Tumble Dryer buying guide
Buying tumble driers
Tumble dryers are a convenient way to dry your clothes, particularly when washing can't be hung outside. They're quick and effective with the added bonus that they soften and fluff up your clothes and towels and remove creases caused by washing! There are a number of factors you might want to think about when choosing and running your tumble dryer including:
How tumble drying works
Tumble dryers have large drums so there's plenty of space for hot air to circulate through the damp clothes evenly and help prevent creasing.
Types of tumble dryer
There are two types of dryers: vented and condensers.
Vented remove hot, damp air from the washing through a hose to outside. This can be connected permanently to a vent or fed outside during use. Choose a machine with a vent that's going to be accessible. They can be at the front, back or side of the dryer. Vented machines are cheaper and use less energy, but they're not always suitable for certain locations.
Condensers do not need venting outside so offer more flexibility in terms of where they can go. The steam from the heated clothes is condensed into water and collected in a reservoir.
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Tumble dryer programmes
- HeatThe more expensive the machine, the more programmes it's likely to have. All will have at least two heat settings for cottons or synthetics and some may have an extra programme for delicates.
- Sensors/timersSome have heat sensors so they can detect when the load is dry. A handy feature if your dryer's in the garage or separate from the house. Others may have timers, which also provide the added convenience of choosing when and how long your dryer's running.
- Automatic dryingLike washing machines and dishwashers, some top of the range dryers have built in intelligence known as 'fuzzy logic' that can automatically determine the most efficient drying programme for the load using sensors and technology.
- Reverse tumbleMost machines will have a reverse tumble feature that rotates the drum both ways with a regular break to allow the clothes to separate. This way they dry more quickly and evenly.
- Crease reductionTumble drying is great for reducing creasing. Once a load's dry and is waiting to be emptied, some machines will continue to intermittently rotate to limit creasing.
Energy efficiency
All tumble dryers are graded A-G for their energy and drying performance with 'A' being the most economical. Manufacturers grade their appliances according to standard tests and these are monitored by Trading Standards.
You can reduce the cost of running your machine by doing a few simple things. Spin your clothes at the fastest spin in the washing machine to extract as much water as possible before drying. Load clothes made of the same materials altogether and don't put too much in the machine at once so that clothes dry quicker. Also consider spending a bit more on a more superior machine with 'fuzzy logic' for intelligent drying.
Care and maintenance
Remember to regularly empty the filter that collects stray hairs and fibres from your clothes. It's also important to check clothes labels to see which can be tumble dried and at what heat setting to avoid damage.