1. What is better - a standalone dryer or a washer-dryer combo?

Surely, many have wondered: why buy a separate dryer if there are washing machines with drying function? The second option seems more practical: such equipment is cheaper than two separate devices and also takes up less space. But in fact, standalone dryers have several significant advantages.

The biggest drawback of universal models is the different load capacity: often the dryer's load is 1.5 – 2 times less than the washing load. This means that after the washing cycle, you will have to take out some of the clothes and dry them separately — in a traditional way or by running the machine again. Buying two separate devices solves this problem, as you can match the capacities.

A standalone dryer is more efficient at its tasks than universal models.

In terms of drying quality, washing machines fall behind dryers. They often take longer to dry clothes, are less gentle, and at the end of the cycle, laundry may remain damp, especially if there is a lot of it. A dryer, in turn, handles delicate fabrics better and more effectively removes moisture. Additionally, they have more programs specifically for drying: various modes depending on the fabric type and drying degree, moisture sensors, smoothing, and aromatizing functions.

Finally, 2-in-1 machines wear out faster since one device has to perform two functions. Separate models, however, are designed for active drying and have a more reliable construction.

By the way, there are also machines with two drums for different processes, which essentially combine a washer and dryer in one body. But they are very bulky, expensive, and inconvenient to place due to their height.

An LG washer-dryer has two separate drums for washing and drying clothes.

Thus, a washer-dryer combo is suitable if there is no space at all for two devices, no budget for an additional purchase, or if you rarely dry clothes and in small quantities. However, if you value convenience and want truly quality drying without compromises, a standalone dryer is a more reliable and successful solution.

Popular washer-dryer combos

2. Types of dryers

Traditionally, a dryer is almost an exact copy of a standard washing machine: a rectangular body, the familiar drum inside, and often a front load (top load is very rare). However, there is another type — drying cabinets. They are bulkier and resemble refrigerators. Inside, there are hangers and shelves to hang clothes, place shoes, children's toys, pillows, and other items to prevent them from wrinkling and deforming. Unlike usual models with a drum, such technology dries laundry more gently, important for delicate materials, and better handles specific tasks such as drying shoes, hats, and gloves. However, drying cabinets take up much more space, perform cycles longer, are quite expensive, and are not as common as classic machines.

A drying cabinet performs drying more delicately, but takes up much more space and often costs significantly more.

Moreover, dryers can be built-in or standalone. The former is a highly specialized technology designed for installation in kitchen cabinets or niches. This is relevant for those who want a unified interior design or are limited in space. Today, built-in models are much rarer than standalone ones.

3. Types of drying and connection features

Another important factor is the type of drying device, as it affects installation features. There are three types of machines:

Ventilated

Quite a rare variant today due to installation complexity. During the drying process, the technology uses hot air blowing and ejects the steam outside — into the room ventilation or window. Therefore, a special hose is needed for air extraction outside or connection to ventilation. Otherwise, moisture will accumulate in the room, leading to mold and fungus.

Ventilated dryers are complex to install, requiring a hose connection for air extraction.
Popular ventilated dryers

Condensation

The models with the simplest, most convenient, and popular type of drying. In this case, moisture from clothing turns into condensate, which either drains into the sewer or collects in a special container. In the first case, the technology requires connection to the sewer, like a washing machine. In the second case, the device can be installed anywhere without special connection. You only need to monitor the tank's fill level and periodically drain the accumulated liquid.

Many condensation models are equipped with special containers to collect moisture.
Popular condensation dryers

Heat pump drying

An improved variety of condensation dryers using a heat pump. In this case, the used air is not discharged outside but passes through the heat pump. As a result, moisture condenses and is removed, and the air is heated for reuse. In short, heat is preserved and reused, allowing up to 50% energy savings. Such devices do not heat surrounding air, handle tasks faster, but due to complex construction, they are significantly more expensive than previous types. Like regular condensation models, they do not require sewer connection and collect condensate in a special tank. Therefore, the machine can be placed anywhere: in the bathroom, pantry, kitchen, or even hallway.

Important! Some condensation and heat pump machines are universal regarding moisture extraction: they have a condensate reservoir, and at the same time, a hose for connecting to a sewer. Thanks to this, users can choose which method is more convenient for them.

We recommend paying close attention to this issue, as installation features can become a serious problem during setup. For example, not everyone has powerful ventilation to eliminate steam, and leading a hose outside is not the most practical solution. If the technology requires connection to a sewer, placing it anywhere convenient for you will not work, and professional help is necessary.

Popular heat pump dryers

4. Drum volume and load

The drum volume and maximum load determine how much laundry can fit inside. However, we advise focusing primarily on load capacity since a larger drum does not always mean greater capacity — it also depends on the engine's capabilities. Also, manufacturers do not always indicate the drum volume info in specifications, whereas "Load" is required for any model. But when choosing, consider that the dryer's drum should be larger than the washer's, as enough free space is needed for quality and even drying.

Naturally, the dryer's load should not be less than the washer's; otherwise, you'll have to run the machine several times. The indicator is calculated based on the weight of dry laundry — although you load wet clothes inside. Excess weight can increase drum vibrations and gradually lead to breakdowns.

The dryer should be no less in load and drum volume than the washing machine.

Generally, we advise estimating with the following calculations:

  • Load of up to 5 – 6 kg — for one person washing and drying clothes in small batches;
  • 6 – 7 kg — for a family of two to three people;
  • 7 – 9 kg — for a family of three to four people;
  • more than 10 kg — for large families washing frequently and in large batches.

