Don't assume you should replace your dryer if you buy a new washer, although there can be an advantage to buying a new dryer. Most newer dryers have moisture sensors that automatically stop the machine when the laundry is dry. And most dryers we tested scored at least very good for drying performance.
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
While washers have become more efficient in the past decade, dryers have changed relatively little. Clothes dryers are relatively simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (using gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). Gas models typically cost about $50 more than electric ones, but they're usually cheaper to operate. Full-sized electric dryers require a heavy-duty, 240-volt line.
Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor tend to recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than machines that use a traditional thermostat. Because they don't subject clothing to unnecessary heat, moisture-sensor models are easier on fabrics. And since they shut themselves off when laundry is dry, they use less energy. Sensors are now offered on many dryers, including some relatively low-priced ones. Thermostat-only dryers are generally the most basic models. This clothes dryer guide will help you choose.
How to choose
Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than comparable electric models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet, a gas dryer a gas hookup. If you have both, don't rule out the gas model simply because it costs more. (Consumer Reports now tests only electric dryers, which account for about 80 percent of the models sold, but equivalent gas models are listed in the Ratings, which are available to subscribers.)
Insist on a moisture sensor
As noted earlier, overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. Whether a specific model has a sensor or thermostat might not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.
Don't get hung up on capacity
Manufacturers describe dryer capacity (as they do washer capacity) with terms such as extra large, super, and super plus. The differences aren't meaningful for everyday use. Most full-sized dryers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings.
Start in the middle
When using an automatic setting (which we generally recommend) rather than a timed one, set the control to the midpoint and raise or lower it as needed. Using More Dry routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use Less Dry to leave clothing damp for ironing. Don't worry about knowing when an automatic cycle is done: If you don't hear the buzzer, an extended tumble without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.
Don't pay for unnecessary extras
Higher-priced dryers might offer a dozen or so choices, including specialty cycles such as "speed dry" (15 minutes of high heat, for example). These can usually be replicated with standard settings. A choice of heat level, timed and auto-dry, and a few fabric types (regular/cotton and permanent press/delicate) is usually plenty. Touchpads look impressive and might allow you to save custom settings but don't improve performance. Nor do stainless-steel tubs, unlike in washers.
Get a quiet dryer for living areas
If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise.
TYPES
Dryers are pretty basic and differ mostly in size and features. Your space constraints will probably dictate the types of clothes dryers you can consider.
Full-sized dryers
Most full-sized dryers are 27 to 29 inches wide. Manufacturers often describe them with superlatives such as "extra large," "super," and "super-plus," but don't get hung up on capacity. Most full-sized models can manage a typical wash load -- about 5 to 7½ cubic feet. If you want to dry comforters and other bulky items, check our Ratings for models that scored excellent for capacity.
Pros: Full-sized dryers are the most practical type for most homeowners. Front-mounted controls on some let you stack a front-loading dryer atop a front-loading washer, though shorter people might have to stretch to reach the controls or empty the drum.
Space-saving dryers
These compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less.
Pros: These might be a good choice for apartment dwellers and singles. You can stack some front-loading compact dryers atop a front-loading washer.
Cons: Compacts have half the drum capacity of full-sized models, about 3½ cubic feet. Their small opening makes them more difficult to load and unload than a full-sized dryer.
Washer-dryer laundry centers
These combine the dryer and washer in one unit. They may be full-sized or compact, gas or electric.
Pros: Performance is generally equal to that of a full-sized machine.
Cons: The dryer component, though full-sized, typically holds less than a stand-alone full-sized dryer.
FEATURES
Look for the clothes dryer features that increase convenience and improve performance and efficiency, and avoid the pricey frills.
Moisture sensor
This device is more accurate than a thermostat in determining when laundry is dry. About half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350, have a moisture sensor. Moisture-sensor dryers are easier on fabrics because they don't subject them to unnecessary heat. And they use less energy by shutting themselves off as soon as laundry is dry.
Auto-dry cycles
Full-sized machines often offer two or three cycles, which shut off the unit when the clothes reach the desired dryness. Each cycle may have a complete-dry setting, a less-dry setting for damp ironing, and gradations in between. A separate temperature control in most dryers lets you choose lower heat for delicate fabrics. An express-dry cycle can dry a small load at high heat in less than a half-hour. Both of those features increase flexibility.
Extended tumble
This setting keeps tumbling the clothes after they're dry. Some models tumble without heat; others cycle on and off. It reduces wrinkling if you aren't able to remove clothing immediately after it's dry.
