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Clothes Dryers Buying Guide

Unless you enjoy taking frequent trips to the laundromat with a jar of quarters, purchasing a clothes dryer  of your own is certainly something to consider.

About 80% of all American homes have clothes dryers, as they are convenient, efficient and relatively inexpensive for a major household appliance. They usually cost about $250 to $550, depending on the different features of the machine.

Consider the following when shopping for your own clothes dryer.

Basic Features

  • Moisture Sensors
    • The machine stops drying when it senses your clothes are dry, rather than when the preprogrammed cycle ends.
    • The automatic dry cycle prevents overdrying, which can damage and shrink fabrics.
    • Moisture sensors are standard on most new dryers today, although some inexpensive off-brand units may still use a thermostat.
    • Works better than a thermostat sensor and gives you a choice of how dry you want your clothes.
    • Moisture sensors also save you money in the long run. They detect that your clothes are dry and shut the machine sooner, saving energy, and they reduce the amount of time your clothing is subjected to heat, saving wear and tear.
  • Capacity
    • Compact models may have a capacity around 5.7 cubic feet.
    • A capacity closer to 7 cubic feet is more useful and allows clothing to tumble more freely and dry faster.
    • Heavy Duty Dryers
      • If you have a large family, you might want to invest in one.
      • Most dryers can handle an average load of laundry.
      • If you frequently dry large, bulky items, you might want to invest in a large capacity dryer.
  • Lint Filters
    • Make sure you get a dryer with a wide and sturdy lint filter. More lint will be captured and the dryer should last longer.
  • Control Buttons
    • Look for a dryer with a dial control. They're cheaper than the electronic controls and more straightforward than push buttons.
    • Electronic controls may also be more prone to breakage.
  • Sound Reduction
    • If your dryer is close to your bedroom or kitchen, you might want to find a particularly quiet dryer.
  • Drum Lights
    • If your dryer is in the basement or another dim area, find a dryer with an internal light.
    • This way you'll be able to find those socks that inevitably get stuck in the back.

Electric vs. Gas Dryers

Electric Dryers 

  • Uses heating coils to dry clothes.
  • Slightly less expensive to purchase.
  • Requires a 220 V plug.

Gas Dryers 

  • Use a gas burner to generate heat to dry clothes.
  • Slightly more expensive than an electric dryer.
  • Requires a gas hookup.
  • 50% cheaper in lifetime energy costs, so the extra $50 in initial cost has paid for itself in a year or so.

Other Features

  • The "touch-up" cycle gives your clothes a quick dry if they're still a little damp. It also helps get out wrinkles.
  • The "damp dry" cycle leaves clothes slightly damp for easy ironing.
  • The "express dry" cycle dries small loads at a high heat in under 30 minutes.
  • Temperature controls allow you to use a lower heat for delicate clothes.
  • A dryer rack will allow you to dry sneakers, baseball caps, or other items you don't want to tumble freely.
  • Extended tumble will keep your clothes wrinkle-free if you can't take them out right away.
  • Buzzer - lets you know when your laundry is done.

The Best for your Buck

Check out these name brand dryers below that are loaded with features.

Admiral 6.5 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer 

This stylish dryer is perfect for smaller spaces and has a wide opening for loading and unloading clothes.  It also features a large capacity bin.

Amana 7.1 Cu Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer 

This model uses an internal sensor to monitor moisture levels on your items and make sure they are dry. It also has six dry cycles, including a wrinkle prevent setting.

GE 7.0 Cu Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer 

This large capacity dryer uses thermostats to monitor air pressure and reduce fabric wear as it dries your clothes.

Maytag Bravos 7.3 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Electric Steam Dryer 

This model uses steam to eliminate wrinkles in your clothes and has nine different dryer cycle settings.

LG Electronics 7.3 Cu Ft. Ultra Capacity Gas Steam Dryer 

This gas powered steam dryer has an option to reduce static cling in clothes, multiple temperature levels and even a "ultra delicate" cycle setting.
 

Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. To avoid a fire in your own home, make sure you check and clean the lint traps and vent systems as often as possible. A top-mounted lint filter is easier to clean than one inside the drum, so keep this in mind while doing your shopping. Also, if you tend to be forgetful, make sure you get a model with a warning light that reminds you to clean out the filter.

For more information about dryer safety, click here.

Alternatives

A combination washer/dryer  takes up less space, so it can be conveniently placed in smaller areas. However, make sure the machine can dry as much as it can wash to avoid laundry backup.

You can also get a clothesline  or a drying rack,  but they take longer and you can't use dryer sheets.

Manufacturers

  • Frigidaire  - This model has all the essentials, but is smaller than than Kenmore models. It might be an economic choice if your needs are simple.
  • GE Profile  - The GE Profile is one of the highest-ranking dryers due to its fast drying speed, efficient use of energy and added features.
  • Kenmore  - Mid-range Kenmore dryers perform nearly as well as the pricier models. Kenmore also has an Elite line with more convenience features but at a higher price.
  • Maytag  - In addition to the drying center Maytag Neptune dryers are among the highest rated, but also tend to be pricey.

Related Products

Drying Racks 

Washing Machines

Dryer Sheets 

Laundry Baskets 

Hampers 

External Links

International Resources

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