Equator ED 850 S Compact Dryer: Your Solution for Quick and Efficient Drying

In many parts of North America, particularly in areas with high humidity or distinct rainy seasons like Seattle and Portland, the seemingly simple task of drying clothes can become a significant challenge. The traditional method of air-drying clothes, while seemingly straightforward, often proves impractical. Extended periods of damp weather not only prolong drying times but also lead to clothes developing a musty odor. Indoor air-drying, on the other hand, exacerbates indoor humidity, fostering mold growth and potentially triggering allergies. This is particularly concerning given the increasing prevalence of allergies and respiratory issues.

Furthermore, the trend towards smaller living spaces, as documented by the U.S. Census Bureau, highlights the growing need for compact appliances. In urban centers, where apartments and condominiums are the norm, space is often at a premium. Traditional laundry setups, with their bulky washers and dryers, are simply not feasible for many. This shift in living patterns has transformed the clothes dryer from a luxury to a necessity for many, especially those in smaller living situations. The Equator ED 850 S Compact Vented Sensor Dryer directly addresses these challenges, offering a practical and efficient solution for modern laundry needs.

Overview

The Equator ED 850 S is a 3.5 cubic foot (which equates to approximately 13 lbs of laundry) capacity, front-loading, vented dryer. It’s specifically engineered for today’s compact living environments. Its modest footprint, measuring just 21.5 x 23.5 x 26.5 inches, and its lightweight design at only 55 pounds, make it an ideal fit for a variety of small living spaces, including apartments, dormitories, and even recreational vehicles (RVs). While it boasts a small profile, it doesn’t compromise on capacity, allowing you to dry a reasonable amount of laundry efficiently. Its size and weight allow for greater flexibility in placement and make it relatively easy to relocate as needed.

Design Philosophy - Small but Mighty: Engineered for the Modern Lifestyle

Equator Advanced Appliances has consistently focused on delivering innovative, efficient, and user-friendly home appliances. The ED 850 S’s design philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of the evolving needs of modern living, particularly the constraints of limited space. It embodies a “small but mighty” ethos, offering powerful performance within a compact framework. The dryer’s compact size and lightweight nature ensure it can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of living spaces without being intrusive. Whether it’s tucked away in a small apartment closet or installed in a mobile home, the ED 850 S is designed to adapt to the user’s lifestyle, not the other way around.

Vented Drying Technology - Efficient Moisture Removal

The Equator ED 850 S utilizes vented drying technology, a well-established and widely used method for drying clothes. Let’s delve into how this technology works. Vented dryers operate on a relatively simple principle: they draw in ambient air, heat it, and then pass it through the drum containing the wet clothes. This hot air absorbs moisture from the clothes, becoming warm and humid. The key to this process is the efficient expulsion of this moist air to the outside through a vent.

This venting process is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it prevents the re-condensation of moisture within the dryer or the laundry area, ensuring effective drying. Secondly, it helps maintain a consistent temperature inside the drum, which is important for both drying efficiency and the longevity of the appliance.

Compared to ventless dryers, vented models like the ED 850 S are generally more energy-efficient because they expel moisture directly, rather than condensing it internally. This direct expulsion also allows for faster drying times. However, it’s important to note that proper venting is essential for optimal performance and safety. This typically involves connecting the dryer to an external vent via a duct.

Dual Filtration System - Protecting Your Health and Your Clothes

The ED 850 S boasts a dual filtration system, a standout feature that significantly enhances the appliance’s performance and user benefits. This system consists of two separate filters designed to capture different types of debris during the drying process.

The first filter, often referred to as the lint filter, is typically a mesh screen that traps larger particles like lint, hair, and pet fur. This not only prevents these particles from being redeposited onto clothes but also safeguards the dryer’s internal components from potential blockages that could reduce efficiency or pose a fire hazard.

The second filter is finer and designed to capture smaller dust particles and allergens that might pass through the initial lint screen. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, as it helps minimize the circulation of these irritants in the air and their re-deposition onto clothing.

