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.

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.

Types of Dryers

As far as dryer types go, here's the general breakdown.

Front Load (Economy)  Front load dryers can hold the largest loads of clothing and are also some of the least expensive. These dryers are simple but great for families.	Gas Dryer  Gas dryers are a great way to go if you have a gas hookup, considering they use less energy than an electric dryer. Admiral  makes a standard, front loading gas dryer.	Electric Dryer  If you don't have access to a gas hookup, electric dryers will work just as well when it comes to drying your clothes. Amana's electric dryer  has a 7.1 cubic foot capacity and a sleek design.

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 to 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, along with multiple temperature levels and an "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 those sweet smelling dryer sheets.

Manufacturers

• Frigidaire : These have all of the essentials, but are smaller than the Kenmore models. This 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  If you have any delicate fabrics that cannot be thrown in the dryer, these racks will come in handy.	Washing Machines If you don't have a way to wash clothes, there's no need to have a dryer! Here's a comprehensive guide for all your washing machine options.	Dryer Sheets  Dryer sheets add a nice touch to any load of freshly washed clothes. Plus, if you choose wisely, your clothes will smell great for days.	Laundry Baskets  Laundry baskets are good for homes that have both washers and dryers. You'll be able to carry your clothes to and from the laundry room with ease.	Hampers  Hampers are handy whether you're buying one with wheels to move clothes from a washer to dryer, or one to keep dirty clothes in before washing.

Potential Products

• Our guide to GE Appliances could be useful in helping you find the product you want.

International Resources

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