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Tumble Dryers Buying Guide

With many different options available, choosing the right tumble dryer for your home can be difficult. From drum size and capacity to energy-efficiency ratings and smart drying technology, it can be hard to know where to start.

At Atlantic Electrics, we are here to help you choose the best appliance for your needs. In our handy tumble dryer guide, we will explain everything you need to know and help you step-by-step through the purchasing process to ensure you find what you are looking for.

By Gaurang ATL AminJul 19, 2024

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What is a tumble dryer?

A useful addition to any household, tumble dryers will remove moisture from your laundry, leaving your items soft and warm. All tumble dryers will use warm air and a spinning drum to dry your clothes after they have been washed. There are a number of different types to choose from, and each different type of dryer relies on a slightly different mechanism.

A few things to consider

The most important features to consider when buying a tumble dryer are size, fit, drum size and energy ratings. We will explore these features in detail in this guide to help you find the right model for your home.

Freestanding

Whether you have an under-counter kitchen space or a utility room, a freestanding washing machine is the right choice for you. Freestanding appliances are packed with more features than an integrated machine, and offer more flexibility in your home layout. All you need is somewhere with water supply and drainage, and you’re good to go.

Integrated

Integrated tumble dryers are neatly hidden behind a cabinet door. They will fit perfectly under your kitchen cabinet and are ideal for space-saving options. An integrated machine is a great choice if you prefer the modern, sleek look as you can use your door panel to match your kitchen design. Usually, an integrated appliance uses a condenser or heat pump mechanism.

Vented

Vented tumble dryers are the most common type for a freestanding model. This dryer works by drawing in air from the room and heating it, releasing the hot air around the drum to pass through your clothes and dry them as they spin. The damp air is then passed through a hose which requires the dryer to be positioned by a window, door or external wall. This enables the hose to go through a vent in an external wall, hung out of an open window or out the door.

These models are usually the cheapest type of dryer to buy. However, they are often the least energy efficient and therefore, are the most expensive to run. This is very important to consider when choosing a dryer.

Condenser

With a condenser dryer, you have the freedom to install your appliance wherever you like, as long as the area is well ventilated. This model doesn’t require a hose to remove damp air as this dryer will condense the steam generated from your laundry into water. The water then collects in a container next to the control panel, which can be removed and emptied after each cycle. And, there is no initial installation work required so you don’t need to make any holes in your outside wall.

Another advantage to a condenser tumble dryer is that they also cost less than a heat pump model. However, they are often more expensive than a vented dryer so this is something to consider when choosing the right dryer for you. For condenser models, running costs tend to fall in the middle of vented and heat pump, making them the intermediate choice.

Heatpump

Heat pump tumble dryers are extremely efficient, recycling hot air to dry your clothes. Similarly to condenser dryers, heat pump appliances collect water in a container so they do not require a hose. These dryers offer more flexibility as they can be placed anywhere in your home that has an electricity supply. The heat pump technology will dry your clothes with greater care, save energy and provide lower running costs.

However,
a typical drying cycle will take longer than a vented or condenser
dryer. It is also worth noting that heat pump dryers need to be placed
inside your home as they can not function properly when the temperature in the
room drops below 15 degrees Celsius. This means that they can't be used in a
garage or shed during winter months

5 Kg

ideal for one or two people, or those with lighter loads upto 25 t-shirts or sheets and towels

6 Kg

Perfect for couple up to 30 t-shirts or single duvet

7 Kg

Great for small family, items upto 35 t-shirts or a double duvet.

8 Kg

Great for Medium family can fit around 40 T-Shirts or light king duvet

9 Kg

Great for Large family can fit around 45 T-Shirts or medium king duvet

10 Kg

Great for Large family can fit around 50 T-Shirts or King duvet

11 Kg

Great for Large family can fit around 55 T-Shirts or heavy king duvet

12 Kg

Great for Very Large family can fit around 60 T-Shirts or heavy king duvet

Simply choose the model with the drum size that suits your lifestyle and typical laundry load best. Remember to consider heavier items such as towels and duvets, and to not overload your machine as it could damage the appliance.

Energy ratings

You can find out how energy efficient a particular model is by checking the appliance’s energy rating. All labels are graded from A+++ - D to help you understand how efficient an appliance is. Typically, dryers with an A+ ratings or above will be your heat pump appliances with its intelligent, energy-saving technology. Choosing an appliance with a good energy rating will save you money on your energy bills and provide exceptional results whilst taking the environment into consideration.

Key features to consider

As technology has developed over time, tumble dryers have benefitted from a range of additional features to make drying your laundry easier for you. We have created a list of key features to consider to help you make the right purchase.

Smart tumble dryers

Many tumble dryers offer smart technology so you can easily control your appliance. Smart tumble dryers can be controlled from the manufacturer’s app on your smartphone or tablet using your Wi-Fi connection. This enables you to start, stop and activate a delayed start cycle from your device, as well as receive alerts to let you know when your cycle is finished.

Delay Start

The Delay Start feature enables you to set your tumble dryer to begin a cycle at a particular time. This feature is extremely helpful if you would like to coordinate the tumble dryer cycle to suit your lifestyle.

Drum light

Some tumble dryers offer a special drum light option which will help fully illuminate the inside of the drum. Now, you can avoid losing small items that become stuck inside the drum. Usually, the light will automatically turn off to save energy

Sensor Drying

Many tumble dryers feature Sensor Drying technology which uses built-in sensors in the drum to detect moisture levels whilst your clothes are drying. Once your clothes are completely dry, the tumble dryer will stop automatically to save you time and money on your energy bills.

