The owners of small apartments have an acute problem of drying things after washing. When there is not enough space for hanging, a washing machine with dryer will come to the rescue. This device combines two functions, and also does not take up much space.
What are the criteria for choosing the right model? The first is the capacity of the drum. The second is the technology by which drying is carried out. In third place is the number of factory programs and the ability to manually configure them. About how the dryer is arranged, it is worth paying attention to below.
The principle of operation of the washing machine with drying function
The whole process of processing clothes with this household appliance is divided into four stages:
- Washing;
- Rinsing;
- Spin;
- Drying.
After a thorough extraction, air of a certain temperature is supplied to the drum of the washing machine. For this, a special heater is used. Fans are responsible for the direction of the air flows and their movement in the drum. The degree of drying is determined by humidity sensors built into the drum. Condensate from the laundry is removed in a special container, at the end of the cycle it must be cleaned.
Reference! The bottleneck of such devices is the need to carry out two drying cycles, after one wash of a portion of linen. Although, in 2019 you can find more capacious models on the market, however, their cost is much higher.
Function activation options:
- manually (by timer). The user independently sets the drying time, this is done using a time relay. After a specified period of time, the operation of the device is terminated. At the same time, the machine does not evaluate the degree of drying of clothes: it can be raw, dry. This activation method is considered unreliable;
- automatic (by residual moisture). In such models, a humidity sensor is installed inside the drum, which evaluates the result and, if necessary, stops the program. The user can set the result - the residual moisture level of the fabric.
Note! In washing machines with the option of connecting to the sewage system, there is no capacity for collecting condensate. All moisture leaves the hose immediately into the drain pipe.
Main programs
All standard programs of most models of washing machines with dryer are divided into two types:
- basic: intense, gentle, in the closet;
- optional or extended: refreshment, dry wash, ironing.
The availability of programs and their number depends on the model and manufacturer. Some names differ from those described, but their functionality remains the same. Find detailed reviews on the TehnoExpert website.
The basic program "Intensive" is in all devices. With it, you can dry clothes in 40-60 minutes. Other basic programs are also present in most models. The cycle is much longer, however, they avoid the formation of creases and do not allow the fabric to dry out.
The Ironing program involves the additional processing of things with steam. After applying this function, ironing is much easier.
The program "Refreshment" will save clothes from unpleasant odors without a wash cycle. “Dry wash” performs a similar task and eliminates the characteristic smell of things in the closet. On this program, you can disinfect tissue, which is especially important for clothes of infants.
After studying all the functions, we can definitely say that the presence of drying in the washing machine is justified, this greatly saves the time and effort of the hostess.
Pros and cons
The positive aspects of the washer-dryer include:
- functionality. In one cycle, the device will not only wash, but also completely dry the clothes. Reduced time spent hanging and removing clothes from the dryer;
- reduction of the space occupied by the device. The washer-dryer occupies an area like an ordinary washer; the owners of the premises will not have to rack their brains on where to place the second appliance;
- universality of application. In addition to drying, SMA can sanitize, freshen clothes and underwear. With it, you can handle things that are not suitable for washing, as well as rugs, soft toys, and delicate fabrics.
The disadvantages of this household appliance include:
- drum size and capacity. Its working volume varies for washing and drying. If for washing it can be loaded up to 6 kg, then for drying no more than 3 kg. Thus, the cycle will have to be run twice.
- increased power consumption. In the device there are immediately two heating elements that consume a lot of electricity. When using SMA, you can forget about the savings;
- cost. For the function you have to pay up to half the cost of the washing machine.
There is a statement that household appliances equipped with a large number of options serve much less than their more “simple” counterparts. When choosing an AGR of a well-known brand and using it according to the instructions, the probability of premature failure is extremely small.
How to choose a suitable model?
Selection recommendations are extremely simple, all of which are described below. The first thing you should pay attention to is the moments described above (activation methods, availability of programs and condensate drainage technology). Further, the following characteristics should be considered:
- installation option. The technique can be built-in or freestanding. When choosing the first option, you must carefully measure and take into account all dimensions;
- type of loading of linen: vertical or frontal. The most popular option is the front. It is rather difficult to find a washer-dryer with a vertical loading; manufacturers rarely produce such models;
- volume, capacity of the drum. The larger it is, the wider the possibilities. You can process not only everyday clothes and underwear, but also oversized items unsuitable for washing;
- material of which the tank is made. The cheaper option is plastic. However, it is unreliable and fragile. The option is more expensive - from stainless steel. You can not worry about its reliability. The number of cells in the drum is also important: the more there are, the better the hot air circulates. This means things will dry faster and more evenly.
It is not difficult to choose a washer-dryer using the instructions described above. Evaluation and accounting of all parameters allow you to choose the optimal model.
Useful video
The video tells about the choice of a washing machine with the function of drying clothes, as well as how appropriate such a purchase is in terms of costs:
