White Knight gas tumble dryer
Gas tumble dryers offer lower running costs and faster drying times than standard electric dryers, but require a gas supply connection by a Gas Safe registered engineer, a gas supply point close to the installation location, and – critically – a Gas Safe registered engineer for any future repairs. This last point is a significant practical limitation: finding engineers qualified and willing to repair gas tumble dryers out of warranty can be very difficult.
Gas tumble dryers are a niche product – the vast majority of tumble dryers sold in the UK are electric. Understanding the genuine advantages and the practical limitations before purchasing is essential.
How Gas Tumble Dryers Work
Gas tumble dryers use a gas burner rather than an electric heating element to heat the air that dries the laundry. The drum mechanism, controls, and motor are still electric. A gas supply is needed in addition to an electrical connection. The dryer must be installed and connected by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Advantages of gas tumble dryers
- Lower running costs than standard electric resistance dryers, particularly when gas unit prices are lower than electricity per equivalent unit of heat
- Faster drying times – gas generates heat more quickly and at higher sustained levels than most electric elements
- Lower carbon emissions than standard electric dryers, depending on the source of electricity at the time of use
Disadvantages and practical limitations
- Must be installed and connected by a Gas Safe registered engineer – this is a legal requirement, not optional
- Requires a gas supply point within practical reach of the installation location – most utility rooms do not have one
- Installation cost is a significant upfront expense that takes time to recoup through reduced running costs
- Gas Safe registered appliance engineers are rare – most appliance engineers are not qualified to work on gas tumble dryers. Finding qualified repair cover out of warranty is a genuine and documented problem
- Energy price ratios between gas and electricity fluctuate – the running cost advantage changes as prices change
The Repair Problem
The most significant practical concern with a gas tumble dryer is what happens when it develops a fault. Any engineer working on the gas components of the appliance must be Gas Safe registered. Most domestic appliance engineers are not – they work on electrical appliances only and are not trained or certified for gas work.
The pool of engineers both Gas Safe registered and experienced in gas tumble dryer repair is very small. Even authorised service agents for tumble dryer brands have been known not to repair gas models out of warranty. If a gas tumble dryer develops a fault after the guarantee period, finding qualified repair is a genuine challenge that can leave the machine unusable. Factor this into the purchase decision.
Gas vs Heat Pump: A Better Comparison
When gas tumble dryers were first marketed, the comparison was primarily against standard electric resistance dryers – which are genuinely much less efficient. This comparison is accurate but increasingly less relevant as heat pump tumble dryers have become widely available.
| Type | Running cost | Drying time | Installation | Repair availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard electric (resistance) | Highest | Fast | Standard – plug in | Excellent |
| Gas | Lower than electric (varies with energy prices) | Fastest | Gas Safe engineer required | Very limited |
| Heat pump electric | Lowest electricity consumption | Significantly slower | Standard – plug in | Good and improving |
Heat pump dryers use significantly less electricity than standard electric dryers but take longer to dry a load – typically 30 to 50% longer. Gas dryers dry quickly and cheaply but come with the installation and repair availability constraints described above. For most households, a heat pump dryer offers the best balance of running cost, convenience, and practical repairability. See our guide on the most energy efficient tumble dryers for a full comparison.
Tumble Dryer Guides
Related Guides
Most Energy Efficient Tumble DryersHeat pump, condenser, and vented dryers compared on running costs, drying times, and efficiency ratings.
Condenser vs Vented Tumble DryerThe pros and cons of condenser and vented electric dryers – installation, running costs, and maintenance.
Tumble Dryer Not HeatingFault diagnosis when a tumble dryer runs but produces no heat or insufficient heat.
White Knight Tumble Dryer Safety NoticeFire risk safety notice for certain White Knight tumble dryer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas tumble dryers cheaper to run than electric?
Typically yes, compared to standard electric resistance dryers – the gas burner generates heat more cheaply per unit of energy output than an electric element when gas prices are lower than the equivalent electricity cost per unit of heat. However, this advantage narrows when gas prices rise relative to electricity, and heat pump electric dryers now achieve comparable or lower running costs without the gas supply requirement. The exact cost advantage depends on current gas and electricity unit prices.
Do I need a Gas Safe engineer to install a gas tumble dryer?
Yes – this is a legal requirement. Connection of any gas appliance to the gas supply must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Installation typically costs in the region of £100 to £200 depending on the complexity of the gas supply routing required. The machine also requires a standard electrical connection for the drum motor and controls.
