The Best Clothes Dryers For Small Apartments

Finding the best apartment dryer can be extra tricky when you’ve only got a small space to work with. It can be tempting to skip the appliance altogether, but when you’re contending with unpredictable weather and a busy lifestyle, the convenience of an apartment clothes dryer can certainly help to make washing less of a chore.

The good news is that among the best dryers in Australia for 2022, there are options suitable for apartment living and accessories to help make your clothes washing (and drying) as functional as possible. Here are some top tips for finding the best dryer for small spaces.

Map out the space you have

Before your research on small dryers for apartments begins, it’s handy to know the specifications of the space you’re working with. Take measurements of where you plan on putting your apartment dryer, making sure to take note of the depth as well as the height and width. You’ll also need a nearby powerpoint to plug it into, so consider where the cord will need to go if you’re debating its positioning.

Another thing to consider with a small dryer for apartments is whether or not it can be wall-mounted. This can save you some floor space and help you to make the most of a small room. Whichever you decide, it’ll be important to check that the position of your potential apartment dryer won’t block any doors from opening or closing – particularly if you’re combining a laundry with a bathroom.

If your new apartment dryer is going to be on the floor, use tape to map out the size you’re considering or find a cardboard box of comparable size and test out the functionality. It’s also a good idea to measure every doorway leading into your apartment and where the dryer will be, so you can ensure its installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Look at energy usage

All of the best dryers in Australia will have a good energy rating, and it’s a crucial element to look at if you’re after eco-friendly appliances. You’ll find energy rating labels on the front of all dryers in Australia, featuring a star rating (the more stars, the better the energy efficiency) and the dryer’s average annual energy consumption. 

The latter can help you to calculate how much it will cost to run the appliance, which is important to consider in the price of an apartment dryer. While you may spend more initially, lower energy consumption will reduce the size of your electricity bill in the long run.

For the best apartment dryer with a good energy rating, take a look at our range of 10 star energy rated dryers here.

Consider a washing machine/dryer combo

Rather than trying to fit two sizeable appliances into a small space, the best dryer for your apartment may come in the form of a washer dryer combo.

A washer dryer combo has the functionality of a front-loading washing machine with an in-built clothes dryer. And although it has the capabilities of both appliances in one, it’s still equivalent in size to a single, standalone washer.

There are a few things to know about choosing this type of small dryer for apartments:

  • The dryer capacity is typically half of what you can wash. Eg. It functions as an 8kg washer but a 4kg dryer

  • You can wash and dry in one go or use the functionalities separately

  • Purchase and running costs are comparable to a separate front-loading washer and small clothes dryer

  • Its placement will be determined by your plumbing

In general, the dryer capacity of washer dryer combos are well suited to single or two-person households. They’re also ideal if you plan to predominantly use the appliance as a washer, with the peace of mind that you have an apartment dryer on hand for emergencies.

Partner your dryer with an indoor drying rack

If the capacity of your apartment clothes dryer is a concern, pairing it with a clothes drying rack will help you to get through your loads quicker.

You can use your dryer to give your wet clothes a headstart before hanging them on the clothes rack, or use your clothes rack for lighter clothing items and your dryer for heavier materials that typically take longer to dry.

The best indoor clothes drying racks in Australia are compact and, when folded, can be stored under beds, in wardrobes, or between your washer and laundry tub. Make the most of a small drying space by hanging your shirts, dresses and tops on coat hangers – a bonus if it means you don’t have to iron!

Consider a fan or dehumidifier to give you added dryness

Even the best dryers for small spaces can’t help but produce condensation and increase humidity, particularly if your apartment is low on windows. Similarly, an indoor clothes drying rack may not work as well if there is little cross breeze. This is where fans and dehumidifiers can help.

A fan will create instant airflow and can be parked near your clothes to speed up the drying time, while a dehumidifier decreases and balances the amount of moisture in the air. 

Ever found that your clothes end up smelling damp and musty? That sour odour is caused by a fungus  called mildew and can happen if your clothes aren’t dried within a few hours. A dehumidifier can help to solve this problem, too, by preventing any moisture in the air from ending up in your home or being unable to escape from your clothes.

The good news is there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the best apartment clothes dryer for you. And at Bing Lee, our team will be happy to help you find the small space solutions you’re looking for.

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