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A few years ago, a dryer was considered a luxury among Russian users. But with the development of the home appliance market, more and more people are thinking about buying it. If you are wondering how to choose a dryer, our review will be helpful. You will learn about types, features, leading brands and options to make the right choice.
What are the types
Even in the last century, it was not necessary to think about the choice of a clothes dryer: the assortment was so poor that the user had practically no doubts about which dryer to choose. Now everything has become different – the devices have become more complex, they have improved control, added electronics, expanded functionality, etc. The choice has become a difficult task, and without knowing the main criteria, it will be difficult to cope with it.
On the diagram you will see the types of dryers.
Essentially, there are two fully functional types: drum machines и drying cabinets. The third type is the usual washing machine, supplemented by the possibility of drying. You can choose a washer-dryer for your home in a separate review.
Drum dryers are the most popular in the domestic market. There are two main varieties: condensation и ventilation. The latter assumes the presence of a fan – it contributes to the removal of fumes from the case into a specially provided channel.
As for the condensation type, the collected moisture accumulates in a specially designated container, after which it is drained into the sink or goes into the sewer system. The convenience of such devices is obvious, which ensures their enviable popularity among buyers.
В linen closet clothes are hung on hangers, as usual. When you turn on the dryer, the moisture from the hanging clothes evaporates, things dry. Such cabinets differ in the number of chambers and the dimensions of the case.
Important! Cabinets are convenient multi-functional – they can be used for storing things and drying clothes.
Criterias of choice
Many brands produce such equipment, often manufacturers of washing machines, so that the buyer has the opportunity to choose both a washer and a dryer of the same brand. The pricing policy of each company is significantly different.
It is worth choosing not only by price and brand, but also by key characteristics. Take a look at the options listed below.
Drum
The first and main function is drying things, so the selection should begin with an inspection of the drum. You should be primarily interested in such characteristics as reliability and spaciousness. Small-sized machines are designed for a maximum of 3 kg of things, in standard ones – for 5 kg, while the volume of the drum will be 100 liters.
There are also more spacious cars, but keep in mind that this will affect the cost.
In addition to volume, the direction of rotation is important. There are models in which the drum rotates only in one direction, and there are options with reverse movement.
On a note! Rotation of the drum in both directions is more successful – things do not get into a lump and do not cause imbalance, they dry well and do not wrinkle.
Also, in a good drum, there should be blade-ribs so that the laundry is shaken well.
The type of coating also affects the quality of drying. Stainless steel or Dura-Finish options are preferred as they are the most resistant and durable. Their smooth surface will not harm delicate fabrics – silk or satin dresses and shirts are protected from puffs.
Filtration
Each unit has a filter that collects fibers, lint, dust, wool, threads and hair that have fallen from clothes and linen. Since the filter requires frequent cleaning, it is good if it is in an easy and quick access area.
Energy efficiency
The energy class is determined by the amount of electricity consumed during the operation of the device. The most economical vehicle classes are A, A+ and A++. The most energy-intensive options are marked with the letter G.
Functional
In addition to drying, in this technique are not excluded additional options. For example, a ventilation mode to refresh dry linen that has been stale in the closet over the winter.
An equally useful feature is “Easy Ironing” (also called “No Iron”). After drying, the linen is blown with streams of cool air and rotates intensively in the drum along the figure-eight trajectory – this reduces the number of folds.
Fact! If you see in the brochure the promise that the dryer is equipped with an ironing function, we are talking about reducing the number of wrinkles, and not about completely ironing things.
Most modern models allow you to use programs according to the type of fabric and even the type of clothing. These can be modes “Cotton”, “Silk”, “Wool”, “Jeans”, “Shirts”. In the Premium class, there are twin and triple modes, on which you can dry things from different fabrics together: for example, jackets with T-shirts or jeans with T-shirts.
If you are “lost” in all of the above nuances, think about how often and what things you will download. If you plan to dry only light items, compact or small-sized models with standard functionality will suit you. But if you plan to dry textiles, jackets and other bulky clothes, choose roomy options from 100 liters with additional options.
About brands
Before you understand which company to buy equipment, decide on the offers of different manufacturers, which may differ in price and build quality:
- Household electrical appliances are produced not by the most famous companies in the Russian Federation. They provide the simplest programs, and user reviews are not always positive. We are talking about such companies as Brandt, Midea, Mirta. These are the most inexpensive options from 20 rubles.
