Comparison Beko DPS 7405 GB5 vs Beko DPS 7205

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.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

It is a dryer control blocking system. Thus, the child will not be able to change the running programme of the machine, stop the programme prematurely, etc. Child lock is usually disabled in a way that is not accessible to a child, but does not cause difficulties for an adult. For example, by simultaneously pressing two keys.

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.