Hotpoint TVM560P

I originally chose this dryer because it was on offer, £160 at the time with free delivery. It was only after delivery that I looked at it more closely and appreciated some of the features. It is a standard size, white machine with a clear door so it is not outstanding in appearance.

The first thing that struck me was that the drum is huge, it swallows the 6kg recommended load easily, I must admit I am sure I frequently overload it ...
...The machine offers two drying heats and these are changed by a simple button on the front. There is a cool cycle at the end of the drying time and there is also a reverse tumble action when th machine is working. I think these factors as well as the large drum are what contribute to the fact that it definately reduces the need for so much ironing. My previous tumble dryer was certainly not as good at providing crease-free clothes.

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I originally chose this dryer because it was on offer, £160 at the time with free delivery. It was only after delivery that I looked at it more closely and appreciated some of the features. It is a standard size, white machine with a clear door so it is not outstanding in appearance.

The first thing that struck me was that the drum is huge, it swallows the 6kg recommended load easily, I must admit I am sure I frequently overload it but it still works well.

The machine offers two drying heats and these are changed by a simple button on the front. There is a cool cycle at the end of the drying time and there is also a reverse tumble action when th machine is working. I think these factors as well as the large drum are what contribute to the fact that it definately reduces the need for so much ironing. My previous tumble dryer was certainly not as good at providing crease-free clothes.

The timer can be set for up to 2 hours drying time. This is set manually with a dial. I have never needed to use more than about 60 minutes even on jeans as it does seem to get very hot on the high setting. I prefer selecting the drying time, I have had a machine which had a sensor but it never seemed to get it right, I am quite a good judge now of how long the drying needs based on size and type of load.

The noise level is about average for this type of machine. Mine sits in a utility room and I have the door shut so I don't really notice it, however it may be intrusive if you are not able to shut it away. There is no warning sound to tell you that the cycle has finished so you do need to pay attention to the time or you will have a big ironing pile again!

The filter is very large. it is easily extracted from below the door when the door is open. There is no warning light to indicate when then filter need cleaning. The manufacturers suggest that you do it everytime the dryer is used. I tend to do it every other load and that is fine, it certainly does not get blocked quickly.

This is a rear venting dryer. The hose is easily secured at the back by a screw on mechanism. I found this much better than previous machines I have had where you just tie the hose on. The hose seems a good length but mine vents straight out behind so I am afraid I can't remember how long it is

The only downside this dryer seems to have is the door. The catch seems very stiff and when trying to open it you seem to have to pull really hard. This may be a deterrent to children accessing it but I find that because mine sits on a shelf above my washing machine I am always a bit worried that it will pull forward, although it never has.

Like any tumbledryer this is not terribly environmentally friendly so does not get an A rating

Overall I have been very happy with this machine and would certainly recommend it.It is not overly technical which I find tends to lead to less problems in the long run. I have now had this machine for well over a year, it still looks like new and had given me no problems at all. 

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