How to choose a clothes dryer: all selection parameters, types and operating principles

Among the many devices on the market today designed to simplify everyday life, clothes dryers occupy a special place..

These electrical appliances not only save time on hanging wet clothes, but also quickly dry them , preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Therefore, a dryer will be a useful acquisition for every busy person.

To find a suitable model, you should study in advance the operating principle of the device and its advantages, as well as learn about the criteria for choosing a clothes drying machine.

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What is a clothes dryer?

You should know! A dryer is an electromechanical device for quickly drying textiles, shoes and hats.

The device completely eliminates the need to hang wet laundry on radiators or ropes.

The automatic device carefully cares for items made from any fabric , retaining a sufficient amount of moisture, so that the clothes dry evenly, but do not dry out.

As a result, the user receives a clean item with a pleasant smell, which often does not even need to be ironed.

In appearance, the drying device resembles a conventional washing machine , however, it differs slightly in dimensions and control panel.

The cost of such electrical appliances is usually higher, due to their operating principle and functionality.

Advantages and disadvantages of clothes drying machines

Using drying units has many benefits that you should pay attention to. There are also some disadvantages, the study of which allows us to determine the feasibility of purchasing such equipment. Let's look at the main pros and cons of such devices.

The main advantage of dryers is that their use allows you to quickly dry washed items. Installing the dryer is very simple. You don't need any special knowledge to do this. This unit dries clothes to the required level of humidity, which subsequently helps to smooth them.

Another advantage of such units is their functionality. Standard dryers include many modes that make it easier to select optimal conditions for drying items made from different materials.

Standard dryers include many useful features

Currently, it is possible to purchase narrow clothes dryers. Such units are used when there is a lack of free space. They have compact dimensions.

This technique also has some disadvantages. The main disadvantage of such devices is their high cost. Many users note another problem associated with the use of dryers. Most of these devices are difficult to control.

Advantages of the device

Know! Experienced users and experts highlight a number of advantages that modern dryers have. These include the following points:

ultra-fast and efficient drying of laundry;
no need to hang clothes;
smoothing wet laundry during drying;
a large number of work programs;
ease of maintenance and operation;
attractive appearance;
time saving.

After treatment, dried clothes acquire a fresh aroma, while when dried naturally, they can easily absorb foreign odors.

Is a dryer really necessary?

Dryers are a practical and useful solution for the home, which today is unfairly underestimated by users. According to Rosstat, only 2 families out of 100 have this type of equipment.

However, drying units not only speed up the process of drying clothes. They make things soft, facilitate further ironing or eliminate it altogether, remove wool from fabrics, and remove allergens.

And sometimes such equipment even saves space, eliminating the need to install a folding home dryer, which takes up at least 2 square meters. m of usable area. For such a unit it is not necessary to look for a separate place, because many models are installed in a column on top of the washing machine or under the countertop.

Yes, they consume electricity, twice as much as washing machines, but they allow you to save on the purchase of fabric softeners and the use of an iron.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of most models of electric dryers is that the exhaust moist air generated after loading laundry is blown into the ventilation system through a supplied hose.

However, today such devices appear on sale less and less often.

They are being replaced by simple and easy-to-use condensing machines, which are more expensive.

Note! The main element of the dryer is the drum, the rotation speed of which does not exceed 100 revolutions per minute.

Before entering the tank, the air passes through fluff filters , after which the fan directs the air masses to the heating element .

Gradually the air heats up to 40-70 degrees and moves into the drum using an additional fan.

Having collected moisture, the air descends to the heat exchanger, gets rid of excess liquid, cools and is re-directed to the heating element..

This ensures continuous circulation of air flow and high-quality drying of wet laundry.

FAQ

Is the difference in energy consumption classes so noticeable?

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Very noticeable. Models of class A++ (according to old standards) consume half as much electricity as dryers of category B, and 70% less than D. Roughly speaking, you will run every second or third cycle “for free” if you choose an energy-efficient unit.

How to determine the size of the dryer?

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Modern models for 8-10 kg of wet laundry are suitable for a family of 4-5 people. Large drums are also convenient for drying bed linen, blankets, towels and outerwear. If you are going to rarely use the device or load a small amount of things, it is better to choose a 5-6 kg machine.

