Number of drying programmes
The number of preset drying programmes. Such programmes are often optimized for a specific type of fabric: linen, silk, synthetics, etc. The more drying programmes, the more versatile and easier the dryer is to use. However, a specific set of modes in different models may be different, and even a large variety of programmes does not guarantee that one of them will be suitable. So before buying, it is advisable to specify not only the quantity but the list of claimed programmes.
Moisture sensor
Ability to choose the residual moisture content of the linen to be dried - from completely dry, which can be immediately put in the closet, to slightly dry, which is optimal for ironing. With
laundry moisture control, the user needs to select the desired residual moisture - the dryer will automatically control the condition of the laundry and stop drying at the right time.
Drying basket
The presence
of a drying basket allows you to carefully place woollen items, as well as shoes, which contributes to delicate drying and the laundry does not “fly” around the drum like in washing machines.
Self-cleaning heat exchanger
System
for automatic cleaning of the heat exchanger from fibres and all kinds of deposits that prevent easy air circulation. The self-cleaning function is performed during each drying cycle. It extends the life span of the heat exchanger and ensures consistently low energy consumption over the life span of the dryer.
Drain into sewer
This option allows you to automate the process of draining the condensate collection tank (respectively, it is relevant only for dryers with a condensation principle of operation). At the end of the drying process, the condensate accumulated in the tank is automatically drained into the sewer. To do this, a pump and a hose are provided in
a dryer with a drain into the sewer. The function of draining into the sewer allows you to significantly simplify the operation of the dryer, while in models without this option, the user must drain the condensate tank manually. Of course, manual emptying does not require much effort because the average condensate collection tank has a volume of about 5 litres, but still not very convenient.
Drying class
Drying class describes the overall drying efficiency that the machine provides. It is denoted by a Latin letter, where A is the best efficiency, and further in decreasing order (
drying class B is inferior to
class A, but exceeds
class C). Naturally, higher efficiency machines cost more (ceteris paribus).
Loading hatch diameter
The diameter of the loading hatch of the dryer. For models with a rectangular hatch (see “Door shape”), in this case, one of the dimensions is indicated — either width or height.
On the one hand, the larger the opening, the more convenient it is to load laundry into the machine, especially large items like bedding. On the other hand, a large hatch requires the appropriate space in front of the device — otherwise, it simply cannot be opened normally. With round openings, everything is quite simple: there should be a place in front of the drying machine corresponding to the diameter of the hatch, plus at least 3-5 centimetres in reserve. If the door is rectangular, this point is not so obvious — manufacturers can indicate the height of the opening, not the width. In such cases, it should be assumed that the door usually occupies almost the entire width of the front of the dryer. Accordingly, normal opening requires free space no less than the total width of the unit.
