Types of dryers explained: Which one suits your laundry needs

With monsoon set to arrive earlier than last year, you might have already begun worrying about drying clothes. Drying clothes is a real challenge, and if you live in a small apartment or a home without a balcony, the solution has emerged in the form of dryers. They are fast, convenient, and change your laundry routine.

However, it is not straightforward to buy a dryer since there are several options to choose from. You also need to consider factors such as performance, space, and laundry needs, but the factor that will decide your next dryer is the type. Here are the types of dryers that suit different laundry needs.

Types of clothes dryers

When buying a new clothes dryer, the first decision you need to make is choosing the right type. In many ways, while spin dryers found in semi-automatic washing machines are the most common type of dryers, they don’t fully dry clothes. If you are looking for a better dryer, here are the types of dryers you need to know about:

• Venting dryer
• Condenser dryer
• Heat pump dryer
• Washer dryer combo

Venting dryer

Venting dryers, as the name implies, work by expelling hot, moist air through a vent. They need to be installed near a window or a duct outlet to channel out the damp air, and they are also the most economical option for those looking to achieve a fast drying speed. They are also best suited for families going through multiple loads every day, but their need for proper ventilation makes installation a chore, and they are noisy.

Condenser dryer

If external ventilation isn’t an option for you, then a condenser dryer is for you. These are versatile dryers that rely on condensation to dry clothes. They work by extracting moisture from clothes and converting it into water. This water is either stored in a removable tank or drained via a pipe. A condenser dryer can be placed anywhere with a power outlet, but it consumes more energy than a venting dryer. They are best suited for homes or apartments without outdoor vents.

Heat pump dryer

This is a type of condenser dryer that uses a heat pump to extract moisture and release dry air back into the drum for drying clothes. This makes it more energy efficient than venting air or storing water in a tank. Compared to a venting dryer or condenser dryer, they are also gentle on clothes and are ideal for delicate garments. They have a higher upfront cost, but the energy savings in the long run can offset the initial investment. 

Washer dryer combo

A washer-dryer combo is a space-efficient clothes drying option for those with small homes or seeking a space-saving setup. It is a single appliance that serves both as a washing machine and a dryer. They make washing and drying a convenient one-step process and are best suited for light to medium loads. However, their smaller drying capacity and longer cycles make them fall short of standalone dryers.

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When it comes to choosing from the different types of clothes dryers, the preference often boils down to space, budget, and how often you will use the machine. If you are looking for a powerful machine with fast drying and the ability to run multiple loads every day, go for a vented dryer

However, a condenser or heat pump dryer will be a more flexible option if you don’t want to deal with a complex installation. If you are tight on space, a washer-dryer combo would be a better option. Once you have chosen the right type of dryer, do take into account energy efficiency, drying time, and maintenance before you purchase a dryer.