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Auto-sensing
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An auto-sensing program means the dryer will stop when it senses the load is dry.
- Yes
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One-touch start
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One-touch start means you pop your clothes in, press start and the dryer does everything for you. Most basic machines won't have anything like this and will require at least a couple of presses to get the machine started (power, program, start).
- No
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Iron-dry program
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An iron-dry program leaves the clothes a little damp so they're easier to iron. The ironing process will make the remaining moisture evaporate.
- Yes
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Cupboard-dry program
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Clothes should come out dry enough to put straight into the cupboard.
- Yes
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Extra-dry program
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A longer program for multi-layered or thick fabrics such as bed sheets, towelling bathrobes or socks.
- Yes
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Timed drying
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This means instead of or in addition to a sensor, you can turn the knob of the dryer dial to choose how many minutes the dryer will run.
- Yes
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High temperature program
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You select high for drying cottons and low for heat-sensitive fabrics. Check the icons on your clothes' care labels for which to use.
- No
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Low temperature program
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You select high for drying cottons and low for heat-sensitive fabrics. Check the icons on your clothes' care labels for which to use.
- No
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Woollens program
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This is for tumble drying woollens or delicate fabrics with gentle heat and minimal tumbling.
- Yes
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Anti-crease program
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Some dryers will make the drum move occasionally after the end of a cycle until you open the door. This is to stop creases from forming in the clothes.
- Yes
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Delay-start feature
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This allows you to delay the start of the drying cycle, meaning you can set the dryer to come on later in the day to take advantage of solar power, or at night to take advantage of off-peak rates.
- Yes
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Stackable
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Generally most dryers can be stacked on top of a front loading washing machine, but some require stacking brackets, sold separately.
- Yes
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Stacking kit supplied
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It's uncommon for manufacturers to include a stacking kit with their dryer, more likely it will be an optional extra you'll have to purchase after the fact. They can range in price from $30 to over $100.
- No
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Wall mountable
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Most vented dryers can be wall-mounted, but you may need to buy mounting brackets separately. Condenser and heat-pump dryers are generally too heavy for wall-mounting.
- No
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Wall mounting brackets supplied
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The manufacturer supplies brackets for models that can be wall-mounted.
- N/A
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Drainage hose
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For condenser and heat pump dryers, a drainage hose solves the issue of having to empty the drainage container that collects the waste removed from clothing. Not all dryers come with this option.
- Yes
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Reverse tumbling
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Stops every few seconds and reverses the tumbling action so the clothes don't bunch up. This is important because without reverse tumbling, large towels and sheets can wad up into a tight ball and not dry properly. Reverse tumbling also helps limit creasing.
- Yes
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Unit starts on door shut
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Some machines will start when you shut the door (though they're rare) which can be a danger when you have children or pets.
- No