Gas or electric, plus new dryer features

In general, buying a dryer is much easier than buying a washer; they're less complex and there are usually fewer features from which to choose. Since the washer is the more difficult decision, consider starting your research in our washing machines report (assuming you need both pieces, of course). In addition, we cover laundry centers -- models that combine a washer and dryer in one unit -- in our report on washer-dryer combos.

Experts say drying technology is fairly standard at this point, and clothes dryers from several price ranges do well in tests. The most basic difference is whether the dryer air is heated with gas or electricity. Editors of ConsumerReports.org say there isn't much difference in performance between the two types, but gas dryers are more expensive than electric ones (typically about $50 to $100 more, depending on the brand). Gas dryers, however, are less expensive to run and can save consumers money on utility bills, assuming that natural gas prices remain lower than electricity rates. Experts say that in most cases, the savings on fuel to operate a gas dryer should more than make up for the higher up-front cost over the long run.

The most basic clothes dryers cost between $350 and $700. Higher-priced dryers add features such as additional drying cycles or stainless-steel drums. Stainless-steel drums can be less prone to rust than porcelain or painted metal drums (which are found in lower-end dryers), according to some experts, but there appears to be little difference between the two in actual drying performance. Inexpensive dryers are also more likely to have dial controls rather than digital control panels. Dial controls may be simpler to use because they lack complicated menus or lots of buttons, but some users find the digital kind easier to read. More expensive dryers also tend to feature designer colors and advanced styling, often matching that of a companion washing machine.

In addition, budget dryers are more prone to user complaints about reliability than higher-priced dryers. They're more likely to break down just outside of the warranty period, which is typically one year, although some manufacturers offer longer coverage for specific components like the control panel. Extended warranties may be available, but experts recommend checking before you invest in a dryer to make sure there are technicians in your area qualified to provide warranty service for the make and model you choose.

One increasingly common feature on high-end dryers is a steam setting to help reduce wrinkles and odors. Some steam dryers have a water hookup in addition to one for gas or electricity, while others include a separate water tank that requires water to be added manually. Our sources disagree about the usefulness of steam cycles. The editors of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute report that many of the steam dryers they tested successfully removed wrinkles from laundry, while the editors of ConsumerReports.org found steam dryers to have little effect on wrinkles (although the steam setting was useful for removing odors). In addition, many posters to the laundry-room forum at GardenWeb.com consider a steam cycle to be a waste of money, saying you can get the same effect by tossing in a damp cloth with your wrinkled shirts. Overall, it appears that a steam setting may be a nice bonus, but not an absolute must-have.

Experts also offer the following advice about choosing a dryer:  

  • Get over matching your machines. In general, any dryer will work with any washing machine, so aesthetics is the only real reason to choose a dryer that matches your washer. In fact, sources indicate you may be better off buying a less expensive dryer and investing the extra money in a better washing machine, since washers vary more in terms of features and energy efficiency.
  • Go for a moisture sensor. This feature senses when the clothes are dry and shuts the dryer off automatically. Experts say it can determine the dryness of a laundry load more accurately than a thermostat. In addition to saving energy, moisture sensors reduce the risk of overdrying, which can damage clothing. Most clothes dryers -- including all of those covered in this report -- include a moisture sensor, but some inexpensive dryers lack the feature.
  • Consider a drying rack. Many owners say they love this extra, which keeps items from tumbling while the dryer runs. Although the most commonly cited use is for drying sneakers, a rack can also be used to protect bras and other delicates from damage.
  • Weigh fancy features carefully. Most dryers cover the basics: a choice of heat levels, automatic and timed drying cycles, and a few different fabric settings (such as regular or permanent press). High-end dryers may include additional specialty cycles, but experts say these can usually be reproduced with standard settings. (For example, the speed-dry cycle might be equivalent to 15 minutes on high heat.) Electronic control panels and stainless-steel drums also have no effect on a dryer's performance. An interior drum light, on the other hand, is a useful feature.
  • Think about your laundry-room setup. Measure the space to figure out how large a dryer you can accommodate. Many dryers can be stacked with a front-loading washer to save space, but you'll need to buy a stacking kit. Also, find out where your dryer will be vented and choose a dryer that can be vented in the proper direction. If your laundry room is close to living areas such as the kitchen or bedrooms, look for a quieter dryer.
  • Check the power requirements. Electric dryers generally require their own 240-volt electric line. Gas dryers typically require a 120-volt line, as well as a gas hookup. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications, and verify that you have the necessary outlet and wiring in your home.
  • Keep safety in mind. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, clothes dryers are responsible for thousands of home fires each year, usually due to lint trapped in dryer ducts. To avoid problems, experts suggest simple precautions. Remove debris from your dryer's lint filter after every use and rinse it under running water every so often. If water pools up on the filter during cleaning, the filter is probably blocked by residue from your dryer sheets; use a scrub brush to remove it. Inspect the dryer vent and exhaust system regularly, and clean out any trapped lint. Experts recommend using rigid metal ducts for dryers rather than the flexible foil or plastic kind, which trap lint more easily.

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