Doing laundry isn’t something most people look forward to, but having the right dryer can reduce energy, prolong the life of your clothes, and make the chore so much easier.
When you’re trying to find the best dryer, it can be difficult to decipher all the technical language manufacturers use to describe their dryers. We’ve broken that information down into more relatable terms to help you choose the best dryer for your family.
To create our guide, we looked at key details like the exterior size of the dryer, its load capacity, and design. In addition, the dryers’ special features and unique options for each model were reviewed. You’ll also find information that compares electric to gas models and how each one can be beneficial in your home.
Read on to find helpful information about all the best dryers.
Our Top Picks: Summary
Best Overall, Electric: LG 7.3 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer
Best Overall, Gas: Maytag 7.0 cu. ft. Gas Vented Dryer with Sanitize Cycle
Best Budget: Whirlpool 7.0 cu. with AUTODRY Drying System
Best Splurge: LG 9.0 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer with Steam and WiFi Enabled
Best Large Capacity: LG 9.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with True Steam
The Best Dryers: Our Top Picks
Best Overall, Electric
LG 7.3 cu. Ft. Smart Electric Dryer
Use integrated smartphone app to control and customize dryer settings.
Why we Picked It
With a load capacity of 7.3 cubic feet, this LG dryer holds more laundry than average. which means fewer loads for you. With Sensor Dry, the dryer can detect the moisture level in clothes and adjust it to get even the largest loads dry fast. The low decibel motor means the dryer won’t sound like a helicopter taking off in your laundry room.
The SmartThinQ technology allows you to control the WiFi enabled dryer through an app that has an easy-to-use interface. SmartDiagnosis is included with the app and the smart installation feature helps make sure the dryer is installed correctly. You won’t have to worry about an unlevel installation affecting the dryer’s performance.
If you’re dealing with tight laundry room, a dual opening door means it can be opened from the side like a traditional dryer or from the top.
Keep in Mind
While the preprogrammed settings are great for items like clothes, they may not get items like bulky comforters completely dry. Customizing the settings fixes this problem.
In a Nutshell
- App integration
- 7.3 cubic feet
- Quiet motor
Best Overall, Gas
Maytag 7.0 cu. Ft. Gas Vented Dryer with Sanitize Cycle
Fast warm up and smart drying cycles make the Maytag perfect for users with gas hookups.
Why we Picked It
Clothes get cleaner than ever with the sanitize cycle that’s designed to protect clothes even after they’ve been sanitized in the wash – especially useful if you have kids or pets. With 11 drying cycles and five temperature settings, the dryer can handle everything from small, delicate loads to large loads with heavy fabrics. Intellidry helps the Maytag know when everything is dry so it will automatically stop, which saving energy. A pleasant chime serves as an alert instead of a beep at the end of the cycle.
Wrinkle control with a long tumble cycle allows the dryer to protect your clothes better so they’ll come out wrinkle-free. The drum has a powder-coat finish that helps it last longer without chipping off or damaging clothes.
A convenient light in the drum makes it easier to see while loading and unloading. The door is reversible and easily switches sides so it can be installed anywhere.
Keep in Mind
The powerful commercial-grade motor helps dry more clothes faster, but it may be a bit noisier than models with smaller motors.
In a Nutshell
- 7 cubic feet
- Wrinkle control
- Powerful motor
Top pick
Whirlpool 7.0 cu. With AUTODRY Drying System
A no-frills dryer that gives you premium drying features and easy to use controls.
Why we Picked It
The hamper door makes it easier to fit this dryer into any laundry room setup. The seven cubic foot capacity works for large loads including bulky items like comforters and a lot of towels.
Three drying temperatures and a dial that controls the runtime allow you to adjust the Whirlpool to suit your drying needs. Autodry prevents it from overdrying your clothes and allows it to sense when the clothes are done. This not only saves energy but can also save time when you’re in a hurry to get the laundry done.
With wrinkle shield, the dryer continues tumbling on and off until the clothes are taken out of the dryer. This keeps them from getting wrinkled even if you have other chores to do that prevent you from getting them out of the dryer right away.
Keep in Mind
The Whirlpool comes with basic necessary functions, but does does not have any smart features and is not smart home compatible.
In a Nutshell
- Convenient hamper door
- Customized dry time settings
- 7 cubic feet
Best Splurge
LG 9.0 cu. Ft. Smart Electric Dryer with Steam and WiFi Enabled
Easy to use with convenient capabilities and luxurious drying features.
Why we Picked It
Steam dry and sensor technology help the LG dry clothes faster and more efficiently. It can detect moisture levels in the fabric and automatically adjust the drying time and temperature for optimal drying. This also helps it use up to 30% less energy than traditional dryers.
TurboSteam helps release wrinkles from clothes in just 10 minutes; no ironing required! The 9 cubic foot capacity can hold a king size comforter and bedding, allowing you to wash it all in a single load. Monitor every load using the smartphone app and use it to adjust time or set it to wrinkle release for times when you just can’t get to the dryer. The LG also includes ReduceStatic technology that eliminates static and the need for dryer sheets.
With an elevated front door that’s contoured 6 degrees, it’s easier to open and load the dryer. The duct sensor will also alert you when the dryer vents need a deep clean.
Keep in Mind
All the premium features come at a steep price, putting this dryer out of budget for many buyers.
In a Nutshell
- 9 cubic feet
- Duct clog indicator
- Efficient steam drying
Best Large Capacity
LG 9.0 cu. Ft. Electric Dyer with True Steam
Huge nine cubic foot capacity allows for drying up to an entire king size bedding set.
