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Scored using Tumble dryers Methodology v3.0
Tumble dryers Methodology v3.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tumble dryers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
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Balay 3SB288BE review: 80 specs compared

Avg. price:~£370Drying technology:heat pumpCapacity:8 kgEnergy efficiency class (old label):A++Installation type:self-standing

Balay 3SB288BE Review: Compare 168 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Tumble dryers category and whether it is worth buying.

Balay 3SB288BE
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 75%, User score 25%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

75%

6.4

Technical score

25%

8.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of tumble dryers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the dryer's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a dryer with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 75% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

35%

7.0

Performance

30%

5.6

Features

25%

6.2

Drying programs

10%

7.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 77%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.1, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 57% of models

70%

9.0

Rating

30%

8.0

Popularity

â–²Better than 57%
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Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of tumble dryer Balay 3SB288BE

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 75% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

35%

7.0

Performance

30%

5.6

Features

25%

6.2

Drying programs

10%

7.5

Design

6.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the dryer's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a dryer with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

7.6
Drying technology
heat pump
This tumble dryer uses a heat pump drying system, which is more efficient than 25.6% of tumble dryers and equal to 74.5% of tumble dryers.
Capacity
8 kg
Market range: <7 kg – >10 kg
This tumble dryer holds 8 kg of laundry, which is more than 18.6% of tumble dryers and equal to 40% of tumble dryers.
Drum volume
112 L
Market range: <112 L – >125 L
This tumble dryer has a drum volume of 112 L, which is smaller than 53.8% of tumble dryers and equal to 33% of tumble dryers.
Inverter motor
no
This tumble dryer does not have an inverter motor. 42.6% of tumble dryers have an inverter motor.
Energy efficiency class (old label)
A++
This tumble dryer has an energy efficiency class which is better than that of 30.9% of tumble dryers and equal to that of 38.3% of tumble dryers.
Show more
N. of drying programs
9
Market range: <10 – >15
This tumble dryer has 9 different drying programs which is fewer than the n. of programs of 88.8% of tumble dryers and equal to that of 1.6% of tumble dryers.
N. of downloadable programs
0
Market range: <0 – >40
This tumble dryer has 0 downloadable programs which is fewer than the n. of downloadable programs of 24.6% of tumble dryers and equal to that of 75.4% of tumble dryers.
Temperature selection
yes
This tumble dryer offers temperature selection. 43.1% of tumble dryers offer temperature selection.
Selectable drying times
yes
This tumble dryer has adjustable drying times. 97.4% of tumble dryers have adjustable drying times.
Selectable drying level
yes
This tumble dryer allows drying level customization. 95.4%.
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N. of advanced features
9
Market range: <6 – >18
This tumble dryer has 9 features which is more than the n. of features of 36.1% of tumble dryers and equal to that of 15.1% of tumble dryers.
Laundry detection system
no
This tumble dryer lacks a laundry detection system. 43.8% of tumble dryers include this feature.
Humidity sensors
yes
This tumble dryer is equipped with humidity sensors. 90.8% of tumble dryers have humidity sensors.
Delayed start option
yes
This tumble dryer has a delayed start option. 92.8% of tumble dryers have this feature.
Maximum delayed start
24 h
Market range: <19 h – >24 h
The maximum delayed start of this tumble dryer is 24 h which is longer than the maximum delayed start of 25.5% of tumble dryers and equal to that of 74.5% of tumble dryers.
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Installation type
self-standing
This tumble dryer is self-standing, which is less suited to fitted kitchens than 0.7% of tumble dryers and equal to 99.3% of tumble dryers.
Loading type
front-loading
This tumble dryer is front-loading, which is equal to 100% of tumble dryers.
Display
yes
This tumble dryer has a display. 94.4% of tumble dryers have a display.
Child lock
yes
This tumble dryer includes a child lock. 94% of tumble dryers have a child lock.
Antivibration design
yes
This tumble dryer has an antivibration design. 0.3% of tumble dryers offer this.
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Balay 3SB288BE vs the average tumble dryer

