Thread Number: 74783  /  Tag: Modern Dryers
White Knight 3.5kg tumble dryer - Opinions please
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Post# 986022   3/10/2018 at 04:12 (2,211 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Folks, just as a curiosity

What are your opinions specifically about the White Knight 3.5 kg compact dryer?

How does it compare to one of those Chinese brands sold in the USA, like Magic Chef, Panda, Haier, etc.

Of course I won't expect the same performance as a full size tumble dryer, specially running in 110V 60Hz, but I'm thinking about a scenario where the user doesn't have 220V outlets and also doesn't have room enough for a full size electric or gas dryer.

Thank you for all opinions!





Post# 986034 , Reply# 1   3/10/2018 at 07:53 (2,210 days old) by iej (.... )        

Those machines are just far too small to be useful.

Post# 986039 , Reply# 2   3/10/2018 at 08:11 (2,210 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Oh I Don't Know

launderess's profile picture
Americans have long had access to small portable dryers by Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, etc... And yes, they aren't in same league as their larger cousins, job will be done if one does things properly.

No, won't be drying huge duvets or whatever; but for a small loads of personal clothing, bed/table linen, etc... they are acceptable. Far more so to many than draping or hanging wet laundry about the place.

www.amazon.com/Whirlpool-...


Post# 986123 , Reply# 3   3/10/2018 at 20:40 (2,210 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Yep, Whirlpool and GE Spacemates are even better (even being small if compared to a full size dryer)

But also both Whirlpool and GE models are on a price range a little bit above the average for a mini dryer.

That`s why I asked, how does it compare to the Chinese ones?


Post# 986133 , Reply# 4   3/10/2018 at 22:07 (2,210 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Internet is lousy with used Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE

launderess's profile picture
Along with other portable/compact dryers; often going for very little money.

Older dryers pulled slightly more power and are quite well built. At most you'll need to maybe open the thing up, give it a good cleanout and maybe a new belt. But then the thing will be good for another twenty or thirty years.

Vintage units by Whirlpool (also sold as Kenmore) are rather well built and good dryers for their size. At most the older models will lack true two heat settings, and perhaps are timed dry only (no moisture sensors), but otherwise...


Post# 986143 , Reply# 5   3/11/2018 at 04:57 (2,210 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Folks, The question is because I'm seriously considering a partnership with WhiteKnight to resell their dryer in the US under the brand The Laundry Alternative.

I'm not really concerned about capacity because it is supposed to be the matching dryer for the SCAW2GEN model (it washes only 3.5kg)

This model was sold in Brazil under the brand Continental/Bosch and it was actually a great dryer (of course considering all it's limitations like capacity and long drying time because it's 110V.)

The thing is, it's a dryer for people that don't have space for a bigger dryer (not even a Whirlpool or GE compact) and I want to offer an alternative to the Chinese ones.
The Chinese ones are not a complete disaster (for example Magic Chef, that is actually good) but all the others are a total piece of junk (2.5 hours to dry 5 bath towels)

ALso, one detail that I like a lot in this little UK made dryer is the lint filter on the front, much easier to clean and also difficult to forget because you see the lint right in front of you when you open the door.

Among the several technical details, i want to limit it to 1500W, so it can be used on whatever ordinary outlet and it must come with casters, vent hose, wall-mounting brackets and drying rack as standard.

We're also negotiating including a pair of dryer balls and trying to put a moisture sensor in it.


Post# 986145 , Reply# 6   3/11/2018 at 05:52 (2,210 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
With all due respect

launderess's profile picture
You should have stated your reasons for the query at the start. How were we to know your purpose was research for commercial venture?

Next time be a bit more clear and frank, will save us all this bother.


Post# 986147 , Reply# 7   3/11/2018 at 06:56 (2,210 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
^^^ Wot she said...^^^ Lol

Anyway, that aside, small dryers are useful for small items. They seem to be reasonably popular here because they're quite cheap to buy and due to our cramped houses. Folk have been known to even keep it in the spare room and sling the hose out the window when required.

Post# 986189 , Reply# 8   3/11/2018 at 17:30 (2,209 days old) by brisnat81 (Brisbane Australia)        

In AU the 3.5kg dryers are basically unusable for more than a couple of pieces. Why not just pair all the machines with a 5kg version and at least then you've got usable capacity. You can dry two queen sheets and 4 pillow cases in a 5kg Model, you'll struggle to do a sheet at a time in the 3.5kg version

The dryers in AU, the only difference between 3.5kg and 5kg is depth.

A 3.5kg dryer in the US will look like a Toy compared to what the users are used to.