Who can repair a gas tumble dryer?
Any repair involving the gas system must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Most domestic appliance engineers are not Gas Safe registered and cannot legally work on gas appliances. The pool of engineers qualified and experienced to repair gas tumble dryers is very small, and finding repair cover out of warranty has proved difficult for many owners. This is one of the most significant practical considerations before purchasing a gas tumble dryer.
50 Comments
Grouped into 36 comment threads.
0 replies I am a retired gas engineer, and have had a white Knight gas tumble dryer for over 25 years and is still operating to this day, over the years it's reqired a few spares IE drum bearing and new belt and a reconed motor. I can't sing their praises eneough
3 replies Just trying to get another gas White Knight dryer. Who supplies them. Just a maze online that lead you to electric dryers. Thanks for any help.
Just trying to get another gas White Knight dryer. Who supplies them. Just a maze online that lead you to electric dryers. Thanks for any help.
In all honesty I wouldn’t buy one if you could find one. It will cost a lot to get it installed, and you will struggle to get anyone to repair it in the future. As I mention in my article, even when White Knight were selling them they wouldn’t repair one after its guarantee and couldn’t even advise me of anyone else who could.
If running costs are the main issue, a modern heat pump dryer costs very little to run. I’ve seen them quoted at a ludicrously small amount of electricity each year. The downside is they take a long time to dry but that’s because they hardly use any energy.
Many thanks Richard. It’s confusing because if you search for white night UK on google the first result is a site that looks like it could be White Knight and called white knight dryers. They and several other sites are still selling white knight appliances, but no one seems to mention White Knight dryers are no longer being made.
1 reply There are many good reasons most commercial dryers run on gas,cost efficiency,running costs etc,the same applys to domestic gas dryers of course they need to be installed correctly,ideally with a clean gas supply & easy isolation,gas tests & certificate..the 100mm vent pipe must go out through a wall via a grille/cowl, that will not block up. not out a window or into another room ! and a carbon monoxide & smoke detector in the area is also recommended..I have a co2 extinguisher as well {just to be on the safe side} As with commercial types certain clothes can self ignite when the door is opened hot, before cool down cycle is finished,so do be patient and allow the machine to complete & cool down..please note they take air from the room not the outside like condensing boilers ,so allow for some fresh air to enter the room by a window,vent or grille to outside air,,personally i prefer mine in the garage......... They will run forever without problems no heating elements or terminals to burn out,electric costs are very small..low gas consuption The most important thing is cleaning ,they suck in lots of air @ dust which gets into the machine & burner,so find a friendly gas man with a vacuum@ blower to clean out every year & keep the lint filter clean yourself,been using these for 38 years now & did work on commercial units previously..once your set up properly ,you will not regret your purchase...
There are many good reasons most commercial dryers run on gas,cost efficiency,running costs etc,the same applys to domestic gas dryers of course they need to be installed correctly,ideally with a clean gas supply & easy isolation,gas tests & certificate..the 100mm vent pipe must go out through a wall via a grille/cowl, that will not block up. not out a window or into another room ! and a carbon monoxide & smoke detector in the area is also recommended..I have a co2 extinguisher as well {just to be on the safe side}
As with commercial types certain clothes can self ignite when the door is opened hot, before cool down cycle is finished,so do be patient and allow the machine to complete & cool down..please note they take air from the room not the outside like condensing boilers ,so allow for some fresh air to enter the room by a window,vent or grille to outside air,,personally i prefer mine in the garage………
They will run forever without problems no heating elements or terminals to burn out,electric costs are very small..low gas consuption
The most important thing is cleaning ,they suck in lots of air @ dust which gets into the machine & burner,so find a friendly gas man with a vacuum@ blower to clean out every year & keep the lint filter clean yourself,been using these for 38 years now & did work on commercial units previously..once your set up properly ,you will not regret your purchase…
Likely replying to Terry @Tezla
Hi Terry. Many thanks for sharing your experience. They do sound like they would be a lot more reliable. To be fair you would need to add the annual costs of having one serviced to the running costs. I would think that would make them cost more than a modern heat pump dryer. In fact even without the regular servicing costs added a heat pump dryer may still be cheaper to run. Believe it or not Which? say that a heat pump dryer only costs £39 per year to run, based on drying three loads per week every week for a year.
It would be interesting to have the same costs worked out for a gas tumble dryer but I’m not sure anyone has. They seem to still be exceptionally rare but if you used to work on commercial ones I can imagine you have become fond of them. Having said that, running costs aren’t the only consideration. We have had 2 heat pump dryers and my wife hates them. One of the big disadvantages of them is that because they recycle warm air they take ages to dry. Ours takes 3-4 hours to dry a load of towels.
