Glossary: Tumble Dryers

Tumble Dryer Glossary

 

Airing Programme
a 20-minute cool tumble to refresh the load.

 

Anti Crease Programme
allows the washing machine/washer dryer to continue spinning after the cycle to allow the washing to move and untangle which will reduce creasing and speed up your ironing time.

 

Audible End of Programme
when the washing machine/washer dryer has finished the cycle it will make a sound to alert you that your wash load is finished and ready to be emptied.

 

Built-In (or Integrated)
means your washing machine/washer dryer is built-in or integrated into a specific kitchen unit.

 

Child Safety Lock
this feature means that the machine will not be able to be opened by children when the machine is in use or when the lock is enabled.

 

Condenser Dryers
condenser dryers don’t need a hose or a vent. Instead, they collect the moisture in a water reservoir that can be emptied after each drying cycle.

 

Cool Air Setting
garments that have been stored away for a while can be refreshed and aerated without needing to put them through a complete wash or dry cycle.

 

Cupboard Dry
on this setting, clothes are left dry enough to store them straight away. You can usually dry more cotton fabrics than synthetic fabrics in one load.

 

Delicates Programme
a low heat programme that’s tailor-made for delicate items.

 

Delay Timer
a handy feature that allows you to delay the start time of your appliance’s programme. This allows you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.

 

Digital Display
an easy-to-read display that shows information about temperature, programme progress, time left and a pre-set time delay. The amount of information available or displayed varies according to the model.

 

Drying Capacity
the amount of clothes which can be dried effectively during one cycle in the tumble dryer.

 

Drying Load
the amount of laundry which can be loaded during one cycle. A tumble dryer with a larger wash load can reduce creasing. This is shown in KG (Kilo Gram).

 

Dual Filtration
filters are fitted in the door and in the edge of the porthole to maximise fluff removal.

 

Easy Iron Programme
a short cool tumble programme, which helps to relax the fibres of any dry, creased garments and make it easier to iron.

 

Energy Consumption
how much energy is used by the machine during a normal cycle.

 

Energy Rating
the rating awarded to a washing machine/washer dryer for its energy efficiency, A is currently the highest energy rating for a washing machine. Better for the environment and better for your energy bills.

 

Filter Full Indicator
this is an indicator light that alerts you when the filter of your tumble dryer needs cleaned.

 

Freestanding
the front of the appliance is visible and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, either underneath a work surface or stood independently.

 

Fuzzy Logic Control
an intelligent technology which measures how much dirt is in the load and alters the use of detergent, water and energy used during the cycle to guarantee the best possible results.

 

Integrated
a type of machine designed to be hidden from view behind your kitchen cupboards to maintain a seamless overall design in your kitchen

 

Interior Drum Light
an internal light found in the drum of some tumble dryers that helps you see what you’re doing.

 

Noise Level (dB)
a lower noise level on your washing machine/washer dryer will mean that a cycle will be less intrusive and noisy in your kitchen.

 

Programme End Indicator
informs you of how long the programme has left to run.

 

Refresh
a handy programme which will refresh the fabrics of your laundry without completing a full cycle.

 

Reservoir or Bottle Full Indicator
this is an indicator light which will alert you to the need to empty the reservoir or bottle of your condenser dryer.

 

Reverse Action
a type of drum that will turn in both directions for a deeper clean, it will also help prevent your laundry from tangling and creasing as much.

 

Spin Dryer
this is a basic type of dryer that uses centrifugal forces as a means to separate water from your laundry.

 

Sensor Dryer
this is a drying programme which allows the user to select the desired dryness. Sensors in the drum measure the moisture in the laundry and alter the cycle accordingly

 

Time to End of Programme
shows how much time is left until the end of the wash programme. It also shows the progress of the wash cycle.

 

Timer
allows you to set how long you require a cycle to last.

 

Top Loader
a dryer which loads from the top of the appliance.

 

Variable Temperature
you can select a lower temperature for a lightly soiled load e.g. reducing easy care fabrics from a 60º to a 40º wash. The length of the wash cycle stays the same. It won’t let you do this the other way round, so you can’t select too high a temperature by mistake.

 

Vented Tumble Dryer
a type of tumble dryer that vents the moisture separated from your laundry through a pipe to the outside of your home.

 

Wide Opening Door
a wide door opening allows you to more easily load and unload your laundry, especially handy for bulkier items. A really convenient washing machine/washer dryer feature when washing towels, duvets etc.