Samsung DV210AEW/XAA

The Samsung DV210AEW/XAA electric dryer offers good value for a relatively low price. This 7.3-cubic-foot machine includes such essential features as a moisture sensor, an interior drum light and a reversible door, but it lacks extras such as a steam setting and a drying rack. One nice feature it does include is a wrinkle-prevention setting, which tumbles clothes intermittently after drying is complete to keep them from creasing. The dryer has seven preset drying cycles and four temperature settings. Both this dryer and its gas equivalent, the Samsung DV210AGW/XAA (*Est. $700) , are backed by a one-year warranty, with the electronic control board covered for two years.

In professional tests, the DV210AEW/XAA gets excellent results for drying performance, and its scores for convenience and noise level are very good. Users find the machine quiet, efficient and easy to use. However, we did read many reports of breakdowns and other mechanical problems. Some users are also frustrated with the machine's variety of alert noises, which they say are very difficult to disable. If your budget allows, you may prefer the top-rated LG DLEX5101W (*Est. $1,000) , which has more features and a better repair record.

The Samsung DV210AEW/XAA is included in the latest reviews of dryers at ConsumerReports.org, where it's evaluated based on drying performance, capacity, convenience and noise level. We also found about 75 reviews for this dryer at BestBuy.com and Lowes.com. The J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Laundry Appliance Satisfaction Study provides information about the Samsung brand in general, but it doesn't rate individual models.