Which brand is better?

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The leading manufacturers of household appliances remain the leaders in this market: Samsung, Whirlpool, Gorenje, Bosch, Electrolux, AEG, LG. They are backed by a long-term quality guarantee and high functionality of the products.

Differences between devices by type of drying

Based on the principle of moisture removal, dryers are divided into ventilating and condensing.

Devices have their own characteristic features, advantages and disadvantages, which become decisive when choosing.

Ventilation

Stay up to date! Automatic ventilation-type clothes drying machines remove moisture through a special pipe directly to the street.

Installing a ventilation machine requires additional installation work, which is why the demand for such devices is low.

Condensation

Condensation dryers are much more popular because they are easy to install and use.

Hot air in such devices is supplied to the drum, and humid air is discharged into a separate compartment.

Then the condensation settles in the tank, and the air begins to heat up again.

What to look for when purchasing

When purchasing a dryer, you must consider the following parameters:

What load volume does the model need, there is less than 8 kg of laundry and a larger load volume.
Equipment of categories A and B are the most energy-saving, if the amount of electricity consumption is important.
The power determines how quickly the laundry will be dried, without missing a beat so that the wiring can withstand the load.
The rotation of the drum determines the clumping of the laundry, i.e. if it rotates in one direction, the clothes roll into one lump, and if it rotates in both directions in turn, it does not get confused, and the motor does not overload.
Consider the possibilities of draining water and emptying the container in condensing units.

Like any other equipment, dryers are not without some disadvantages.

What is a heat pump dryer?

Experts say dryers with a heat pump are the most effective for home use.

Keep in mind! The device differs from a conventional dryer in that it has a large drawer at the back.

The box houses the air recovery system, which includes a fan, dehumidifier and pipes.

Unlike other electric dryers, in a heat pump dryer, heated, moist air is directed upward inside an additional chamber and passes through a lint filter, ending up in a box with a cold heat exchanger .
The cooled air then passes through the heating element and into the dryer drum .
The air movement cycle repeats.

The main advantage of this technology is its high efficiency.

This is explained by the fact that when drying clothes in a machine with a heat pump, there is practically no heat loss.

The best dryers in the middle segment

In the middle price category there are drying machines that have an optimal balance of functionality and cost. They are practical, reliable, and have many additional options. Most models are equipped with a heat pump. Unlike budget ones, they also consume electricity more economically.

Electrolux EW6CR527P

Abundance of automatic programs
Thanks to 12 automatic programs, this dryer can handle any task itself, saving its owners from unnecessary hassle.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Humidity control;
Automatic determination of drying time;
Reverse;
Delayed start;
Electronic control.

The machine belongs to the PerfectCare 600 line of equipment. Its main advantage is the presence of the SensiCare system, which ensures high efficiency of the equipment and protects tissue from damage.

The model independently determines the humidity level of the loaded laundry and selects the required drying time.

The device is designed to load up to 7 kg of items and has a reverse drum rotation for better drying and smoothing of fabric. Thanks to the delayed start, the machine can be started at a convenient time.

Bosch WTM83201OE

Suitable for any fabrics
A spacious and functional clothes drying machine is suitable for a large family. Especially if your wardrobe contains a lot of items made from capricious fabrics.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Heat pump;
Protection against overdrying;
Easy ironing;
Internal lighting;
Basket for woolen items included.

An easy-to-use but functional dryer is suitable for drying any fabrics: delicates, cotton, wool, etc. It has automatic control programs, but allows you to manually set the operating time. The presence of a heat pump makes the machine more economical and efficient.

The built-in humidity level sensor ensures efficient drying of laundry, while at the same time AutoDry technology ensures that the fabric does not dry out. And the special structure of the drum and the SensitiveDrying system eliminate the possibility of damage to thin materials. The only thing missing from this machine is reverse.

The model also includes options such as child lock, delayed start, a lint filter and interior lighting. The set includes a basket for drying wool products.

