Clothes Dryer Buying Guide

When making your choice first establish the capacity you will need. Manufacturers usually offer between 3.5Kg to 7Kg loads. The method of venting is an important consideration. There are 2 methods of venting, some models are vented outside, whilst in others the air is condensed by the machine. Vented dryers are preferable if possible but condensers do provide an acceptable compromise where venting is not an option.

Vented Clothes Dryer

Vented clothes dryers are usually the preferred option. They are easy to use, and cheaper to purchase and run in comparison to the condenser dryer. On average, vented tumble dryers use about a fifth less energy than condenser dryers to dry a full load of cottons. If purchasing a vented clothes dryer, it would be ideal to place it next to a window or through an outside wall.

Vented dryers expel the hot moist air out through a venting pipe, preferably outside an open window or through an outside wall using a venting kit. However, the machine as it is, typically ejects air out the front into the laundry. This means that a venting kit must be purchased separately to the sale of the vented dryer. That will connect to the back of the machine and pump the air out through the vented hose. An example of a vented clothes dryer that requires separate purchase of a venting kit is the 4kg Simpson Dryer 39P400M.

Size Suiting

Most vented tumble dryers range from 3 to 9 Kg of wet weight capacity. Decide how often you will use your dryer. If it is too large then you may be wasting energy, but if it is too small you will need to run it too often. Commonly, households would purchase a tumble dryer with 5 to 6 Kg.

It is suggested by our staff to fill only half of the dryer so clothes have more room to move within the machine and undergoes a faster dry.

A vented clothes dryer suggested by our staff and rated highly amongst our customers is the 6kg Electrolux Dryer EDV605. It obtains a range of useful features like the crease free option, child lock and auto sensing.

Energy Rating

The Energy Rating label makes it easy to compare the energy efficiency of different household appliances. Less energy consumption means a greener environment and lower power bills.

If looking for a vented tumble dryer that is energy efficient switching from a dial to electronic machine creates less energy consumption. Most electronic dryers now include a sensor function. So put the clothes in the dryer, sit back, and let the machine tell you when they're dry! An example of a sensor dryer with high energy rating is the 7kg Bosch Dryer WTV74100AU.

Programs

The newer the machine the more advanced the washing programs. This can sometimes be no use to you as you could have two favourites that you will use majority of the time. Try to keep in mind that vented clothes dryer's features provide convenience and increase efficiency and performance.

With advanced technology, there are a range of dryer features to choose from. Some are:

Remember quality is key - not quantity. Check that the machine has what you need.

Dimensions

Size is a key consideration. You should always remember to measure your laundry before making a decision. It is usually the depth to consider when measuring for a dryer, as the width generally remains the same. Vented dryers are usually quite light and easy to mount on wall with brackets.

Running out of Laundry time?

Asko has created a unique product for quick and effective drying, consequently reducing the amount of time on laundry. The Asko Drying Cabinet DC7573 has united vented tumble drying and a clothes line into one. Just place your wet clothes on the hangers, close the door and press start. The Asko Drying Cabinet can hold the equivalent of 16 metres of clothes line. This advanced dryer uses less electricity than the conventional tumble dryer and reduces crease in your clothes.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: How do you connect the vented dryer for power?

A: All vented clothes dryers simply run by plugging the cord into the power point and flicking the switch.

Q: How noisy is a vented clothes dryer?

A: Some clothes dryers have a sound dampener built in to reduce the noise so if noise is an issue for you try to look out for that option. However, it depends where your dryer is located. People who live in apartments would prefer a dryer with a quiet operation.

Q: What are the differences between sensor or timer vented dryers?

A: Sensor tumble dryers have an electronic sensor that detects the quantity of moisture remaining in a drying load and regulates the drying time accordingly. For some this is more efficient in terms of energy than timer dryers. If you are a person who prefers to have the choice and control of drying time and likes their clothes coming out extra dry, then timer tumble dryers are better suited for you.