Clothes Dryers

When shopping for a dryer, many people feel a strong compulsion to buy a machine that matches an existing or new washing machine. However, dryer reviews say that most models do the job well, so there's little reason (other than aesthetics) to buy a matching dryer. One example of this is the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity dryer (*est. $1,100), companion dryer to the highly rated washing machine with the same name. If you can pass on the matching dryer, several other Kenmore models dry as well and are just about as quiet for nearly half the price.

The Kenmore 68832 (*est. $630) is a mid-priced clothes dryer. Similar Kenmore dryers receive consistently good reviews. It has a tub large enough to rival models that cost twice as much. With a 7.5-cubic-foot drum, it can handle oversized items, and although it has a rotary dial, this electric dryer also has a moisture sensor that shuts off the dryer to prevent over-drying. A wrinkle-resistant cycle tumbles the load without heat to prevent wrinkling. This model offers a drying rack, air-dry cycle and an end-of-cycle buzzer. A drum light makes it easy to spot stray socks. Its porcelain-on-steel top is more resistant to rust than models that use painted steel for the dryer lid. Since many people end up placing wet laundry on top of the dryer for a short time while transferring to the dryer, this small feature can be important. A similar gas version, the Kenmore 78832 (*est. $690), is also available.

The Kenmore 68722 electric dryer (*est. $560) is yet another similar dryer that receives some consideration in reviews. It has a large 7.5-cubic-foot capacity drum, drop-down door, moisture sensor, drying rack and dial controls, but some owners consider this model a bit noisy. Keep in mind that none of these Kenmore dryers are actually made by Kenmore. Rather, they are rebranded Whirlpool dryers. So if you can't find what you want in a Kenmore, try Whirlpool.

In GE's Profile line, several dryers are available in both gas and electric versions. They feature custom cycles and multiple preprogrammed drying cycles, which include delicates, permanent press and speed-dry. The GE Profile Harmony DPGT750ECWW (*est. $850) has a super-hot antibacterial cycle to help kill dust mites in bedding, The GE Profile Harmony dryer complements the GE Harmony Washer with a matching design, electronic controls, multiple settings for special fabrics, a stainless steel drum and the ability to automatically change dryer settings based on the washer settings. The oversized door is hinged on the right side and it has a moisture sensor with two sensing bars, six custom cycle settings and run-quiet performance. The gas-powered version, which costs about $50 more, is the GE Profile Harmony DPGT750GC (*est. $900). This GE dryer also comes in white and a shiny charcoal color called dark platinum.

However, as with the case of the highly rated Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon washer/dryer pair discussed above, you can save a bit by going with an alternative such as the GE Profile DPSE810EGWT electric dryer (*est. $570) . This dryer has a slightly smaller capacity, lacks the styling to match the Harmony washer and does not have as many high-end features, but it performs just as well in testing.

Maytag dryers also earn positive reviews and are very reliable with a low repair rate on par with GE dryers. The Maytag MED5830TW (*est. $500) is less expensive than other basic dryers, but this 7.0-cubic-foot model offers a moisture sensor, air-dry feature and a cycle for jeans, as well as delicate, ultra delicate and heavy-duty cycles. There is also a drum light, end-of-cycle signal, a drying rack and wrinkle reduction setting. Controls are on a rotary dial. Reports say this Maytag dryer is quiet in operation. A gas version is also available.

Budget dryers

If you don't need electronic controls and other high-end features, reviews say there are plenty of less expensive options. The Kenmore 67741 (*est. $430) has all the basics, including a drum light, no-heat tumble option and moisture sensor. It also has a 7.5-cubic-foot capacity that is very large in this price range. It also offers nine drying cycles, an end-of-cycle signal and sound insulation for quieter operation. Notably, there is no drying rack. Reviews say it’s a good basic dryer and Kenmore dryers do sport a good reliability track record.

The Amana NED5800TQ (*est. $450) is another no-frills dryer with all the essentials, including a moisture sensor and an air-dry cycle. Other features include a drying rack and an end-of-cycle signal. This dryer has an equally large 7.0-cubic-foot drum with a drum light. The Amana has a reversible side-opening door as opposed to a drop-down door. If your drying needs are simple, the Amana is an economical choice with features not found with other budget dryers and Amana dryers also have a positive brand-repair history. The gas version of this dryer is the Amana NGD5800TQ (*est. $500) .

The Admiral AED4475TQ (*est. $280), manufactured by Maytag and available at Home Depot, is one of the cheapest electric dryers available. The gas version is the Admiral AGD4475TQ (*est. $340). It features a 6.5-cubic-foot capacity, drum light and five cycles, including a wrinkle-free cycle. The Admiral dryer does not offer a moisture sensor, but it does have various dryness levels including an automatic dryness control. There are also three temperature controls. Although it's inexpensive, buyers do receive decent dryer capacity, but there's no moisture sensor, so in this case, the Kenmore or Amana models cited above are a slightly better value.

Important Features: Dryers

The following is what experts say about choosing a dryer:

• Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically turns off the heat when clothes are dry. It dries laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. A moisture sensor can also save you money in the long run by saving energy and reducing wear and tear on your clothes. Nearly all newer models have moisture sensors, but some very cheap dryers skip this feature to save money. Be sure to check.

• Depending on local fuel prices, a gas dryer may cost less to run than an electric dryer. Gas dryers generally cost about $50 to $80 more than electric dryers, but if your local gas prices are low, and you have an available gas hookup, the energy savings will pay off in the long term. According to FlexYourPower.org, choosing a gas dryer instead of an electric one can save you up to 50-percent in laundry-related energy costs. If the dryer has a moisture sensor, as noted above, you could save an additional 15 percent. However, since they will be replacing an existing electric or gas dryer, most people won't really have a choice here.

• Larger dryers with extra tumbling room and airflow produce fewer wrinkles and faster drying times. The best dryers have 7.0 or larger cubic-foot drums. Nearly all dryers, even inexpensive models, have this capacity or higher. Some models now have a reversible tumbling sequence that helps to untangle clothes and accelerate drying times.

• Choosing electronic touch-pad controls versus rotary dials is mostly a matter of preference, although electronic controls can be more repair-prone. The GE Profile Harmony's electronic controls, for example, allow you to program your own cycles. Most low-priced dryers have rotary controls.

Reviewers say many clothes dryers today include the following standard options: a cool-down cycle or wrinkle-control feature (which tumbles clothes without heat in case you don't remove the load as soon as the drying cycle is over), a drum light (which makes it easy to spot stray socks), an extra-wide reversible door or a drop-down door that provides a platform for removing clothes and an end-of-cycle signal. Other features you might want to look for include multiple cycle settings, an independently controlled temperature setting (instead of a preset), a "less dry" setting to produce clothes damp enough to iron and a drying rack that remains stationary during the cycle while the drum rotates around it (great for sneakers or other items you don't want to tumble).

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
4	GE Profile Harmony (*est. $500 to $870)	details
3	Kenmore (*est. $300 to $1210)	-
3	Maytag (*est. $450 to $1,060)	details
3	LG (*est. $700 to $1,250)	details
2	Whirlpool (*est. $400 to $960)	details
1 each	Fisher & Paykel , Amana , Bosch , Danby, Miele

According to reviews, there isn't as much performance variation among dryers as exists among washing machines. Furthermore, dryers in general have a lower rate of repair. While you get the best performance and most flexibility from pricey dryers like the GE Profile Harmony, reviews say you can still purchase an excellent dryer for much less. For ConsumerSearch Fast Answers, we chose dryer models with good tested performance, along with a good repair record.

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