0 replies I wonder who repairs the tumble dryers in the laundrets? Obviously they are gas appliances because electric dryers would wipe out the profits. I've been running a White Knight dryer for over 25 years with very little trouble and great savings. I chose a gas appliance when I arrived in this country because where I come from, most people use gas dryers.
I wonder who repairs the tumble dryers in the laundrets? Obviously they are gas appliances because electric dryers would wipe out the profits. I’ve been running a White Knight dryer for over 25 years with very little trouble and great savings. I chose a gas appliance when I arrived in this country because where I come from, most people use gas dryers.
0 replies I have fitted many gas tumble dryers in the past and will be buying one for my new kitchen/extension the installation requirements are very basic openable door/window and a check of room volume and tightness test.Repair wise they can be a total pain to fault find but they are cheap to buy so personally speaking if it lasts 6/7 years I would bin it just like any other white goods parts prices are non-sensical at present we have a heat pump machine which is total junk takes hours for a load hence the advantage of gas. The gas safe qualifications are a minefield I have a few which are fairly redundant now,warm air and gas fires spring to mind.
I have fitted many gas tumble dryers in the past and will be buying one for my new kitchen/extension the installation requirements are very basic openable door/window and a check of room volume and tightness test.Repair wise they can be a total pain to fault find but they are cheap to buy so personally speaking if it lasts 6/7 years I would bin it just like any other white goods parts prices are non-sensical at present we have a heat pump machine which is total junk takes hours for a load hence the advantage of gas.
The gas safe qualifications are a minefield I have a few which are fairly redundant now,warm air and gas fires spring to mind.
1 reply Hi all The bayonet fitting doesn't look like a standard cooker fitting and the yellow hose is so thick. Still took me 4 months to find engineers who would install. Wish I could add a photo.
Hi all
The bayonet fitting doesn’t look like a standard cooker fitting and the yellow hose is so thick.
Still took me 4 months to find engineers who would install.
Wish I could add a photo.
0 replies Thanks for the update Mark. I've always assumed that any gas safe engineer could install the pipework and bayonet fitting as it is all standard stuff. I wouldn't expect the gas supply and fitting to be any different from that for the gas cooker? Does the gas tumble dryer have a standard bayonet fitting? I've just spent another half an hour trying to find out more about this elusive LAU1 Certificate. It really is hard to find out anything about it. The vast majority of results are just people selling courses. Apparently the course can be completed in an afternoon and for as little as £60. So clearly it is extremely basic. However I've realised that being gas safe registered is not a simple registered or not thing. Each gas safe registered engineer is qualified to work on certain gas products. So some might be registered to only work on central heating boilers. Others may be registered to work on gas fires and central heating boilers. And others may be registered to work on gas meters, gas cookers and so on. This LAU1 certificate means gas safe engineers can work on gas domestic appliances. I just found this page where you can search for a gas safe engineer to repair or install gas tumble dryer. There is a filter where you can select gas tumble dryer. When I first entered my postcode, my local gas safe registered plumber came up first. I've used him several times for general plumbing services and repairs and servicing to my gas boiler. However, when I selected the filter to find someone to work on a gas tumble dryer, he disappeared from the listing. So it appears you are right and being gas safe registered only allows you to do certain things. So if this is the case then yes, White Knight should clarify their advice that you need a gas safe registered engineer who is also registered to install and repair domestic appliances. Having said that, when I search for such an engineer/installer using the link I just posted I received 16 results - all of whom where within 7 miles from my house. So based on that there do seem to be plenty of people who are okay to install a gas dryer. Maybe there are lots of areas where there are far fewer. I live near a major city. But presumably White Knight believe there are plenty of registered engineers available. But without more explicit advice from them most people are likely to assume that any gas safe registered engineer can install a gas dryer. Which is quite unhelpful.
Thanks for the update Mark. I’ve always assumed that any gas safe engineer could install the pipework and bayonet fitting as it is all standard stuff. I wouldn’t expect the gas supply and fitting to be any different from that for the gas cooker? Does the gas tumble dryer have a standard bayonet fitting?
I’ve just spent another half an hour trying to find out more about this elusive LAU1 Certificate. It really is hard to find out anything about it. The vast majority of results are just people selling courses. Apparently the course can be completed in an afternoon and for as little as £60. So clearly it is extremely basic.
