- Includes a 15-minute Fast Dry cycle
- The Perfect Steam™ option release wrinkles and reduces static
- Includes the LuxCare® Lint Shield which traps lint so it doesn’t spill out even with clothes in the dryer
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Updated March 19, 2024
Laundry may or not be your favorite chore—but having the best clothes dryer can make doing the wash so much easier for your household. Today’s dryers come packed with features, so they operate more efficiently and dry your clothes without scorching heat. As a mother of three who is constantly doing laundry, having the best clothes dryer is one of these appliances you realize quickly you don’t want to ever live without.
What to consider when buying the best clothes dryer
If you’re on the hunt for a new clothes dryer or replacing one, there are a few considerations to keep in mind as you start the selection process.
Capacity and size
The space in your home you have for a washing machine and dryer and how often you do laundry will help determine the size and capacity of the dryer you select. Capacity determines how much laundry you can dry at once, so choose a dryer with a capacity that can accommodate your household's laundry volume. Make sure you measure the available space where your dryer will be to ensure it fits comfortably and allows for proper airflow and ventilation. The standard size dryer is about 27 inches wide, but some of the larger capacity ones measure larger than this, which may not fit in a laundry space.
Electric versus gas
Before you make your purchase, you need to confirm the fuel source for a clothes dryer. Dryers come in either electric or gas. The electric versions simply plug into the wall with either a three- or four-prong electric dryer cord, depending on what your home is equipped with. Gas dryers rely on either a natural gas or propane connection, and you’ll have to purchase the appropriate cord for this, as well.
Features
Today’s dryers have features that make clothes drying more convenient and efficient. You may consider a dryer with specialty sensors, which sense how dry the clothes are and automatically continue drying or shut off so you don’t waste more energy. Or, you may prefer a dryer you can connect to Wi-Fi, so you can monitor the drying process from your phone and make adjustments if needed.
Our top picks for the best clothes dryers
Best front load dryer: Electrolux 8 CU. Ft. Vented Front Load Stackable Electric Dryer in Titanium with LuxCare Dry and Perfect Steam
Best front load dryer
8 cu. ft. vented Front Load Stackable Electric Dryer in Titanium with LuxCare Dry and Perfect Steam
The Electrolux 8 cubic feet front load dryer offers a luxurious experience for clothes drying, but you’ll love what an efficient job it does at drying clothes without damaging them. It’s packed with features perfect for making clothing care slightly more convenient, such as built-in steam for wrinkle release and an instant refresh if your clothes have been sitting a little too long in the dryer.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 38 inches x 27 inches x 31.5 inches
- Colors available: White or titanium
- Capacity: Eight cubic feet
- Stackable: Yes
- Wi-Fi enabled: No
- Warranty: One-year parts and labor
- Power: Electric or gas
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $998
What we like:
What we don't Like:
- Louder operation
The bottom line:
This front load dryer offers multiple convenient features, ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.
Get it here: Electrolux 8 CU. Ft. Vented Front Load Stackable Electric Dryer
Best value clothes dryer: Amana 6.5 CU. Ft. Electric Dryer with Automatic Dryness Control in White
Best value clothes dryer
Amana 6.5-cu ft Electric Dryer (White) | NED4655EW
Purchasing a value clothes dryer doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice the features you want so you can get your laundry done. The Amana 6.5 cubic feet electric dryer with automatic dryness control provides the ideal drying temperature so it doesn’t overheat your clothes or waste energy. Plus, it includes a wrinkle prevent option, in case you can’t fold your clothes right away.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44 inches x 29 inches x 27.75 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 6.5 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Electric or gas
- Wi-Fi enabled: No
- Warranty: One-year parts and labor
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $468
What we like:
- Larger capacity which means fewer loads of laundry
- Automatic dryness control helps save energy
- Budget-friendly price
What we don't Like:
- Can take multiple cycles to get clothes dried completely
The bottom line:
A dryer that can handle the large loads your family produces, but doesn’t break the bank
Get it here: Amana 6.5 CU. Ft. Electric Dryer with Automatic Dryness Control in White
Best smart clothes dryer: GE 7.4 CU. Ft. Smart Diamond Gray Gas Dryer with Sanitize Cycle and Sensor Dry, ENERGY STAR
Best smart clothes dryer
Profile 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer in Diamond Gray with Sanitize Cycle and Sensor Dry, ENERGY STAR
You might not realize how much you need a smart dryer until you have one like the GE 7.4 cubic feet Smart Diamond gas dryer. You can keep tabs on the cycle and stop, start, and adjust it as necessary no matter where you are, thanks to built-in wifi and the option to connect it to other smart devices in your home. You’ll love the convenient features too, such as auto sensing and the sanitize cycle (that reduces bacteria in laundry by 99.8%).