Top-mounted lint filter
It might be easier to clean than one inside the drum. Some models have a warning light that tells you it's time to clean the filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and could be a fire hazard.
Drum rack
Attached inside the drum, it keeps items from tumbling. It's especially useful for sneakers and other solid objects.
Drop-down vs. side-opening front door
Choose according to personal preference. As you're removing laundry from the dryer, a drop-down door can serve as a convenient shelf for folding. But reaching items inside might be easier with a side-opening door.
Touchpad controls and menus
Unlike traditional dials, touchpads let you make finer adjustments.
Touchpad menus are complicated and can be difficult to navigate, especially while you're learning how to use them. Whether a dryer has a touchpad or dials, the controls should be legible, logically arranged, and easy to operate.
BRANDS
The top four brands -- GE, Kenmore (Sears), Maytag, and Whirlpool -- account for the majority of dryer sales, although there are some new players in the market. Use this information to compare clothes dryers by brand.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire dryers are known for their generally good value for the price. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Frigidaire dryers range in price from $300 to $900.
GE
This century-old brand offers dryers under both the GE and GE Profile lines. GE is an industry leader in laundry centers. GE's latest models provide an exterior drying rack, allowing you to hang clothes to dry, a permanent rack within the dryer, and reverse tumble. Prices range from $320 to $1,000.
Kenmore
This brand, sold at Sears, is known for its reliability and offers a wide choice of models. The Kenmore brand also offers a number of different dryer lines that match its washing machines: Kenmore, Elite, HE5, HE5 Steam, Oasis, and HE2. Some Kenmore dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for the dryers range from $350 with sensor to $1,300.
LG
This company is known for its TrueSteam dryers and the designer colors available for its models. Some models have a steam generator intended to eliminate wrinkles. Prices for LG dryers range from $700 to $1,200.
Maytag
This Whirlpool-owned brand is positioned as a durable brand but priced a bit lower than Whirlpool-branded products. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Prices for Maytag dryers range from $350 to $900.
Samsung
Over the past three years Samsung has introduced a full line of laundry products, with prices ranging from $750 to $1,350. The company has been broadening its dryer line.
Whirlpool
This brand, known for innovation, markets itself as the brand that cares about the family and the environment. It offers a wide range of choices in lines that include Whirlpool, Duet, Duet Sport, Duet Steam, Cabrio, Cabrio Steam. Some Whirlpool dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for Whirlpool dryers range from $350 to $1,300.
Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor tend to recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than machines that use a traditional thermostat. Because they don't subject clothing to unnecessary heat, moisture-sensor models are easier on fabrics. And since they shut themselves off when laundry is dry, they use less energy. Sensors are now offered on many dryers, including some relatively low-priced ones. Thermostat-only dryers are generally the most basic models. This clothes dryer guide will help you choose.
How to choose
Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than comparable electric models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet, a gas dryer a gas hookup. If you have both, don't rule out the gas model simply because it costs more. (Consumer Reports now tests only electric dryers, which account for about 80 percent of the models sold, but equivalent gas models are listed in the Ratings, which are available to subscribers.)
Insist on a moisture sensor
As noted earlier, overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. Whether a specific model has a sensor or thermostat might not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.
Don't get hung up on capacity
Manufacturers describe dryer capacity (as they do washer capacity) with terms such as extra large, super, and super plus. The differences aren't meaningful for everyday use. Most full-sized dryers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings.
Start in the middle
When using an automatic setting (which we generally recommend) rather than a timed one, set the control to the midpoint and raise or lower it as needed. Using More Dry routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use Less Dry to leave clothing damp for ironing. Don't worry about knowing when an automatic cycle is done: If you don't hear the buzzer, an extended tumble without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.
Don't pay for unnecessary extras
Higher-priced dryers might offer a dozen or so choices, including specialty cycles such as "speed dry" (15 minutes of high heat, for example). These can usually be replicated with standard settings. A choice of heat level, timed and auto-dry, and a few fabric types (regular/cotton and permanent press/delicate) is usually plenty. Touchpads look impressive and might allow you to save custom settings but don't improve performance. Nor do stainless-steel tubs, unlike in washers.
Get a quiet dryer for living areas
If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise.
TYPES
Dryers are pretty basic and differ mostly in size and features. Your space constraints will probably dictate the types of clothes dryers you can consider.