Gorenje DE82/G

An excellent family model.
The functional Gorenje drying machine is distinguished by its excellent quality of drying clothes. This model is suitable for large families with children, where there is always a lot of laundry.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Double-flow airflow;
Reverse drum rotation;
Humidity control;
Electronic display;
Heat pump;
Delayed start.

The machine provides fast and efficient drying of up to 8 kg of laundry per load. Thanks to the dual-flow air supply, knitted products are evenly dried until the moisture completely evaporates.

The model has many automatic programs and manual operation mode settings, including a timer. This allows you to select the best option for any type of fabric - be it wet sportswear or wet bed linen.

Reversible drum rotation, heat pump and humidity control system also have a positive effect on drying quality. Gorenje has an electronic control system with a display, supports a delayed start option and has a child lock.

Candy GVS H10A2TCE-07

Very spacious dryer
The Candy dryer has impressive characteristics, but does not have the highest price. The model can be installed on the lid of a front-loading washing machine.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Large capacity;
Removing allergens;
Timer;
Heat pump;
Humidity control;
Connection with smartphone.

The main advantage of the Candy model is its spacious drum, in which you can dry up to 10 kg of laundry. The machine has 16 automatic modes, including “down products”, “towels”, “mixed fabrics”, “allergen removal” and others. It also allows you to manually set the operating time.

The equipment is equipped with a heat pump, which ensures economical consumption of electricity. Energy class A++. The humidity sensor increases the efficiency of the dryer, and the connection to a smartphone allows diagnostics through a special application.

Samsung DV 90K 6000 CW

Convenient and economical
The Samsung dryer, quite large in itself, is equipped with a spacious drum and can evenly dry up to 9 kg of laundry.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Connection to a smartphone;
Heat pump;
Cost-effective;
Anti-crease protection;
Condensation indicator.

The ultra-modern clothes dryer can connect to a smartphone, with which you can diagnose the condition of the equipment. The model is equipped with a heat pump that uses refrigerant, thanks to which its energy efficiency class is at a decent level of “A”.

The dryer is equipped with a system that prevents fabric from creasing. The drum has internal lighting. There is also a delayed start option. The machine is equipped with indicators that display the full level of the condensate container and fluff filter.

Main selection criteria

Important! When planning to purchase a dryer, you should pay attention to the main technical characteristics of the models in question.

This will help you choose the best device without spending extra money on an automatic device with unnecessary options.

Load Type

The stores offer horizontal and vertical models.
They are equally convenient, but there are many more horizontal devices on sale, which means it’s easier to find such a model.

Device width

The width of electrical appliances for drying ranges from 55-70 cm.

Reference! The choice is made based on how much free space there is to install the device.

Volume

The laundry must move freely inside the device, so you should purchase a model with a larger drum capacity than a washing machine.

If you need to wash a lot, the best solution would be a device with a capacity of 100 liters.

Loading weight

The maximum permissible weight of items loaded into the machine can vary from 3.5 to 11 kg.

However, the most popular models are those designed for 7-9 kg - this will be quite enough for a large family.

Energy consumption

A dryer for home use should ideally be class A++ - the lowest level of energy consumption .

A good solution would also be devices that belong to class B.

Power

It is worth noting! For most models, the optimal indicator is 1.5-2.3 kW.

However, some devices have a power of 4 kW - they are more expensive and can negatively affect the wiring.

Number of programs

Well-known manufacturers give users the opportunity to choose a device with any set of functions depending on their preferences.

If the device is purchased for the purpose of washing a large number of clothes from different fabrics, you should take a closer look at models with 15 programs or more.

Drum characteristics

The drum is a part that is constantly in contact with clothing, which is why developers pay increased attention to this element.

The drum coating must be made of stainless steel, which is wear-resistant and durable.

The coating is smooth , so it does not damage or catch the fabric.

type of instalation

For reference! Depending on the type of installation, drying machines are:

in a column - implies compact installation of the device on a washing machine;
built-in – improved technology that will not take up much space and will perfectly complement the overall interior;
freestanding - one of the most convenient options, since the device will be located separately, in a place convenient for the owner.

How to choose?

Most manufacturers of household appliances produce dryers along with washing machines so that the buyer can purchase them as a set. Prices for equipment from different brands vary from 25 to 60 thousand rubles. When choosing a drying machine, consider the significant characteristics of the device, not just the cost and brand.