However I’ve realised that being gas safe registered is not a simple registered or not thing. Each gas safe registered engineer is qualified to work on certain gas products. So some might be registered to only work on central heating boilers. Others may be registered to work on gas fires and central heating boilers. And others may be registered to work on gas meters, gas cookers and so on.
This LAU1 certificate means gas safe engineers can work on gas domestic appliances. I just found this page where you can search for a gas safe engineer to repair or install gas tumble dryer. There is a filter where you can select gas tumble dryer.
When I first entered my postcode, my local gas safe registered plumber came up first. I’ve used him several times for general plumbing services and repairs and servicing to my gas boiler. However, when I selected the filter to find someone to work on a gas tumble dryer, he disappeared from the listing. So it appears you are right and being gas safe registered only allows you to do certain things.
So if this is the case then yes, White Knight should clarify their advice that you need a gas safe registered engineer who is also registered to install and repair domestic appliances. Having said that, when I search for such an engineer/installer using the link I just posted I received 16 results – all of whom where within 7 miles from my house. So based on that there do seem to be plenty of people who are okay to install a gas dryer.
Maybe there are lots of areas where there are far fewer. I live near a major city. But presumably White Knight believe there are plenty of registered engineers available. But without more explicit advice from them most people are likely to assume that any gas safe registered engineer can install a gas dryer. Which is quite unhelpful.
0 replies Finally got drier installed. Gas safe is not enough to install these driers. Must have lau1. Went to commercial installers of launderettes. They have lau1 cert
Finally got drier installed.
Gas safe is not enough to install these driers.
Must have lau1.
Went to commercial installers of launderettes.
They have lau1 cert
0 replies I would expect any gas fitter should be able to install all the pipework and bayonet fitting to supply a gas dryer. It shouldn't be any different to installing pipework for a new gas cooker or gas fire. Once the pipework is installed, any gas engineer should be able to connect a gas dryer up as it literally only involves a push and twist of the bayonet fitting and checking the condition of the hose and fixings. I can't imagine a more nice and easy job for them :) When it comes to repairing one though, that's when it seems to all fall down as even White Knight's own agents won't repair them unless they are under warranty.
I would expect any gas fitter should be able to install all the pipework and bayonet fitting to supply a gas dryer. It shouldn’t be any different to installing pipework for a new gas cooker or gas fire.
Once the pipework is installed, any gas engineer should be able to connect a gas dryer up as it literally only involves a push and twist of the bayonet fitting and checking the condition of the hose and fixings. I can’t imagine a more nice and easy job for them :)
When it comes to repairing one though, that’s when it seems to all fall down as even White Knight’s own agents won’t repair them unless they are under warranty.
0 replies What would be useful is for a gas safe registered engineer to say they would happily fit them.
What would be useful is for a gas safe registered engineer to say they would happily fit them.
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0 replies Andy I'm just passing around info .I don't know where my gas safe registered engineer has got this from either. But still remains most wont install ga tumble driers .
Andy I’m just passing around info .I don’t know where my gas safe registered engineer has got this from either.
But still remains most wont install ga tumble driers .
0 replies I don't believe that anyone needs an extra certificate to install a gas tumble dryer Mark. Gas Safe only said you need a Gas Safe registered engineer to install. White Knight also don't mention Cert Lau 1. And if you download one of their gas dryer installation manuals from their site it doesn't mention it either. I am still very unclear about this certificate and whether it's just something someone can add to their CV or mandatory. But if it was mandatory surely there would be much more information about it on the Internet.
I don’t believe that anyone needs an extra certificate to install a gas tumble dryer Mark. Gas Safe only said you need a Gas Safe registered engineer to install. White Knight also don’t mention Cert Lau 1. And if you download one of their gas dryer installation manuals from their site it doesn’t mention it either. I am still very unclear about this certificate and whether it’s just something someone can add to their CV or mandatory. But if it was mandatory surely there would be much more information about it on the Internet.
0 replies I would agree . I did lots of research before buying and was unaware of cert lau1. I now have an uninstallable drier. I will be getting in touch with trades description .
I would agree .
I did lots of research before buying and was unaware of cert lau1.
I now have an uninstallable drier.
I will be getting in touch with trades description .
0 replies I've sent a repair query to one of my affiliate appliance repairers (Go-Assist). They repair gas fires, boilers etc. They also repair tumble dryers. But no mention of GAS tumble dryers. I've asked if they repair them and mentioned the Lau 1 certificate. If they don't repair them, and I wouldn't be surprised, then bearing in mind that even White Knight's own agents don't repair them once they are out of guarantee I would have to conclude and advise that it's pointless buying one.
