Dryer temperature question

[lordkenmore]

I am using a WP dryer that probably dates to about 2007. I am guessing it was pretty low in the line.  It seems like it runs cooler than WP dryers I've used in the past...although it may be just my imagination. It's been a while since I used a WP dryer. I checked the exhaust temperature recently, using a cooking (candy) thermometer. Not ideal tool, probably, but it's what I had... And I note that the "low" temperature is in the 120 Fahrenheit range. That is, it drops about that low before the heater comes back on.

 

Is this normal for a dryer of this vintage? And also does it negatively impact the sanitizing effect of a dryer?

 

[yogitunes]

well, since most are not modulating the actual heat source, most likely its running consistently at one set temp......it more or less, heats to the top limit, and then doesn't come back on until the temp drops to trigger it to fire again....

LOW or MED only means a longer time frame from when the heat kicks off, and back on....I think mine climbs to 160/180, shuts off, and doesn't come back on until about 120......an advantage to Whirlpool/Kenmore is it will reduce the temp, or time frame, as each cycling happens, hence Soft Heat, which give better results for wrinkle free clothing compared to most other machines...

this is not much different than a microwave power levels, it doesn't actually run at lower wattages, it just zaps at high for a few seconds, and then shuts off the magnetron as the food continues to rotate for the time frame...

a meat thermometer seems to work pretty good for measuring temps...

 

[lordkenmore]

At least it's nice to know that this dryer isn't the only one dropping to about 120 before the heaters come on. I think I've measured it at about 125. I'm a bit concerned that sanitizing won't happen, though...but I suppose it is the way it is...

 

 

 

[kb0nes]

A while back I measured the temp of my Cabrio gas dryer. The thermocouple was placed in the airstream on the surface of the lint filter. Machine ran a full load of towels.

 

[sbond22]

Fluke 289

Now that ain't your average candy thermometer. Great info.