Tumble Dryers: Which One is Best for You?
Combining drying efficiency with economy, tumble dryers come in three primary types of basic machines.
Condenser Type
This type of tumble dryer uses hot steam to dry clothes. The heat channels the water in the clothes through a reservoir which is subsequently drained through a pipe.
Vented Type
With this type of dryer, clothes are dried by means of, as the name implies, vented warm air. Such a dryer is not normally installed in apartments but is considered more suitable for single residences or homes.
Gas Dryer
More economical than its counterparts, a gas dryer dries clothes more expediently.
Spin Feature
Of the tumble dryers available, the entry-level dryers, or those that spin in one direction, can cause the clothes to become twisted, which makes it more of a chore to iron them as well. It’s better then to consider, when making a purchasing decision, the tumble dryers that spin the drum in two directions as there is less chance the clothes will become tangled.
Other Features
Features like timers allow you to set the clothes for a certain amount of drying time. However, instead of timers, some tumble dryers provide moisture sensors that immediately let you know when your clothes are dry and stop the dryer. This particular feature is more energy efficient as the dryer does not run interminably. Other machines have features such as “crease guard” and an option where woolens can dry fast without the need for additional ironing.
Materials
Today’s tumble dryers come in a variety of materials with different looks to complement your home’s décor. Such materials include aluminum, brushed steel, anthracite and traditional white.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential in keeping your tumble dryer in good working order as well as energy-efficient. Therefore, it’s a good idea to maintain scheduled service on the lint filter, water reservoir and heat exchanger.
Machine Capacity
Generally, the normal capacity for most tumble dryers is about 7 kg. Large capacity dryers usually hold 10 kg.
Design
Tumble dryers are designed as freestanding, compact or as built-in models. If you don’t have significant drying requirements, then compact models are fine. They dry half the clothes that a freestanding model does. Built-in models can be hidden within an enclosure, or, for example, behind a cabinet. A freestanding machine can be conveniently located anywhere, even stacked on a washing machine.
Temperature
Typically, when drying clothes, you will use a higher setting for thicker clothes and a cooler temperature setting when thinner fabrics are being dried.
Overall Effectiveness
Usually, tumble dryers work better when used as a separate unit apart from the washer versus being a part of the same “washer-dryer” unit.
Tumble dryers offer many options for the consumer. The above information, hopefully, can help you make the right purchasing decision with regards to obtaining one for your home. You can find many great values for tumble dryers on eBay. Take a “spin” over to the site. You’ll be glad you did.