Do you need a clothes dryer?

Many housewives doubt whether a clothes dryer is necessary in an apartment. Moreover, when there are 2-in-1 models on the market - washing machines with a drying function. Which equipment should you prefer: “hybrids” or individual units? Let's look into the nuances.

Will a “washing machine” with a drying function replace a dryer?

Automatic drying machines were invented by appliance manufacturers in an attempt to combine two important options in one appliance. Such machines are capable of washing things and drying them quickly. These models are very popular today, since housewives do not have to:

• hang laundry on the balcony or street;
• putting things on heating radiators;
• Place clothes dryers around the apartment.

Washing machines with a drying option are an excellent option for small apartments without a balcony.

If space in the apartment is limited, then installing both a washing machine and a dryer is quite problematic. Then the best option would be a 2 in 1 automatic. In addition, purchasing a “hybrid” will cost almost half as much as purchasing a “duet”.

The main advantages of washer-dryers:

• saving free space in the apartment;
• lower cost compared to two separate machines.

Does it follow from this that 2 in 1 cars are definitely better? Not really. When purchasing hybrids, there are several factors to consider:

• the drying function in a hybrid machine is implemented more “roughly”;
• Drying in a hybrid at one time will result in less laundry than washing;
• Things get quite wrinkled after drying in a hybrid washing machine.

Now let's look at each point in more detail.In washer-dryers, the drying option is considered not the main one, but an auxiliary one. The machine must first deal with dirt. Therefore, the potential of hybrids is aimed at cleaning things, not making them dry. And removing excess moisture is just a nice addition.

Most 2 in 1 machines do not provide the ability to set the drying mode according to the type of fabric, and this is their significant drawback. Some things do not need to be dried completely, but left slightly damp, which not all hybrids can do either. You can find a model with more or less wide functionality, but it will still be inferior in capabilities to a separate dryer.

There is one more significant drawback. You can dry fewer items at a time in a hybrid machine than can be washed. For example, if the machine has a capacity of 8 kg, then only 5-6 kg of laundry can be loaded into it for drying. Why is that?

The manufacturer admits that during the washing process, laundry can be crammed into the drum. In any case, water will approach the fabric and deal with dirt. To dry, clothes must be laid out evenly so that there is more free space. Therefore, clean wet things will have to be taken out of the machine, one part must be loaded into the “centrifuge” again, and the other must be dried afterwards.

The capacity of the drum of an automatic machine when drying is 2-3 kg less than when washing.

This “inconsistency” is not entirely convenient. When the drum of the machine holds 9 kg of laundry, it will dry no more than 6-7 kg of clothes well. And only if we are talking about cotton products. Heavier items will reduce the potential by a few more kilograms.

When it comes to fabric creases, hybrid dryers leave more creases in laundry than stationary dryers. Drying equipment has special modes that prevent products from creasing.

Whether you need a separate dryer is up to you. It has both its advantages and disadvantages compared to hybrid machines. Let us tell you why a stationary dryer is better than a 2-in-1 washing machine.

Why is a dryer better than a hybrid washing machine?

When the size of the apartment allows, it is better to install two machines: a washing machine and a dryer. This will allow you to get the maximum capabilities from both the first and second devices. Let us tell you what advantages a separate dryer provides.

The first argument in favor of a separate dryer is its large capacity compared to hybrids. As already mentioned, for 2-in-1 machines, the maximum load limit for drying is reduced by 2-3 kg, compared to washing. And this way, the user will be able to wash a batch and immediately, completely load it into the dryer - this is much more convenient and saves a lot of time.

Stationary dryers have a larger drum. Even in the most budget models it is designed for 8 kg (Weissgauff WD 6148 D costs about 30,000 rubles, Indesit YT CM08 8B for 31,000 rubles), and more expensive ones are capable of processing up to 10 kg of laundry at a time (LG TD-V1329EA4).

In this case, the maximum is also calculated for cotton items, since this material is quite light. When drying denim, blended or synthetic fabric, you will have to load 2-3 kg less into the chamber. But even in this situation, the capacity of dryers will be higher than that of hybrids.

The second advantage of dryers is the software “filling”. Even the most budget model will have more drying modes than any 2-in-1 machine. This makes caring for various textiles much easier.

For example, modern machines provide automatic drying programs:

• cotton;
• synthetics;
• bed linen;
• jeans;
• outerwear;
• shoes;
• sports items, etc.

Also, some models may have “Iron”, “Easy Ironing” modes, express drying programs, etc. Ventilation-type machines are able to ventilate clothes, eliminating the smell of tobacco, smoke or food aromas. Some dryers have a steam treatment option, which helps to quickly refresh items that have been stuck in the closet.

The next argument in favor of a separate drying machine is the absence of wrinkles on the processed items. Most models have a function that protects clothes from creases. The laundry in the drum does not cake or wrinkle.

Modern dryers have gentle drying programs - when they start, the drum moves very slowly and smoothly, without shaking the clothes. Thanks to this, you can forget about daily ironing.

If you are thinking about buying a drying cabinet, then you can completely get rid of the iron at home. Wet clothes will hang out in the chamber and straighten out under their own weight.

Installing a condensing dryer will not cause any difficulties. To connect it you only need an outlet. Such units do not have to be connected to the sewer - condensate accumulates in a special container, which must be emptied periodically.

If desired, you can connect your condenser dryer to the drain. Then the pump will pump the liquid directly into the pipe and there will be no need to drain the water from the tank. With ventilation-type devices it will be a little more complicated; they will need to be connected to the ventilation system, but there are not very many such models.

When is a dryer really needed?

Even after reading all the information above, many cannot decide whether they need a stationary dryer. In fact, this is an optional device in the household. Yes, dryers are effective, but not everyone can afford them. So when can you get by with just a machine with a drying function?

• If you have a small family and you do not load the washer to the maximum. When there are not so many things accumulated, it is quite possible to wash and dry them at once.
• Owners of a small apartment will find it difficult to accommodate two large units at once. Especially when the dryer needs to be connected to ventilation or sewerage. In this case, it would be more advisable to install a hybrid automatic machine.
• If you don’t have time to transfer washed items from one machine to another. Many people work late and only get home in the evening. They love to start the wash in the morning and get clean and dry clothes. Then the hybrid option will be optimal.
• When the purchasing budget is limited. Buying two cars at once is very expensive for some people. A simple automatic machine with a drying mode costs from $250, and if you consider the most budget washer and dryer, you will have to spend from $450. There is a difference, and it is significant. If you don’t have enough finances, it’s better to opt for a good hybrid.

A washing machine with the ability to dry clothes is suitable for small families and will be optimal for placement in small apartments.

It is recommended to choose a stationary dryer if:

• you have a spacious apartment and there are no problems with free square meters for installing equipment;
• you have a large family or small children.In this situation, the washer and dryer duo will be a real salvation;
• you don’t want to constantly iron dried items. Thanks to a modern dryer, you can forget about wrinkled clothes;
• Your wardrobe contains branded items and clothes made from delicate materials. Such products require gentle drying, which 2-in-1 machines cannot provide. Many modes are programmed into the memory of individual dryers, allowing you to process even the most “capricious” fabrics;
• you plan to dry outerwear and shoes in the machine;
• the allocated budget is more than enough for a high-quality washing machine and a “top-end” dryer.

Thus, smart equipment capable of drying clothes will become indispensable in everyday life. It’s up to you to decide whether to buy a drying machine in addition to a regular washing machine, or go with a 2-in-1 machine. Everything here will depend on the funds you have, the size of the apartment, the number of family members and your own preferences.

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