Which is better: a tumble dryer or a drying cabinet?

Drying clothes is a pressing issue for those living in small apartments or homes without a balcony. If hanging laundry on a line isn't an option, consider purchasing a specialized dryer. Appliance stores offer a wide selection, and the most common choice is between a tumble dryer and a drying cabinet. To understand which is better, it's important to understand the differences.

Large cabinet versus compact tumble dryer

When deciding between a drying cabinet or a tumble dryer, it's important to consider what items you'll be using the dryer for most often. A tumble dryer is preferable for everyday items like clothing, bed linens, towels, and robes. Its advantages include:

• stylish design;
• compact dimensions;
• availability of various programs;
• accelerated operating modes.

With a spacious drum, they can easily handle drying large items such as blankets, duvets, and pillows, while special programs allow them to be used for shoes, business suits, and delicate fabrics. The only drawback of models with advanced features is their high cost and impressive size.

Drying cabinets have a number of advantages:

• low energy consumption;
• working with delicate, thin fabrics;
• low noise frequency.

Based on these characteristics, it's clear that a drying cabinet is the better choice. However, the unit is large, which isn't always convenient for those with small living spaces. Most often, household appliances comparable in size to a standard wardrobe are purchased by owners of private homes or country cottages. Drying cabinet pricing allows for a choice of both budget models and premium-quality appliances.

How is a drying cabinet constructed and how does it work?

A drying cabinet is ideal for everyday items: it can easily handle everything from sportswear and business suits to newborn baby clothes. All these items can be placed together in the unit and dehydrated in a single cycle. Simply place the clothes and shoes on the shelves, hangers, and sections indicated in the instructions, select the appropriate program based on the moisture level, and press the "Start" button.

The operating principle of a drying cabinet is simple: a heating element heats the air inside the unit. The heating element itself can be located at the bottom (double bottom) or at the top (under the ceiling) of the appliance. Convection can be enabled via a fan installed inside the unit, or natural ventilation can be used. The maximum temperature to which the air in the cabinet is heated is 80 degrees. The condensate formed during drying flows into the ventilation box through a special moisture drain hose.

Budget models simply vent moisture to the outside. This method is not very convenient, as the room where the drying cabinet is located requires good ventilation. Otherwise, high humidity will lead to damp clothes and furniture, mold, and unpleasant odors. If adequate ventilation is not possible, the room should be ventilated as often as possible.

When deciding between a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer, it's also worth considering the drying time. While tumble dryers can complete the job in a couple of hours, there are models with accelerated cycles, while cabinet drying cycles can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. This is due to the lack of a rotating element in a cabinet dryer. But this is also the advantage of cabinet dryers: items are kept in their designated place, and their components don't touch each other, eliminating the risk of damage.

Compact dryers with a drum

The tumble dryer's appearance is similar to the familiar washing machine. Its compact size means it can easily be hidden under a kitchen countertop or on top of the washing machine itself. Using special brackets, you can hang the dryer on the wall in any available corner of the bathroom.

Important! When installing a dryer over a washing machine, it's recommended to choose models of the same brand and with similar dimensions. This will create a beautiful appearance, and the appliance's special features will complement each other in the care of your clothes.

The modern, stylish design of these tumble dryers is complemented by an electronic control panel with a variety of auxiliary programs and functions, making them significantly easier to use. The time it takes to dry clothes is minimized.

A significant drawback of drum models is the inability to dry different categories of items together: it's forbidden to select the same cycle for coarse and delicate fabrics, or to place shoes in the drum with blouses and shirts, etc. However, more and more manufacturers are looking to complement their models with accessories that improve care and protect items from damage: shoe racks, baskets for woolen items, and so on.

When choosing a drum-type machine, it is worth considering its type:

• exhaust, where moisture is removed through a hose connected to a ventilation pipe;
• condensation, which involves the presence of technology that converts moist air into water and then discharges it into the sewer.

Condenser models are divided into two types: some have a manual water tank, while others have automatic water removal. This affects the cost of the appliance. However, manual cleaning doesn't significantly complicate its use and often improves its performance, as it allows for simultaneous cleaning of filters and hoses. This prevents dirt accumulation and mold growth on the machine's components, thereby extending its lifespan and improving its performance.

   

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