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How to choose a tumble dryer

It is not always possible to hang your washing out to dry, and if you are a busy household or you don’t have a garden, this can pose a serious problem. Tumble dryers are the obvious solution – they dry your laundry, leaving it feeling soft and fluffy, and they also seriously reduce the need for ironing. Just like washing machines, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when buying your tumble dryer– these include:

Capacity
As a rule of thumb, the size of your tumble dryer should be in line with the size of your washing machine. The laundry load will be removed from your washing machine, and placed directly into you tumble dryer. As such, the tumble dryer will need to accommodate the same load size as your washing machine.

Energy efficiency
Tumble dryers have traditionally been known to be electricity guzzlers, but modern tumble dryers have become considerably more energy efficient over the years. The most energy efficient types of tumble dryers on the market today are heat pump condenser dryers.

Traditional condenser dryers function through the process of heating the laundry and collecting the condensation. They are relatively energy efficient, but not as efficient as heat pump dryers as they use an element to produce heat. Compared to a comparable condenser dryer, heat pump dryers can save as much as 50% of energy consumed. This equates to 40% more energy saved than required by an A-rated model. Heat pump dryers also function by means of condensation but use technology more similar to a refrigerator but in reverse, they recover heat energy from processed air, as well as the residual heat from the drying process, which makes them incredibly efficient.

Both types of dryers boast a container where the water that is separated from the moist air is contained. This container can either be manually emptied after the drying cycle, or an integral pump can be installed to automatically pump it away.

Take a look inside
Like the washing machine, the drum is an essential part of the drying process. Tumble dryers tend to have larger drums compared to washing machines, because the larger the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air flow through the machine, which ultimately results in faster drying times. Allowing fabrics to tumble freely also means less creasing and ultimately, less ironing, which is always a bonus. The best quality machines should have stainless steel drums which boast a smooth finish so that fabrics don’t get caught or snagged.

Something extra
The less expensive tumble dryers boast very few programmes, usually around three or four. High-end dryers on the other hand offer the conclusion to a holistic laundry solution – finishing off what the washing machine started. As such, the better quality tumble dryers offer a range of programmes for the ultimate in laundry care. Higher-end models also boast silent operation

Durability and the environment
It is important to consider how long your washing machine or tumble dryer will last for, as the longer it lasts for, the more bang you will be getting for your buck, and the lower its ultimate carbon footprint will be – meaning it is a ‘greener’ choice. So choose a well respected brand – one that you can trust and that has earned a reputation for offering both supreme durability, as well as excellent quality and functionality.

Click here for tips on how to choose a washing machine.

This article is courtesy of Miele. For more information about their company and products, click here.

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