The science behind this dual filtration lies in the principles of airflow and particle separation. As air passes through the filters, the mesh structure acts as a physical barrier, trapping particles larger than the mesh openings. The effectiveness of this process is influenced by factors such as the size and density of the mesh, the velocity of the airflow, and the characteristics of the particles themselves. By employing two filters with different mesh sizes, the ED 850 S effectively captures a wider range of particles, ensuring cleaner clothes and a healthier environment. Regularly cleaning these filters is crucial to maintain optimal airflow and drying efficiency.

Lightweight Design - Portability and Flexibility

Weighing in at just 55 pounds, the ED 850 S is remarkably lightweight for a clothes dryer. This design choice significantly enhances its portability and flexibility. Unlike traditional, heavier dryers that are difficult to move once installed, the ED 850 S can be relocated with relative ease.

This is a major advantage for individuals who rent their homes or frequently move, as they can easily take the dryer with them. It also allows for greater flexibility in placement within the home. You can move it to different locations based on your needs or to optimize space utilization. For instance, you might store it in a closet when not in use and move it to a more convenient location when doing laundry.

This portability is achieved through careful material selection and engineering. The use of lightweight yet durable materials in the dryer’s construction contributes to its reduced weight without compromising its structural integrity.

Wrinkle Guard - Effortless Garment Care

The ED 850 S features a Wrinkle Guard function designed to minimize wrinkles in clothes, saving you valuable time and effort on ironing. This feature works by intermittently tumbling the clothes after the drying cycle has completed.

Here’s how it works: Once the drying cycle finishes, the dryer doesn’t simply stop. Instead, it continues to tumble the drum periodically, without heat, for a set period. This gentle tumbling action prevents clothes from settling in one position for too long, which is what often leads to deep-set wrinkles.

This feature is particularly useful when you’re unable to remove clothes from the dryer immediately after the cycle ends. It essentially keeps the clothes in motion, preventing wrinkles from forming until you’re ready to retrieve them. This is based on the principle that movement inhibits wrinkle formation. Creases form in fabrics when they are compressed and held in a folded position for an extended time. By keeping the clothes moving, even without heat, the Wrinkle Guard function helps prevent the fibers from setting into a creased state.

Stainless Steel Drum - Durability and Hygiene

The ED 850 S is equipped with a stainless steel drum, a feature that offers several advantages in terms of durability, hygiene, and garment care. Stainless steel is a highly durable material known for its resistance to rust, corrosion, chipping, and staining. This makes it an excellent choice for a dryer drum, which is constantly exposed to moisture and heat.

The smooth surface of stainless steel is also less likely to snag or damage delicate fabrics compared to other materials like porcelain-coated drums, which can chip over time. This ensures that your clothes are treated gently during the drying process.

Furthermore, stainless steel is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t absorb odors or harbor bacteria as easily as some other materials. This contributes to a more hygienic laundry environment and helps keep your clothes smelling fresh. From a scientific standpoint, the smooth, non-porous nature of stainless steel minimizes the surface area available for bacteria and mold to adhere to. This makes it easier to clean and maintain a sanitary environment within the dryer drum.

High-Speed Turbo Fan - Optimized Airflow for Efficient Drying

The ED 850 S incorporates a high-speed turbo fan, a critical component that plays a vital role in the dryer’s overall efficiency. This fan is engineered to generate a powerful airflow, which is essential for rapid and even drying.

The fan’s primary function is to circulate the heated air throughout the drum, ensuring that it reaches all the clothes evenly. This powerful airflow facilitates the evaporation of moisture from the garments. The faster the air moves, the quicker the moisture is carried away from the clothes and expelled through the vent.

The design of the fan blades and the motor’s power are carefully calibrated to optimize airflow while minimizing energy consumption. This is where the principles of aerodynamics come into play. The shape and angle of the fan blades are designed to maximize air movement while minimizing turbulence, which can reduce efficiency.

Sensor Dry and Time Dry - Precision and Control

The ED 850 S offers two distinct drying programs: Sensor Dry and Time Dry, providing flexibility and control over the drying process.

