Ceiling clothes dryers for balconies: five popular models + tips for selection and installation
In order not to clutter up the free space in the apartment, many housewives hang washed laundry on the balcony. But even in this case, this issue should be approached thoughtfully. It is important to properly arrange a place for drying, where things do not disturb anyone, dry quickly and do not become deformed.
Instead of classic clotheslines and cords, it is better to use modern functional devices - ceiling-mounted clothes dryers for the balcony. They are compact, quite roomy, equipped with a convenient mechanism for raising and lowering or folding.
The range of ceiling-mounted dryers is very diverse. Models from domestic and foreign manufacturers differ in design, materials of manufacture, and working surface area. We will help you understand all the important parameters and tell you how to choose the best option. We will also explain the main nuances of installing products and consider the features, pros and cons of the five popular models.
The content of the article:
TOP 5 popular dryer models
Artex ceiling sliding All Stain 1000
Robust and durable stainless steel device for heavy duty use
The Korean Artex clothes dryer stands out for its convenient sliding design and record load capacity. This is an ideal option for those who regularly need to dry a lot of heavy laundry.
A minimum of plastic and ropes makes the product more reliable in use: almost all elements are made of durable stainless steel. Laundry bars are covered with polymer material. Plastic plugs are inserted at the ends.
The structure is easily lowered and raised due to a special sliding mechanism that folds like an accordion. The desired height is fixed using a rope: pull it down and move it to the side. In the uppermost position, the distance from the dryer to the ceiling is 30 cm, in the lower position – 100 cm.
Specifications:
- type of construction – sliding;
- material – stainless steel;
- color – metallic;
- rods – 4;
- working surface length – 7.6 m;
- maximum permissible load – 30 kg;
- dimensions when unfolded – 1.9x0.3 m;
- product weight – 5 kg.
There is 16 cm of free space between the rods. This ensures good air circulation, which helps things dry quickly.Sufficient distance allows you to hang several sets of oversized laundry at the same time. The device is fixed to the ceiling with screws, which are supplied in the kit.
- Aesthetic appearance
- Rugged and durable all-metal construction
- Easy assembly
- Spacious, can withstand impressive loads of up to 30 kg
- Smooth surface bars prevent the formation of sharp creases in laundry
- High price
Vileda ceiling Highline 160
Dryer for oversized items with increased resistance to moisture
The Vileda brand dryer from the Highline series is a lightweight, durable and compact model. It takes up little space and fits even in small apartments.
The frame of the product is made of aluminum and steel. The design provides six textile strings 160 cm long, which are raised and lowered by rings attached at the ends. The wide plastic string housing minimizes the possibility of wrinkles on clothing.
Specifications:
- type of construction – “liana”;
- material – steel, aluminum, plastic;
- color – white;
- rods – 6;
- working surface length – 9.5 m;
- maximum permissible load – 12 kg;
- dimensions when unfolded – 1.6x0.46x1.35 m;
- product weight – 3.4 kg.
The device uses the same roller mechanism as in other Liana-type designs. The manufacturer claims that due to welding control and high-quality anti-corrosion composition, the model is more durable: it can be safely used in conditions of high humidity. The hanging device is mounted to the wall or ceiling.
- Lightweight and compact design
- Two mounting options
- Even distribution of laundry
- Preventing wrinkles in clothes
- Increased resistance to moisture and temperature changes
- Long service life
- Plastic tubes can sag under heavy weight
Nika ceiling Liana 2.0 m
Simple and easy to use dryer at an affordable price
The budget model of the “Liana” type is suitable for installation on balconies, loggias and bathrooms. The device has a simple cascade design with five crossbars. Each of them can be raised and lowered to the desired level using adjustment cords that pass through roller mechanisms built into the brackets.
The crossbars are made of metal with a special coating that protects the material from the harmful effects of moisture. They are quite durable and do not bend under the weight of laundry, unless the maximum permissible load is exceeded. The product looks stylish and neat, which allows it to easily fit into any interior.
Specifications:
- type of construction – “liana”;
- material – metal/plastic;
- color – white;
- rods – 5;
- working surface length – 10 m;
- maximum permissible load – 12 kg;
- dimensions when unfolded – 2.0x0.43 m;
- product weight – 3 kg.
The model is installed on a wall or ceiling. A set of fastening elements is included.
