A drying cabinet (also called a clothes dryer cabinet or drying cabin) is a household appliance that dries wet clothes, towels and bedding without the wear of a tumble dryer. Unlike a tumble dryer the laundry does not move: clothes hang still in the cabinet while warm air takes the moisture away.
In Scandinavia the drying cabinet is standard; in the Netherlands it is gaining ground quickly. At XARO you find the full NIMO range - from compact 60 cm models to wide family cabinets - as exclusive Benelux importer of NIMO (Nimoverken).
What is a drying cabinet exactly?
A drying cabinet blows controlled warm air through a closed or semi-closed cabin. Because textiles hang instead of tumble, the fabric shape stays better: less crease, less wear, and you also dry items that must not go in a drum - shoes, jackets, sportswear or delicate fabrics.
That also makes the drying cabinet interesting in allergy season: laundry dries indoors, without pollen or exhaust fumes from the washing line outside.
Which types of drying cabinets are there?
At XARO we put the three common technologies next to each other. Which one fits your laundry room depends on venting, energy use and how often you dry.
1. Heat-pump drying cabinets
Heat-pump drying cabinets reuse the heat from the drying process. The air circulates in a closed circuit: heat up, extract moisture, heat up again. That saves 30-50% energy compared with classic condenser or vented models and is gentler on textiles because of lower drying temperatures.
2. Condenser drying cabinets
A condenser drying cabinet extracts moisture from the warm air and collects the condensate (or drains it via a hose). You do not need a vent to the outside, which makes placement flexible. Energy use is higher than with a heat pump; for occasional use a condenser remains a practical choice.
3. Vented drying cabinets
A vented drying cabinet blows moist air outside via a hose. Installation needs a suitable vent opening, but the technology is simple and proven. Ideal if you already have a vent or want a model with a timer or sensor.
Sensor technology and ECO+
Many NIMO models have sensor technology: the cabinet measures humidity and switches off when the laundry is dry. That can save up to about 40% energy. With the ECO+ programme the saving can rise further - handy if you often dry small loads.
- Less wear - no drum movement, textiles stay nicer for longer
- More than clothes - also shoes, jackets and sports gear
- Hypoallergenic drying - closed system, no pollen from outside
- Flexible widths - including 60 cm and wider family models
What is the best drying cabinet?
For most households a NIMO heat-pump dryer is the best long-term choice: low consumption, no vent required, and gentle on clothes. If you already have a vent or want a sharper entry price, look at vented or sensor models.
Nimoverken has built drying cabinets in Sweden since 1961 and is the world market leader. XARO is the exclusive importer in the Benelux: advice, delivery and warranty from one address.
Popular NIMO heat-pump drying cabinets
Passad 60 cm in white and black - the most chosen heat-pump size.
Browse all drying cabinets - Heat pump, vented and sensor models from NIMO - free delivery in the Benelux.