It can be difficult to decide on a new dryer with so many exciting features hitting the market. A dryer feature we get a lot of questions about is the Steam feature. Our customers are wondering, “Is a steam dryer worth the extra cost?” When considering a steam dryer vs. a regular dryer, you’ll want to know the pros and cons of wrinkle removal, odor removal, energy efficiency, and cost. We’ll explore those topics below, so keep reading!
Pros & Cons of Steam Dryers vs. Regular Dryers
With new dryer technology hitting the market every year, it can be hard to decide which features are must-haves and which features to skip. If you’re trying to figure out if a steam dryer is better, stay tuned as we discuss steam dryer pros and cons.
Wrinkle Removal Capability
One of the benefits of steam dryers is their ability to remove wrinkles. If you’re tired of dealing with wrinkles in your clothes, consider these pros and cons:
Pro: Steam Dryers Are Better at Removing Wrinkles
Because of the added steam feature, steam dryers are better at removing wrinkles and reducing the amount of ironing needed. The steam penetrates clothing, softening it to the point where it releases creases and folds. A steam dryer’s superior wrinkle removal capability could be beneficial if you deal with a lot of wrinkles in your clothing. A steam dryer would be a good investment if you have large amounts of laundry that require ironing.
Con: Regular Dryers May Only be Able to Remove Light Wrinkles
While a steam dryer’s steam feature lightly sprays water during a hot drying cycle to create steam, a regular dryer simply circulates hot air to dry wet clothing. A regular dyer does an ok job of removing light wrinkles, but heavier creases that require ironing or dry-cleaning will remain. If your laundry doesn’t require a lot of ironing, a regular dryer may be better suited for your needs.
Odor Removal Ability
When you’re considering a steam dryer vs regular dryer, odor removal ability may be at the top of your list, especially if you have pets or kids.
Pro: Steam cycles can eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
As the steam cycle’s moisture penetrates clothing to remove wrinkles, it can also eliminate odor-causing bacteria. This ability gives you the option of simply freshening a shirt in the dryer instead of washing it every time it’s worn. In theory, this can save time and energy for frequently worn favorites and necessities like uniforms. It can also eliminate the need for dryer sheets that can add up in cost over time.
Con: Regular Dryers can only disguise odors with dryer sheets.
Regular dryers do not have the odor-removing ability of a steam dryer, as circulating hot air doesn’t kill odor-causing germs. Consequently, clothing must be washed and dried to freshen them after wearing. Dryer sheets can also be required to eliminate or disguise odor with a fresher scent.
Energy Efficiency
If energy efficiency is one of your primary concerns when purchasing a dryer, drying times are an essential consideration. We suggest looking into models that offer shorter drying times.
Pros and Cons of Energy Efficiency
Despite having the extra steam clean feature, steam dryers have been shown to use the same amount of energy as regular dryers. Since both dryers use the same amount of energy, they have the same energy efficiency.
Steam Dryer FAQs
How Does a Steam Dryer Work?
During a steam cycle, moist air softens your clothes and removes wrinkles. In contrast, a regular dryer applies hot air to your wet clothes, which causes moisture to evaporate, therefore drying your clothes.
What kind of hookups are required for steam dryers?
Steam dryers do not require any extra plumbing, they only need to connect to the same water supply as your washer or another faucet. Most steam dryers can be connected to your washing machine water source with a “Y” hookup.
What is the cost of a Steam Dryer vs. Regular Dryer?
The upfront cost of a steam dryer is more expensive than a regular dryer. However, there may be long-term savings for you over the life of a steam dryer.
Steam drying can eliminate the need for time-consuming ironing and expensive dry cleaning. Freshening an article of clothing with a quick steam in the dryer can also save time and energy, removing the need for a wash cycle.
So, is a steam dryer worth it? The most important consideration is really what’s best for your personal laundry needs. Whether you’re deciding between a steam dryer vs. regular dryer or searching for the best dryer repair Laguna Niguel, Caesar’s Appliance Sales & Service can answer your needs.