This weekend I bought a new LG 9KG Heat Pump Dryer (DVH909B). Washing and ultimately drying clothes is chore that not many of us enjoy, but regardless of how boring a process is, no new appliance in our home escapes an evaluation phase where we consider what the latest technology is before making a purchase.
I’m someone who loves technology and efficiency, so finding an appliance that offers a good blend of both is a winning formula.
In the middle of an Australian Winter, it drops to as low as -5 °C and during the day, can struggle to break double digits, making the challenge of dying clothes a serious one. Our old dryer reached the end of its life and stopped working, so rather than invest in repairing it, it made far more sense to invest in a new dryer that’ll hopefully be with us for the next 10 years.
Priced at A$1,899, this dryer is an investment that promises to pay off in the long run with its advanced features and energy-saving capabilities. Let’s dive into what makes this dryer stand out and why it represents a great value for money.
What is a Heat Pump Dryer?
Heat pumps are a technology that is found inside electric vehicles, hot water systems and no dryers.
Before exploring the specific features of the product I chose, it’s essential to understand what a heat pump dryer is and how it differs from traditional dryers. Traditional vented dryers expel hot, moist air through a vent to the outside, while condenser dryers collect moisture in a tank.
Heat pump dryers, on the other hand, use a heat pump to recycle heat within the dryer, making them significantly more energy-efficient. In this case, LG claim a crazy 9-star energy efficiency. To be honest, I didn’t even know the star rating went that high.
A heat pump dryer works by using a refrigerant system to extract heat from the air within the dryer and use it to dry the clothes. This system operates at lower temperatures, which is gentler on fabrics and reduces energy consumption.
Having settled on the technical requirement, I spent quite a few hours researching options online and as much as I hate to say it, aesthetics also played a role in the selection. We already have an LG 9KG Washing machine and while it isn’t necessary to match, there was an opportunity to, if we went with the LG.
Given the features met what we were chasing, the opportunity for it to enhance the look of our laundry, this definitely felt like the right option. The LG Dryer is the same colour as our washing machine and stacks on top, even offering securing hardware to avoid rattles.
Our laundry configuration includes a single space for the washer/dryer beside a laundry tub and we don’t have a dedicated window to outside, which meant having the door open to vent the heat to the atmosphere. This wasn’t ideal and is one thing that we’ll be able to avoid by moving to a heat-pump dryer.
Features of the LG DVH909B
- 9KG Capacity: Perfect for families or those with larger laundry needs, this dryer can handle substantial loads, reducing the number of drying cycles required.
- Dual Inverter Heat Pump Technology: This feature allows the dryer to save up to 50% more energy compared to conventional dryers. It adjusts the speed and direction of the compressor motor to optimize drying performance.
- Auto Cleaning Condenser: The automatic cleaning system ensures the condenser remains lint-free, which improves efficiency and extends the dryer’s lifespan.
- Eco Hybrid Technology: Choose between Energy Mode, which maximizes energy savings, and Time Mode, which speeds up drying time, giving you flexibility based on your needs.
- ThinQ Technology: Connect your dryer to your smartphone via the LG ThinQ app. You can monitor the drying process, receive notifications when a drying cycle is complete, and even troubleshoot issues remotely.
- Gentle Care for Fabrics: The lower drying temperatures prevent shrinkage and damage to your clothes, making it ideal for delicate fabrics.
- Quiet Operation: The advanced technology reduces noise, making it a more pleasant experience to run the dryer at any time of day.
- Reversing the door You can mount the door in either direction, allowing for the perfect configuration, regardless of your laundry configuration.
- Drying rack: If you’ve ever wanted to dry a pair of sneakers or a hat, but didn’t want to have it exposed to the impacts of tumble drying, then a drying rack accessory allows this to occur.
Benefits of a Heat Pump Dryer
Energy Efficiency: Heat pump dryers are renowned for their energy efficiency. The LG DVH909B uses significantly less electricity compared to traditional dryers. This not only reduces your energy bills but also contributes to a lower environmental impact.
Gentle on Clothes: The lower drying temperatures prevent excessive wear and tear on fabrics, helping your clothes last longer and maintain their quality.
Reduced Humidity: Unlike vented dryers that expel hot, moist air, heat pump dryers recycle this air, which means your laundry area remains cooler and less humid.
Installation Flexibility: Heat pump dryers don’t require an external vent, offering more flexibility in where they can be installed.
Drawbacks of Heat Pump Dryers
Initial Cost: Heat pump dryers are typically more expensive upfront than traditional dryers. However, this initial investment is offset by the long-term savings on energy bills.
Drying Time: While efficient, heat pump dryers can take longer to dry clothes compared to traditional dryers. However, the LG DVH909B’s Eco Hybrid Technology allows you to choose faster drying when needed.
Conclusion
Our new heat pump dryer is more than just an appliance; it’s a smart investment in energy efficiency, fabric care, and modern convenience.
While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term benefits in energy savings, durability, and enhanced fabric care make it a valuable addition to any household. Embrace the future of laundry with this innovative heat pump dryer, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with making a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
The new dryer arrives tomorrow and I’ll have more to share after getting hands-on with it. Below is a customer photo who have the same concept of stacking the washer-dryer combo together, exactly the look we’re going for.