Why we Picked It
The huge 9 cubic foot capacity of this LG gives it enough space to hold all your clothes. It can also hold an entire suit of king size bedding. Its 14 drying cycles include settings for wool, super dry, and delicates. Manual drying, speed drying, and air drying cycle also increase the functionality of the LG. Advanced sensor dry helps the dryer stop when clothes are dry. The sensor also actively monitors the moisture level to adjust the time and temperature.
With True Steam, the LG reduces wrinkles and odors using real steam generated right in the dryer. It may even reduce wrinkles enough to eliminate the need to iron clothes. Refresh up to five garments with Steam Fresh in just 20 minutes and sanitize using the Steam Sanitize cycle. Smart Diagnosis will can help you determine if there is anything wrong with the dryer and when the ducts need to be cleaned.
Keep in Mind
When using the full capacity of the dryer, it may take longer to dry clothes than traditional-sized clothes dryers.
In a Nutshell
- Never Rust drum protection
- Steam technology
- 9 cubic feet
How We Chose the Best Clothes Dryers
We looked at each of these areas to determine which ones are the best, are the most efficient, and ultimately save you time
Load Capacity
Small capacity dryers can be limiting. Drying large loads and bulky items requires a larger capacity dryer and means you must find one that has a cubic footage that matches the type of laundry loads you’ll be washing.
While many traditional dryers are only able to hold small loads of laundry, larger capacity dryers can usually be able to handle things like blankets and comforters. People with small capacity dryers must travel to laundromats to wash and dry their comforters and other very bulky items. Machines with a large capacity allow users to wash these items more regularly (the largest capacity dryers are able to hold king size bedding).
Not only do we look at the load capacity size, we also look at how the machine functions with such a large load capacity. We compare the amount of time it takes for items to dry when the full capacity is being used to times when the dryer is only partially filled.
Reliability & Customer Satisfaction
No one wants to find a leaking or broken machine, or replace expensive parts. We pay close attention to how well the dryers hold up and what people have to say about the machines. Another factor we consider is how reliable the machine is over time and if older models tend to leak or need more repairs.
The reliability of a dryer is important because it helps determine the ultimate value of a machine. People who buy dryers that are more reliable get more value out of the machines for the money they pay. Warranties may also be an indicator of a dryer’s reliability.
Features
We look for features that make the dryer easier to use. Some things that make it easier are the ability to move it from side to side as well as stackability. We also look at additional benefits like steam technology, drying cycles, and heat settings. Features like smart home capabilities and integrated apps also make dryers more beneficial for a wider variety of users.
Design
Design is more than just the way the dryer looks. Will it be an eyesore in the home? Which colors does it comes in? Another factor we consider is the available options like colors and how well they match with other appliances.
An important part of the dryer design is the control panel. We look at whether the dryer is easy to use or if it has too many buttons that might make it difficult for users to figure out. We also consider where the power cords and dryer vents hook up, and whether or not that will be convenient for most laundry rooms.
Efficiency
Dryers use a lot of energy – there’s no way around it. We looked for those that use the least to get the job done. Steam dryers and moisture options may make them more efficient and reduce the amount of energy they use. We also look for ones that are made for efficiency with features like auto shut-off when clothes are dry and tumble features that allow the dryer to work without heat.
What to Look for in a Clothes Dryer
Don’t get fooled by gimmicky sales language and marketing lingo designed to make you purchase a dryer. Here are the things you should be looking for when you’re shopping for a dryer.
Exterior Dimensions
You must consider how much room you have for your washer and dryer. If you need them to stack, you’ll want a dryer model that is compatible and stackable with your washer. When you’re measuring the space for your dryer, do not forget that the dryer vent tubing will need to fit in the space between your dryer and the exterior vent.
Load Capacity
Consider the load capacity and what you plan on using the dryer for. If you have a large family who goes through a lot of laundry, a large load capacity can reduce the number of loads you have to do. You will also need to consider how much bedding you have and how often you plan to wash it.
Gas vs. Electric
Most homes use electric for dryers, but gas is becoming increasingly common for laundry rooms. Gas dryers tend to dry more efficiently and can be more cost effective over time, but they may be slightly more expensive upfront. If you want a gas dryer, it can be expensive to have your laundry room retrofitted, and to have it installed professionally.
Customizable Settings
You can extend the life of your clothes by using the right settings. A dryer with customizable settings allows you to tailor it specifically to the load you’re putting it in (think delicates vs. towels). Customizable settings may also extend the life of your dryer by reducing the overall wear and tear on it.
Design
The design of the dryer comes down to aesthetics and whether it’s going to be in an area of your home that’s visible. You must also look at how the dryer matches your washer and any other appliances that you have nearby. A matching washer and dryer may be very important in a home that has a visible space for them, but can be less important if they’re tucked away in a laundry room. Save money by purchasing a less glitzy dryer if it’s going to be hidden from view.
How to Take Care of Your Dryer
All dryers require some maintenance and special attention. If you want your dryer to last for a long time, take the time to clean it and care for it properly. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your dryer and will prevent it from breaking down prematurely.
- Clean the lint trap after every load. Lint can build up and get clogged in the dryer and it may cause the dryer to not function efficiently. Not only will this help you care for your dryer but it can also prevent you from starting a fire in your laundry room. While wiping down the lint trap after every load is enough to keep it running, you may want to vacuum out the lint trap area regularly to get it really clean.
- Keep your dryer on level (balanced) ground. While this is extremely important with washers, people may pay less attention to the levelness of the ground when it comes to dryers. Level ground can help your dryer dry clothes more efficiently and may also make it quieter.
- Have the vent hose inspected and clean. The vent hose can be another area where lint builds up and could start a fire so it’s important to clean it often. Some of our top pick dryers have sensors that can automatically detect when the dryer hose is clogged, but it’s still important to have it inspected.
Related Resources
Do you need a matching washer for your new dryer? How about clothes steamers? Use these resources to find all the best appliances for your laundry room!