I’ve sent a repair query to one of my affiliate appliance repairers (Go-Assist). They repair gas fires, boilers etc. They also repair tumble dryers. But no mention of GAS tumble dryers. I’ve asked if they repair them and mentioned the Lau 1 certificate. If they don’t repair them, and I wouldn’t be surprised, then bearing in mind that even White Knight’s own agents don’t repair them once they are out of guarantee I would have to conclude and advise that it’s pointless buying one.
0 replies White Night need to say can only be installed by an engineer with LAU1. WOULD SAVE ALOT OF CONFUSION.
White Night need to say can only be installed by an engineer with LAU1.
WOULD SAVE ALOT OF CONFUSION.
0 replies Hi Not sure about repairs yet as cant get mine installed.
Hi
Not sure about repairs yet as cant get mine installed.
1 reply Hi I've had a answer from white night. They say Gas Safe is broken down in many parts. And it's up too individuals to obtain extra certs if they wish. With a fee payable of course. The fact still remains engineers with LAU1 are very hard to find. White night should be clearer about who can install.
Hi
I’ve had a answer from white night.
They say Gas Safe is broken down in many parts. And it’s up too individuals to obtain extra certs if they wish.
With a fee payable of course.
The fact still remains engineers with LAU1 are very hard to find.
White night should be clearer about who can install.
0 replies I have an update on the installation issue. I've had a reply from gas safe. In some ways the regulations seem ridiculous, but essentially they are based in technical fact. They said that the bayonet design connection is specifically designed so that a customer can disconnect it and pull it out to clean behind it. But if the customer replaces the gas appliance with a new one, it must be reconnected using a gas safe engineer. I immediately challenged this. It seems crazy that a customer is allowed to connect and disconnect potentially a 20 year old gas cooker, but is not deemed competent enough to connect a brand spanking new gas cooker. Surely I said, we have to assume that all brand-new gas cookers are safe by default? I received the following reply - When installing a new cooker you must ensure there has been no damage or loose connections from transit. Also, a cooker will not come with a factory fitted hose. As much as I’d like to say all new appliances work exactly as they are designed top, unfortunately this isn’t the case. As I stated before, any new gas appliance must be installed by Gas Safe Registered engineer as described in Regulation 3 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The gas regulations are there to protect us all. I reckon over the decades there will have been many serious incidents and fatalities caused by leaking gas. Though it seems that the authorities are quite happy to let us keep a gas appliance and its connecting hose potentially for 30 years or more if it lasts that long without any regular checks. But they want to ensure that brand spanking new appliances are safe. It's a bit of a contradiction in some ways for me. But at the end of the day you can't argue with the fact that safety is paramount. It's a very easy and profitable job for Gas safe engineers though.
I have an update on the installation issue. I’ve had a reply from gas safe. In some ways the regulations seem ridiculous, but essentially they are based in technical fact. They said that the bayonet design connection is specifically designed so that a customer can disconnect it and pull it out to clean behind it. But if the customer replaces the gas appliance with a new one, it must be reconnected using a gas safe engineer.
I immediately challenged this. It seems crazy that a customer is allowed to connect and disconnect potentially a 20 year old gas cooker, but is not deemed competent enough to connect a brand spanking new gas cooker. Surely I said, we have to assume that all brand-new gas cookers are safe by default?
I received the following reply –
When installing a new cooker you must ensure there has been no damage or loose connections from transit. Also, a cooker will not come with a factory fitted hose.
As much as I’d like to say all new appliances work exactly as they are designed top, unfortunately this isn’t the case.
As I stated before, any new gas appliance must be installed by Gas Safe Registered engineer as described in Regulation 3 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
The gas regulations are there to protect us all. I reckon over the decades there will have been many serious incidents and fatalities caused by leaking gas. Though it seems that the authorities are quite happy to let us keep a gas appliance and its connecting hose potentially for 30 years or more if it lasts that long without any regular checks. But they want to ensure that brand spanking new appliances are safe. It’s a bit of a contradiction in some ways for me. But at the end of the day you can’t argue with the fact that safety is paramount. It’s a very easy and profitable job for Gas safe engineers though.