Post# 986195 , Reply# 9   3/11/2018 at 18:41 (2,209 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Launderess, you're completelly right. Mea culpa. I should've been more clear when i started this thread.

Nathan, thank you for your opinions, it was great.

I'm trying to keep this model as small as possible. The "matching" washer can wash 1 king size sheet at once (and nothing else) or one queen size and 2 pillowcases.

Our competitors have models with similar capacity or even smaller. Magic chef recently release a 1.5 CU Ft dryer (that aprox. 1.8kg capacity)

The target is people that live in very small studios.

There will be a bigger dryer (euro size) in our product range, but I didn't even start designing the first sketches (it will be made by us) because I have a ton of projects running at the same time and only one brain. This second model will be aimed to compete with Whirlpool and GE portables.

UK members, what do you think about this dryer? I have good opinions about the version that was sold in Brazil 20 years ago, but that is ME only. White Knight engineers and I are also working together to make it as attractive as possible, with a good "cost vs benefit" relation. But again, lab testing is one thing, consumer opinions is much, much better and more important.



Post# 986212 , Reply# 10   3/11/2018 at 20:29 (2,209 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        

Personally, I always considered them with a certain degree of haughtiness, rather basic machines with small capacity. Suitable for singletons, elderly people, and folk who normally line-dry their washing - but need an occasional machine to deal with the vagaries of the great British weather.

I have a sneaking feeling that Currys, Clydesdale and Comet (circa 1990) used to do special promotions, selling a full-size washing machine with a White Knight compact dryer.

I haven't used the White Knight version, but I have used the compact Hotpoint/Creda competitor model. It seemed to work okay, but lb for lb of clothing, the standard dryers were more efficient.



Post# 986238 , Reply# 11   3/12/2018 at 04:06 (2,209 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Oh yes, for dryers the bigger is always the merrier.

But when the space is very limited (Some people literally live in 25 square meters studios), each centimeter counts.


Post# 986250 , Reply# 12   3/12/2018 at 08:29 (2,208 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Philips Whirlpool White Knight

chestermikeuk's profile picture
If you are short of space these dryers are great !! they stem from the 1980`s and where first released by Philips, taken over by Whirlpool and then a management buy out which formed Crosslee PLC in 1986. They operate out of the same Philips factory in Halifax Hipperholme. Been selling these years.

So they have a great track record, I had one in a slim laundry cupboard in a London apartment, had a Philips Whirlpool slimline autowasher and one of these dryers sat on a shelf over it. Was perfect for what I needed it to do.

A great pedigree.....Thomas let me know who you are speaking with, we know the team very well !!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO chestermikeuk's LINK


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Post# 986261 , Reply# 13   3/12/2018 at 10:21 (2,208 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
For the record....

revvinkevin's profile picture

 The current White Knight 3.5kg dryer.


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Post# 986300 , Reply# 14   3/12/2018 at 15:08 (2,208 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Dear CHestermike

Thank you very much for your opinions. Considering your advanced technical knowledge and expertise, it is even more important.

I had no idea this dryer was originally made by Philips-Whirlpool. I like Philips products a lot.

Our version will be 3kg (not 3.5 because it will be 110v), reversing, moisture sensor (thermostat, not a humidostat), wall mounting brackets longer power cord (4 meters) and will come with vent hose and a free dryer ball kit (two balls). We're also discussing the possibility of making a drying rack for it.

I am not authorized to comment publically who are our contacts.







Post# 986301 , Reply# 15   3/12/2018 at 15:10 (2,208 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Hi Kevin

Yep, exactly this dryer, but of course with a different cosmetic design on the control panel.

Off topic: I'm saving that thing you asked me to save for you.


Post# 986497 , Reply# 16   3/14/2018 at 02:56 (2,207 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        
@Chestermikeuk

Just in case you haven't seen, I've sent you a private message through the AWO email system. Thanks!

Post# 993206 , Reply# 17   5/5/2018 at 17:25 (2,154 days old) by DaveTranter (Central England)        
Small White Knight dryer

I have only met one White Knight small/countertop dryer in my travels, and have no idea as to it's exact capacity, but have to say that it was a near-indestrucable workhorse. It belonged to a family with 3-4 teenagers (it varied according to whether the husband's son from a previous marriage was living with them at the time). Why she had a compact dryer, I have no idea, I assume it was all she could afford at the time, or it had been 'donated' by a friend. For much of the year that dryer ran (grossly overloaded) for 12 hours plus per day, 3-4 days per week for at least 7 or 8 years that I know to. She may still have it, I don't know, as I am no longer in close contact with that family.