Criterias of choice:

Drum
. The quality of the drying process depends on it, so when inspecting the model, first of all pay attention to the drum. You should be interested in how reliable and spacious it is. A car with a load of 3-5 kg will be enough for one person, 5-6 kg for a couple, and a family of several people will need a capacity of at least 8 kg. It is important to consider whether the drum rotates in one direction or in two. Choose a model that uses two directions, so the laundry will dry evenly. For the same purpose, we recommend choosing a drum with ribs-blades for shaking things. The coating directly affects the condition of the clothes after drying. Stainless steel and Dura-Finish coating are ideal here, as they do not threaten items made of silk and satin with hundreds of puffs.
Filtration . After clothes end up in the dryer, hairs, lint and fluff remain and collect in the filter. It is cleaned manually and quite often, so models with easy accessibility of this part are a priority.
Energy consumption . Different units require different amounts of energy. Models characterized by the greatest efficiency are marked A, A+ or A++. Cars with the letter G use the most energy.
Noise . Please note that the normal noise level emitted by the machine should not exceed 70 dB. Otherwise, the pleasure from warm, dry things is reduced to nothing.
Functionality . Various dryers combine from 4 to 27 programs. You need to consider the options offered by the device and choose those that will be useful to you in the future. Below is an approximate list of functions and modes.
Internal lighting . Very convenient for monitoring the condition of things in the drum.
Sound notification . Allows you to find out about the end of drying and immediately remove the dried clothes.
Flavoring . It is provided in some expensive models and allows you to refresh things, giving them a pleasant smell.
Ventilation . Sometimes laundry does not require thorough drying, but light airing, for example, when things have been lying in the closet for a long time.
Easy ironing/no ironing. After complete drying, the items are additionally blown with cool jets, and the drum rotates them along a figure eight trajectory. An effect similar to ironing is difficult to achieve, but the number of folds and irregularities is significantly reduced.
Type of fabric/clothing . Modern dryers often offer to dry only cotton and silk, and sometimes include special programs for drying trousers or shirts. This functionality can be very convenient for those who intend to download only light items. To dry outerwear, you need to choose a special model with a drum capacity of at least 100 liters.

Differences between budget devices and premium and mid-range devices

from expensive electrical appliances for drying clothes and models from the mid-price segment in their range of functions, number of programs and design .
a dryer often depends on the reputation of the manufacturer , which has been producing its products for many years or has recently appeared on the household appliances market.

Having studied the cost of dryers from different price categories, we can draw the following conclusions:

the average price of budget models is 20,000 – 30,000 rubles;
you can purchase a device from the mid-price segment for 35,000 – 50,000 rubles;
expensive devices will cost the buyer approximately 60,000 - 75,000 rubles.

Rating of advanced devices

SIEMENS WT47Y782OE

Price ~ 94,000 rub.

A beautiful, ergonomic dryer with a set of all necessary modes and functions. Touch control and backlight mode make working with it as convenient as possible.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 9 kg.
Energy consumption class – A++.
Drum volume – 112 l.
Number of modes – 16.
Tank material – stainless steel.
Power – 1000 W.

Pros:

internal lighting;
digital display, electronic control;
ironing mode, according to the type of fabric, clothing.

Minuses:

not identified.

“It’s an excellent machine, it dries well and doesn’t make much noise. It does a great job of removing fabric dust from things, and sleeping on pillows has become noticeably more pleasant.”

SMEG DHT83LRU

Price ~ 70,000 rub.

This model is distinguished by its impeccable design and the absence of unnecessary details. With a very capacious drum, it consumes extremely little electricity.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 8 kg.
Energy consumption class – A+++.
Number of modes – 16.
Tank material – stainless steel.
Power – 800 W.
Noise level – 65 dB.

Pros:

interior lighting;
digital display, electronic control;
mode according to the type of fabrics, clothing.

Minuses:

not identified.

ELECTROLUX EW6CR428W

Price ~ 50,000 rub.

