A clothes dryer is a workhorse appliance in a modern home, but selecting the best dryer isn’t always easy. Today’s models offer an endless number of options and features, from remote-controlled technology to special wrinkle-fighting options. How can you select the best dryer for your home? Take into consideration your budget, your space, and the special features you are most likely to use. Our guide to the best dryers can help.
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How We Reviewed the Best Dryers
Overall Price Range of Clothes Dryers
Kenmore 02681983 Smart 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
Kenmore Elite 71633 9.2 cu. ft. Gas Dryer
Samsung DV56H9000EP 9.5 Cu. Ft. Electric Steam Dryer
LG DLEX7600WE 27″ Electric Dryer
Whirlpool WED92HEFW Electric Front Load Steam Dryer
LG DLEX7700VE SteamDryer 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
Fisher & Paykel DE7027J1 7 Cu. Ft. AeroCare Dryer
COMPARISON TABLE
CLOTHES DRYER FAQ
1. What Should I Consider When Shopping For A Dryer?
2. Should I Buy A Gas Or Electric Dryer?
3. Which Special Features Are Most Helpful In A Dryer?
4. Do The Best Dryers Have Stainless Steel Drums?
5. How Effective Are Steam Cycles In Dryers?
6. If I Buy A New Dryer, What Do I Do With My Old One?
HOW WE REVIEWED THE BEST DRYERS
In evaluating the best dryers of 2018, we took into consideration each appliance’s size, price, and the number of drying cycles and options it offered.
OVERALL PRICE RANGE OF CLOTHES DRYERS
The best dryers range in price from $850 to $2,000. More expensive models generally have larger capacities, meaning they can dry larger and heavier loads efficiently. Pricier dryers also come with additional drying cycles and have advanced features, such as steam and sanitizing options.
WHAT WE REVIEWED
- Maytag MEDB855DW
- Kenmore 02681983 Smart 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
- Kenmore Elite 71633 9.2 cu. ft. Gas Dryer
- Electrolux EIED200QSW
- Samsung DV56H9000EP 9.5 Cu. Ft. Electric Steam Dryer
- Maytag MEDB850YG
- LG DLEX7600WE 27″ Electric Dryer
- Whirlpool WED92HEFW Electric Front Load Steam Dryer
- LG DLEX7700VE SteamDryer 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
- Fisher & Paykel DE7027J1 7 Cu. Ft. AeroCare Dryer
Maytag MEDB855DW
Maytag MEDB835DW 8.8 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes…
FEATURES
The Maytag MEDB855DW, with 8.8 cubic feet of capacity, is designed for large loads of laundry. This dryer has 11 special cycles, including one for jeans, as well as moisture sensor technology that ensures clothes are dried just enough. An extra interior fin keeps the laundry tumbling evenly, and an energy-saver button allows for a longer drying time with lower heat. This appliance also comes with a removable drying rack.
PROS
- Large capacity
- 11 drying cycles
- Removable drying rack
- End-of-cycle signal
- Moisture-sensing technology
CONS
- Doesn’t allow users to customize by saving their favorite settings
- Drum is not stainless steel
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
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FEATURES
The Kenmore 02681983 Smart 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer combines extra-large capacity with modern remote-control technology. Start and stop drying cycles and receive maintenance alerts regarding the appliance via tablet, smartphone or app. The dryer is also compatible with Alexa. This Kenmore appliance comes with 14 different drying cycles, including an express dry cycle and a wrinkle-fighting steam setting.
PROS
- Can be controlled remotely by a tablet, smartphone or app
- Available in gas or electric models
- Sanitize cycle
- Customized cycles can be created
- Steam settings fight wrinkles
- 14 different drying cycles
- Stainless steel drum is more likely to resist damage
CONS
- Pedestal sold separately
- Drying rack sold separately
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
Kenmore Elite 62332 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
Kenmore 62332 Electric Dryer With Wrinkle Guard Total Capacity, 7.0…
- EXTRA LARGE DRYER: Provides 7.0 cu. ft. of drying capacity that can take on almost any sized load, including a bedding…
- CUSTOMIZED DRYING: Dryer features SmartDry Plus technology to automatically adjust temperatures and times to help take…
- PREVENTS WRINKLES: Wrinkle Guard option gives loads a quick toss to prevent set-in wrinkles for up to 40 minutes after…
FEATURES
The Kenmore Elite 71633 9.2 cu. ft. Gas Dryer uses SmartDry technology that measures moisture levels and adjusts drying heat and time accordingly. Its large capacity handles heavy loads and bulkier items like comforters with ease. An interior fin is specially designed to keep clothes tumbling, speeding the drying process. The dryer also has steam and sanitizing options.
PROS
- Quick drying
- Steam and sanitizing options
- Wrinkle Guard option
- Stainless steel drum is more likely to resist damage
- End-of-cycle signal
CONS
- No remote diagnostics
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
Electrolux White Compact
Front Load Compact EFLS210TIW 24″ Washer with EFDE210TIW 24″ Electric…
FEATURES
Measuring 24 inches deep and 24 inches wide, the Electrolux EIED200QSW is smaller than some other dryers but well-suited for space-crunched condos and smaller apartments. Because it does not have a vent, and therefore does not require placement near a duct, the dryer can be located just about anywhere in a home. This appliance has a drying capacity of four cubic feet and comes with seven regular drying cycles and four special ones, including one for wool. Moisture-sensing bars in the drum help reduce drying times.