0 replies Can I just add, that in my experience Gas dryers are inherently more simple than electric ones. They are also far cheaper to run. The gas part of it is the tiniest of burner from which the convected heat is circulated through the rotating drum and vented. Really its so simple but in my experience of ownership over the last 30 years, my year old Eco 86a is the third one in that time, they tend to be very reliable indeed no doubt because of the simplicity. The complexity is now coming from the more sophisticated electronics and they are much more likely to fail than the gas side. I clean mine out with a cinder cleaner each year and take care to keep the fluff filter and vent clean and clear. My grand parents owned a Gas fridge for half a century without any major problems it was only thrown out after their passing. I do agree, Crosslee and White Knight do need to change their attitude and improve their service and accessibility but once you have one working, I doubt you will regret it.
Can I just add, that in my experience Gas dryers are inherently more simple than electric ones. They are also far cheaper to run.
The gas part of it is the tiniest of burner from which the convected heat is circulated through the rotating drum and vented.
Really its so simple but in my experience of ownership over the last 30 years, my year old Eco 86a is the third one in that time, they tend to be very reliable indeed no doubt because of the simplicity.
The complexity is now coming from the more sophisticated electronics and they are much more likely to fail than the gas side. I clean mine out with a cinder cleaner each year and take care to keep the fluff filter and vent clean and clear.
My grand parents owned a Gas fridge for half a century without any major problems it was only thrown out after their passing.
I do agree, Crosslee and White Knight do need to change their attitude and improve their service and accessibility but once you have one working, I doubt you will regret it.
1 reply Thanks once again for your lengthy response. If you Google lau1 it will explain it's a course a gas safe engineer can sit at a cost of nearly 400 pounds . Gas safe cannot and will not touch gas tumble driers. I was seduced by the fact of it being 70 per cent cheaper than electricity to run.
Thanks once again for your lengthy response.
If you Google lau1 it will explain it’s a course a gas safe engineer can sit at a cost of nearly 400 pounds .
Gas safe cannot and will not touch gas tumble driers.
I was seduced by the fact of it being 70 per cent cheaper than electricity to run.
Likely replying to Mark skelding
Thanks Mark. I had a quick look into the certificate before replying. I have to admit I haven’t done a serious research on it but all I could find was someone selling training courses on it. I haven’t been able to find anything official, or anything that states that the certificate is mandatory. However, as I said I have only done several minutes of research at this stage.
So I’m still not sure that the extra certificate is mandatory. But if it is then you are correct in saying that White Knight should definitely be indicating that on their website to potential purchasers. A gas tumble dryer can’t possibly be any more involved or complicated than a central heating boiler. The most complex part of the gas tumble dryer is likely to be the normal parts of tumble dryers that are present in all tumble dryers and operated by electricity.
If an engineer is a domestic appliance engineer, routinely working on tumble dryers, and he is also gas safe registered and able to work on gas appliances I can’t understand why they would not be able to work on a gas tumble dryer. As it also doesn’t mention the certificate on White Knight’s website it would seem to imply that you just need an appliance engineer who is gas safe registered.
But having said all that of course I think we can both agree that even if that is the case it still makes trying to get a gas tumble dryer repaired once out of its guarantee look extremely difficult. Please keep posting any updates. I will do the same if I get a reply from gas safe
2 replies I have searched the gas safe registry for my area. Cert lau1 needed. Not gas safe registered all who I have contacted won't touch tumble driers.
I have searched the gas safe registry for my area.
Cert lau1 needed.
Not gas safe registered all who I have contacted won’t touch tumble driers.
Likely replying to Mark skelding
Hello Mark. Yes I would not be remotely surprised if anyone with a gas tumble dryer found it impossible to find an engineer who could repair it. I have never heard of this Cert Lau1 certificate. So I don’t know if it is something that people can apply for if they want to reassure people that they are competent, or whether it is mandatory.
As far as I am currently aware, if you are a domestic appliance engineer and also gas safe registered, then that is all that is required. I find it hard to imagine that someone would need to be gas safe registered and also to have a separate certificate required.
Any appliance engineer who repairs tumble dryers can repair tumble dryers. But they would need to be gas safe registered to repair a gas tumble dryer. I would have thought that is more than enough. This might be why is not mentioned on White Knight’s website.
But having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if any engineer who is also gas registered would still not be interested in repairing a gas tumble dryer, simply because it’s just not worth their while. They probably never come across them, and it’s hard to imagine any real benefit from getting involved with a unique product like that.
I have just had a look on the white knight website. I found their service page where they list telephone numbers for their service agents for repairs in and out of guarantee. Bizarrely, at the side of the gas tumble dryers there is a caveat that says, “under guarantee only”. So this appears to indicate that even White Knight repair agents don’t want to repair them once out of guarantee!
