Tumble Dryers
In a temperate climate such as ours, an outdoor washing line isn’t always an option, so tumble dryers can be very convenient if you have space to accommodate one.
Size & Format
The major aesthetic issue with UK tumble dryers is their dark porthole which can spoil the lines of any kitchen. Obviously, this can be overcome by using an integrated machine, which will cost significantly more than its freestanding equivalent but does completely hide the entire of the machine’s fascia with a panel to match the rest of the kitchen cabinets. Alternatively, various manufacturers have produced machines that have a plain flat door that covers the porthole.
Electrical connections
In their most basic form, tumble dryers require an electrical connection to operate. With this in mind, ensure that you can site your tumble dryer within easy reach of a socket or electrical supply.
- Tumble dryers can be plugged into a standard socket, with a 13amp fuse in the plug, or alternatively can be ‘hard wired’ into a 13amp switched fuse connection.
- If you have chosen a vented tumble dryer, the hose may be permanently fixed to a vent on an external wall, or it can simply be hung out of a window when in operation.
- If you have opted for a gas-powered tumble dryer, it will need to be connected to the main gas supply, instead of an electricity supply, by a Gas Safety Register engineer.
Performance
Tumble dryers are well known for using a great deal of energy, but while none of them could technically be termed ‘environmentally friendly’ in comparison to a washing line, the Energy Saving Trust does grade them on their energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, where A is the best.
White Knight tumble dryers work in exactly the same way as normal electric machines but are powered by gas, making them more than 75% cheaper to run. Although the standard model does take longer to dry clothes than an electric dryer, their high speed model is in fact quicker.
- Gas tumble dryers require a gas fitting to be installed in the appropriate location, which should only be done by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
Key Features
- Load Capacity – Tumble dryers use much larger drums than washing machines. This does not mean they can accommodate a larger load, but the extra space is instead used to flow hot air through the laundry efficiently. A drum that is stuffed full of clothes will not make as good a job of drying them as a drum that is loaded less tightly, and the clothes will also come out significantly more creased, so consider the load capacity of a washing machine to ensure it can handle your laundry efficiently. Load capacity is measured in kilograms (kg) of dry laundry and a normal front loading machine will accommodate somewhere between 3kg (6lbs) and 6kg (13lbs) of washing.
- Drying Method - Other than how full the drum is, a tumble dryer's drying method will determine how creased the laundry will become. Unidirectional machines are usually cheapest, but turn the drum in one direction only, causing the clothes to become creased and tangled. This is largely avoided in reverse action machines which turn in both directions.
- Controls - Tumble dryers usually have at least two temperature settings; one for cottons and a cooler one for synthetic fabrics. There is usually a timer switch to control the duration of the cycle, although more advanced tumble dryers use sensors to automatically stop when the laundry has reached your desired level of dryness to save time, money and energy. Further energy can also be saved if the machine has a start delay timer, allowing you to use electricity at its cheapest over night.
Further information and useful links
- Attributes common to all kitchen appliances
- Washing machines
- Washer dryers
- More kitchen appliances topics
- Find a Kitchen Appliances supplier near you
- Find an Electrician near you
- Find a Plumber near you
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