Quite a popular aesthetic model in the mid-price category. Its main advantage, which is often shared in reviews, is its noiselessness.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 8 kg.
Energy class – B.
Drum volume – 118 l.
Tank material – stainless steel.
Power – 2250 W.
Noise level – 65 dB.

Pros:

humidity control;
Heat pump;
digital display, electronic control;
types of fabrics and clothing are taken into account.

Minuses:

not identified.

“We have never regretted it, things are soft after it, as if they had been steamed in a dry cleaner, and most importantly, they don’t have to be hung on the dryer, which takes up half the room.”

GORENJE DA82IL

Price ~ 45,500 rub.

Convenient, economical model with an improved lint removal system. Pleases with a rich set of functions for a relatively low price.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 8 kg.
Energy consumption class – A++.
Number of modes – 14.
Tank material – stainless steel.
Power – 800 W.
Noise level – 65 dB.

Pros:

humidity control;
Heat pump;
digital display, internal lighting.

Minuses:

not identified.

Additional functionality

Important! In addition to the main programs, you need to take into account the presence of additional functions that increase the cost of the device, but significantly simplify operation.

The dryer can be equipped with useful features such as:

child protection – the option is designed to lock the control panel during the drying process, which guarantees complete safety;
delayed start – makes it possible to delay the start of work for several hours after loading laundry;
cooling – ensures that dried items are blown with cold air after the end of the main program;
drum illumination - will remind you of things forgotten inside the device.

The best premium dryers

Expensive dryers are distinguished not only by high functionality, but also by reliability. They are made from high-quality and durable parts, have a high degree of energy efficiency, allowing you to save resources.

Kuppersbusch TD 1940.0 AT

Fully automated
The high price of the Kuppersbusch dryer is more than offset by the efficiency and functionality of this model.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Self-cleaning;
Heat pump;
Many operating modes;
Wide display;
Long delayed launch according to schedule;
Wide range of installation options;
There is a drying basket.

The dryer is equipped with a Heat Pump system and Autoclean self-cleaning technology. This makes it economical and practical to use. The model has an electronic control system and is also equipped with a wide 4.3-inch digital display.

It provides both standard and unique programs: for example, “antibacterial treatment”, “pollen removal”, “express drying”, “freshener”. Delayed start makes it possible to configure automatic switching on according to a schedule for up to 7 days.

The drum, which can hold 1-8 kg of laundry, is equipped with lighting. The machine comes with a basket for drying delicate items and sports shoes. The door can be hung on the right or left side, and the model itself is suitable for installation in a column.

V-Zug Adora TSQL WP re

The most energy efficient
The relatively low noise level of 62 dB and the versatility of the V-Zug Adora dryer make it a very practical equipment.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

A large number of operating modes;
Reverse;
Cost-effective;
Easy ironing;
Possibility of partial embedding.

The condensing machine has the highest energy efficiency class A+++, which is quite rare for such equipment. It is equipped with 27 automatic programs that allow you to select the optimal operating mode for any task. Among them is the drying of down products, a program for towels, children's clothing, and “light ironing.”

Increases the efficiency of the dryer with a reverse drum, which ensures even distribution of air. The model is suitable for partial recessing, installation under a countertop or on top of a washing machine.

AEG T8DEE48S

Installation in any way
The AEG drying machine is functional and convenient, and at the same time it does not have the highest price, although it belongs to the TOP segment.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Automatic and manual modes;
Humidity control;
Electronic control;
Capacity;
Reverse rotation.

The AEG tumble dryer is suitable for installation in columns, under worktops and for partial installation. It has 10 automatic operating programs and provides the ability to manually configure modes.

The model is equipped with humidity level sensors, which allows the unit to automatically select the drying duration for any items - even pillows and blankets.

The drum volume is 118 liters and can hold up to 8 kg of laundry. Thanks to reverse rotation, it dries evenly on all sides. The special structure of the walls prevents severe creasing of the fabric, and the locking of the electronic control panel protects the equipment from children.

Miele TWJ660WP

Smart appliances
Miele appliances, although considered expensive, are distinguished by high quality, advanced functionality and, most importantly, reliability.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

Economical operation;
Protected heat exchanger;
A large number of modes;
Aroma system;
Possibility of connecting to a smart home system.

