When faced with the various types of dryers on the market, it feels a bit overwhelming. Energy efficiency, spin cycles, turning – all these terms need to be understood to choose the right machine. Read on for some helpful tips on choosing a clothes dryer.
Special feature
You may want to choose a machine that offers a reverse fall feature. This keeps the clothes separate and allows them to dry faster. Some machines offer a crease care feature, which means that after the program has ended, the dryer will still spin occasionally, to prevent creasing.
Space
If you’re short on space, consider buying a dryer that stacks on top of your washer. As an alternative, why not consider buying a washer dryer instead of a separate dryer? This machine allows you to dry up to half the laundry at a time. Such a solution may be ideal for smaller households or if you plan on drying most of your clothes but need a dryer for special occasions, or emergencies!
Ventilated or Condenser?
Huge choice to make when shopping for a dryer is whether to have a vented dryer or a condenser.
Ventilated dryer releases moist air outside, through the hose. This prevents condensation. The options are to hang the hose outside the window or install permanent ventilation. This type of dryer is cheaper than a condenser. It also uses less energy. However, you should install the dryer near a window or outside wall.
Condenser tumble dryers remove moisture from moist air by separating it into a container. The container can then be emptied after drying. In some cases, this water can be pumped out through the plumbing attached to the washing machine. The advantage of using a condenser dryer is that it can be placed in any room in the house, whether or not there is a window or the room is close to an outside wall.
Cost
Consider the running time involved. You may want to buy a tumble dryer with the option to run a ‘Quick Dry’ program. It may be a little more expensive, but it’s well worth it if you have kids or a busy work schedule to attend to. Some machines may give you the option to run the program late at night, thereby saving money on reduced energy costs. Someone else will sense when the clothes have dried and turn off the heat, which will save you money again. Likewise, choosing an energy efficient model will save you money on running costs. All machines are rated A to G in terms of drying performance and energy efficiency.
We hope this guide will help you choose a clothes dryer that suits your needs. Happy hunting!
