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.
Number of drying programmes
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.
Quick dry
Quick dry programme that dries in a relatively short time. It saves time, but the laundry wears out more than during normal drying and is not suitable for delicate types of fabric.
Control via smartphone
The ability to control the dryer
via a smartphone or other similar gadget — for example, a tablet — with a special application installed on it. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used to connect the gadget, which gives a range of at least several metres. However, the main convenience lies not so much in the remote control itself but in the fact that the application is often more convenient, visual and understandable than the dryer's control panel.
Control via Internet
It is the ability to control the dryer via the Internet. For example, via a special application on a smartphone or a browser on a PC.
The main advantage of such control is that it can be done from almost anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. In addition, this function allows not only to give commands to the unit but also to monitor its condition: for example, the machine can report the remaining operating time, warn the user about various failures, etc. The specific capabilities and technical features
of control via the Internet should be clarified separately. We only note that the connection of the machine to the network is usually carried out via Wi-Fi.
Child lock
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.
Door opening
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.
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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.
