The History of The Tumble Dryer

Historically, clothing was sun-dried. After spending the time and energy it required to use a washboard, clean clothing would be placed on a clothes line or a hard surface and left to dry. The sun and air dried the clothes after a few hours of sitting out. Time consuming and labour intensive, washing and drying clothes was usually and all day event. This was only possible in good weather.

Pochons created the ventilator in 1799. It was the prototype for the first tumble dryer. The ventilator was a metal drum with holes. Clothing was placed inside the drum and it was cranked by hand, over an open fire. While Pochon's idea was creative sometimes clothes caught on fire in the ventilator. The foundational design of the original ventilator tumble dryer is still the design used today in new tumble dryer construction. A metal drum with holes or vents is the foundation of every tumble dryer built today.

In 1915, consumers could buy a tumble dryer for their home. However, the prices were astronomical and most families could not afford the luxury of a clothes dryer in the early 1900s. In 1938, an American company capitalised on the improved version of the clothes dryer. The Hamilton Manufacturing Company was able to sell automatic tumble dryers at a much lower price. The model, called "June Day," was made in electric and gas models. In the 1940s tumble dryer sales sky-rocketed. More brands came out and competition drove the price for tumble dryers down even lower.

In 1974 a microelectronic controller feature was added to tumble dryers. Improving on the dryness sensor, this controller was created to control all aspects of a drying cycle including dryness and length of time. Just when it seemed the public would be satisfied for a while, a new feature came out for dryers. In 1983, delayed start timers allowed for people to set their tumble dryers to start at a certain time of day. This helped people to better monitor their energy use.

In the 21st century tumble dryers have continually been perfected. Today's tumble dryers point to the "green" and energy-efficient obsession of our culture. Since most tumble dryers are now energy-efficient, not only will consumers save money, but our natural resources will be held in greater reserve. The Hydronic Dryer utilises hydronic power to dry clothes. Newer dryer models even have noise reduction features, and suspension systems that help minimise shaking during the spin cycle. Again a domestic appliance that we just can't afford to be without especially in the U.K where our weather can be very wet all year round so a good tumble dryer purchase makes since.