Household appliances greatly facilitate homework and make everyday chores more comfortable. Drying clothes indoors takes a lot of time, and hanging things creates a feeling of clutter and disorder. Using a balcony for these purposes is not the best option. A clothes drying cabinet, a hybrid of furniture and household appliance, helps solve the problem. A convenient device prevents your home from turning into a laundry room - with high humidity, water stains on the walls and lines with hanging clothes.
Purpose and features
A drying cabinet is a metal structure made of galvanized or stainless steel with compartments for storing clothes, shoes, and hats. It is equipped with a heating element and electrical automation, which is responsible for the functionality of the furniture. Product features are as follows:
- availability of safe heating equipment;
- forced or natural ventilation system;
- LED lighting, ionizers, flavors;
- drying timer, digital temperature controller;
- emergency shutdown system for voltage surges;
- additional options, automatic programs;
- delayed start, time display, information display;
- possibility of drying bed linen, clothes, shoes;
- uniform distribution of warm air in the chamber;
- Convection drying with humidity level programming.
Air heated to a high temperature dries things, and remaining moisture is removed using ventilation equipment installed in the cabinet. Internal filling with shelves, stacks, hooks may differ slightly depending on the furniture manufacturer. The models are designed for a rated voltage of 220 V, power up to one kilowatt per drying section, current load up to 6 A. There are modes for changing drying temperature parameters, a limitation on exceeding the permissible value of 70°C.
For safe operation of the drying cabinet, the heating element of the furniture must be equipped with double insulation that protects the part from moisture. A pipe with a damper is installed in the cabinet to connect exhaust ventilation. To reduce heat loss, furniture is equipped with high-quality thermal insulation. The standard for drying clothes and shoes is a heat-insulating layer 2-3 mm thick.
Types of products
The main difference between a clothes drying cabinet and a drying machine is the absence of a drum. Things are placed on telescopic hangers, shelves, and compartments, so clothes do not wrinkle and do not require further ironing. Depending on the filling of the cabinets with functional elements and the purpose of the dryers, they are classified into three main types:
- universal - can be used for household and industrial purposes. Used for drying damp, wet clothes and shoes. In the classic version, the furniture is equipped with special shelves to fill the useful space of the cabinet as tightly as possible;
- industrial - a cabinet for drying work clothes and winter sets of workers is used at enterprises in various fields of activity. Thanks to the optimal capacity of the cabinets, you can organize the orderly drying of large quantities of clothes. Industrial models have a collapsible design;
- for children - options for compact wardrobes with drying clothes in kindergartens, preschools, schools, and at home. A standard drying cabinet holds the equivalent of clothes hung on 15 meters of clothesline - a real space saver.
Drying cabinets are classified according to the type of ventilation system into two types: models with natural ventilation with the release of moist air to the outside and products with forced ventilation within the chamber. Cabinets differ in the type of drying - a choice of modes based on time or residual moisture of things. Moisture is removed through a ventilation system with a pipe or a condensation system with a reservoir.
Children's
Industrial
Universal
What is a drying cabinet
Drying clothes the old fashioned way on lines spoils the aesthetics of the local area
Let's try to figure out how clothes naturally dry when we take them out of the washing machine and hang them on lines in the yard. The laundry is heated by the sun's rays on one side, and blown by the wind on the other. Thus, the rate at which water is removed from the tissue depends on the intensity of solar radiation and the strength of the wind.
The disadvantage of natural drying in an apartment is excess humidity, which negatively affects the well-being of residents and the life of elements of the surroundings
The more intense the impact of these factors, the faster everything will dry. When we hang our things not on the street, but on a glazed balcony, the intensity of tissue dehydration decreases significantly, since there is little sunlight and no wind in the isolated space.
The drying cabinet technology combines all the advantages of natural drying with the complete absence of the characteristic disadvantages of dehydration in an isolated space.
Controls on a household modification of the drying cabinet
The cabinet looks like a hybrid of household furniture and a refrigerator. In the interior space there is a certain number of shelves and hangers for clothes and shoes. It is enough to hang freshly washed clothes inside this multifunctional furniture and turn on the appropriate dehydration mode, and after 10-30 minutes you can use your clothes.
Purpose and features
An example of the functionality of Electrolux household dryers - in such cabinets you can dry any thing, from baby diapers to work clothes
Why should you choose a cabinet for household use, and not a drum-type dryer or drying on the street or on radiators in the apartment?
Five reasons to choose a drying cabinet:
- Efficiency of application . Drying outside is good in the summer and becomes unbearably long in the cold season. The cabinet always works with the same high intensity.
- Quiet operation . The cabinet, unlike a drum dryer, does not make any noise at all and this is very important from the point of view of installation in an apartment.
