LG DLGX5102W

The LG DLGX5102W is the gas-powered version of the top-rated LG DLEX5101W electric dryer (*Est. $1,000) . Although a gas dryer costs a little more initially, experts say that for those who have a gas hookup available, it'll generally pay for itself in the long run with lower operating costs. Like its electric equivalent, the LG DLGX5102W has a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity, 14 drying programs, five temperature levels and a wide variety of useful features -- most notably a steam setting for freshening clothing or sanitizing nonwashable items like pillows. Professional reviewers give this dryer excellent marks for its drying performance and noise level, as well as very good marks for convenience. Owners say they like this dryer's performance, quietness and features, such as the steam setting and the shoe drying rack. Like its electric equivalent, it's backed by a one-year warranty. If your budget is tight, you might prefer the Samsung DV210AGW/XAA (*Est. $700) , which has fewer features but still gets generally good reviews.

Like other gas dryers, the LG DLGX5102W hasn't actually been tested at ConsumerReports.org, but it nonetheless receives an evaluation based on the performance of the electric version. User reviews for this dryer are scarce (as they are for most gas dryers), but we found a handful of comments at Buzzillions.com. The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Laundry Appliance Satisfaction Study provides useful information about the LG brand as a whole, including reliability, features and price.