What to look for when buying a tumble dryer

When purchasing a tumble dryer, you should be extremely careful, as this large and expensive appliance requires special attention when connecting and using it. Choosing the wrong model can lead to complete disappointment. To avoid this, pay attention to several factors when choosing a tumble dryer. In this article, we'll cover these factors and help you avoid common mistakes people often make when looking to buy a new "home helper."

Didn't pay attention to the type of dryer

When considering purchasing a tumble dryer, be sure to consider key factors that will help you make the right choice and get the most out of your purchase. Below, we'll outline the key aspects to consider when buying a tumble dryer:

• price and brand;
• capacity;
• energy efficiency;
• installation type;
• additional functions.

Buying the first dryer you see without considering its type is a serious mistake best avoided. There are two types of dryers: vented and condensed. These types are important to consider when choosing, as the dryer's performance depends on them. For example, vented dryers require a connection to a ventilation system to remove moisture, otherwise there is a risk of creating a humid environment in the room.

Condenser dryers are designed specifically to collect moisture that evaporates from clothes during the drying process. There are two main ways to handle the collected moisture: it either drains into a built-in reservoir, which you'll need to empty regularly, or it goes directly into the sewer system. When choosing a condenser dryer, it's important to consider these features, as they will ensure the appliance is convenient and effective for everyday use.

When purchasing a drying device, don't forget to look for a convenient connection method!

For example, ventilation models are easy to operate and less expensive. However, before purchasing, consider the ease of access to the ventilation duct and its ease of use. Furthermore, the number of such models available on the market is limited, which is another factor to consider when choosing the right option for your apartment or house.

The water collection method in condenser dryers may vary depending on the location of the plumbing. If connecting to a sewer line is not possible or convenient, you can choose a model with a water collection compartment—this is a convenient and balanced solution. Most condenser dryers offer both options: connecting to a sewer line or collecting condensate in a tank, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. It's important to remember to empty the compartment after each drying cycle. This process is quick and easy, and the tank itself is sealed, so cleaning it is hassle-free.

As you can see, each of the listed dryer types has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the best option depends on your specific needs and drying goals. Therefore, before purchasing a dryer, it's important to carefully evaluate all factors and choose the most suitable option.

The drum capacity was not taken into account

Besides all this, it's important to consider the appliance's technical specifications. Dryers, unlike washing machines, are typically designed for double the laundry load. While washing machines can handle loads of 4-6 kg, dryers are designed for loads of 7 kg or more. However, if you want your dryer to perform efficiently and last a long time, don't overload the unit.

Obviously, wet laundry weighs more than dry laundry, and the exact difference depends on the amount of moisture remaining after washing. When choosing a dryer, keep in mind that it should have a larger capacity than your washing machine. A common rule of thumb is that a dryer's load capacity should be 1.3-1.5 times larger than your washing machine's. For example, if your washing machine has a 5 kg load capacity, a 7 kg machine will be suitable. Therefore, with the correct load capacity, both machines will function smoothly.

Don't overload your dryer, as this can reduce its effectiveness and leave your clothes damp. Furthermore, overloading can cause serious malfunctions. For example, if the condensate collection tank is overfilled, the dryer may malfunction or leak. Furthermore, an overfilled dryer drum can stretch or break the drive belt, which can also cause the dryer to malfunction.

They didn't think through the installation and connection

Building a stack of dryers and washing machines is a great solution. This option saves space in the bathroom or utility room and ensures convenient use of both units—no need to lug laundry back and forth. However, to set up such a stack without any hassle, it's important to consider a few key points.

Utilities play a major role here. It's important to consider location, ease of connection, and adaptability to potential modifications. For example, if the sewer line is far away, it's better to choose a condensation dryer with a moisture collection compartment.

If you don't consider the type of unit when purchasing, you risk purchasing a ventilation model that you won't be able to connect to!

When connecting to the electrical network, it's important to check not only the presence of outlets but also the location of the dryer's cord. Sometimes the cord runs from above, which, in turn, creates problems if the outlet is located near the floor. Conversely, the lower cord may not reach a high-mounted outlet. Be sure to check and consider this aspect before connecting any appliances.

Now, we finally reach the stage of assembling the dryer column itself. The best solution is to purchase units from the same brand, as this will simplify the process thanks to the special connecting fasteners. If you have different models, you'll have to find connectors or use alternative methods to attach them together. You can install the dryer:

• using a universal connecting element;
• just install it on top without any fasteners;
• Place the dryer and washing machine in a separate cabinet.

It's recommended that the machine dimensions match to ensure maximum strength and stability of the column. It's important to remember that a narrow washing machine cannot be placed underneath a full-size dryer. It's also important to remember that a dryer is always installed on top.

Don't forget about the dimensions of the doorways in the room. If the dryer's width is slightly larger than the doorway, this can cause problems. Sometimes, to bring the dryer into the room, it must be completely disassembled and then reassembled on site. To avoid such complications, we recommend accurately measuring the dryer's body and ensuring it will fit through the door, including any protruding parts.

Can you tumble dry your clothes?

Before purchasing a dryer, it's worth asking yourself: do you really need it? If you're aiming to use it instead of a rough spin cycle, it might not be the best option. The instructions state that using a dryer on very wet items is not recommended, as water can damage the dryer. Therefore, a preliminary spin cycle is necessary for both machine and hand washing.

If you expect your dryer to be gentle on delicate fabrics, you'll be disappointed. Wool, fur, suede, leather, and membranes shouldn't be tumble dried. This method will immediately ruin these items. Be sure to check the tags on your clothes: a circle symbol indicates tumble drying is permitted, but it doesn't mean high temperatures are appropriate for the fabric.

We didn't learn anything about drying programs.

To ensure laundry dries effectively without damaging the fabric, it's crucial to select the optimal operating mode. Dryers offer a variety of programs, and they deserve careful consideration. They also feature additional features that can significantly improve the overall performance of the appliance.

Low-temperature drying is rare, but it can be very useful in everyday life. Many natural fabrics do not handle high temperatures well, whether during washing or drying. If your dryer does not have this feature, you will have to dry clothes made from such materials in a different way to avoid damaging them.

The continuous drying mode allows you to use the machine not only for laundry, but also for shoes, soft toys, hats, and other small items that don't need to be actively rotated in the drum. The continuous drying option features a special rack, which heats the air during operation, but the drum remains stationary. Other options include:

• delayed start;
• silent mode;
• determination of linen humidity;
• anti-crease;
• steam cleaning.

The delay start feature allows you to choose a convenient time to start your dryer. This is especially useful if you want to use the feature at night or plan to run your dryer while you're away. Setting the start time will provide flexibility and energy savings, making your dryer even more convenient.

If you plan to use the aforementioned feature, you might also want to consider the Anti-Crease option. Leaving items in the dryer for long periods often leads to creasing. This feature will help prevent this problem by periodically shaking the contents of the clothes as the drum rotates, ensuring an even drying process.

Using steam to clean clothes isn't a common practice, but it's a wonderful way to add variety to your clothing care routine. Steam can be used to clean items that can't be machine washed (if they're only slightly soiled). It can also help refresh clothes that have been hanging in the closet for a long time or smooth out wrinkles that haven't been stored carefully.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that choosing the right dryer will significantly simplify your laundry drying process and save you both time and effort. When making your purchase, be sure to follow our recommendations. They will help you make the best choice and enjoy all the benefits of a dryer in your everyday life.

   

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