Drum volume
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.
Custom programme
Itis an ability to set the machine
custom programme of work. In such a programme, the user can specify the operating parameters (duration, temperature, rotation intensity, etc.) at his discretion; this gives additional options for managing the unit. The custom programme can be useful in non-standard situations, when none of the predefined operating modes is suitable.
Note that the set of parameters that are set when creating your programme may be different in different models; these details need to be clarified separately.
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.
Refresh cycle
A programme designed to remove odours from clothes, such as tobacco smoke, or an unpleasant odour that appears after a long period of storage.
The refresh programme is useful if the clothes are clean, but the smell still needs to be eliminated — refreshing in the dryer takes less time and effort than quick washing and then drying (even if using the same dryer). This function is especially relevant for
drying cabinets.
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.
Condensate tank volume
Only condenser dryers have such a tank (see "Drying type"). The larger the tank, the less often you have to get rid of the accumulated liquid. At the same time, in most models, the volume of the condensate tank is standard — about 5 – 6 litres: this is considered the best compromise between capacity and dimensions.
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).
Energy class
The energy consumption class shows not the actual energy consumption but the efficiency of the dryer. In other words, what part of the electricity consumed goes directly to useful work. For dryers, this parameter is especially important because such devices have high electricity consumption. As a result, models with the same capabilities but different energy efficiency classes differ markedly in terms of operating costs (in terms of electricity bills). However, more economical units themselves are more expensive. nevertheless, this difference quickly pays off.
Initially, classes were marked in Latin letters from
A(the highest class) and further alphabetically. In the course of technology development, more economical levels of consumption than the original class A appeared — they are labelled as A+,
A++, A+++, etc. Actually, the highest efficiency class in modern dryers is exactly
A +++ ; level A —
A+ can be called good,
B — average, C — acceptable.
Noise level
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.
