On September 14, Rinnai announced the "Hot Water Type Kanta-kun," which utilizes hot water from gas water heaters and heating systems to enhance installation flexibility. It will be released on September 28, with an estimated retail price starting from 184,800 yen for the 6kg model. A 9kg model will also be available.
While the conventional "Kanta-kun" directly generates hot air from the combustion heat of gas, the new model produces hot air from hot water heated by gas. It can dry 6kg of laundry in approximately 84 minutes, which Rinnai states is less than half the time of electric heat pump dryers.
For the exhaust duct, common spiral ducts used in air conditioning systems can be utilized, and it also supports connection with the exhaust duct of Rinnai's gas hot water bathroom heater-dryers. This means a dedicated exhaust duct may not need to be newly installed, and if conditions are met, it can even be installed in existing condominiums.
There are two drying capacities: the 6kg "RDO-60" and the 9kg "RDO-90." The estimated retail prices are 184,800 yen and 222,200 yen, respectively. In addition to the standard course, it also includes courses such as Eco, Heavy Duty, Delicates, and Sheets/Blankets.
The key point of interest is whether this addresses the demand from those who "want to install Kanta-kun but face difficulties due to installation requirements," and particularly whether it can expand the market to condominiums.