Best Dryer
Though you can hang wet clothes to
dry indoors or even outdoors on a sunny day, most consider a clothes dryer to
be an essential home appliance even if it only gets partial use during the
year. Whether you are replacing an existing dryer or setting up a home for the
first time, a dryer is one of the most affordable home appliances to buy and it
requires much less maintenance than some other large appliances. But
before you go shopping, be informed of what's available in terms of dryer
types, features and prices, as well as what to expect when it comes to caring
for one.
1. Types of
Dryers
Though electric dryers are the most
common, your first decision when buying a dryer is to decide on fuel type if
you happen to have natural or propane gas readily available to your home.
There will be a smaller selection of styles and features available for gas
dryers and expect prices to be higher, but depending on the cost of electricity
in your area, this type of dryer might save you in operating costs so it's
worth given it some consideration. Please note that not all features
listed may be available on gas dryers and installation will vary with the fuel
type.
Dryers are front-loading in
operation, but there are two basic styles - traditional dryers and those that
have a more stylish design typical of front-load high-efficiency laundry
teams. Either style can be efficient and there are similar features in
terms of fabric care, but their looks are quite different. Most traditional
dryers have a solid panel door, while high-end stylish models have a viewing
window and may have more advanced electronic features and sensors. If you
already have a front load washer, you may want to pair it with the companion
dryer if available, or one with a similar style. On the other hand, if
you prefer the traditional type of laundry appliances, you'll be looking for
that style of dryer.
As for dryer types there are
basically four kinds - standard freestanding models; dryers that are included
as part of a stacked laundry unit; smaller portable models with simpler
installation; and dryers that are part of an all-in-one washer dryer combo
appliance. Your available laundry room space may dictate your choices
when it comes to buying standard sizing or compact laundry appliances, and you
should confirm that you have appropriate space to accommodate the dryer you
chose. We'll look at each of these types of dryers and their pros and
cons.
Standard Dryers
- Traditional or Front Load Styling
·
Pros: Best for family loads in terms of drying
efficiency and capacities; more drying cycle variety, features and prices; best
value; some models have stacking options
·
Cons: Higher priced; requires professional hook-up
(220V or other fuel type)
Stacked Washer
Dryer Unit
·
Pros: Space saving style - dryer is on top of
the washer in one tall unit
·
Cons: Units cannot be separated when one needs repair
or replacement; tall units need height clearances; limited brands, capacities,
features
Combo Washer
Dryer Unit
·
Pros: One appliance for both functions saves
space; ease of installation; best for RV's, condos
·
Cons: Small capacity; limited cycles and
features; pricey
Compact Portable
Dryer
·
Pros: Usually designed to place on a counter or
table; no installation - standard plug; best for small residences or cottages
where installation is not available
·
Cons: Small capacity; limited fabric care features;
limited cycles; bulky to store
2. Important
Dryer Features
A dryer's best feature is certainly
capacity and that should be one of your first considerations when buying a
dryer. Since you'd expect to have a dryer operate for several years, you
should buy a sufficient capacity to meet your current needs as well as those in
the not so distant future. On the other hand, there are small households
that love to have the room to dry large and bulky comforters or blankets and
this may something to think about. You can also reap some energy savings drying
more small loads together, if there is sufficient capacity. Dryer
capacities vary but the most common sizes range in the 3 to 7 cu. ft. of drying
space, with combo and portable units having much less.
Important dryer fabric care features
include those that allow you to chose various temperature settings, timed
cycles so you can shorten or lengthen the drying time, slow or fast spin and
permanent press or press care settings that provide a cool-down period at the
end of the cycle to reduce wrinkles and ironing time. Any combination of
these features so you can chose the appropriate drying time, spin speed and
heat to dry your wash load, are the very minimum that you need in a
dryer. I also consider a interior light to be an essential dryer feature,
though some might consider it merely a convenience.
3. Dryer Bells
and Whistles
It's nice to have such a wide
variety of fabric care and other drying features but some might find it
overwhelming and confusing. These are some of the best dryer features
available, but keep in mind that some of these will influence dryer pricing.
·
Stainless steel dryer interior - rust-resistant,
stylish
·
More or less dry sensors - continues the drying
process as needed
·
Drying sensors - adjusts drying time to dampness
·
Temperature sensors - adjust to the type and/or size
of load
·
More than two spin speed choices - to reduce wrinkles
and be gentle on clothing
·
Wrinkle free setting - keeps turning on the dryer
periodically to reduce wrinkles
·
Steam feature - handy to freshen clothing, remove
wrinkles
·
Air fluff/dry - gentler on certain fabrics that should
have no heat
·
Lint filter position - some prefer it on top, while
others like it in the door
·
Quiet operation - depends where you place it
·
Dryer rack - handy for drying sneakers
·
Pedestal storage - available with some models
·
Stackable option - so you can save space in the
laundry room
·
Audible cycle ending signal
·
Reversible door - available on some traditional models
4. Energy
Efficiency - A Must to Save Money
Although dryers are more energy
efficient today than they were decades ago, this laundry appliance still uses
the most electricity to operate and though some have better Energy Guide
ratings, there are no Energy Star models. Dryers are not included in
national energy efficiency programs.