PROS
- Compact
- Ventless technology
- 7 regular drying cycles and 4 special ones
- Easy to operate
- Stainless steel drum is more likely to resist damage
- 4 temperature settings
CONS
- Longer drying times
- Moisture sensing is not always accurate
- Smaller than other models
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
Samsung DVE50M7450W
Samsung DVE50M7450W/DVE50M7450W/AC/DVE50M7450W/AC 7.4 Cu. Ft. White…
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes…
FEATURES
With 9.5 cubic feet of drying capacity, the Samsung DV56H9000EP 9.5 Cu. Ft. Electric Steam Dryer is designed to handle large loads. This dryer comes with 15 preset drying cycles, including cycles for delicates and towels. Eleven additional options, including one that prevents wrinkles, build in lots of flexibility. Sensor technology measures moisture levels and adjusts drying times accordingly. A vent sensor alerts users when the duct needs to be cleaned. Diagnostic and trouble-shooting can also be done using its smartphone app.
PROS
- 15 preset drying cycles
- Steam technology
- Drying rack
- 5 temperature settings
- Durable stainless steel drum
CONS
- Louder than some other dryers
- Harder to clean
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
White Maytag Bravos Electric Dryer
White Maytag Bravos Dryer With 10-year Limited Parts WARRANTY…
- MAYTAG
- White Maytag Bravos Dryer With 10-year Limited Parts WARRANTY…
- MEDX655DW
FEATURES
The Maytag White Bravos offers 7.3 cubic feet of drying capacity and 11 drying cycles. Three separate sensors work to monitor moisture levels and evenly dry laundry. An Auto-Refresh cycle eases wrinkles and refreshes laundry with steam. A Wrinkle Prevention option allows clothes to continue tumbling after the drying cycle.
PROS
- 11 drying cycles
- Moisture-sensing technology
- High-efficiency motor uses less energy
- Reversible door
CONS
- Drum is not stainless steel
- Drying rack not included
- Price
- Warranty
This dryer has a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
LG DLEX7600WE White Electric Dryer
LG DLE7200WE 7.3 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer DLE7200WE
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes…
FEATURES
The LG DLEX7600WE 27″ Electric Dryer combines 7.3 cubic feet of drying capacity with numerous special features. Sensor technology measures moisture levels and adjusts drying times accordingly. A ReduceStatic option fights static cling, and another option moistens clothing in preparation for ironing. A duct clog indicator lets users know when the duct needs cleaning. This dryer comes with 14 different drying programs and special cycles to sanitize clothing and ease wrinkles.
PROS
- 14 different drying programs
- Durable stainless steel drum
- Side-swing door makes loading easy
- Special cycles sanitize clothes and ease wrinkles
- Quiet
- Static-fighting option
CONS
- Drying rack not included
- Power cord not included
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
Whirlpool LDR3822PQ White 120V Electric Dryer
Whirlpool LDR3822PQ White 120V Electric Dryer
- Whirlpool 3-cycle compact electric dryer. Most installations require a minimum 5-1/2 inches (14.0 cm) clearance behind…
- 3,4 cubic feet capacity
- AccuDry sensing system
FEATURES
The Whirlpool WED92HEFW Electric Front Load Steam Dryer offers 10 drying cycles and 5 different temperatures. Moisture-sensing technology prevents over-drying. This appliance has a drying capacity of 7.4 cubic feet.
PROS
- 10 drying cycles
- 5 temperatures
- Steam refresh cycle
- Durable stainless steel drum
- Side-swing door makes loading easy
- Drying rack
- End-of-cycle signal
CONS
- Unreliable vent light
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
LG DLEX7700VE SteamDryer 9.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
LG DLEX7700VE SteamDryer 9.0 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel With Steam Cycle…
- 14 Drying Cycles
- 10 Options
- TurboSteam Technology
FEATURES
The LG DLEX7700VE SteamDryer offers nine cubic feet of drying capacity as well as a Sensor Dry system that measures moisture levels and adjusts drying times accordingly. The dryer comes with 14 drying cycles and 5 temperature settings. The TurboSteam System kills odors and wrinkles. This dryer also has a duct-blockage indicator, a Damp Dry Signal, and an EasyIron option.
PROS
- 14 drying cycles
- 5 temperature settings
- Durable stainless steel drum
- End-of-cycle signal
CONS
- Hard to clean
- No drying rack
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
Fisher & Paykel Electric Dryer
FEATURES
The Fisher & Paykel DE7027J1 has seven cubic feet of drying capacity and comes with 6 pre-programmed cycles and 3 heat settings. Moisture sensing technology works to get laundry perfectly dry. Other features in this dryer include an automatic shutoff, digital controls and a large door for loading.
PROS
- 6 pre-programmed cycles
- 3 heat settings
- End-of-cycle signal
- Durable stainless steel drum
- Digital controls
- Large door for loading
CONS
- No steam cycle
- No drying rack
- Price
- Warranty
$$$
THE VERDICT
The best dryers come in a range of prices and can fit into household budgets of all sizes. Two models that strike a balance in terms of both price and feature offerings are the Kenmore 02681983 and the LG DLEX7600WE. Both dryers offer ample drying capacity, 14 different drying programs and additional special features. The Kenmore 02681983 is unique for its remote-control technology, which allows users to start and stop drying cycles and receive maintenance alerts regarding appliances via tablet, smartphone or app. The LG DLEX7600WE stands out for its duct clog indicator, a useful and safety-oriented feature that alerts users when the duct needs cleaning. The LG DLEX7600WE’s ReduceStatic option was also notable.
Last update on 2022-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API