tea in regards to that subject. This is the first generation of this machine, and as Whirlpool has been known with many innovations of the past, will spark more competition from the other manufacturers. I won't be surprised to see LG and Samsung with copycat machines soon, where GE will follow suit, and etc. |
Post# 885503 , Reply# 92   6/16/2016 at 10:58 (2,842 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 885515 , Reply# 93   6/16/2016 at 11:46 (2,842 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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I was confused on that. For some reason, thinking perhaps Chrysler still held a patent on "Polara". |
Post# 885532 , Reply# 94   6/16/2016 at 14:00 (2,842 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 885534 , Reply# 95   6/16/2016 at 14:09 (2,842 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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no, the LG is a condensing dryer. It may need venting, I'm not sure. In either instance, 4 hours to wash and dry one load is too long. |
Post# 885647 , Reply# 97   6/17/2016 at 03:53 (2,842 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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The washer dryer combos are a complete different thing. They are watercooled condenser and as said run on 120V, thus takeing longer. The heatpump units of the WP and LG units are only in the medium 1-2kW range I guess, but are further boosted by a conventional resistive heater. The LG is vented, which confuses me a lot. Why and how would they? |
Post# 888837 , Reply# 98   7/10/2016 at 06:25 (2,818 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 888851 , Reply# 100   7/10/2016 at 10:21 (2,818 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Although I am very interested in the technology. Plus, the 3+ hours cycle times observed in the original post were at the lowest heat setting. Under normal operating temperatures, the dryer would have to perform better on the time table. I just wonder if there have been problems with this model. And it seems interesting that you never hear anything about them. I see plenty of Maytag commercials and the Cabrio TL, but nothing else. Malcolm |
Post# 888879 , Reply# 101   7/10/2016 at 15:01 (2,818 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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Post# 888933 , Reply# 102   7/11/2016 at 05:17 (2,818 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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condense, but by using a heat pump compressor. You empty it like a dehumidifier. Even though the technology isn't problematic if you can select a regular heating element dry cycle, why pay for it then? |
Post# 888957 , Reply# 103   7/11/2016 at 09:45 (2,817 days old) by suburbanmd (Maryland, USA)   |   | |
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I think it's the only American-sized ventless dryer. |
Post# 888997 , Reply# 104   7/11/2016 at 14:43 (2,817 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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As with ventless dryers otherwise, can only see these WP units being purchased is for situations where one cannot or will not use a vent. Otherwise as noted above, why bother?
Here in NYC where they are converting old office/commercial buildings to housing and or building new a washer and dryer are now considered almost standard equipment by prospective tenants/buyers. Often due to layout of building some or all units simply cannot have vented dryers, so condenser or whatever are the only option. Well that and the dreaded laundry room in basement where dryers are hooked up a central vent line. |
Post# 888998 , Reply# 105   7/11/2016 at 14:45 (2,817 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Energy savings. Gentler drying. Curiosity. |
Post# 889021 , Reply# 106   7/11/2016 at 17:24 (2,817 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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well since moving into my brand new home in 2004, my dryer vents through the roof and I freaking HATE it! The first few years, even as frequent as every 3 months, I would have to clean the run, and the exhaust cap on the roof would also get lint stuck on it, and it's on the very edge of the very steep roof pitch. I would have to use a long pole with a brush taped on the end of it, AFTER using a leaf blower, standing on a ladder.