When buying a dryer, consumers
should review and compare Energy Guide labels to find a model that will be more
efficient for their needs. That being said, there are simple ways that
you can save energy using a dryer, such as monitoring dryness and using just
enough drying time as needed for your wash loads. That's where a dryer
sensor feature can help, so there's less wasted energy drying a load that is
already dry. Some consumers will also dry more than one small similar
load together to reap further energy savings. Other factors that help you
save energy when it comes to dryer use:
·
Ensure that the washer is spinning out the most water
possible
·
Hang good clothing or large sheets, blankets on a nice
day
·
Avoid drying one or two pieces of clothing - plan your
loads
·
Upgrade old dryers; a 10-year old dryer will not be as
efficient as a newer model
·
Clear the lint filter after each load
·
Clear the exterior lint vent regularly
5. What Not to
Buy
Avoid buying a capacity that does
not meet your needs and chose a dryer style that's appropriate for your budget
and laundry area. Colored appliances are very striking and may look
great in the showroom but once in the home, may not look as delightful.
Colors can also date appliances. If you're the type that tires quickly of
color schemes, buying a brightly-colored appliance may not be wise; choose
instead a neutral finish or color. It's often difficult to replace an
appliance with the same color to match your laundry team, should one break
down.
Choose an installation option
carefully; it may dictate the size of dryer you can have and will also impact
the convenience of loading and unloading your dryer load. If you're short
in stature, a stackable model may be more difficult to reach. For this
reason you may also want to carefully decide whether or not to buy optional storage
pedestals.
Dryers vary considerably when it
comes to prices, but generally you can find a traditional dryer under or around
$500, while higher-end stylish models can be twice that much. Compact
models or combo units though they may be your only choice when space or
installation is not an option, don't give the best value and prices tend to be
high. You can often reap some savings by buying both a washer and a dryer,
rather than buying them separately. This may be something to consider if
your washer is due for replacement.
When comparing prices of dryers,
keep in mind that certain set-up costs for delivery or hook-up may be required
to get your new dryer ready to use. And depending on your purchase cost, you
may also want to consider buying an extended service contract for your new
dryer. If you're replacing a dryer, you may need to look at appliance
disposal or donation options, or negotiate removal with the purchase of your
new dryer.
While you're shopping for a dryer,
this may be a good time to consider buying a companion washer. Consumers
can often find good price deals for a matched laundry appliance pair.
7. Dryer
Reviews
Along with comparing dryer prices,
you should read dryer reviews to be better informed. Some consumers will
include important care and use tips in their appliance reviews, along with
information on durability, reliability and dryer performance. This information
is valuable to those shopping for a dryer.
To help others make their buying
decisions, consider writing a review on your current or past dryer.
8. Dryer Care,
Use and FAQ's
A dryer requires a small amount of
care and maintenance to keep it working efficiently and this care also reduces
fire risk and helps to keep your home safe. You'll also reap some energy
savings by maintaining your dryer's efficiency. Learn how to care for
your new dryer and what handy accessories are available.
9. Dryer
Accessories and Other Laundry Appliances
Improper sorting of clothing can
often lead to pilling and other unfavorable fabric concerns which can often be
remedied with a clothing shaver or lint remover. You can also protect
very small items or keep extra long cloth belts from being tangled during
drying and making your clothing look wrinkled, by placing these items in laundry
mesh bags. A sorting hamper can help reduce the risk of combining fabrics or
colors that are best laundered separately and it can also save time in the
laundry room.
When washers are old, they tend to
slow down with the spin and not fully extract the water from the washload,
making it a much wetter load that takes a lot longer to dry. Upgrading
your washer may lead to better energy savings because efficiency will be
improved. Dealers often offer discounts when laundry appliances are
purchased in pairs. For this reason, you may want to consider upgrading
your washer when purchasing a dryer.
11. General
Appliance Tips
What to do if your appliance has
been recalled or you've upgrade to a new model. And there are reasons why
it's a good idea to inform manufacturers of problems or areas where appliances
could be improved. Remember to review your product manual and keep it
handy - it has lots of use information, as well as key tips on how to properly
care for your new appliance.
No comments:
Post a Comment