The only failure which occurred in that time was when a spade terminal on one of the bimetal switches overheated, which I think may have loosened through vibration, and was quickly and easily repaired.

In common with other White Knight products of which I have had experience, it was/is a basic but very reliable workhorse and represented excellent value for money.

Hope this is of interest....

Dave T


Post# 1002678 , Reply# 18   8/6/2018 at 01:37 (2,062 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Dave Thanks for the comments!

I'm sorry for the delay to reply. I just saw it!

We now have a partnership with WHiteKnight and in a few weeks the first lot of the American version will arrive in our warehouse and immediately reach the market.

I've made several changes to the original:

Voltage is 110v and amps limited to 14. so it can be safely plugged to any regular outlet.

It has the reversion, but also a little bit different from the UK version (it continues blowing correctly during the reversion instead of blowing backwards)

The airflow was improved so we could keep a lower temperature, perfect for delicates and it can dry a duvet (it will be wrinkled as hell because of the tiny drum, but it will dry)

The lint filter was changed (not a removable cartridge filter, just a ring around the door that you can wipe with a finger).

The American version will also come with a drying rack and the vent hose with a window trim kit almost like a portable air conditioner casters and a super long power cord.

The model name is Mojave and I made sure to include the English flag on the control panel, so people can easily see it's not "made in China".

As all The Laundry Alternative Inc. products, it will come with the 3-year "hassle-free" warranty. If something goes wrong, instead of trying to fix, we will immediately replace the product at absolutely no cost for the customer.


Post# 1002788 , Reply# 19   8/7/2018 at 01:44 (2,061 days old) by nuvistor (Great Britain)        

You would be better off putting the Union Flag on it rather than the English flag, most Americanss will have no idea what the cross of St George represents but will be familiar with the Union flag.
We have a larger White knight dryer, (made approx 10 miles away) and its simple reliable and indestructable.


Post# 1002793 , Reply# 20   8/7/2018 at 02:50 (2,061 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

We Can't put the Union Flag because our company is not "united" (And I'm really happy for that and before a huge talk begins, I don't own the company, I'm just an employee and very happy for not being part of any Union)

Actually... recently the "union" buried our attempt to close the plant in China and bring the production to the USA.

If we were going to pay everything they wanted, the WonderWash (Our cheapest model) would have to cost $500, Obviously we wouldn't sell anything and in two months we would have to close the doors and fire everybody.

The solution was create new partnerships in UK and France (YAY, we got Brandt), reduce 50% of our staff in China, increase 70% in our plant in Brazil.

We would love to make our products here in the USA, we recently bought a giant plant in a state that is desperate for jobs and we were willing to create 900 jobs in the USA but instead of helping us, the union just wanted to destroy us. We can't complete with Panda and Haier if our prices are 10x higher than their Chinese crap just to cover labor costs simply because customers don't care about value, they want "the lowest price, no matter how".

If our products are literally 5 cents more expensive than our competitors, even being much better, even coming with an spectacular warranty our sales simply drop 80 to 90%.

The "Made in UK" at least is better than "Made in China", for many people. That's why we put the flag. 100% of our products are developed in the USA. This dryer for example, uses the original platform, but it's very different inside. Actually, the design is so good that White Knight will start using some elements of my project in their UK products.

And it's kinda scary, we don't know if this product will succeed because the MSRP is average $10 more than the similar capacity model made in China and sold by Panda. Specially at Walmart and Amazon, some consumers are so stupid that if you try to sell a brand new TOL Tesla costing $1 more than a Ford Pinto falling apart, they will prefer the Pinto just because it's $1 cheaper.

We're counting on the smaller footprint and bigger capacity, dryness sensor, drying rack and the 3-year full "hassle-free" warranty (panda has 90-day full warranty)


Post# 1002884 , Reply# 21   8/7/2018 at 20:47 (2,060 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        
British flag complexity...

speedqueen's profile picture

I believe what he meant was to use the Union Jack,(the first image) instead of the English flag(second image).

 

In the UK, there are flags representing each country that makes up the UK(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). Britain is only England and Wales, Great Britain also includes Scotland as well. The UK adds N. Ireland, too.

 

The plain English flag is the Cross of St. George, when you add the Scottish flag, known as the Cross of St. Andrew and the Irish Cross of St. Patrick, you get the Union Flag AKA the Union Jack.


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Post# 1002918 , Reply# 22   8/8/2018 at 01:56 (2,060 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

My bad... LOL

Yep, the Union Jack is what we are using on the Mojave dryer control panel.Super discrete, on the bottom left corner, right next to "Made in England".



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