Top-Rated Dryers

Steam cycles are convenient but add to cost

The Kenmore Elite Oasis ST 68092 Electric Dryer (*Est. $1,100) is one of the least expensive electric dryers available that includes a steam feature to reduce wrinkles in clothing. This model receives a thumbs-up from Good Housekeeping magazine, which says that the dryer works quickly and effectively but notes that Kenmore's customer service isn't as good as other brands. Owner feedback for this dryer and its gas-powered counterpart, the Kenmore Elite Oasis ST 78092 (*est. $1,180), is positive overall but there are a limited number of reviews. It's not as stylish as more expensive dryers and it's not stackable, but it does offer solid performance and faster drying than most.

Aside from the steam feature, the Kenmore Elite Oasis ST 68092 has a number of unique features. It includes a combined temperature/moisture sensor that helps protect delicate fabrics from damage, a larger-than-average blower for improved airflow, a heated drying rack, sound dampening and a large 7.6-cubic-foot capacity. It also has a window in the door and a light inside. However, owners report that the window isn't very useful because the light, which is in the back of the dryer, is often blocked by clothes. This dryer also has four-way venting for more flexible installation.

Another dryer that offers a steam feature and performs well in professional tests is the Maytag MEDE900VW (*Est. $1,240). According to Good Housekeeping magazine, this dryer works very quickly, and the refresh cycle does a good job removing wrinkles. Compared to the Kenmore Elite 67092, the Maytag has a more stylish appearance, a sanitary cycle and a time-remaining display. Otherwise, the dryers are quite similar in features and capacity, though the Maytag costs nearly $300 more. The Maytag MGDE900VW (*Est. $1,320) is the gas version.

Samsung is a newcomer to laundry appliances in the U.S., so reviews for Samsung dryers are limited thus far. However, Samsung is the top-rated brand in the latest customer-satisfaction survey on dryers from J.D. Power and Associates. The Samsung DV448AEW (*Est. $1,300) includes a steam feature and receives good ratings in a handful of user reviews at BestBuy.com. One owner reports that stacking it with the matched washer makes the controls difficult to reach. This model has a 7.4-cubic-foot capacity, refresh cycle, reversible door hinge, viewing window and electronic controls with an LCD display. The Samsung DV448AGW (*Est. $1,350) is the gas version.

For technological wizardry, it's hard to top the GE Profile Harmony DPGT750ECWW (*Est. $850). It features the company's CleanSpeak system, which links the dryer with its matching Harmony washer. That link lets the dryer get information about the incoming load from the washer, eliminating the need for users to make any adjustments -- in theory. In practice, ConsumerGuide.com editors and user reports say there is a bit of a disconnect at times. The system typically works well, but setting controls manually is complicated, and user reviews indicate that reliability isn't a strong point. The GE Profile Harmony DPGT750GC (*Est. $1,020) is the gas version.

The similar GE Profile DPGT650EHMG (*Est. $820) has most of the other features of its more upscale sibling, including an effective sensor to protect fabrics and tons of cycles and settings. However, it skips the CleanSpeak link-up. The GE Profile DPGT650GHMG (*Est. $900) is the gas version.

LG dryers are the second-highest-rated brand in the J.D. Power and Associates owner-satisfaction survey and often score well in professional and user reviews. One important consideration with LG dryers is that, like most dryers, they are often purchased with the matching washing machine. In most cases, this makes little difference in performance, but LG's washing machines have a high-speed spin cycle that wrings out more water from clothes. It's not clear whether LG dryers really do a better job drying clothes than others, or if they're just getting a head start from the matching LG washers.

Among current dryer models, we saw a fair amount of user feedback regarding the LG DLE2516W (*Est. $725), and almost all of it is extremely positive. In terms of sheer numbers, BestBuy.com has the most user reviews (about two dozen) and nearly perfect scores from all who report on the dryer. Sears.com and HomeDepot.com have nearly as many reviews. While a couple of consumers report some difficulties, the majority of users at these sites give the dryer a resounding thumbs-up.

This large-capacity, 7.0-cubic-foot dryer isn't quite as feature-packed as some others, but all the basics are there. The dryer includes LG's Sensory Dry System to prevent damaging fabrics and a wrinkle-care cycle that kicks in at the end of drying to occasionally tumble clothes without heat to reduce wrinkling. Five drying programs and five temperature settings provide lots of flexibility. The dryer can be stacked with its matching LG washer, mounted on a pedestal or left free-standing. Other features include a drum light, viewing window, reversible door, a child lock and a display that shows drying time remaining and dryer status. User reports say that the dryer's performance is speedy and relatively quiet. A couple of users say that clothes come out a little damp when using the sensor, and one received a defective unit and had repair issues with the retailer. Everyone else seems largely to be completely pleased. The LG DLG2526W (*Est. $800) is the gas equivalent.

If you have a larger budget, the LG DLE0442W (*Est. $800) offers a slightly larger capacity (7.3 cubic feet) and a few luxury features, such as a stainless-steel drum, drying rack and even more drying programs (nine). If those features are worth the price difference to you, user feedback says that this LG dryer is also a good choice. The LG DLG0452W (*Est. $870) is the gas version.

The vast majority of dryers are front-loading, which is convenient if you have a front-loading washer but can be a hassle if you're moving clothes directly from a top loader. Both front-loading washers and dryers are also more difficult to use for people with back problems. Fisher & Paykel manufactures a line of top-loading dryers that, when combined with a top-loading washer, completely eliminate the need to bend over so much. These dryers also replace the standard lint filter with a self-cleaning filter and lint bucket that, according to the manufacturer, prevents lint buildup by restricting air flow during the drying cycle. Fisher & Paykel's top-loading dryers don't perform as well in professional testing as some other brands, and they have more reliability complaints than other brands. Still, owners seem to like them, and the majority of comments we read about Fisher & Paykel dryers are very positive.

The Fisher & Paykel DE27CW1 (*Est. $860) is a top-loading dryer that receives a Best Buy award from ConsumerGuide.com. Although user feedback is limited for this model, it is almost entirely positive. At AJMadison.com, a handful of users say they like the lint container and not having to bend over. The only major complaint there is from an owner who says his dryer started making noises. This model has a 6.2-cubic-foot capacity, reverse tumbling (to prevent tangled clothes), moisture sensor, electronic control panel, LCD screen and stainless-steel drum. It also offers 18 drying cycles, including specialty cycles for comforters, pillows, jeans and soft toys. According to one owner, an unexpected advantage of the lint bucket is that it traps items like crayons that would otherwise melt and damage clothing. The Fisher & Paykel DG27CW1 (*Est. $880) is the gas version of this dryer.