Capacity
Consider your family size and how much laundry you typically do on a weekly basis. If it’s simply you and your partner, choose an appropriately small appliance. However, if you have a large family that generates a tremendous amount of dirty clothes, it’s well worth investing in a bigger tumble dryer as you’re guaranteed to put it to good use. Opt for a massive nine kilogram appliance to cut down on time spent doing laundry - there are plenty of other tasks to attend to, after all!
Smart sensors
Sensor dryers can cut your energy use in half. They achieve this miraculous feat by sensing when moisture has been removed from clothes and automatically stopping instead of wasting electricity and needlessly finishing the cycle. Many appliances of this type allow you to choose your level of dryness, ranging from cupboard dry (dry enough to store or wear straight away) to iron dry, which leaves clothes slightly damp.
Features and style
Look for a dryer with large capacity automatic dispensers - some can hold up to a month’s worth of fabric softener, saving you time and hassle. In addition, consider which loading style best suits your needs. Front load dryers are the most popular style, for obvious reasons. They offer optimal drying efficiency, maximum capacity, best cycle variety, a range of features and are often the best value. Meanwhile, stacked washer dryers, combo washer dryer units and compact portable dryers are ideal if you’re short on space. However, with these options, you’ll sacrifice on cycles and features. To get the best range of settings, stick to a standard style, and if at all possible, look for these must-have features:
Steam setting - perfect for freshening clothing and getting rid of wrinkles.
Quiet operation - minimises noise, which is a huge advantage in open plan accommodation. Some dryers are virtually silent, no louder to operate than a refrigerator.
Stainless steel interior - a sharp-looking feature which prevents the drum of your machine from becoming rusty.
Multiple spin speeds - adjust this as needed according to sturdiness of fabrics.
Air fluff/low heat - protects materials that are sensitive to heat.
Energy rating
Contemporary dyers are far more energy-efficient than older models. Upgrade yours to get all the high-tech features today’s appliances have to offer, and save a bundle on electricity bills. Opt for one with a performance grading of B or A for the best, most economical operation.
© Axonn 2015