246810TotalPerformanceDrying programsFeaturesDesign
  • Includes an ECO function
    This tumble dryer has an ECO function, which the average tumble dryer does not. 21.5% of dryers include an ECO function.
  • Includes a fast drying function
    This tumble dryer includes a rapid drying function, while the average tumble dryer does not. 22.8% of dryers have a rapid drying function.
  • Adjustable temperature
    This tumble dryer offers temperature selection, while the average tumble dryer does not. 43.1% of dryers provide temperature selection.
  • 2 dB quieter
    This tumble dryer is quieter than the average tumble dryer (63 dB vs 65 dB). The average tumble dryer runs at 65 dB.
    63 dB vs 65 dB
  • 0.8% lower height
    This tumble dryer has a lower height than the average tumble dryer (84.2 cm vs 84.9 cm). The average dryer has a height of 84.9 cm.
    84.2 cm vs 84.9 cm
  • 33.3% lighter
    This tumble dryer is lighter than the average tumble dryer (30 kg vs 45 kg). The average dryer weighs 45 kg.
    30 kg vs 45 kg
  • More convenient drainage
    This tumble dryer collects water more conveniently than the average tumble dryer (direct drain vs water tank (door)).
    direct drain vs water tank (door)
  • 7.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.1, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 57% of models

    70%

    9.0

    Rating

    30%

    8.0

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 8.1
  • 7.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.1, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 57% of models