- Low price
- Convenient lift mechanism
- Two mounting options
- Compact dimensions
- Easy to install and operate
- Not used for tension and suspended ceiling systems
- Not suitable for drying bulky items
- The structure may become loose over time
Gimi ceiling Lift 120
Compact dryer with a convenient roller mechanism
The model of the Italian brand Gimi with a width of 120 cm is the optimal solution for small balconies. The design of the product is made according to the “Liana” type, which greatly simplifies the process of hanging laundry.
The metal frame is equipped with a roller mechanism designed to raise and lower the guides. Cords passed through hollow slats move on plastic rollers. To do this, use the hook on the long rod by pulling one of the rings attached to the holder plate. Hook and fasteners included.
Specifications:
- type of construction – “liana”;
- material – metal/plastic;
- color – white;
- rods – 6;
- working surface length – 7 m;
- maximum permissible load – 15 kg;
- dimensions when unfolded – 1.2x0.46x1.35 m;
- product weight – 2.9 kg.
The main parts of the structure are made of metal coated with an effective anti-corrosion compound. The dryer can be installed not only on the ceiling, but also on the wall. A detailed assembly diagram with pictures is indicated on the packaging.
- Two mounting methods – wall and ceiling
- Convenient raising and lowering system
- Takes up minimal space
- Easy to use
- Flimsy fasteners included
- At maximum loads it may move away from the attachment point
- Small distance between rows
- White cords get very dirty over time, fray, and dry out in the sun
Lakmet ceiling lift 1.3 m
Inexpensive lightweight dryer for a small family
The Russian-made Lakmet product is much cheaper than its imported counterparts.This dryer features a simple design and light weight. When folded, it is practically invisible and does not interfere with the opening of doors and windows on the balcony.
The model is not designed for heavy loads, so it is not suitable for regular bulk washes.
Specifications:
- type of construction – “liana”;
- material – plastic;
- color – white;
- rods – 6;
- working surface length – 7.8 m;
- maximum permissible load – 6 kg;
- dimensions when unfolded – 1.3x0.5 m;
- product weight – 1.35 kg.
The Liana design consists of two main brackets, six rods for hanging laundry, cords for adjustment and brackets to control the height of each rod.
There are two options for installing the product – wall and ceiling.
- Neat appearance
- A light weight
- Easy to install and adjust
- Wall and ceiling mounting
- The optimal size of rods for hanging small laundry
- The manufacturer provides very little information about the product
- Cords fray quickly
- The product cannot withstand heavy loads
How to choose a ceiling dryer for a balcony?
When choosing a ceiling-mounted clothes dryer, you need to consider the following basic criteria:
- Construction type.
- Dimensions of the device.
- Working surface length.
- Number of rods.
- Product material.
- Reliability of mechanisms and structural elements.
There are several types of construction hanging dryers that are installed on the balcony. The most common options for internal placement are “Liana” and sliding/folding devices.
Sliding The structures are a modified version of the standard floor system. They are compact and functional and can withstand heavy loads.
One of the easiest to operate and inexpensive designs - “Liana" It consists of two fastening strips, inside of which roller mechanisms are installed. Metal or plastic tubes are inserted between the slats and secured with cords. Through the rollers, the cords exit to the element that fixes the height.
When folded, the device becomes almost invisible, since the tubes fit tightly to the ceiling.
Dimensions The devices on which the laundry will be dried must correspond to the size of the room. Before purchasing a dryer, you should find out its dimensions and evaluate the possibility of installing a particular model on a balcony by measuring the required parameters with a tape measure.
Acceptable degree maximum loadthat the device can withstand will depend on the area of the working surface. It can be designed not only for drying ordinary things, but also for heavy textiles. Large families should choose models with a larger work surface.
Also important is such a parameter as number of rods for hanging laundry. The more there are, the more things can be hung on the dryer.The range of different manufacturers offers models with 3, 4, 5, 6 rods of various lengths.
Material of manufacture affects the durability and strength of the device.
In the production of dryers the following are used:
- metal;
- plastic;
- aluminum;
- combinations of several materials.
The lightest in weight and easiest to install - plastic products. This is a budget option for dryers for light laundry. But you need to take into account that most plastic models have weak design characteristics and are significantly inferior to other devices in terms of endurance and strength.