Important! The maximum load is calculated for cotton items. Wool or synthetic items require more space. For instance, if the load for cotton is 8 kg, for synthetics — about 4 kg. Typically, these nuances are specified in specifications.

But even if you live alone, do not skimp on this indicator, as a small drum will not fit a large blanket, duvet, pillow, bulky down jacket, and other similar items. Before buying, ensure everything necessary fits inside the machine. At the same time, note that the more spacious the device, the more space it will occupy.

5. Functions and programs

Like washing machines, dryers have different programs for specific fabrics (e.g., cotton, synthetics, wool), types of items (T-shirts, bedding, outerwear), or special tasks. The most common programs are:

  • Quick dry.
  • Delicate materials.
  • Refresh cycle — for removing odors from clothes not requiring washing.
  • Children's clothes.
  • Anti-wrinkle — eliminates the need for post-ironing iron or at a minimum makes ironing easier.

The dryer has separate programs for different types of fabrics and tasks.

Other useful functions and programs include:

  • Steam drying — used for moistening and refreshing laundry, especially if it has remained folded for a long time.
  • Drying basket — designed for the most delicate items that should not rotate in the drum, such as shoes and wool items.
  • Custom program — ability to save frequently used settings, including drying duration, temperature, and drum rotation intensity (rpm).
  • Delayed start timer — allows postponing the start to a specific time for drying clothes when needed.
  • Auto-weighing — the machine checks before starting if maximum load is exceeded.
  • Reversing drum rotation — prevents clothes from tangling.
  • Drum light — is activated when the door is opened and helps locate all dried items, not leaving behind forgotten socks, etc.
  • Laundry moisture control — allows choosing how thoroughly clothes should be dried, as not all items require maximum drying. For example, ironing is more convenient with slightly damp items, but wearing is, without a doubt, best with fully dry ones.
  • Self-cleaning heat exchanger — the machine automatically cleans the heat exchanger of fibers and other deposits to ensure normal air circulation and extend service life.
  • Filter or waste container fill indicator — makes maintenance easier and helps clean components on time.

6. What else to pay attention to

Motor

An inverter motor, unlike an ordinary electric motor, is quieter, consumes less power, and lasts much longer. It also has drawbacks — a fairly high price and repair complexity.

Drying class

This is an indicator of the dryer's performance, showing how well it removes moisture from laundry. It is designated by a letter from A to G, where A is the highest class (laundry comes out completely dry and ready for use or ironing), while G is the lowest (clothes remain damp and need more drying). Of course, the higher the drying class, the better the device performs its tasks. But remember that even with a class A model, efficiency also depends on the chosen program, load, and fabric type.

Energy efficiency class

This indicator is also presented with letters and is identical to the classes of washing machines. It does not indicate actual energy consumption but its efficiency relative to useful work. Less "hungry" models are considered those with class A and above (A with pluses).

Noise level

This indicator affects user comfort because if the machine is loud and vibrates during operation, it is unlikely anyone would appreciate it. Often, manufacturers specify this indicator in decibels, showing the maximum noise level. An optimal value is up to 60 – 70 dB, equivalent to a person's voice at raised tones. Moreover, many models have special quiet modes: in these cases, the device operates much quieter, not disturbing family members. This function is especially useful for families with small children.

Control

Navigation elements are not an important criterion when choosing a dryer but do affect usage convenience. Modern touchscreen panels with displays are more streamlined, easily cleaned from dust and dirt, but do not always recognize touches if fingers are wet or dirty. Ordinary buttons and knobs are more reliable, work precisely, but are harder to clean.

The most advanced models are those with the possibility of control from a smartphone (via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or over the Internet. In the mobile app, users can start drying, change settings, and receive notifications about malfunctions.

Smart models allow remote control through a mobile app.

7. What can and cannot be dried in a dryer

In conclusion, remember that not all items can be dried in a machine. Before putting clothes in the drum, study their labels — often, there is information on whether the item can be washed, dried, and ironed. The main designations include:

  • a square with a circle inside — drying is allowed;
  • a square with a circle and one dot inside — drying only at low temperature (no more than 60 ºC) is allowed;
  • a square with a circle and two dots inside — recommended drying at average temperatures (no more than 80 ºC);
  • a crossed-out square with an empty circle — drying in a dryer is prohibited.

Labels on clothing inform whether an item can be dried in a dryer.

In general, you can dry in a machine:

  • home textiles: bedding, towels, tablecloths, and other cotton items;
  • cotton clothing (machines often have separate programs for cotton);
  • synthetic and linen clothing (preferably in a special mode or at minimal temperature);
  • children's clothes (ideally on the "hypoallergenic drying" program);
  • sportswear (in a special mode or program for synthetics);
  • outerwear (but only if there is an appropriate label on the tag and preferably with a special program).

Do not dry:

  • clothes with embroidery, beads, and similar decor: decorative elements can detach and damage the mechanism; such items are better dried naturally or taken for professional cleaning;
  • fur: may lose form and appearance;
  • leather and suede (natural or synthetic materials): after drying become coarse, losing form;
  • delicate and thin materials (wool, silk, chiffon, lace): may deform and get damaged when heated;
  • bras: may lose original form and stop performing their functions (breast support);
  • tights, stockings: may simply melt under high temperatures;
  • shoes with rubber soles, leather, suede, and synthetic leather: materials may crack, deform, sole may detach;
  • backpacks and bags (not made of cotton);
  • soft toys with decor that may be damaged when heated.