I have to admit I have never liked the idea of a gas tumble dryer. I accept that there are clearly benefits, not least the fact that they are cheaper to run. But as they are such a specialist product, and very few other (if any) manufacturers produce them, I honestly cannot see why anyone would buy one.
0 replies Thanks I still feel White Night is misleading everybody. No gas safe installer will touch these machines. Cert lau 1 is required. White Night haven't replied to my emails.
Thanks
I still feel White Night is misleading everybody.
No gas safe installer will touch these machines.
Cert lau 1 is required.
White Night haven’t replied to my emails.
0 replies Yes I would not class simply unplugging and plugging in a hose that's clearly designed to be extremely easy to do, and that a child of 9 could do, as installing. However, when it comes to gas, and regulations I would not like to stick my neck out and advise. I have sent an enquiry to Gas Safe and will report back when I hopefully get an official answer.
Yes I would not class simply unplugging and plugging in a hose that’s clearly designed to be extremely easy to do, and that a child of 9 could do, as installing. However, when it comes to gas, and regulations I would not like to stick my neck out and advise. I have sent an enquiry to Gas Safe and will report back when I hopefully get an official answer.
0 replies I have used these for years and incidentally Gas powered Fridges too and if you have a bayonet fitting already in situ, the need for a gas engineer install is frankly a rip off. I have neighbour who had one installed a couple of years ago and it cost them well over £100 and all he did was plug it into the bayonet and put the vent through the existing one and switched it on. Total no brainer. I understand if you need a gas supply run to it but this installation thing is bull and all PC crap.
I have used these for years and incidentally Gas powered Fridges too and if you have a bayonet fitting already in situ, the need for a gas engineer install is frankly a rip off. I have neighbour who had one installed a couple of years ago and it cost them well over £100 and all he did was plug it into the bayonet and put the vent through the existing one and switched it on. Total no brainer.
I understand if you need a gas supply run to it but this installation thing is bull and all PC crap.
1 reply Thanks. I still think white night should inform that it need cert lau 1. No gas engineer will touch these appliances. White night haven't replied to my emails.
Thanks.
I still think white night should inform that it need cert lau 1.
No gas engineer will touch these appliances.
White night haven’t replied to my emails.
Likely replying to Mark
Hello Mark. To be fair they do, although it’s at the bottom of the description page –
N.B this appliance is for use with Natural Gas only and must be installed by a GAS SAFE registered installer, visit http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk for details of engineers in your area.
0 replies Hi There I now have a White Knight eco86 Gas dryer its vented to the outside and I installed it. I already had a bayonet fitting which the new one connected up to, unless you have to put in a gas supply and connector, there is no need for a gas Engineer because all they do is push in the gas connector plug it in the wall and press play. This is my third gas tumble and they are way better than any electric one both in speed and how the clothes feel. If you don't have a wall fitted vent then you need to have a window open and drape the vent outlet out of it.
Hi There I now have a White Knight eco86 Gas dryer its vented to the outside and I installed it. I already had a bayonet fitting which the new one connected up to, unless you have to put in a gas supply and connector, there is no need for a gas Engineer because all they do is push in the gas connector plug it in the wall and press play. This is my third gas tumble and they are way better than any electric one both in speed and how the clothes feel. If you don’t have a wall fitted vent then you need to have a window open and drape the vent outlet out of it.
0 replies The gas safe register and website will list people with the right qualifications to install these items. Filter for "Domestic tumble drier".
The gas safe register and website will list people with the right qualifications to install these items. Filter for “Domestic tumble drier”.
1 reply Im totally confused who can install these driers. Ive been informed an engineer with lau 1 is required. No one wants to touch these driers.
Im totally confused who can install these driers. Ive been informed an engineer with lau 1 is required.
No one wants to touch these driers.
Likely replying to mark skelding
Hello Mark. I have to admit I don’t like the idea. They must have advantages, but they are such a specialist product I’m surprised they ever get produced. You would definitely need a gas safe registered person to install one, and to repair it if anything involves touching the gas parts. Anyone interested in having one installed would be better off contacting the manufacturer, who I’m pretty sure would be most helpful.
