These are a really practical appliance especially in a busy household. You can save time on drying and ironing using a tumble dryer and keep your laundry mountains under control despite the vagaries of the weather!
Size
Firstly, you should think about where your dryer will be installed; some will need to be on an outside wall (See “Where the water goes” below). Most are usually the same dimensions as a standard washing machine (H85 x W60 x D60cm) and capable of drying the same amount of wet clothes as a regular wash load (usually 6kg dry weight). Most are designed to fit under the worktop, but if space is limited there are models that can stack on top of your washing machine and even compact versions that take up about two thirds of the floor space of a standard model. The compact ones have a smaller drying load (about 3kg of dry weight). On the other end of the scale some new American-style models can now dry up to 10k and are more suitable for a laundry room due to their size. Most dryers are front-loading, although some top-loading models are available.
Drying Process
The drum in a tumble dryer needs to be large enough to allow the maximum amount of hot air to circulate throughout the load, speeding up drying times and reducing creasing. Most drums are stainless steel providing a smooth, snag-free surface. Some drums will only turn one way whilst “reverse action” machines will pause and turn the other way also, meaning less tangling, ironing and wear and tear on clothes. The latter type is costlier though probably gives better longer-term results.
Power & Efficiency
The energy used by dryers is given in kilowatts per hour, the higher the kilowatts, the more expensive the running costs; always useful to know when comparing different models. The running costs, however, will also depend on how you use your machine. It’s important to read the handbook to be sure of getting optimum efficiency. You will also need to empty the machine’s fluff filter regularly to maintain the best performance. Tumble Dryers are graded “A-G” for their drying performance using tests carried out by the manufacturers under Trading Standards’ guidelines. Models rated “A” are the best and likely to be the most expensive. This extra cost may be recouped in the longer term, though, in lower energy bills. Most dryers will have at least two heat settings, some three, the extra being a cool setting for airing items.
Where the Water Goes!
All dryers must have a method to remove the damp air that is created when they are used. They are all referred to as either “vented” or “condenser” types. The first means that the extracted hot damp air is vented, usually, through the back of the machine via a hole in the wall to the outside. This can also be achieved by means of a hose attached to the front (or sometimes side) of the dryer which is then put through an open window. If choosing “out through the wall” venting the extra cost and inconvenience of making the necessary hole has to be taken into account.
Condenser dryers work by separating the water from the moist air, and then storing it in a removable compartment ready for emptying. They are usually more expensive than the vented models but may be worth considering especially if you do not have either an available outside wall or nearby window.
Timers
All dryers have these – most are manual whilst others are automatic using “sensors” to calculate the drying times needed for various different types of materials. There are also models that will tumble intermittently, to prevent dry clothes from becoming creased if the machine has not been emptied straight away, or damage to delicate items. Extra features, such as these, always come at a price, so you should consider how useful they will really be to you. Models with delayed timers are also available allowing you to take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity.
General
As with all appliances look for well built, sturdy construction, doors that feel as though they will stand up to years of opening and closing and a design that you will be happy to live with. If you have young children, a safety lock may well prove a good idea also!
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