Do I Need a Steam Dryer?

Identification

• A steam clothes dryer uses dry steam instead of heated air. The dry steam is created when water is heated. Because no water droplets are left in the resulting mist, the appliance dries clothes instead of dampening them. In addition to drying clothes, steam dryers iron clothes while they go through the drying cycle.

Benefits

• Steam dryers can be used to clean and sanitize safely items that cannot be put in a conventional washing machine and clothes dryer, such as a child’s toy. If you don’t like to iron, you can use a steam dryer's steam cycle to remove wrinkles from clothing. Energy savings are another benefit of steam dryers. Because they work at a higher temperature than traditional clothes dryers, they dry clothes faster, which saves the user money as well as time.

Features

• Specific features of steam dryers may vary depending on the brand or model. Many offer multiple drying cycles for cotton, towels or delicate items. Steam dryers come with optional stacking kits to pair the dryer with a washing machine in a closet or other small space. Child locks also are available for safety.

Considerations

• A steam dryer may be ideal if you want to clean items that are typically non-washable in a traditional washing machine, such as upholstered pillows. You can clean those items safely in a steam dryer by using a sanitizing cycle. Steam dryers are equipped with stainless-steel drums that reportedly retain their new appearance even after years of use.