Tumble Dryers

Probably the first decision that you have to make is vented, condenser or washer/dryer? They all have their pros and cons and they all have a place in a modern home. Read the following for a guide on which one would be best suited for your home.

Vented Tumble Dryers

Vented tumble dryers take the damp air produced by the drying process and release it outwith your home by means of a hose. The hose can either exit an outside wall via a permanent vent or it can be hung out of an open window. Vented machines are cheaper than condenser models and normally use less energy.

Condenser Tumble Dryer

If you have a bigger budget (or don’t have access to a suitable wall or window) you can buy a condenser tumble dryer. This type of dryer blows warm air onto the washing, and the resultant steam turns into condensation which is collected in a reservoir which is emptied after drying, or sometimes pumped out via the washing machine plumbing if appropriate. You have to ensure that the room is well ventilated.

Washer/Dryers

These are suitable if you don’t have the physical space for two appliances. However, the drum size is often limited which means you may have to put on more loads of washing. Also, if either part of the machine breaks down, you may lose the use of both parts until repaired.

Programmes

As with most appliances, the larger the budget you have, the more programmes or settings you can have access to. Here are some of the programmes you can choose from:

• Heat Settings - Almost all tumble dryers will have two heat settings – one for synthetics and one for cottons. The more expensive models usually have a setting for your delicates.
• Timers/Sensors - Almost all dryers will have a timer to allow you to predict when the load of washing will be dry, and have the dryer switch off when the job is done. Other more expensive models will probably have an in-built sensor(s) which will sense when the load is dry, and then have the dryer switch off.
• "Fuzzy Logic" - This intelligence will only appear in some of the more expensive models. In-built sensors (and other technologies) automatically determine the most efficient programme for the washing load.
• Crease Reduction – Pretty self explanatory! The dryer will occasionally rotate (after the drying cycle has finished) to prevent excessive creasing.
• Reverse Tumble – Some machines rotate the drum both ways in order to help separate the load and allow clothes to dry more effectively.
• Iron Dry - This leaves clothes slightly damp for easy drying.
• Cupboard Dry – This leaves clothes extra dry so you can wear them immediately.
• Hanger Dry – This offers optimum dryness for hanging without creasing.
• Cool Air – This function can be used to freshen fabrics that have been stored away.

Energy Efficiency

Another important factor to consider is energy efficiency. Tumble dryers are given a rating between 'A+'' and 'G' for energy efficiency, with 'A+' being the most energy efficient. Look out for the Energy Saving Recommended mark on 'A'-rated dryers – this information is usually displayed on a sticker on the front of the machine. The more energy efficient models are usually more costly, but you will be ensuring that both your carbon footprint and your energy bills will be less than they might be with a less efficient model.