- Gentle on fabric . Since there are no mechanically moving parts in the cabinet, there is no destructive effect on things.
- Things don't wrinkle . Washed laundry is hung on hangers and is not subjected to mechanical stress when drying. As a result, the linen removed from the closet will not look wrinkled, but ironed.
- Saving electricity . The design of the drying cabinet does not have energy-intensive mechanisms. Therefore, energy consumption is lower than when using drum machines.
- Compact dimensions . The drying cabinet is compact in size, so it can be installed in any room.
Operating principle of the drying cabinet
| Illustrations | Types of cabinets by type of heating element |
| Convection type devices . A convection type dryer is supplied with heated air from the outside through inlets at the bottom. The air, rising upward, picks up moisture from the hanging items and, already warm and humid, is drawn out through the inlet grille at the top of the structure. Warm moist air is discharged outside through a corrugated pipe. | |
| Devices with an infrared emitter . In such structures, infrared emitters are installed that heat the internal volume. As a result, warm air in an isolated volume, along with moisture, comes out. The advantage of models with infrared emitters is uniform heating of the internal volume. Heat is reflected from the floor and side walls, and therefore things dry quickly and from all sides. |
Types of products
| Illustrations | Types of drying cabinets and their descriptions |
| Mobile (hiking) . These are lightweight structures consisting of a frame, fabric covering and a built-in infrared heater. Dense heat-resistant fabric is used for covering. Mobile cabinets are easy to carry, and therefore are used when living in rented housing or taken with you to the dacha. | |
| Household (stationary). Such equipment has an attractive design, so it can fit into the interior of kitchens or other auxiliary rooms. For ease of operation, the equipment is equipped with an automatic or semi-automatic control unit for setting the optimal drying mode. Household dryers are designed for a small volume of laundry, comparable to the volume of a single load of a washing machine drum. The equipment is installed so that it can be connected to an vent or hood. | |
| Specialized (industrial). The equipment features a simplified, utilitarian design, with the entire design focused on maximum performance, strength and durability. Such equipment is used in sports locker rooms, in army laundries and other places where large quantities of something are constantly being washed and dried. Most industrial installations are convection type cabinets. The choice of operating principle is not accidental, since an external unit with a heating element and an air blower is easy to repair and maintain and can operate for a long time. |
Manufacturing materials
External and internal lining of an industrial cabinet used in laundries
Materials for assembling the cabinet are selected in accordance with the type and purpose of the equipment. For example, industrial models are simply an all-metal box, powder coated inside and out.
In household models, the cabinet has a complex design with good thermal insulation. Therefore, an outer and inner box is made of metal, between which there is an insulating material with a low degree of thermal conductivity. As a result, the outer surface of the equipment remains cold during operation.
All modifications of modern cabinets have a factory antibacterial coating of the internal volume. This is a very important point, given the fact that there is a high degree of humidity inside, which in itself implies a risk of mold.
Shapes and sizes
Standard content - a hanger bar allows you to use the dryer as an alternative to a regular wardrobe
The standard configuration of both industrial and household dryers is a parallelepiped, where the side walls are narrower than the back wall and narrower than the facade. Household equipment is designed and manufactured so that it can be installed together with home furniture.
Standard sizes for domestic installations:
- Width - from 640 to 1500 mm.
- Height - from 1500 to 1840 mm.
- Depth - from 350 to 600 mm.
Household drying unit with horizontal filling for hanging laundry
The dimensions of industrial installations depend on the manufacturer’s brand and the specific model of equipment. Moreover, when drying units are manufactured to order, the dimensions of the equipment can be adjusted according to the customer's needs.
Compact model designed for a small number of things
Household and industrial dryers differ in their internal contents. For example, there are single-level models, where clothes and shoes are located in one compartment, and there are two-level models, where clothes and shoes can be placed separately. The second option is preferable, since shoe odors are not transferred to clothing.
Shoe rack in a unit with an infrared heater
The filling of drying units is the same as in a regular wardrobe, that is, there are shelves, hanger holders, over-door hooks, mesh trays, etc. The only significant difference is that the filling of the drying cabinet is made of chrome-plated or nickel-plated metal, which is not rusts from prolonged contact with damp cloth.
Posting rules
Optimal location of all clothing care accessories right in the dressing room
Recommendations for placement are simple:
- We take into account the possibility of exhaust air removal . We install the cabinet so that the exhaust pipe can be vented into the ventilation.
- We install it with the ability to connect to a 220V network . Considering that the power consumption of the drying unit is at least 1 kW per hour, try not to use extension cords when connecting, but connect the cable directly to the outlet.
- We place it in close proximity to the washing machine . This arrangement of the drying unit will save you from the need to carry wet laundry from room to room.