Dryers made from aluminum, more durable and durable than plastic models. However, under the weight of things, aluminum hollow tubes often bend.
Metal dryers are durable, strong, but also the most expensive. Metal models have a very stable design and are designed to withstand heavy loads.
Cheap products are often made from lower quality materials. If the main purpose of the purchase is to purchase a durable dryer that will withstand heavy loads and last for many years, then you should not save. If the dryer is purchased as an auxiliary device for drying small volumes of things, you can consider cheaper options.
Metal elements of the product must be coated anti-corrosion compounds. You should also pay attention to the reliability of the base of the structure and strength of fasteners.
Among the most famous and sought-after dryer manufacturers are the following:
- German brand Leifheit;
- Italian company Gimi;
- Turkish company Dogrular.
If we talk about cheaper products, then these are models made in Russia and China. For example, companies Lakmet, Nika.
In addition to ceiling-mounted clothes dryers, you can use wall-mounted and floor-standing models on the balcony. Rating best offers on the market we presented in the following material.
Dryer Installation Guide
Installation of ceiling dryers can be easily done independently, without the help of a specialist. Usually the entire process is described in detail in the instructions supplied with the product.
Before starting work, you need to decide on the installation location and make markings. This should be done with the door and windows open. This makes it easier to provide enough free space to open the frames in the future. You should also consider the distance of the dryer to the walls and floor.
For installation and assembly, you need to prepare a set of tools and available tools:
- perforator;
- screwdriver;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- pliers;
- roulette;
- scissors;
- knife;
- pencil.
The most important thing during the installation process is to choose the optimal location and firmly fix the device.If the fastening is weak, the dryer will not be able to withstand the load, will quickly become loose and move away from the installation site.
Let's look at the step-by-step implementation of the process using the example of installing the “Liana” structure.
Stage #1 - installation and fixation of ceiling brackets
You need to attach the supporting slats to the ceiling, mark the attachment points and drill holes in them using a hammer drill.
Dowels should be inserted into the finished openings, and then the bracket strips should be secured in them with self-tapping screws, using a screwdriver or screwdriver.
Stage #2 - installation and fixation of the adjusting bracket
The bracket is installed on the wall to the right or left of the dryer. Attaching the plank is no different and is carried out in the same way as installing ceiling brackets.
The installation height of the bracket is selected individually, taking into account subsequent ease of operation and maintenance.
Before fixing the bracket, it is worth checking the recommended height for the rods and measuring the length of the cords.
Stage #3 - assembling the device
At this stage, it is necessary to install and secure the cords, securing them in the hollow tubes for hanging laundry. They are carried through rollers built into the brackets. The ends of the cords are inserted into special fixing caps, and then secured to a fixation bracket, which will allow you to set the desired height of raising and lowering the rods.
Care instructions
To maximize the service life of the product, it is necessary to adhere to the operating requirements, not exceed the permissible loads and take care of the dryer. Maintenance rules depend on the material of construction.
For example, it is recommended to wipe plastic devices after each drying. In this case, you should not use products with an aggressive composition. Stainless steel products are the least demanding to maintain.
If the frame is powder coated, care must be taken to ensure that it does not crack. Otherwise, the resulting chips may accidentally damage the laundry. You should also periodically check the condition of the cords and replace them if necessary.
To make the dryer convenient to use in winter, you need properly insulate the balcony. You can also install heated floors, then on the balcony it will be comfortable not only to hang laundry, but also to drink a cup of coffee or watch the birds.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Visual instructions for installing and assembling the “Liana” type device:
How to replace frayed cords on a ceiling dryer:
When choosing a ceiling-mounted clothes dryer, compare its dimensions with the dimensions of the balcony, focusing on the predetermined installation location. Pay attention to the type and material of the structure, the number of rods and the volume of the working surface, ease of installation, assembly and ease of use.
A suspended modification of dryers mounted on the ceiling is one of the best solutions for a balcony. Such devices have good capacity and do not clutter up the space.Models like “Liana” are excellent for drying a large number of not too heavy items; all-metal sliding structures are optimal for hanging larger laundry and textiles. Our rating contains the most popular options in several price categories.
What dryer do you use? Are you satisfied with its design? Share your impressions of using it - the comment form is located below. Also here you can ask our experts any questions you may have about choosing or installing a dryer, and add unique photos of your model.
