****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is a five star review of the BLACK+DECKER BCED26 2.65 cu ft Compact Dryer.I've used this dryer a few times [see 1 year update below] and am very pleased with it. Using a full size washer to do a full wash, I ran this dryer three times for about one hour each time. It was about one-half to two-thirds full each time. This got things dry enough for my purposes, then I use folding bamboo drying racks to let them dry the rest of the way. This included heavier pants, some towels, t-shirts, etc. If run longer, this dryer will get things bone dry if you need it.Drying a single damp bath towel after using it after showering, it's dry in about 15 minutes.I live in a drier climate, typically 40-50% RH indoors, so things dry well when hung. For smaller items, I partially dry them, then I leave them in a laundry basket and manually tumble them a few times a day. Running the clothes through this dryer for 30-60 minutes gives them a tumble dry fluff, and then the air does the rest, which saves machine run time and energy. I'm pleased with the size of the 2.65 cu ft dryer. It wouldn't dry a comforter or large blanket easily, but normal size sheets and clothing work fine. Figure about three dryer loads to dry a large full-size washer load.For venting, I used a 28 oz can of tomatoes, opening it on both ends, so it's just a steel cylinder, with exactly a 4 inch diameter, just like dryer vent hoses. I bought a dryer hose which came with two clamps (TEAIERXY 4 Inch 8ft Dryer Flexible Insulated Vent Hose PVC Aluminum Foil with 2 Clamps). I clamped one end onto the full 4-inch diameter of the dryer output and the other onto the steel can. Be careful not to over-tighten the clamp on the dryer because the tube is plastic.Then I made a cardboard insert for my window, which opens sidewways. So the cardboard is about 5 inches wide and about three feet tall. Then I cut a hole in the bottom and inserted the steel can. (Or you can buy a pre-made window dryer vent insert). I used metal tape to tape around the edge of the cardboard where it meets the steel can, and a little above it, just to make it safer. But it doesn't get hot under normal conditions, just warm. I can hold my hand on the steel can without it burning. Then I stick that assembly into the partially open window and it vents through the window screen. It also worked okay without the cardboard, just leaving the window open and placing the vent at the window, but with the cardboard I don't need to leave the window open in cold or hot weather, and all the exhaust goes out.I also bought these dryer filters: Essential Values Compatible Replacement Filters for Bettervent Indoor Dryer Vent. I don't use them with the window venting, but they can be used for indoor venting. I just stuff one into the steel can and tape it in place a little. Works fine, but the indoor air will become warm and humid, and maybe slightly dusty. But it's usable without a window vent that way in my opinion, if need be.I got this dryer because people use dryer sheets with toxic artificial fragrance in the shared dryer where I live. Such fragrances are very unhealthy - read up on it - especially bad for kids. Even though I don't use the dryer sheets, their scent remains in the dryer and pollutes my laundry. Plus drying takes a lot of time. This way I can use their full size washer, then just bring the clothes back and dry them myself in the dryer and on racks. Works great, would work with a laundromat well too, since you don't have to wait for all the drying time by having your own dryer.I put it on a little rolling TV cart which raises it up about 18 inches. Light enough to move easily. Came packed well with cardboard, styrofoam, and plywood. Straps on the box made it easy to carry, about 65 pounds. I turned it over, opened the bottom flaps, then put it right side up and lifted the box off. I measured and it uses about 10 amps at 115 volts, about 1120 watts. I used a well-made 14 AWG, 12 amp, 50 foot extension cord, which isn't recommended, but worked okay, got slightly warm. I keep a close eye on the cord and vent temperatures when it's running just to be safe.Great dryer thus far, five stars. Controls are a little odd but one gets to know it, instructions explain. The lint trap at the back of the drum is a bit of a task to disassemble because the plastic is tight, be careful not to break it, but I think it will loosen up with use. I use an old toothbrush to clean the two filters. There is also an air intake filter, but that doesn't need to be cleaned every time.ONE YEAR UPDATEJust to update this review after about one year of use, I still really like this dryer. I upgraded my extension cord to a thicker, well-made 12 AWG 15 Amp 25 Foot one, and that works better. The cord stays completely cool.I figured out how to more easily pull the lint trap apart. Once the assembly is removed (per instructions, you rotate it until it clicks, then pull it out), I put my fingers in the finger holes on the one side, and grip the small circular piece at the center on the other side. Then just ease them apart. I clean the filter after every wash, which translates to about three 1-hour dryer runs. Between the two layers of filter, it seems to get most of the lint, I don't see any on the window screen.Using a hand-held IR temperature gauge, the air coming out of the 8-foot dryer hose generally varies between 85 F and 105 F. When the dryer hose gets to about 95 F, I know the clothes are usually dry enough for my purposes, with further air drying on the bamboo racks.
