Comparison Beko DU 7111 GA1 vs Beko DCY 7402 GB5

The internal volume of the dryer drum.

A larger drum can accommodate more laundry, but there is no rigid dependence here: models with the same volume may differ in maximum load. It is because to process a large mass of laundry, one need not only a capacious drum but also an engine of appropriate power. At the same time, in a larger drum, the same mass of laundry will dry more efficiently than in a small one, because laundry will be more freely distributed over the drum, crumpled less, and warm air will better penetrate the folds of the fabric. As a result, for the same drum volume, a model with a smaller load will be more efficient and performant than a model with a larger load. On the other hand, a volumetric drum takes up more space and the dimensions of the dryer are largely determined by the dimensions of the drum.

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.

Lighting system for the internal volume of the device. It usually turns on automatically when the dryer door is opened - thus reducing the likelihood that some items (especially small and dark ones) will be forgotten in the drum.

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.

It is an indicator signalling the filling of the tank with condensate and the need to empty it. It is used exclusively in models with a condensing type of drying (see above). The specific device and functionality of the indicator may be different: in some models, it only warns of a critical liquid level. In others, it can display the exact amount of condensate collected. However, this feature greatly simplifies the monitoring of the operation of the dryer and reduces the risk of flood and other troubles that can lead to an overflow of the tank.

The noise level generated by the dryer during operation. Usually, the specs indicate the maximum volume of the device, in the noisiest mode — when other programmes are running, this figure may be lower. We note that the noise level also depends on the features of the installation: for example, if the machine does not stand firmly on all four legs, vibration from drum rotation can create additional noise. And the tiled walls amplify the sound by creating an echo. Nevertheless, it is best to evaluate the device precisely by the noise level stated in the specifications. And here it is worth bearing in mind that the decibel used to denote loudness is a non-linear value, and it is best to evaluate the actual loudness of the unit using comparative tables. Here is the simplest such table for the volume range in which modern dryers operate:

65 dB — a person's voice in raised tones at a distance of 1 m;
70 dB — a loud conversation of several people at the same distance;
75 dB — loud laughter at a distance of 1 m;
80 dB — motorcycle engine, medium power vacuum cleaner.


The quieter the machine is, the more comfortable it will be to use and the better it will be suitable for a specific environment (for example, if there is a small child in the house or if you plan to run drying at night). At the same time, it is worth considering not only the actual noise level but also the installation location of the device. If the dryer is planned to...be installed in the basement of a private house with thick ceilings and the bedroom is located on the second floor, you can not pay much attention to the noise level: even the loudest unit is unlikely to create inconvenience.

The type of display provided in the design of the dryer.

The screen located on the control panel provides additional convenience: it can display various information about the operation of the machine. In this case, the specific functionality of the screen depends on its type. So, in the vast majority of cases, the simplest LED displays are used. They can only display numbers and some special characters, but even this is usually sufficient. In some models, TFT display can be installed — similar to those used in smartphones. Such a display can display not only textual information but also various graphics, and sometimes it is even made touch-sensitive. However, it makes sense to use such screens only in high-end devices with an abundance of functions.

The shape and design of the door used in the dryer.

— Round. The round door is made of opaque material. In general, round openings and covers for them are simpler and cheaper to manufacture than rectangular ones, which is why they are much more common. With similar dimensions, they have a smaller area. However, the round loading hatch is made quite large and does not cause problems if it is necessary to place a large object such as a duvet cover or sheet in the dryer. Opaque doors are as simple and cheap as possible but not very convenient. They do not allow you to see the contents of the machine when the door is closed. And this is important for many users (see below for more details).

— Round with glass. A round-shaped door with an insert made of transparent material — usually plexiglass or other similar plastic (ordinary glass is less reliable and is not used in dryers). The general features of the round door are described above, and the transparent insert allows you to see the contents of the drum without opening the lid — including observing the drying process itself. Such an observation provides more general comfort and reassurance than any practical benefit; however, even these moments are important when using household appliances. In addition, there are quite practical situations in which transparent inserts can come in handy — for example, when you need to make sure that unnecessary things do not get into the drum and it would be inconvenient...to interrupt the programme and open the hatch. Such doors are somewhat more expensive than opaque ones, but the advantages described are often decisive. As a result, this option is the most popular in modern dryers.

— Rectangular. Rectangular opaque door. A door of this shape gives the user more space to load laundry than a round one; theoretically, this can be useful for numerous items, especially large ones. At the same time, this advantage is not decisive, rectangular doors are somewhat more expensive, and an opaque door is also not very convenient, at least from a psychological point of view (and often from a practical one). Because of this, this option is extremely rare.

— Rectangular with glass. Rectangular door with a transparent insert made of plexiglass or other similar material. Doors with glass are somewhat more user-friendly than opaque ones (see "Round with glass" above for more on this), so this option is more common than opaque rectangular doors. However, this form is still more expensive than the round one and is used much less frequently.

The direction in which the door of the dryer opens.

Most users are right-handed, so from this point of view, the best option is leftward opening — the free space for loading and unloading laundry is just under the right hand. However, specifically in dryers, the rightward opening is noticeably more common. It is because such units usually complement washing machines and are most often installed side by side. And in most washers, the door opens just to the left (again, based on convenience for right-handed people). Therefore, it is most convenient to place the dryer on the right and equip it with a hatch that opens to the right — this will allow you to overload the laundry from washer to dryer with minimal effort and time. And vice versa, if the door in the washing machine opens to the right, then it is better to choose a dryer with a leftward opening and install it on the left.

Sometimes both machines are installed as a column — a dryer on top of a washing machine. In such cases, the hatches of both machines should open in one direction — this is more convenient both from the point of view of ergonomics and purely psychologically. Moreover, if the "column” adjoins the wall sideways, then the opening should also occur towards the wall; otherwise, the laundry will have to be loaded and unloaded through the space between the open hatch and the wall, which can be very inconvenient....

Note that in some dryers both opening options are claimed. It usually means that the door has a reversible mount, and the direction of opening can be chosen at your discretion. However, this feature does not hurt to clarify before buying.