I discovered a post on gardenweb years ago where a lady and her husband lived in a condo and they experienced the same problem. Their solution was to put a pain strainer inside the part that runs from the back of the dryer to the wall, catching any additional lint that would escape the first lint screen. Then clean it every 2 weeks, keeping the entire vent run clean. I've been doing this for years and there is no build of of lint in the run at all...Since I'm the only one to do laundry, I keep that cleaned frequently. You should see the amount of lint it catches. Luckily, with my setup, I can pretty easily get behind the dryer. It is a pain but it is NOT nearly as much of a pain as cleaning the entire vent run and roof exhaust cap - If you live in a house where the dryer exhausts directly outside - you are so lucky. so yes, I could see this being better in my setup. |
Post# 889024 , Reply# 107   7/11/2016 at 17:36 (2,817 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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in my last apartment, I had a portable Whirlpool washer and dryer, and I vented through the bedroom window like those portable air conditioners. Whirlpool has gotten enough of my money in 30 years. |
Post# 889026 , Reply# 108   7/11/2016 at 18:01 (2,817 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Post# 889034 , Reply# 110   7/11/2016 at 19:06 (2,817 days old) by Murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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A condenser dryer is much gentler on clothes than a traditional dryer, which to some people is a major selling point over drying time. The fact that the HybridCare is equipped with heating elements to allow it to dry just as fast or faster than a traditional, but without wasting that heat by throwing it outside, is to negate that "drawback" of longer cycle times for when a person is pressed for time. For myself, I don't wait next to my machines fidgeting in my chair for it to be done, and I'd much rather my clothes go through a gentler cycle, so I've already decided my next appliance purchase will be the HybridCare or whatever is best by that time.
It's already been proven by many that a lower power machine that runs longer than a previous design still saves energy in comparison. We bought a KillAWatt device not long ago and tested various things around the house, and at one point I connected the new Whirlpool dishwasher to it and ran a normal cycle, with just 1 kWh being its usage for a three hour, heavy soil instance. The PowerClean, on the other hand, used about 2.6 kWh in its normal cycle, with the motor using much higher wattage than the high-efficiency pump on the 920. And in both cases, dishes come out spotless as always, though the 920 may actually surpass the PowerClean simply because of the longer main wash, where the detergent and enzymes have more time to work. I've had many a speck or smudge from the PC that seemed oddly easy to clean, that I've never had left over in the 920. @vacerator - Some condenser dryers do require manual emptying, but the HybridCare dryer we're talking about here has a dedicated pump to drain into the same port as the washer, or into a nearby sink, so the owner doesn't have to worry about any hassle as opposed to a traditional machine, aside from cleaning the second filter periodically. |
Post# 889040 , Reply# 111   7/11/2016 at 20:17 (2,817 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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It's a tumble dryer. Same difference. Lower heat? That's what low, extra low, or delicate temp. setting does. |
Post# 889092 , Reply# 112   7/12/2016 at 05:19 (2,817 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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If your laundry room is inside your air conditioned space, exhausting air you have paid to cool to 72 degrees then heated to 150 is just crazy. Eliminating the 200 CFM of outside air entering your conditioned space takes quite a load off your ac. The additional 600 dollars in machine cost could be gained over the course of one or two summers...
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Post# 889117 , Reply# 113   7/12/2016 at 09:33 (2,816 days old) by Murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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Vacerator, I wonder sometimes if you even read back to yourself what you type.
No, it most certainly is not "same difference" because a condenser dryer uses MUCH lower temperatures than a traditional heating element dryer. Have you ever opened a dryer set even at medium or low heat before it has started its cool down period, or when it's at its peak? The interior and the clothes themselves are nearly too hot to touch. The last time I measured a dryer with a thermometer, it reached 250F. You can't tell me that kind of heat doesn't cause tremendous wear to clothes over time. A condenser dryer relies on the principle of actually -removing- the moisture from the air it is recirculating through the clothes, rather than super heating the air and pushing the heat and humidity out of the house, or worse, back into the room. The heat that is generated by the conpressor and coils is about the same as what comes out of the vents of a home with an HVAC heat pump system, which is pleasantly warm. The low heat still aids the drying process some, but the primary removal of moisture is done by the moisture in the air being condensed and drained out. That is indisputably gentler on fabrics of all types than baking the water out in a glorified oven. |
Post# 889195 , Reply# 116   7/12/2016 at 18:10 (2,816 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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