Heat Pump Technology

All heat pump dryers are fitted with energy-saving technology. This exceptional technology will enable the appliance to retain and reuse heated air to continue drying your clothes, rather than releasing hot air like a conventional dryer would. Heat pump dryers are the most environmentally friendly option and enable you to save money on your energy bills.

Specialised Drying Programmes

Some tumble dryers will offer specialised programmes for certain clothing types. One of the programmes may include the Sportswear programme which will dry microfibre clothing at a lower temperature without damaging the materials. Tumble dryers that feature a Wool programme will use low temperatures and spin speeds to help wool-based clothes retain their shape.

Stacking Kits

Stacking kits enable you to fit your tumble dryer to sit on top of your washing machine, offering you more space in your home. A stacking kit consists of a frame and fixing elements (such as screws) to create a small gap between the appliances. The frame will balance out the weight of the models and absorb vibrations to ensure both appliances run smoothly.

These handy accessories are becoming a growing trend for laundry, particularly in London. That’s why we stock a wide selection of models so we can help you find the right match for your appliances.
1. Firstly, you must make sure that your washing machine and tumble dryer are both stackable models. It is extremely important to check this before you make that purchase as your models will need to be compatible with each other and the stacking kit.
2. You need to consider the height of your washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit to ensure you have enough space in your home to accommodate for your appliances.
3. It is important to note that both appliances should line up from top to bottom when they are stacked for safety and performance

Maintenance

It is important to take care of your appliance to protect your tumble dryer’s performance. Tumble dryers naturally collect large amounts of lint when drying your clothes. But a clogged filter means your appliance will need to use more energy to dry your laundry. By cleaning your dryer regularly, you will save on your energy bills and keep the appliance running smoothly.

Tumble Dryers are now designed with efficiency and longevity in mind, requiring only a few simple steps to keep them in their best condition.

Areas to focus on-

There are two main areas of your tumble dryer we advise that you clean regularly.

Lint filter- after each use.
Drum- once a month.

How to clean the lint filter-

Make sure the tumble dryer has cooled down.
Open the door and remove the lint filter from the front by lifting it up. The filter is a fine mesh and will open like a book.
Next, wipe the dust and lint away by hand or with a soft cloth.
Close the filter and place it back in it’s slot.

How to clean the drum-

By cleaning the appliance’s drum, you can remove unpleasant odours from your dryer.

Spray or dip a cloth into a non-abrasive cleaning product or solution. Please refer to your Manufacturer’s guide to ensure you use the correct cleaning product for your model.
Simply wipe the entire drum and the inside of the door.
Leave the door open to enable the drum to dry.

Recommended cleaning time for each model-

Condenser dryer- once a month.
Heat pump- every few cycles for the evaporator filter.
Vented- every three months.

Useful tips to consider

Picking your colour-

Whether you have chosen a freestanding or integrated model, you will want to make sure your new tumble dryer suits your style. Tumble dryers come in a variety of colours and designs so you can choose the appliance that matches and completes your home.

Tumble dryer brands-

There is a wide variety of trusted brands to choose from when selecting a tumble dryer. You can pick your favourite or find the brand that offers the specific features, size, functionality and colour you are looking for. Take some time to research and discover the brand that is right for you.

All modern washing machines in the UK are cold fill. This means they heat the water inside the machine rather than using hot water from your boiler.

Manufacturers prefer cold fill machines as are they are cheaper to make, which then reduces the price.

The main advantage of cold fill machines is their efficiency. Instead of using large amounts of pre-heated water from a boiler, these machines only use the exact amount of water needed for a wash and heat it within the drum.

This type of washing machine is easy to install and cheap to maintain.

FAQs

We have created a list of some common questions we often getasked when buying a tumble dryer.

How does a tumble dryer work?

Heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air created inside the drum to dry laundry. These models essentially use air conditioning technology in reverse, creating hot air instead of cool. Condenser dryers remove and store the moisture from your items in a tank which can be emptied after each cycle. Vented tumble dryers will remove moisture from your laundry and feed it outside of your home through a vent.

How often do you need to empty a condenser dryer?

We recommend emptying your condenser dryer tank after every 2-3 uses, but the machine will generally audibly alert or notify you to do this.

How do I measure for an integrated tumble dryer?

Integrated tumble dryers are available in a standard height and width to fit into a typical-size integrated cabinet. You must make sure you measure the depth of your cabinet space and match this with your chosen model as you will need at least four inches (10.16cm) for ventilation or a hose at the back of the appliance.

What is tumble dryer lint?

Lint is a mixture of the tiny pieces of fabric that shed from the edges of your clothes while they are in the dryer.

What tumble dryer can I have in my garage?

Generally, manufacturers don’t recommend putting dryers in any garage. This is because the room temperature can fall below 10 degrees which can cause damage to your appliance. However, vented dryers tend to work in the colder conditions, but will cost more per cycle.
We are happy to help you with anything you need. So, if there are any more questions, simply get in touch with our team.
The quality and reputation of the brand, place of manufacture and attractiveness of the design will all affect the price. At Atlantic Electrics, we will help you to choose a reliable model that provides you with the best results for your laundry needs. If you would like to take a look at some models in person, we have a vast selection on display in our showroom.