GE electric drier model DBVH520EJ2WW negative review

14 years ago

I have owned this drier for about 10 months. I have had a service call on it with extensive analysis and I was told that the drier was "operating within spec". So this will be a negative review as to the design and function.

I have a long drier vent run of about 24 feet with 3 right-angle turns in it. I had the salesman specifically query GE as to whether the drier could handle this run and I was told yes, and also shown on their web site vent specs which indicated that the machine had enough blower power for a long run and elbows without a booster fan.

My specific complaint for the service call was that on any other heat setting than "high", the moisture sensor cut off too soon leaving wet laundry even when the dryness level was set to "more dry". I was ultimately told "operating fine" and no explanation was provided for the problem, although the repair guy and I dried a load of towels at these settings and he confirmed that they were wet when the machine stopped the cycle.

However he also told me that the drier was not moving enough air internally through the drum. There are 2 temperature sensors, one on the back, and one on the front of the drum in the outflow vent. There should not be a large differential between the sensor readings when the drier is running with no clothes in it - if there is, it indicates inadequate air flow. He tested and you guessed it...not enough flow.

So, lousy moisture sensor, mis-labelled product, etc. Also, the lint trap works poorly, lint is visible under the left edge of the trap when you remove it to clean it (I always scoop it out) and when I recently stuck my leaf blower in the wall vent to clean things out I was startled by how much lint was in the line.

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Comments (6)

earthpal
14 years ago
Sorry to hear about your situation. We have an even longer run of about 40 feet with 4 bends and are looking at a new set too. Interesting that when I looked at the GE website, the equivalent model in gas didn't indicate it was capable of doing a long run. To make life even more confusing, in digging thru online GE manuals, I found a chart for GE products that lists by dryer size, turns and distance, what size dryer they recommended. The chart is listed in the manual for DBGT650GH. The way that chart reads, you might think that any GE dryer is capable of doing some distance...

We are looking at the new GE Profile ones that have the triangular shaped windows, the GE Harmony series and the Maytag Bravos series. All of those indicate they are long run vent capable and the two GE products are at the higher end of the above chart.
rileysmom17
Original Author
14 years ago
In your situation I would just automatically plan to install a thermostatically controlled booster fan. I have considered it for my unit - they are easy to install but cost about $200, according to my electrician.

Based on my experience I wouldn't trust GE's vent specs. Sure, the fan can get your vent flap to pop open but the unit is operating at a low performance level. I will say that when my laundry has been spun at 1000 RPM the dryer has no trouble with the minimal residual moisture and I can dry a good-sized load in 10-12 minutes on high heat, WHEN the sensor behaves properly. However see my post on the washer...sigh. Rarely do I see / hear 1000 RPM without a struggle.

One of my staff members got the Maytag Bravos and has never had any of my problems.
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ginih
14 years ago
FWIW--I have the GE Profile set w/triangle doors. My dryer run is about 25 ft w/ two elbows. The discharge is so powerful that I have a lint pile outside on the ground and the vent pipe shudders briefly when the dryer is turned on. The fan is noticeably more powerful than any I've ever had in my 57 years. So far, Ive been very pleased with the washer and dryer.
earthpal
14 years ago
Hey Gini2!

Thanks for the info regarding the GE Profile set w/ triangle doors. I was looking at those today and asked the sales person if that series had a name and he said they didn't... Just the new GE Profile washer/dryers! Luckily everyone else is either round or square!

Rileysmom, the Bravos is the other we are considering but I am "vertically challenged" with back issues. Reaching into that deep tub... hmm... will sleep on it and make a decision soon because I am sooo tired of laundry taking forever!!
regus_patoff
14 years ago
With those long Vent runs, either with, or without a Booster Fan,
make sure the entire length of the Vent System is accessible for regularly cleaning, for fire safety,
since, as you've noticed, not all of the lint is caught by the Lint Screen.
rileysmom17
Original Author
14 years ago
regus - every couple of months I stick my electric leaf blower into the short piece of flex that goes from the drier into the wall (gets a pretty good seal) and I have someone lint-spot outside until no more appears. Is this adequate?

GE electric drier model DBVH520EJ2WW negative review

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GE electric drier model DBVH520EJ2WW negative review

Comments (6)

earthpal

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earthpal

regus_patoff

rileysmom17Original Author

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rileysmom17
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