What types of drying are best in a tumble dryer?

What types of drying are best in a tumble dryer? Today you can find three types of dryers: ventilating, condensing and equipped with a heat pump. Washing machines of the first group are now practically not produced, so finding them in stores is not easy. But models of the second and third types are quite common and are in great demand.

Let's figure out what type of drying in the dryer to give preference. Let us tell you what the fundamental differences between different types of models are. We will describe the advantages and disadvantages of condensing devices and devices with a pump.

Classic condensation drying

When understanding the characteristics of the model they like, users pay attention to an important indicator - the type of drying in the dryer. This is a fundamental nuance; the convenience of further operation of the device depends on it. Condensation dryers are equipped with a heating element that heats the air in the working chamber.

Machines with a condensation type of drying are the most “gluttonous”; they consume approximately 2.5 kW per hour of operation.

Condenser-type machines are cheaper than dryers equipped with a heat pump. However, they provide greater power consumption. Therefore, having saved once by purchasing equipment, in the future you will still have to pay more on receipts for light. condenser dryer diagram

If the condensation dryer operates simultaneously with the washing machine, the power consumed by both devices will be about 4.5-5 kW. This is quite a serious load that not every wiring can withstand. Therefore, assess in advance whether your electrical network will “pull” a condensing type machine.

If we talk about the operating principle of condensation dryers, it is as follows:

cold air is heated by a heating element;
the hot air flow is directed into the drum, towards the laundry;
under the influence of high temperatures, moisture evaporates;
The condensate accumulates in a special container (or is immediately drained into the sewer).

Condenser dryers draw air from the room. The temperature where the machine operates increases significantly. In the cold season this can even be a plus, but in the summer it can be a big minus.

Dryers equipped with a pump

Such devices do not have a heating element. Dryers equipped with a heat pump are much more economical than condensing-type models. They consume significantly less electricity, approximately 600-1100 W.

The pump of such dryers can be compared to a refrigerator. It contains a condenser and a special evaporator. After starting the drying mode, the air from the working chamber is cooled. The evaporator helps remove moisture from the air flow.

The dry air then passes through the heating condenser. The air flow becomes hot, enters the laundry, collects moisture and goes back to the evaporator. The process is repeated in a circle. Why do you need a heat pump in dryers?

Advantages of dryers equipped with a heat pump:

reduced energy consumption;
the possibility of more gentle drying of clothes (things are dried at a lower temperature than in condensation machines);
the air temperature in the room where such a machine operates does not change.

If we talk about the disadvantages of devices of this type, this is, firstly, a higher cost. Secondly, the duration of their drying programs is longer. However, this ensures more delicate care for things, so this is not always considered a disadvantage.

Choosing a dryer

Making a choice in favor of a particular model is not so easy.Both machines are considered to be of high quality, able to cope with the responsibilities assigned to them as efficiently as possible. Let's compare similar dryers to decide which one to choose.

Condenser dryers are suitable for users who have a limited purchasing budget. Their cost is less in comparison with similar models equipped with a pump. They are also able to dry more clothes in a shorter period of time, since their programs are shorter.

A popular condensing model is Electrolux EW6CR527P. The cost of the washing machine is 40-41 thousand rubles. Main characteristics of the dryer:

drum capacity – up to 7 kg;
drying class – “B”;
energy efficiency class – “B” (annual consumption about 504 kWh);
number of drying programs – 12.

Tumble dryers with a pump are often chosen by users who are willing to overpay for a one-time purchase, but save on electricity bills in the future. Also, this type is more suitable for people who prefer clothes made of delicate, “capricious” fabrics. Such models can provide more gentle care for your laundry.

An analogue of the condensing model given as an example is the Electrolux EW8HR357S dryer with a heat pump. Its cost is about $630-640. The drum capacity is the same - up to 7 kg of wet laundry.

Heat pump dryers have high energy efficiency classes, from “A+” to “A+++”.

Main characteristics of Electrolux EW8HR357S:

drying class – “B”;
number of drying modes – 12;
energy efficiency class – “A++” (annual consumption approximately 211 kWh).

Both the first and second machines dry clothes well. Condensing models are an order of magnitude cheaper, but they “eat up” more kilowatts during operation.Devices with a pump are more expensive, but they allow you to save money in the future and provide more gentle treatment of laundry.