There are often not enough hours in the day to hang your washing out to dry, or perhaps you live in a very humid area where your washing always feels damp, or maybe you just don’t have time to spend ironing - for these circumstances, a tumble dryer is a must-have appliance for any modern home.
The majority of tumble dryers have a similar load size or capacity ranging from around 6kg to 7kg.
This is according to Liam Gawne from Miele, who says Tumble dryers have the ability to vastly speed up the laundry process and also leave fabric feeling soft, warm and fluffy.
Liam shares the following tips to consider when choosing your tumble dryer:
Capacity
The majority of tumble dryers have a similar load size or capacity ranging from around 6kg to 7kg.
A tumble dryer with a 7kg load capacity will easily service a family of four, he says. "If, however, you have a bigger family, or your would like to tumble dry some really heavy items, then it would be wise to invest in a model with a larger capacity."
Miele, for example, offers the T8966WP Lotus White tumble dryer that has a large 8kg load capacity, says Liam.
Storage issues
Before you invest in a tumble dryer, be sure to carefully measure the space where it will need to fit. “If you are short of floorspace, you can stack the dryer on top of your washing machine. If this is the case, then your washing machine and tumble dryer should be from the same brand so that they fit snuggly on top of one another.
Tumble dryers have larger drums than washing machines, because the larger the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air flow through the machine resulting in faster drying times.
Alternatively, he says you can install your tumble dryer in a spare room or in your garage. "If you have a designated area in your kitchen where the tumble dryer will need to fit, it is essential that you make sure that the tumble dryer you buy will fit the space you have available, so be sure to measure the height, width and depth of the space before you go shopping.”.
What type of dryer?
Tumble dryers can be divided into three general categories, namely vented dryers, condenser dryers, and heat pump dryers. Liam explains the difference between the three types of dryers:
-
Vented dryers- operate by taking the damp air produced by the drying process and discharging outside your home via a plastic home to prevent condensation.
A permanent vent can be installed, or you can simply hang a hose out of an open window. These types of dryers are generally cheaper than other models, and they are pretty energy efficient, but the drawback is that they need to be installed near a window or outside wall, which may not always be possible if you live in an apartment for example.
-
Condenser dryers– They may cost a little extra, but they are a lot more practical. These dryers work by separating water from the moist air, which goes into a container that is emptied after every cycle, or can be drained out through a waste outlet.
The condenser dryer can be installed anywhere, as long as the room in question is well ventilated.
-
Heat pump dryers –These are the cream of the crop when it comes to tumble dryers as they dramatically reduce energy consumption.
The heat pump dryer operates on the principle of two closed circuits.The mineral content of water varies from place to place, which has a significant impact on laundry care.
The cooling circuit has two functions, firstly, heat energy is transferred to process air, and secondly, residual heat from the drying process is recovered. Liam says Miele’s heat pump is maintenance-free and designed and tested to last for 20 years of reliable service, or 5 000 programme cycles.
With heat pump dryers, an effective filtration system is imperative. A further advantage of this kind of dryer is the gentler treatment and care of fabrics, as this technology allows drying temperatures to be reduced by up to 25 percent.
The drum
Tumble dryers have larger drums than washing machines, because the larger the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air flow through the machine resulting in faster drying times.
Allowing fabrics plenty of room to tumble also means less creasing. The best quality machines have long lasting stainless steel drums, and provide a smooth finish so fabrics don't catch.
Added convenience
The programmes offered by the machine are also very important, says Liam. “Most entry-level dryers have two heat settings, for cottons or synthetics. There are a few with three settings, with the third usually for delicates. High-end dryers on the other hand should offer much more, greatly adding to the functionality and convenience of the machine.
Miele’s dryers for example take all the guesswork out of using its dryers, and boast up to 18 programmes, which include Cotton, Minimum Iron, Delicates, Automatic Plus, Shirts, Denim, Woolens, Silks, Express, Outerwear, Sportswear, Standard Pillows, Large Pillows, Timed Drying Warm Air, Drying Basket, Warm Air, and a Low Temperature option for Cottons.”
Reducing ironing need
The mineral content of water varies from place to place, which has a significant impact on laundry care.
“Miele’s product engineers have claimed that PerfectDry results in time-saving of up to 12 percent. Together with Miele’s Gentle Smoothing programme, the need for ironing is even further reduced. The Smoothing programme sequence dries damp items without creasing and smooths items that are already dry. This further reduces ironing by as much as 30 percent,” says Liam.
Energy efficiency and the environment
Like all other appliances, tumble dryers are rated for their energy efficiency and performance, with A, being the most economical and G being the least economical.
Liam says although A-rated tumble dryers might cost a little extra initially, the electricity that they will save compared to the one that is not as well rated will save you money over the long term. A-rated tumble dryers are also a more environmentally responsible choice.
He says you should also take into account the cradle to grave factors when making your decision.
“Miele for example, ensures that they are as green as possible, from the manufacturing process, to the life cycle of the appliance itself, as well as the end of the appliance’s life cycle. Their manufacturing plants are world renowned for operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
“Miele appliances offer best in market energy efficiency, and what’s more, they are designed, built and tested to last for a minimum of 20 years. Compared to the 7 year lifespan of the average appliance, Miele’s appliances boast a much smaller carbon footprint because they last for so long,” he says.
Print
