It is hard to imagine how people did without such familiar things as a washing machine. This is a real helper in the house. The washing process is almost invisible and does not require any intervention. Modern models provide various programs thanks to which you can wash delicate items, shoes and the like.
The only task for us is to remove things from the drum and dry. Although this issue is already being solved with the help of an additional function - drying. Washing machines are equipped with this function to make life easier. This option is very relevant when there is nowhere to dry things. For example, the apartment does not have a balcony, then things will have to be dried in the room. Excess moisture and the smell of detergents, not the best atmosphere in the house.
Even when you have a balcony or your own courtyard, this at least partially solves the problem with drying, however, what if it rains or snows? In addition, none of the options can provide the most rapid drying of things, and drying can. Now consider how to choose a washing machine with a drying function.
What is different from the usual
I would like to note right away that there are separate dryers that actually perform only this function. However, this is not very convenient:
- you have to intervene in the washing mode and transfer things;
- separate drying takes up extra space.
A washing machine with a built-in drying function is a very convenient option for household appliances, which provides an almost complete cycle of laundry care, unlike a conventional automatic machine. In particular, it provides for:
- washing;
- rinsing;
- spin;
- drying.
Probably, there are no people who would not adequately appreciate such a device. Experts in the study of the usefulness of this unit noted that if it is in the house, saving time on caring for things is reduced to at least 15 hours per month. So, in addition to convenience, we also get time savings.
See also - Overview of washing machines with two drums
Device and principle of operation
Since the washing machine is equipped with an additional function, of course, its structure has become somewhat more complicated. To ensure the drying function, the device is additionally equipped with the following elements:
- Ten, - an electrical device that is designed to warm the air.
- Fan and duct. The fan provides hot air through the duct to the drum with things.
- Special blades in the middle of the drum. During drying, the drum rotates, and the blades inside it are designed to prevent the laundry from getting stuck and, as a result, the formation of deep folds.
- Humidity sensors. They signal the moisture level and then determine the degree of dryness.
- Tank (reservoir) - the place where condensate collects and liquid forms.
There are models that do not provide for a reservoir, and the liquid immediately enters the sewer compartment. This simplifies the maintenance of the device, does not require additional cleaning and drying.
Principle of operation
Drying starts automatically or manually after completion of all consecutive cycles. After completion of the last wash cycle - spinning, the process of drying the laundry starts. The drum starts to rotate slowly, and hot air, thanks to the fan, enters the drum and circulates. Excess moisture is collected in the tank or directly drains into the sewer. Thus, the laundry drying process takes place, which is monitored by installed sensors, which measure the moisture level during the drying process.
It should be understood that the drying function has a number of features. The manufacturer tries to satisfy the needs of the consumer as best as possible, therefore even this program has several varieties (modes).
Drying the laundry provides various programs for this process:
Standard:
- Quick drying (intensive) - this type of drying is installed in all tumble dryers, and provides guaranteed drying of linen in the shortest possible time (40-60 minutes).
- Gentle drying, “Drying in the closet” - delicate drying processes that ensure gentle handling of tissues, do not dry them and prevent the formation of deep folds. However, the running time of such a program will be longer than with intensive drying.
Additional:
- Ironing is an additional function that provides easy subsequent ironing. The dried laundry passes through steam, which softens it and smoothes large folds.
- Dry wash is a washing process without water, which provides sterilization and refreshment of things, removal of foreign odors. It is very important for applying to things that just lay in a closet for a long time.
Pros and cons of washers with dryer
One of the factors that consumers fear when choosing this type of washer-dryer is frequent breakdowns due to the combination of a set of programs. It should be noted that the additional function does not reduce the quality of the equipment and the service life. Certified products serve at least the warranty period, and even several times more. But, when making a choice in favor of this technique, be prepared to operate it according to the instructions.
For a long, well-coordinated service, you should adhere to the following rules:
- It is forbidden to load more than what is put into the drum.
- The control panel should not be accessible for children's pens. This often leads to a system crash.
- Connect the tumble dryer to a separate outlet, that is, do not connect additional devices.
- Avoid things that could damage the inside of the machine.
- Avoid drying silk, wool and large items.
- It is good to check the contents of the pockets before washing, remove all items.
In order to finally decide and make the right choice of a washing machine with a dryer, you should know all its advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits:
- Combination of two devices in one. A washing machine and a dryer in one is a big plus in favor of saving space, if we assume that these could be two separate overall units of equipment.
- Save time on drying. Even under favorable weather conditions, drying clothes will not succeed so quickly. Provides fast drying of a considerable amount of items.
- Universality. With it, you can dry not only things. You can also easily dry or disinfect shoes or children's toys with it.
- Lack of excess moisture in the house. Drying things in the apartment leads to excessive moisture. In addition, in order to hang things within the apartment, you should also take a place, that is, it also takes up space.
Disadvantages:
Despite the great advantages on the side of this technique, there are also disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing a machine with dryer.
- When loading a full washing drum, do not expect to dry the same amount of laundry in one go. As a rule, you have to do this several times. Well, this is an extra time and energy cost.
- The cost of a machine with dryer is much higher. This is usually up to 30 percent more expensive than the standard model without dryer.
- Wear of fabrics. Only proper and competent care of things will ensure the preservation of its quality condition and appearance. Sometimes neglecting programs, misapplying them leads to the rapid destruction of things.
- In general, drying consumes a lot of energy, so the bill for electricity will increase significantly.
How to choose whether to buy?
When choosing a machine with a drying function, the following points should be considered.
- How the drying process itself is regulated. It is important that drying took place not only by a timer, but also by a moisture indicator.
- There is an opinion that the option with vertical loading is considered the best, as it allows the addition of linen for drying in a running cycle.
- Pay attention to the amount of laundry that can be put in the drum. New models provide with a drum capacity of 7 kg, dry 5 kg of wet items.
- It should be chosen taking into account its economy. The class of energy consumption matters (A, B, C, D). Remember, class A is the most economical in terms of energy costs.
- It should be understood that the warranty period for a washing machine is the same as for a machine with a built-in drying function. However, often breakdowns of models with dryers due to the actual illiterate operation.
- When choosing, pay attention to the company (manufacturer). The basic rule is not to choose this technique from an unknown (dubious) manufacturer. Under any conditions, it cannot be too cheap, so in order not to throw your money down the drain, choose a quality and proven one.
When asked whether a washing machine-dryer or a separate dryer is better, experts prefer a separate dryer - if there is an opportunity to spend more and there is a place to install such a unit. However, universal drying washers will be an excellent option, where there is no place for installing two pieces of equipment.
Whether it is worth the money, perhaps it’s worth judging given how relevant this option is in each individual case. If the drying function is very important for the owners, then the appropriateness of the purchase is assessed relative to this. Actually, for some people, it is not even the amount of dried laundry that is important, but the ability to dry a small amount of it, however, as soon as possible.
Having considered in detail all the nuances of this washing technique, you can more objectively evaluate it as a whole and make the guaranteed correct choice.
See also:
- 10 best ATLANT washing machines according to customer reviews
- 10 best built-in washing machines
- 10 best washing machines to customer reviews
- 10 best washing machines to customer reviews
- 13 best washing machines from customer reviews