While washing machines and tumble dryers are the more common laundry appliances, there are often-overlooked spin dryers. The drying process in a spin dryer is similar to the spin cycle in a washing machine but much faster. Does this make a spin dryer worth it?
A spin dryer is worth it when small loads are sufficient and the drying process can be completed easily. There are several advantages that contribute to buying a spin dryer like reduced energy consumption and drying time, higher spin speed, less cost, small size, easy setup, and gentleness on clothes.
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Pros and Cons of Spin Drying
Spin drying has several pros, making it a better option than tumble drying in many ways. However, there are also some cons of spin-drying.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Fast laundering
- Relatively cheap
- Reliable for all seasons
- Maintains the color of clothes
- Easy setup
- Small size
Cons
- Doesn’t completely dry
- Not suitable for delicate items
- Can be loud
- Only for small loads
Pro #1: Energy Efficient
Since a spin dryer uses centrifugal force to get the excess water out of the wet clothes instead of heat, the electricity consumption is significantly reduced.
Compared to a tumble dryer that uses about 2,400 W (for heating), a spin dryer uses only about 400 W (to power the small motor). Much shorter cycles (90 minutes vs 5 minutes) also help to reduce energy costs.
Pro #2: Fast Laundering
Whether you’re taking your clothes out of the washer or hand washing and putting the soaking wet laundry in a spin dryer, the amount of water it removes in five minutes is equivalent to 30-45 minutes in a tumble dryer.
Spin drying won’t get your clothes dry 100%; they’ll remain damp.
If you’re drying clothes in the tumble dryer after spin-drying, the drying time reduces by at least half an hour.
Alternatively, the air-drying time is also reduced after you spin dry your sopping wet clothes.
Pro #3: Relatively Cheap
Spin dryers are much less expensive than tumble dryers or washer-dryer combos. A spin dryer costs about $60-$200, a basic model tumble dryer can cost about $400, and a washer-dryer combo is at least $750.
Pro #4: Reliable For All Seasons
Since spin-drying greatly reduces drying time, it’s a reliable option for any season – summer, winter, or rainy – whether you want to air- or tumble-dry.
A much shorter air dry cycle can be implemented indoors easily. The clothes are cupboard-ready within a few hours.
Pro #5: Maintains the Color of Clothes
The heat in tumble-drying or the strong UV rays while drying under the sun can cause the fading of colors on your clothes. This isn’t an issue with a spin dryer. You can choose to air-dry afterward to avoid color fading.
Pro #6: Easy Setup
Unlike a washing machine (that needs a water inlet and floor drain) or a tumble dryer (that needs venting), a spin dryer is easier to set up. It doesn’t require any drain or venting provisions or installations.
A power outlet (for the electric models) and a small container to collect the excess water drained out will suffice.
Pro #7: Small Size
A spin dryer is a small machine and won’t take up much space. It’s extremely convenient to use in small apartments, RVs, and dorm rooms. You can even store it away in between uses.
You should check our article about spinning clothes before drying if you are still unsure about spin-drying.
Con #1: Doesn’t Completely Dry the Clothes
Since they don’t use heat, spin dryers don’t completely dry the laundry. After spin-drying, your clothes will be damp and need to be air-dried or tumble-dried.
It might not be the best option if you want ready-to-wear laundry from the dryer.
Con #2: Not Suitable for Delicate Items
With the spin speed of almost 3000 RPM in spin dryers, it might damage delicate laundry items like ones with elastic, embroidery, lace, silk, or fitted dresses.
Most of those items require air drying and can’t be dried in a tumble dryer either. The disadvantage only exists in comparison to the machine-free process.
You should read this if you have delicates: Does Spin Drying Damage Clothes? (4 Risks Explained)
Con #3: Can Be Loud
The higher the rotation speed, the louder the machine gets. Stand-alone spin dryers, with speeds ranging between 2,500 – 3,330 RPM, tend to be noisy.
This can be a problem for those living in apartments. However, it’s not as bad since spin dryers operate only for five minutes.
Con #4: Only for Small Loads
The small size of spin dryers makes them suitable only for small laundry loads.
You might have to run the spin dryer in batches if you’re washing bigger loads.
When to Buy a Spin Dryer?
Here are some scenarios for which a spin dryer is a good option:
- You’re tight on space; you live in a small apartment or dorm room or travel often in an RV.
- You can’t afford a washer, washer-dryer, or tumble dryer.
- To reduce the drying time if you hand wash your laundry.
- You don’t have provisions for regular washer/dryer hookups.
- The landlord prohibits a regular dryer.
- When you want to reduce utility bills and your laundry’s drying time.
- You get your laundry done more than three times a week.
Spin Dryers That Are Worth It
If you’re looking for good spin dryers that tick all the right boxes for your laundry, here are the ones worth considering.
Panda Portable Spin Dryer
This spin dryer is a great space saver and perfect for apartments, dorms, RVs, boats, and frequent travelers. It has a large-capacity (22 lbs) stainless steel drum and can be plugged into a 110V outlet.
Since it uses gravity draining, you need not locate this spin dryer near a sink or drain; a small bucket under the drain outlet will suffice to catch the water. It’s easy to move and makes for good portability.
With a spin speed of 3200 RPM, it removes a lot of the excess water and helps save line drying time.
Ninja Portable Spin Dryer
As an alternative to the Panda the Ninja Spin Dryer comes with the same capacity and in a similar price range. It is very quiet and drains effectively at 3200 rpm. The stainless steel drum and a triple weld make this dryer highly durable.
You can use this spin dryer with a 110V wall outlet and easily dry a whole load of sopping wet, heavy towels.
Conclusion
A spin dryer is a more energy-efficient and less expensive way to get your laundry done. The compact size of these dryers makes them suitable for those tight on space and without regular washer-dryer hookups.
However, it’s important to note that spin dryers won’t completely dry your laundry; you’ll still need to hang dry or tumble dry after you spin dry. But, the drying time is drastically reduced since spin drying removes the excess water from your wet laundry and gets them minimally damp to the touch.