- Optimal or middle segment represented by firms more recognizable to us – “Kandy», «Beko», «Burning”, “Indesit”, “Zanussi”, Hotpoint-Ariston, Whirpool, etc. Such machines can become faithful assistants for more than a dozen years. The notorious “price-quality” identity is 100% observed, so the cost is within 30 rubles.
- More expensive models produced by famous brands with a rich history: Electrolux, AEG, Siemens, Bosch. The engineers of these firms focus on the quality of the material and assembly, which is reflected in the cost, which averages 42 rubles.
- Finally, premium equipment. The most expensive machines that become the choice of wealthy buyers. They are equipped with ionization, multi-level filtration, powerful functionality. Such machines serve for many years, are made in an exclusive design style and are not cheap – from 60 rubles. Products are represented by such companies as Smeg, Schulthess, Asko.
All companies issue a warranty card for their equipment for a period of 1 year. If this point is important to you, choose models with an inverter motor, for which some companies give a guarantee of 10 years.
Do you need a dryer in your home?
So we come to an important question – do you need automatic drying at all? If you are tired of carrying basins, hanging clothes on the balcony and in the bathroom on ropes, definitely take the dryer. With it, your neighbor from above will not shake off ash or dust on your linen, the “eternal” smell of powder and rinse aid will disappear in the apartment, and with it the excessive humidity of the rooms.
Experts also emphasize the following advantages of household electric drum dryers:
- Even the smallest and narrowest will ensure effective drying.
- High process speed.
- Steam treatment for easier ironing.
- The abundance of programs and modes.
- Autonomy of the process without the need to connect to other communications, except for electricity.
Like any electrical appliances, they also have a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that not every item can be placed in the drum: we are talking about fabrics that require care, shoes. It is this fact that stops some housewives before buying.
Cabinets also have their advantages:
- You can dry everything you want in them, even shoes.
- The drying process is as gentle as possible, without wrinkling the fabric.
- Holds large loads of clothes.
- The stylish body does not spoil the design solutions of the rooms.
Speaking about the disadvantages of cabinets, users noted the dimensions that do not allow them to be installed in a small apartment, and the cost is from 40 rubles and more.
Fact! Be that as it may, dryers and cabinets have more advantages than disadvantages.
Model rating
To decide which dryer is best, it is worth considering the characteristics of models from different manufacturers. We have compiled TOP-3, based on the demand and opinion of users:
- Asko DC 7583S. Dryer made in Sweden. The dimensions of its body are 184x60x64 cm. There is a compartment for drying shoes. Modest dimensions do not interfere with the impressive capacity of the device. The manufacturer claims that the closet will fit as many clothes as can be hung on a rope 16 meters long. During the drying process, the laundry is in a straightened form, so creases do not form on it. The price is 96 rubles.
- Siemens WT46S. A separate drying machine – drum, condensing type, is made in Poland (the brand itself is German). Holds up to 8 kg. A large selection of programs and modes: “Super-fast”, “Wool”, “Under the iron”, “With steam” and others. Electronic control is complemented by a convenient display for control. The equipment will cost you 40 rubles.
- Gorenje D 844 BH. Made in Slovenia. The drum is designed for 8 kg. Control panel without display. There is a program with steam, electronic control of drying, touch control of the degree of humidity and other options. When the container for condensate is filled, a special indicator is activated. Additional convenience is created by the delayed start function. On average, such a vertical machine costs from 32 rubles.
Important! If you are interested in an embedded model, it will also be easy to find. A built-in dryer will save even more usable space in the bathroom or elsewhere.
User Reviews
Angelina, Moscow
For a print wedding, my husband’s parents gave us this charm. At first, I was not particularly happy, because I had no idea why it was needed – all the clothes were dried on the balcony. Having tasted the comfort that came into my life with the advent of this device, I went to my father-in-law with flowers and a cake to thank for the gift. No more ropes with clothes, basins and home torments.
Svetlana, Syktyvkar
My husband and I took the choice of a dryer seriously – I dreamed about it all my life, but with the birth of my son, this purchase became a necessity. It was decided to raise the baby without diapers, so the issue of washing and drying was acute. When choosing, we focused on everything: volume, power, functionality, dimensions. And they didn’t fail. Our choice was the WT46B211OE. If you choose the right one, buy an excellent assistant for many years.
All you have to do is weigh the pros and cons, decide on the type of equipment, functionality and manufacturer. In any case, with the right approach to the purchase, you will not regret your purchase. Share your reviews about drying cabinets and machines in the comments to the review.