Nuances of choice
When choosing a drying cabinet for domestic use, pay attention to the following points:
- Design . Since the equipment is purchased for domestic use, first of all we pay attention to how it will be combined with the design of other furniture and how it will fit into the interior.
- Internal volume . Calculate at least approximately how many kilograms of laundry you wash at a time. Based on the average value, choose the internal volume of the unit with a small margin.
- Energy consumption . We give preference to models with the lowest electricity consumption. Excessive energy consumption is not justified in any way, since a dryer is not a fireplace, and to heat the air to 50-80℃, a heater no more powerful than 1.5 kW will be enough.
- Filling . The more different accessories there are for a comfortable arrangement of things, the more expensive the wardrobe is. But this is exactly the case when it is better to pay more so as not to sacrifice comfort later.
- Controls . Models with manual controls are cheaper, and according to experts, breakdowns in equipment with mechanical regulators occur infrequently.
How to do it yourself
Anyone can buy a drying cabinet, but how can you make such a unit with your own hands? It turns out everything is very simple.
Homemade drying unit made from ordinary cabinet furniture and a heating water radiator
You will need a regular cabinet with suitable internal volume. Install a central heating radiator or radiator inside the wardrobe. At the top of the structure you need to install a pipe to connect to the vent. Cover the inside of the cabinet with waterproof paint.
Manufacturing materials
The production of drying furniture is based on the use of metal boxes equipped with heating elements and ventilation systems. Additionally, the products are equipped with digital displays and programs for controlling the temperature and humidity conditions inside the drying chamber.
The dimensions of the products completely depend on the purpose of the furniture - installation in kindergartens, apartments, houses, and enterprises. The configuration of the models is standard - a rectangular body with different parameters of depth, width, height. To make furniture, manufacturers use the following materials:
- box made of thin-sheet galvanized or stainless steel. Resistant to moisture and mechanical stress;
- frame made of metal pipes, reinforced with stiffeners. Used to complete multi-section industrial models designed for several sets of clothing;
- base block, in which control elements for drying modes and temperatures are located, a heating element and a fan heater are installed;
- drying compartment - the internal part (chamber), which directly communicates with the base unit and control system. The dimensions of the chamber depend on the dimensions of the furniture;
- elements for filling the compartments - mesh (perforated) shelves, telescopic rods for clothes, built-in clothes dryer, baskets, roof rails.
To protect metal from exposure to moist air, manufacturers treat the internal and external surfaces of products with polymer powder material. If the furniture is used for domestic purposes, only the inside of the drying chamber can be made of stainless steel.
The functional content of the cabinet consists of removable elements; the number of compartments depends on the specific model. Wardrobes with four independent internal sections are ideal for the home, providing more hygienic drying for family members' clothes.
Metal pipe frame
Steel cabinet
Structure of IR drying oven
Content
- Selection principles
- Types and possibilities
- Dimensions and installation
The structure of the drying cabinet includes special shelves, compartments and compartments. The compartments themselves are equipped with hanger bars, hooks, and perforated shelves so that the user can easily place existing shoes and clothes for drying. The ergonomics of the interior are created in such a way that even with delicate drying, the fabric, even as delicate as silk, dries without the risk of creasing or creasing. The delay start function will allow you to configure the operation of the closet in such a way that you can put on clothes that are warmed to comfortable levels in the morning.
Shapes and sizes
The drying cabinet must meet safety requirements, be easy to operate, and accommodate a sufficient number of things. Manufacturers produce models for drying in a standard rectangular shape - this is the best option for ergonomic and rational use of useful furniture space. The dimensions of the cabinets affect the drying efficiency in the chamber - the higher the product, the faster the warm air circulates and moisture is removed through the ventilation system.
Some companies produce products for individual orders. The optimal model for an apartment should have average dimensions of 1800x600x600 mm (height, width, depth, respectively), and for installation in a kindergarten a cabinet with dimensions of 1500x350 mm (height, depth) is suitable, the width depends on the number of sections - three, five or more. Dimensions of some furniture models from well-known manufacturers:
- automatic drying machine for apartments and houses ASKO DC7583 – 1840x600x640 mm;
- drying cabinet Electrolux EDD2400RH – 1850x600x600 mm;
- drying cabinet for clothes and shoes HOTSTORM – 1800x600x495 mm;
- clothes drying cabinet DION Standart 10 – 1900x1120x600 mm;
- universal model for two compartments ShSO-2000 – 1810x800x510 mm.
The choice of furniture in terms of dimensional parameters is quite wide. You need to decide on the installation location of the product and the number of things that you plan to dry. The weight of a standard cabinet for household needs should not exceed 60 kg for convenient transportation and installation, the number of compartments should be at least two to reduce heat loss when opening the doors.
