Capacity

The initial choice is whether to purchase a small dryer with a 3.5kg or a larger dryer with a capacity of up to 5kg. The majority of the customers, approximately 70%, prefer the 5kg capacity so as to minimize the number of drying loads.

It is worth noting that the smallest washing machine has a capacity of 4.5kg.

Rear Venting or Front Venting

Both types have benefits and disadvantages.

Front Venting

• Warm air is vented into the laundry
• Lint filter is easier to clean due to being at the front of the dryer; this is important if the customer is of average height or less
• Has the advantage of being able to utilize a drying rack (ideal for delicates)

• Warm air can be ducted outside (requires a window)
• Not as easy to clean

Manual Controls or Autosense

• Autosense dryers are recommended so as to ensure clothes are not over-dried
• They save money as they switch off when the clothes are dry
• Some also have a reverse tumble feature which ensures tangle free drying

Dryers can be mounted on the wall, stacked on a front loading washer or positioned on the floor

Service

Does the company have an Australia wide service network? How long has the company been in operation?

Warranty

Is the warranty a full warranty or does it only cover certain parts of your machine? Your new dryer should be covered by a full one-year labor and parts warranty

Other Information

The Australian Consumers Association through Choice magazine occasionally reviews dryers and washers and provides a comparative review of the various models.