How to size up a tumble dryer?

tallac

For a given washing machine capacity, how does one correctly work out what tumble dryer capacity they need?

From a logical point of view, clothes go into the washer dry and come out damp which will weigh more.

So, assuming the full load from the washer needs to all go into the dryer, how much larger should the dryer capacity be relative to the washer?

Jonboy_1984

The quoted weight limits for washing  machines and dryers refer to dry weight of the clothing so you assume 7kg  washer = 7kg dryer.

glennevis

When I bought my washer dryer it had a big sticker on it stating 8/4kg. That looked about right as 4kg of dry washing could weight 8kg when wet.

DullGreyGuy

glennevis said:

When I bought my washer dryer it had a big sticker on it stating 8/4kg. That looked about right as 4kg of dry washing could weight 8kg when wet.

No, its the annoying thing that it will take 8kg of dry weight washing but only 4kg of dry weight drying so if you are doing a full load wash you are supposed to stop it after the wash cycle and remove 50% and dry it in two batches. 

rach_k

Have a look at your usual washing loads and work it out from there.

I have a washer dryer, which has a washing capacity of 10kg and a drying capacity of 6kg.  With the washing I do, that works out about right as I very rarely have a full load of washing that can all be tumble dried.  I tend to do the wash, take out half of it to hang to dry, then put the dryer on for what remains.  If you want to tumble dry full loads, you need the same capacity for both washer and dryer.  

tallac

Just for context, this is for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer so I have flexibility to size each one appropriate as they've not been purchased. But sounds like I just make sure they're both at the same KG rating if they're measured on dry weight.

DullGreyGuy

tallac said:

Just for context, this is for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer so I have flexibility to size each one appropriate as they've not been purchased. But sounds like I just make sure they're both at the same KG rating if they're measured on dry weight.

That gives you the most flexibility but if you are routinely washing things that you cannot/don't tumble dry then you may get away with a lower load dryer and save some pennies. 

jennifernil

Our 2 machines are what I would call "standard size" so a full load of washing fits the dryer fine.   It looks to me like the dryer drum is a bit bigger than the washer drum.

silvercar

jennifernil said:

Our 2 machines are what I would call "standard size" so a full load of washing fits the dryer fine.   It looks to me like the dryer drum is a bit bigger than the washer drum.

The dryer drum can’t be filled as much as the washer drum in order to be able to dry clothes effectively. 

jennifernil

Presumably then my dryer drum must be larger than my WM drum as the items washed fit easily in the dryer.  It certainly looks a bit larger when I am putting items into it.  WM is a Bosch, dryer is an AEG

DullGreyGuy

jennifernil said:

Presumably then my dryer drum must be larger than my WM drum as the items washed fit easily in the dryer.  It certainly looks a bit larger when I am putting items into it.  WM is a Bosch, dryer is an AEG

rather than speculate why not google the model numbers and check the capacity that each manufacturer recommends?