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 46 inches x 27 inches x 31 inches
- Colors available: Gray
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Gas
- Wi-Fi enabled: Yes
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $798
What we like:
- Wireless capability helps you control the cycle from anywhere
- The sanitize cycle reduces 99.8% of bacteria in the laundry
- Durable stainless steel drum
What we don't Like:
- Can be too noisy when operating
The bottom line:
This smart dryer makes doing laundry even easier by monitoring a cycle no matter where you are.
Get it here: GE 7.4 CU. Ft. Smart Diamond Gray Gas Dryer with Sanitize Cycle and Sensor Dry, ENERGY STAR
Best clothes dryer with steam: Maytag 7.4 CU. Ft. 240-Volt Smart Capable White Electric Vented Dryer with Hamper Door and Steam, ENERGY STAR
Best clothes dryer with steam
7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Smart Capable White Electric Vented Dryer with Hamper Door and Steam, ENERGY STAR
Adding steam to the dryer can make a tremendous difference with wrinkles and the Maytag 7.4 cubic feet smart vented dryer gives you different steam options you can add to certain cycles to refresh your clothes and reduce static. Plus, it has a large capacity so you can get more laundry done at once, saving time and energy.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 45 inches x 27 inches x 29.88 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Electric
- Wi-Fi enabled: Yes
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $748
What we like:
- Multiple steam options for wrinkle control
- Adjustable end-of-cycle signal
- Extra-large door window
- Four-way venting for flexible installation
What we don't Like:
- Not stackable
- Doesn’t offer a gas version
The bottom line:
Do more with your laundry and take control of the wrinkle situation in your household with this steam-enabled dryer.
Get it here: Maytag 7.4 CU. Ft. 240-Volt Smart Capable White Electric Vented Dryer with Hamper Door and Steam, ENERGY STAR
Best easy-to-use dryer: Hotpoint 6.2 CU. Ft. Electric Dryer in White with Auto Dry
Best easy-to-use dryer
6.2 cu. ft. Electric Dryer in White with Auto Dry
If you’re the type of person who prefers a more simple operation for their clothes dryer, then consider the Hotpoint 6.2 cubic feet electric dryer with auto dry. It features a rotary electromechanical control, so you can feel exactly what cycle you’re turning the dial to. It also offers a timed-dry, so you can set the dryer to run for as long as you need it, instead of waiting on it to sense the dryness level.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44 inches x 27 inches x 26.75 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 6.2 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Electric
- Wi-Fi enabled:No
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: No
- Price on publish: $468
What we like:
- Rotary control for easy operation
- Three heat settings keep so you can pick the ideal temperature
- Aluminized alloy drum makes the dryer more energy efficient while resisting corrosion
What we don't Like:
- Doesn’t offer a knockout for side venting
The bottom line:
When you want a clothes dryer without too many bells and whistles, that’s easy to operate, this is a solid choice.
Get it here: Hotpoint 6.2 CU. Ft. Electric Dryer in White with Auto Dry
Best dryer with sensor dry: LG 9.0 CU. Ft. Vented Stackable Gas Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and Sensor Dry Technology
Best dryer with sensor dry
9.0 cu. ft. Vented SMART Stackable Gas Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and Sensor Dry Technology
Sensor dry technology not only automatically adjusts the temperature based on the dryness level (which saves time and energy), the LG 9.0 cubic feet vented stackable gas dryer automatically selects the best drying cycle when paired with an LG washing machine. Plus, the jumbo-sized capacity means you can fit a substantial amount of laundry into one load, adding convenience.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40.75 inches x 29 inches x 32.13 inches
- Colors available: Black steel
- Capacity: 9.0 cubic feet
- Stackable: Yes
- Power: Gas
- Wi-Fi enabled: Yes
- Warranty: One-year parts and labor, 3 years drum
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $1,298
What we like:
- Sensor dry detects moisture and then automatically adjusts the drying time
- You can use the ThinQ app to start the dryer, extend cycle time to avoid wrinkles, receive an alert when clothes are dry
- Wrinkle Care option will continue tumbling the clothes if you can’t take them out right away
What we don't Like:
- Heftier price tag
The bottom line:
The innovative sensor dry technology plus the extra large capacity make doing laundry a breeze.