    70%

    9.0

    Rating

    30%

    8.0

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 8.1
  • 29.7% cheaper
    Balay 3SB288BE is cheaper than the average tumble dryer (£370 vs £480).
    £370 vs £480
  • 2 dB quieter
    This tumble dryer is quieter than the average tumble dryer (63 dB vs 65 dB). The average tumble dryer runs at 65 dB.
    63 dB vs 65 dB
  • Adjustable temperature
    This tumble dryer offers temperature selection, while the average tumble dryer does not. 43.1% of dryers provide temperature selection.
  • Includes a fast drying function
    This tumble dryer includes a rapid drying function, while the average tumble dryer does not. 22.8% of dryers have a rapid drying function.
  • Includes an ECO function
    This tumble dryer has an ECO function, which the average tumble dryer does not. 21.5% of dryers include an ECO function.
  • 0.8% lower height
    This tumble dryer has a lower height than the average tumble dryer (84.2 cm vs 84.9 cm). The average dryer has a height of 84.9 cm.
    84.2 cm vs 84.9 cm
  • 33.3% lighter
    This tumble dryer is lighter than the average tumble dryer (30 kg vs 45 kg). The average dryer weighs 45 kg.
    30 kg vs 45 kg
  • More convenient drainage
    This tumble dryer collects water more conveniently than the average tumble dryer (direct drain vs water tank (door)).
    direct drain vs water tank (door)
  • 5 fewer drying programs
    This tumble dryer offers fewer drying programs than the average tumble dryer (9 vs 14). The average dryer has 14 drying programs.
    9 vs 14
  • Lacks bidirectional motion for even drying
    This tumble dryer does not ensure even drying with bidirectional drum motion, while the average tumble dryer does. 66.5% of dryers use this technology.
  • Does not have an interior light
    This tumble dryer does not have an interior light, the average tumble dryer does. 50.6% of dryers have this feature.
  • 0.3% wider
    This tumble dryer is wider than the average tumble dryer (59.8 cm vs 59.6 cm). The average dryer has a width of 59.6 cm.
    59.8 cm vs 59.6 cm
  • Worse water recovery efficiency class
    This tumble dryer has a worse water recovery efficiency class than the average tumble dryer (C vs B). The average dryer has a water recovery efficiency class of B.
    C vs B
  • Does not have a refresh program
    This tumble dryer does not offer a Refresh program, while the average tumble dryer does. 83.2% of dryers include a Refresh program.
  • 2.6% smaller drum
    This tumble dryer has a smaller drum than the average tumble dryer (112 L vs 115 L). The average tumble dryer has a drum of 115 L.
    112 L vs 115 L
  • 10 min longer fast cycle duration
    This tumble dryer has a longer fast cycle duration than the average tumble dryer (40 min vs 30 min). The average dryer’s fast cycle takes 30 min.
    40 min vs 30 min
  • Worse water recovery efficiency class
    This tumble dryer has a worse water recovery efficiency class than the average tumble dryer (C vs B). The average dryer has a water recovery efficiency class of B.
    C vs B
  • 2.6% smaller drum
    This tumble dryer has a smaller drum than the average tumble dryer (112 L vs 115 L). The average tumble dryer has a drum of 115 L.
    112 L vs 115 L
  • 5.6% higher part-load energy use
    This tumble dryer uses more energy per partial-load cycle than the average tumble dryer (1.1 kWh vs 1.08 kWh). The average tumble dryer uses 1.08 kWh at partial load.
    1.14 kWh vs 1.08 kWh
  • Worse energy efficiency class
    This tumble dryer has a worse energy efficiency class than the average tumble dryer (A++ vs A+++). The average dryer has an energy efficiency class of A+++.
    A++ vs A+++
  • 5 fewer drying programs
    This tumble dryer offers fewer drying programs than the average tumble dryer (9 vs 14). The average dryer has 14 drying programs.
    9 vs 14
  • Lacks bidirectional motion for even drying
    This tumble dryer does not ensure even drying with bidirectional drum motion, while the average tumble dryer does. 66.5% of dryers use this technology.
  • Does not have a refresh program
    This tumble dryer does not offer a Refresh program, while the average tumble dryer does. 83.2% of dryers include a Refresh program.
  • 10 min longer fast cycle duration
    This tumble dryer has a longer fast cycle duration than the average tumble dryer (40 min vs 30 min). The average dryer’s fast cycle takes 30 min.
    40 min vs 30 min
  • 10.5 min longer ECO cycle duration
    This tumble dryer has a longer ECO cycle duration than the average tumble dryer (205 min vs 194.5 min). The average dryer’s ECO cycle takes 194.5 min.
    205 min vs 194.5 min
  • Does not have an interior light
    This tumble dryer does not have an interior light, the average tumble dryer does. 50.6% of dryers have this feature.
  • 0.3% wider
    This tumble dryer is wider than the average tumble dryer (59.8 cm vs 59.6 cm). The average dryer has a width of 59.6 cm.
    59.8 cm vs 59.6 cm
  • Less flexible door hinge
    This tumble dryer has a less flexible hinge than the average tumble dryer (right vs reversible).
    right vs reversible
  • 0.7% larger depth
    This tumble dryer has a larger depth than the average tumble dryer (61.3 cm vs 60.9 cm). The average dryer has a depth of 60.9 cm.
    61.3 cm vs 60.9 cm
  • 0.3% larger volume
    This tumble dryer has a larger volume than the average tumble dryer (308655.3 cm³ vs 307582.8 cm³). The average dryer has a volume of 307582.758 cm³.
    308,655.308 cm³ vs 307,582.758 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Third-party reviews

What we like about Balay 3SB288BE

  • At 30 kg one person can move it.
  • A fast cycle of 40 min suits quick jobs.
  • Humidity sensors help stop the cycle when the load is dry.
  • Direct drain means no water tank to empty.
  • Antivibration design keeps it steady on the floor.
  • Temperature selection lets you choose the heat for each load.

What we don't like about Balay 3SB288BE

  • Nine drying programs is a short list.
  • Energy class E means more power per load than better-rated dryers.
  • Noise at 63 dB can be heard in the next room.
  • Self-standing only, so it cannot be fitted under a counter.

Verdict

A small flat or a first home is where the Balay 3SB288BE makes most sense. It weighs 30 kg, so one person can shift it without help. The 8 kg drum takes a full load, and a fast cycle takes 40 min when you are in a hurry. Noise at 63 dB is fine for a kitchen, though you will hear it in the next room. Humidity sensors, a choice of temperatures and a shirt program cover everyday loads. Maintenance indicators let you see when it needs a clean, and antivibration design keeps it steady on the floor. The trade-offs are nine programs and an energy class of E, which means more power per load. It suits someone with a small home and a few loads a week who wants a light, simple machine.

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