Clothes dryers can significantly speed up the laundry process, meaning you don’t have to rely on good weather or plenty of hanging space. Buying a dryer may be harder than you think, with lots of different brands and models on the market to choose from.This guide should show you how to buy a dryer so that is perfect for your specific needs.
Capacity and Size
The capacity of dryers is usually measured in kilograms and should give you a good idea of how much clothing you can fit inside the drum.
As a rough guide, an 8kg dryer will fit around 40 shirts per load, although the fewer items you put in the less creased they will be at the end.
Energy Efficiency
Dryers have a fairly high energy consumption compared with other laundry appliances, so you will need to be aware of this before buying one.
Each unit will have an Energy Star Rating, with more stars meaning the dryer is better for the environment (and your power bills!).
You may also want to look for models that have a timer delay that runs the machine when electricity prices are lower, such as in the evenings.
Physical Size
It seems obvious, but you’ll need to make sure the dryer you get will fit in your laundry.
Measure the dimensions of your existing dryer or the space where you want to put a new one, keeping in mind that you should leave one inch of space on each side for air circulation.
Depth-wise, add six inches for door clearance, hook-ups and dryer vents. Many dryers can also be stacked on top of existing appliances (typically your washing machine) to save space.
How long does it take to dry?
The amount of time a load takes to dry will depend on many variables, including the size of the drum.
Larger drums move hot air around more efficiently, which will result in faster drying cycles.
You can also speed up the process by putting fewer items of clothing in with each load.
Auto-sensing features
Some models of dryer come with moisture sensors that shut down the appliance once clothes are dry enough.
Not only is this an energy saving feature, it means your clothes spend less time in the dryer, which prevents wear and tear.
Lint Filter
While most dryers come with a lint filter, where it is located on the machine could be important.
Dryers strip away lint while in operation, which is stored in a filter at either the front or back of the appliance.
Front-mounted filters are easier to access, especially if you intend to place your dryer on a shelf or mounted to a wall.
Knobs or a digital display
Depending on the model you choose, dryers will either have mechanical knobs or a digital display.
Electronic dryer interfaces often have more features and cycle types, providing greater flexibility – although they tend to be more expensive.
Whichever type you choose, it is important that you feel comfortable with all the settings and programs.
Dryer programs
Dryer programs will vary between brands, but here are some of the more common cycles available:
- Eco-cycle for lower energy use
- Delicates – ultra-low temperature
- Steam cycle for removing wrinkles and odours
- Sanitation cycle for eliminating bacteria
- Extended tumble for fewer creases
For all your appliance parts and service, please “contact us” and Burleigh Appliances we will guarantee you professional service and quality every time.