0 replies Well I have a white knight eco 86A and what a disappointment just out of warranty and its developed an annoying fault that the previous model suffered from. The gas ignites but goes out and the drum continues to rotate cold its getting worse sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. This is my third White knight and i think it will be my last Service difficult to get factory almost impossible to speak to. Totally fed up. My advice do not buy
Well I have a white knight eco 86A and what a disappointment just out of warranty and its developed an annoying fault that the previous model suffered from. The gas ignites but goes out and the drum continues to rotate cold its getting worse sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. This is my third White knight and i think it will be my last Service difficult to get factory almost impossible to speak to. Totally fed up. My advice do not buy
0 replies On the GasSafe register website you can search by appliance type to give you your nearest gas man with the right qualifications. We've had ours for 7 years and it has worked faultlessly. White Knight ECO43A.
On the GasSafe register website you can search by appliance type to give you your nearest gas man with the right qualifications.
We’ve had ours for 7 years and it has worked faultlessly. White Knight ECO43A.
1 reply Big problem in getting them repaired.The techs who mend tumble dryers arnt gas qualified and the techs who are gas qualified dont do tumble dryers.Ive been trying for 2 weeks to get mine repaired.White Knight are no help nor Dom & Gen with whom its insured with.
Big problem in getting them repaired.The techs who mend tumble dryers arnt gas qualified and the techs who are gas qualified dont do tumble dryers.Ive been trying for 2 weeks to get mine repaired.White Knight are no help nor Dom & Gen with whom its insured with.
Likely replying to Bob D
Hello Bob, yes that’s what I said 3 comments above yours last year. The idea has just never taken off and electric dryers are probably the best option. These days they have the heat pump dryers that are much more energy efficient than old dryer although they can take a long time to dry.
1 reply In my opinion, if gas tumble dryers were such a great idea there should be a lot more of them about. They are probably cheaper to run but they just haven't taken off and I doubt they ever will. I would expect it very difficult and expensive to try and get one repaired too. Normal appliance repairers are highly unlikely to repair them. If you have one and can't get it repaired you should contact the manufacturer.
In my opinion, if gas tumble dryers were such a great idea there should be a lot more of them about. They are probably cheaper to run but they just haven’t taken off and I doubt they ever will. I would expect it very difficult and expensive to try and get one repaired too. Normal appliance repairers are highly unlikely to repair them. If you have one and can’t get it repaired you should contact the manufacturer.
The Tumble Dryer cost over £300 so not really a budget buy. The problem I have is living in South East London. There are Engineers but not in this part of London. Domestic and a General whom insure the product do not have anyone in the London area, although they never said that before I took out the Insurance, and others I have phoned only go as far as West London.
1 reply I have used White Knight gas Tumble Dryers for over 20 years without any problems whatsoever until now. I have had my latest dryer approx 3-4 years ,fully insured with Domestic General. It has developed a grinding noise at intermittent intervals when in use. The Ainsuers cant get me an engineer because they state there are no engineers who come to a South London. I have tried for 2 weeks without success to find anybody that comes to this part of London so unable to get a repair. This means that not only have I got an iPhone mmaculate machine I cannot get repaired but will be unable to purchase on of these stumble Dryers again if no engineers will repair them
I have used White Knight gas Tumble Dryers for over 20 years without any problems whatsoever until now. I have had my latest dryer approx 3-4 years ,fully insured with Domestic General. It has developed a grinding noise at intermittent intervals when in use. The Ainsuers cant get me an engineer because they state there are no engineers who come to a South London. I have tried for 2 weeks without success to find anybody that comes to this part of London so unable to get a repair. This means that not only have I got an iPhone mmaculate machine I cannot get repaired but will be unable to purchase on of these stumble Dryers again if no engineers will repair them
0 replies Thank you for this link as you have just convinced me that i shoud be looking at gas tumble dryers not electric. They are expensive to have connected though.
Thank you for this link as you have just convinced me that i shoud be looking at gas tumble dryers not electric. They are expensive to have connected though.
0 replies I agree James. I've had a gas dryer for over 15 years and apart from cleaning the filter out regularly I've not had a minutes trouble with it. A first class dryer. Harry Legbeater
I agree James. I’ve had a gas dryer for over 15 years and apart from cleaning the filter out regularly I’ve not had a minutes trouble with it. A first class dryer.
Harry Legbeater
0 replies Wow!! This looks like a really great product!! I don't understand why more aren't warming to this technology.
Wow!! This looks like a really great product!! I don’t understand why more aren’t warming to this technology.
I am a retired gas engineer, and have had a white Knight gas tumble dryer for over 25 years and is still operating to this day, over the years it’s reqired a few spares IE drum bearing and new belt and a reconed motor. I can’t sing their praises eneough