Sensor Dry utilizes advanced sensor technology to monitor the moisture levels inside the drum continuously. These sensors, typically thermistors or moisture probes, detect the humidity of the air circulating within the dryer. As the clothes dry, the humidity level decreases. Once the sensors detect that the desired dryness level has been reached, the dryer automatically stops the cycle. This prevents over-drying, which can damage fabrics and waste energy, and ensures that clothes come out perfectly dry.

Time Dry, on the other hand, allows you to manually set a specific drying time. This is useful for smaller loads or when you need to dry items for a specific duration. It offers greater control in situations where you might want to slightly under-dry clothes for easier ironing or to prevent shrinkage.

The choice between Sensor Dry and Time Dry depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sensor Dry offers convenience and energy savings, while Time Dry provides more granular control.

Multiple Temperature Choices - Tailored Drying for Different Fabrics

The ED 850 S provides a range of temperature settings, from Cool to Hot, allowing you to customize the drying process based on the specific fabric types in your load. This is crucial because different fabrics have varying tolerances to heat.

• Hot: This setting is ideal for heavy-duty items like towels, jeans, and bedding made of cotton or linen. These fabrics can withstand high temperatures and typically require more heat to dry thoroughly.
• Warm: This is a versatile setting suitable for most everyday clothing items made from synthetic blends, cotton, or linen. It provides a balance between drying speed and fabric care.
• Cool: This setting is designed for delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or lingerie. These materials are sensitive to heat and can be easily damaged by high temperatures. The Cool setting uses minimal heat, relying instead on airflow to gently dry these items, thus preserving their shape, texture, and color.

The ability to select different temperature settings is essential for proper garment care. Using the appropriate temperature not only ensures optimal drying but also helps prevent shrinkage, fading, and damage to the fabric fibers.

Bottom Control Panel - User-Friendly Interface

The ED 850 S features a bottom-mounted control panel, a design choice that prioritizes user-friendliness and accessibility. The panel’s location at the lower front of the machine makes it easy to reach and operate, even when the dryer is stacked with a compatible washing machine.

The controls themselves are designed to be intuitive and straightforward. Clear labeling and a logical layout make it easy to select the desired drying cycle, temperature, and other options. This user-friendly interface ensures that operating the dryer is a hassle-free experience, even for those who are not familiar with using laundry appliances.

Stackable Design - Space Optimization

The ED 850 S is designed to be stackable with the Equator 826 washer, offering a significant space-saving advantage, especially in small living spaces. Stacking the dryer on top of the washer creates a vertical laundry center, freeing up valuable floor space.

This stackable configuration is achieved through a specially designed stacking kit (sold separately) that securely connects the two appliances. This not only saves space but also creates a more streamlined and organized laundry area. It’s a practical solution for maximizing space efficiency without compromising on functionality.

ETL and DOE Certifications - Safety and Efficiency Standards

The ED 850 S has earned both ETL and DOE certifications, signifying its adherence to rigorous safety and energy efficiency standards.

ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) certification is a mark of product safety. It indicates that the dryer has been independently tested and meets the required safety standards for electrical appliances in North America. This certification provides peace of mind, knowing that the appliance has undergone thorough testing to minimize the risk of electrical hazards.

DOE (Department of Energy) certification demonstrates the dryer’s compliance with energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This certification means that the ED 850 S meets specific energy performance criteria, helping you save on energy costs and reduce your environmental footprint.

Summary

The Equator ED 850 S Compact Vented Sensor Dryer is a well-engineered appliance that effectively addresses the challenges of modern laundry, particularly in space-constrained environments. Its combination of a compact and lightweight design, powerful drying capabilities, and thoughtful features like dual filtration, wrinkle guard, and multiple temperature settings makes it a valuable addition to any small home. While it’s important to remember that this is a vented dryer, requiring proper external ventilation, its overall performance, and adherence to safety and efficiency standards, as evidenced by its ETL and DOE certifications, make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient compact drying solution.