Review of popular models
Among Russian manufacturers, the following brands have proven themselves well: Rubin, Amparo, KMK. Due to the optimal ratio of quality and price, they are in demand among consumers.
Most imported models are products (Sweden). The products of this brand are of good quality and modern design.
The table shows a selection of the most common models on the Russian market.
| Name, country of origin | Purpose | Characteristics | price, rub. |
| "ShSO-22m-60", Russia | Universal | Spacious, compact, removable shelves, each holds up to 10 kg of laundry | from 22000 |
| "Hotstorm", Russia | Universal, Industrial | Drying long items, blankets, pillows. Ventilation program, touch control, humidity sensor. | from 39000 |
| Ranger 8, Russia | Industrial | Contains 8 sets of workwear, shoes, body armor, sports equipment, 2 sections (for things and shoes) | from 62000 |
| "ASKO DS7784 VS", Sweden, Slovenia | Universal | Large selection of programs, cold air drying, ventilation, 16 clothes hangers, touch control | from 92000 |
| "RUBIN RShS-5D-135", Russia | Children's | Holds 5 sets of children's clothing and shoes. Ventilation function. It is locked with a key and has a child-proof control panel. Compact size. | from 47000 |
Such companies as “Moscow Metal Furniture Plant” and others produce custom-made structures according to the client’s measurements.
Posting rules
Before installing furniture for drying, you need to solve the issue of ventilation. Humid air from the cabinet is discharged directly into the room (which is not very favorable for the room) or can be discharged into the general ventilation system. For this purpose, the furniture includes flanges and corrugated hoses. Basic rules for furniture placement:
- a condensation drying unit can be installed anywhere in the room, since the model is not equipped with a fan;
- Furniture for drying clothes with forced ventilation is located next to the general exhaust system in order to organize the removal of moisture into the air duct through the pipe;
- Structurally, on some models, a fan is installed on the rear panel of the cabinet. Then part of the moist air will escape into the room - do not place it near a wall covered with wallpaper;
- household cabinets with natural ventilation are equipped with a channel through which moist air does not enter the room, but goes outside - installation against a wall with a ventilation hole (rarely used).
If moist air enters the room, the room should be well ventilated. The drying cabinet can be installed in a spacious corridor, hallway, or bathroom. As an option, the furniture is mounted in the dressing room. It is not recommended to place furniture for drying in the bedroom, living room, or nursery - there is noise during operation of the equipment, and the installation is not very attractive from an aesthetic point of view.
Nuances of choice
Furniture with a heating element for drying clothes depends on electricity, so the product must meet fire safety requirements. The product package must contain all the necessary elements responsible for the correct operation of the cabinet. When choosing a model for home use or production, you should pay attention to the following key points:
- quality of body material;
- availability of mounting parts;
- quality certificate for the cabinet;
- user manual;
- warranty documents;
- compliance with the declared characteristics;
- model power consumption;
- drying chamber capacity;
- additional options, elements;
- the presence of a thermal insulation layer;
- ability to select drying modes.
If the cost of a clothes drying cabinet is not fundamentally important, all that remains is to decide on the dimensions of the furniture and the type of ventilation system. When choosing a product, you need to inspect the furniture, evaluate its spaciousness, the possibility of filling the internal compartments with clothes, linen, and other things.
A drying cabinet is not present in every house and apartment, but the advantages of the furniture are obvious. With small dimensions, drying products can be placed in the closet for three or more standard washes at the same time. It is more practical to dry wet clothes exposed to rain or snow on special hangers - the fabric does not wrinkle and retains its original shape.
Selection criteria: what to look for
Cabinets with heaters are volatile, so fire safety requirements must be strictly observed. When purchasing, check that all spare parts and components are in place. When choosing a model for household needs, pay attention to the following nuances:
- How high-quality is the material from which the case is made?
- Are all mounting elements included?
- Are all certificates in place?
- Make sure you have your user manual.
- Warranty card required!
- Check the actual characteristics with those stated in the data sheet.
- Compare power, capacity.
- It would be a good idea to immediately familiarize yourself with the functionality and options, the presence of thermal insulation, and the number of programs/modes.
Note! If you are focusing on the parameters, manufacturer, reviews, and the price does not matter to you, all you need to choose is the size of the electrical appliance and the type of ventilation.
Inspect from all sides, open and close the doors, check whether it will be convenient for you to use the equipment in the future.
Despite the fact that drying machines are not yet very common in the Russian Federation, there is not a single disadvantage that would prevent such a useful purchase. It's a different story if you prefer tumble dryers. We have a separate review on this topic: “Drying cabinet or drying machine: which is better.” Good luck with your choice!