Full-sized dryers
Most full-sized dryers are 27 to 29 inches wide. Manufacturers often describe them with superlatives such as "extra large," "super," and "super-plus," but don't get hung up on capacity. Most full-sized models can manage a typical wash load -- about 5 to 7½ cubic feet. If you want to dry comforters and other bulky items, check our Ratings for models that scored excellent for capacity.
Pros: Full-sized dryers are the most practical type for most homeowners. Front-mounted controls on some let you stack a front-loading dryer atop a front-loading washer, though shorter people might have to stretch to reach the controls or empty the drum.
Space-saving dryers
These compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less.
Pros: These might be a good choice for apartment dwellers and singles. You can stack some front-loading compact dryers atop a front-loading washer.
Cons: Compacts have half the drum capacity of full-sized models, about 3½ cubic feet. Their small opening makes them more difficult to load and unload than a full-sized dryer.
Washer-dryer laundry centers
These combine the dryer and washer in one unit. They may be full-sized or compact, gas or electric.
Pros: Performance is generally equal to that of a full-sized machine.
Cons: The dryer component, though full-sized, typically holds less than a stand-alone full-sized dryer.
FEATURES
Look for the clothes dryer features that increase convenience and improve performance and efficiency, and avoid the pricey frills.
Moisture sensor
This device is more accurate than a thermostat in determining when laundry is dry. About half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350, have a moisture sensor. Moisture-sensor dryers are easier on fabrics because they don't subject them to unnecessary heat. And they use less energy by shutting themselves off as soon as laundry is dry.
Auto-dry cycles
Full-sized machines often offer two or three cycles, which shut off the unit when the clothes reach the desired dryness. Each cycle may have a complete-dry setting, a less-dry setting for damp ironing, and gradations in between. A separate temperature control in most dryers lets you choose lower heat for delicate fabrics. An express-dry cycle can dry a small load at high heat in less than a half-hour. Both of those features increase flexibility.
Extended tumble
This setting keeps tumbling the clothes after they're dry. Some models tumble without heat; others cycle on and off. It reduces wrinkling if you aren't able to remove clothing immediately after it's dry.
Top-mounted lint filter
It might be easier to clean than one inside the drum. Some models have a warning light that tells you it's time to clean the filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and could be a fire hazard.
Drum rack
Attached inside the drum, it keeps items from tumbling. It's especially useful for sneakers and other solid objects.
Drop-down vs. side-opening front door
Choose according to personal preference. As you're removing laundry from the dryer, a drop-down door can serve as a convenient shelf for folding. But reaching items inside might be easier with a side-opening door.
Touchpad controls and menus
Unlike traditional dials, touchpads let you make finer adjustments.
Touchpad menus are complicated and can be difficult to navigate, especially while you're learning how to use them. Whether a dryer has a touchpad or dials, the controls should be legible, logically arranged, and easy to operate.
BRANDS
The top four brands -- GE, Kenmore (Sears), Maytag, and Whirlpool -- account for the majority of dryer sales, although there are some new players in the market. Use this information to compare clothes dryers by brand.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire dryers are known for their generally good value for the price. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Frigidaire dryers range in price from $300 to $900.
GE
This century-old brand offers dryers under both the GE and GE Profile lines. GE is an industry leader in laundry centers. GE's latest models provide an exterior drying rack, allowing you to hang clothes to dry, a permanent rack within the dryer, and reverse tumble. Prices range from $320 to $1,000.
Kenmore
This brand, sold at Sears, is known for its reliability and offers a wide choice of models. The Kenmore brand also offers a number of different dryer lines that match its washing machines: Kenmore, Elite, HE5, HE5 Steam, Oasis, and HE2. Some Kenmore dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for the dryers range from $350 with sensor to $1,300.
LG
This company is known for its TrueSteam dryers and the designer colors available for its models. Some models have a steam generator intended to eliminate wrinkles. Prices for LG dryers range from $700 to $1,200.
Maytag
This Whirlpool-owned brand is positioned as a durable brand but priced a bit lower than Whirlpool-branded products. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Prices for Maytag dryers range from $350 to $900.
Samsung
Over the past three years Samsung has introduced a full line of laundry products, with prices ranging from $750 to $1,350. The company has been broadening its dryer line.
Whirlpool
This brand, known for innovation, markets itself as the brand that cares about the family and the environment. It offers a wide range of choices in lines that include Whirlpool, Duet, Duet Sport, Duet Steam, Cabrio, Cabrio Steam. Some Whirlpool dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for Whirlpool dryers range from $350 to $1,300.
Copyright © 2006-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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