A model with a heat pump can dry from 1 to 9 kg of laundry per cycle. The machine offers as many as 18 modes, including for mixed loads, delicate silks, outerwear and even pillows. There is a program for impregnating things with water-repellent agents and automatic protection against creasing of laundry that was not pulled out of the drum.

Miele's heat exchanger is protected by two filters, which prevent its gradual contamination with lint, which will save on machine maintenance.

An interesting solution is to use two different scents for laundry with the ability to quickly switch between them. However, this function is much more useful if you pour fabric impregnation agent into one of the compartments.

Owners of a smart Miele washing machine will be able to programmatically combine both machines into a single network, so that after washing, information about the items is automatically transferred to the dryer, and it can select the optimal mode for them.

Popular manufacturers

Remember! Many popular manufacturers of household appliances offer customers functional models of dryers.

It is quite difficult to choose just one device, so it is worth checking out the list of the best brands and designed electrical appliances that have become the best-selling ones. Among them:

Bosch. A leading German brand under which various household appliances are produced, known for their reliability, quality of assembly and materials, as well as high technical characteristics. From the many models of drying machines offered by the manufacturer, experts highlight:

WTW85469OE;
WTH83000OE;
WTW876H0OE;
WTM83260OE.

Gorenje. A Slovenian company that is one of the seven best manufacturers of home appliances. Users especially liked such multifunctional devices from Gorenje as:

DS94ILS/I;
DE82;
DA82IL;
D98F65F.

Electrolux. The largest Swedish manufacturer of household and professional appliances, which has won the trust of customers with high-quality products. The best Electrolux drying machines are:

EW6CR527P;
EW6CR428W;
EW8HR258B;
EW9W161B.

Hotpoint-Ariston. An Italian company that has been producing large and small household appliances for many years. The leading positions in the ratings are occupied by the following models of drying machines:

FTCD 97B 6H (EU);
AQC94F5T/Z1;
WDG862;
AQC9BF7TEU.

Beko. A Turkish company that has established itself as a high-quality, reliable and affordable brand. Among the variety of devices developed by the manufacturer, the following models stand out:

DU7111PA;
DS8433RX;
DPS 7205 GB5;
DB7111PA.

Siemens. A German concern specializing in the production of electronics, home appliances and medical equipment. According to the owners, several functional models deserve increased attention:

WT45W561OE;
WT45RV20OE;
WT47Y782OE;
WT47W561OE.

Rating of inexpensive models

BEKO DPS 7205 GB5

Price ~ 29,500 rub.

The best model in its price category with a very successful set of programs and decent technical characteristics.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 7 kg.
Energy consumption class – A++.
Covering: stainless steel.
Number of modes – 15.
Power – 900 W.
Noise level – 65 dB.

Pros:

Heat pump;
rotation of the drum in 2 directions;
internal lighting and electronic control;
modes for fabrics and types of clothing.

Minuses:

short drying program using a timer;
lack of soundproofing material.

“It does the job perfectly; most things don’t need to be ironed after drying.”

GORENJE DP7B

Price ~ 29,000 rub.

The best budget option from Gorenje. A thoughtful and multifunctional device that successfully cleans laundry from lint and dust.

Characteristics:

Type – condensing.
Maximum load – 7 kg.
Energy class – B.
Number of modes – 16.
Power – 2500 W.
Noise level – 65 dB.

Pros:

reverse rotation of the drum;
digital display;
humidity control.

Minuses:

no heat pump;
high power consumption.

“Indispensable in the household when there are a lot of children at home, and you don’t have time to wash and dry them. If you have animals, all the hair will remain in the filter.”

CANDY CS C10DBGX-07

Price ~ 27,000 rub.

Perhaps the best ventilation model. Many good reviews testify to the quality of this device and its convenience in everyday life.

Characteristics:

Type – ventilation.
Maximum load – 10 kg.
Energy class – C.
Drum volume – 150 l.
Tank material – stainless steel.
Power – 2300 W.
Noise level – 68 dB.

Pros:

timer;
digital display, control via smartphone;
humidity control.

Minuses:

the condensate container is inconveniently located;
high power consumption.