Get it here: LG 9.0 CU. Ft. Vented Stackable Gas Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and Sensor Dry Technology
Best dryer for cycle options: Samsung 7.2 CU. Ft. Vented Gas Dryer with Sensor Dry in White
Best dryer for cycle options
7.2 cu. ft. Vented Gas Dryer with Sensor Dry in White
If you have multiple types of fabric and want to get as specific as possible with your drying cycle selection, check out the Samsung 7.2 cubic feet vented gas dryer with sensor dry. It comes with eight preset cycles, including specialty ones like delicates and quick dry. Plus, you can customize the cycle even more by selecting one of the four temperature options.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44 inches x 27 inches x 29.88 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 7.2 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Gas
- Wi-Fi enabled: No
- Warranty: One-year parts and labor
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: No
- Price on publish: $698
What we like:
- Includes eight preset cycles and four temperature settings
- Uses sensor dry technology for optimal temperature control
- Reversible dryer door and multiple venting options for installation flexibility
What we don't Like:
- Not stackable
- Not Energy Star certified
The bottom line:
If you like to customize the cycles to save as much energy as possible, you’ll appreciate the eight options this dryer offers.
Get it here: Samsung 7.2 CU. Ft. Vented Gas Dryer with Sensor Dry in White
Best compact dryer: Whirlpool 3.4 CU. Ft. Compact Front Load Dryer
Best compact dryer
3.4 cu. ft. 120-Volt White Compact Electric Vented Dryer with Flexible Installation
Having a compact front-load dryer can be a lifesaver if you want the convenience of an electric dryer—but don’t quite have the space. The Whirlpool 3.4 cubic feet compact front load dryer solves the space issue with its smaller footprint, ability to roll on wheels so you can move it anywhere, and flexible venting options.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 31 inches x 23.88 inches x 20.75 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 3.4 cubic feet
- Stackable: Yes
- Power: Electric only
- Wi-Fi enabled: No
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: No
- Price on publish: $758
What we like:
- Adaptable to your space with its compact design
- Help prevent overdrying with AccuDry™ sensor drying technology that senses when clothes are done and stops the cycle.
- Conveniently transfer loads in and out of the dryer with a door that swings out of the way so your clothes are within easy reach.
What we don't Like:
- Doesn’t show you how much cycle time is remaining
- Door isn’t reversible
The bottom line:
A compact dryer like this one can fully operate without taking up precious space, ideal for apartments or smaller laundry rooms.
Get it here: Whirlpool 3.4 CU. Ft. Compact Front Load Dryer
Best dryer for pet lovers: Speed Queen DR7004WE 7.0 CU. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Best dryer for pet lovers
Speed Queen 7 Cu. Ft. ElectricFront Load Dryer DR7004WE
Anyone with pets knows how daunting pet hair removal or accident cleanup can be, but the Speed Queen DR7004WE 7.0 cubic feet electric dryer nips this problem in the bud. It includes a Pet Plus cycle for hair removal, plus a steam-sanitize option for pet messes (or from other family members). While it does have a heftier price tag, the Speed Queen is loaded with features and comes with a seven-year warranty (versus the typical one-year option).
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42.75 inches x 26.88 inches x 28 inches
- Colors available: White
- Capacity: 7.0 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Electric
- Wi-Fi enabled: No
- Warranty: Seven-year parts and labor
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $1,429
What we like:
- Includes special pet cycles, such as pet hair removal, perfect for families with fur babies
- Steam sanitize drying cycles kills bacteria and works on wrinkles
- Features over-dry protection technology to keep from overheating your clothes
- Longer warranty period
What we don't Like:
- More expensive option
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for the best clothes dryer to help you tackle all the laundry your family and pets create, then you can’t beat the quality of the Speed Queen.
Get it here: Speed Queen DR7004WE 7.0 CU. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Best dryer for tumble-free drying: Whirlpool Smart Capable 7.4 CU Ft Steam Cycle Smart Electric Dryer
Best dryer for tumble-free drying
7.4 cu. ft. Smart Vented Electric Dryer in Chrome Shadow
If you’ve tried drying a pair of shoes, pillows, or hats, then you know how their unique shapes can make it difficult to dry. The Whirlpool Smart Capable 7.4 cubic feet steam cycle smart electric dryer solves this problem with its separate, specially-designed drying rack so your items sit horizontally in the dryer, without balling up or making loud noises. Plus, it includes useful features such as steam refresh for wrinkle control and sensor drying for better temperature control. Tip: A smart dryer takes the guesswork out of laundry, but proper care can help your clothing, accessories, and bedding last longer. To refresh your knowledge, read our guides to how to wash pillows, how to wash a comforter, and how to wash a backpack.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42.75 inches x 27 inches x 29.88 inches
- Colors available: Chrome shadow or white
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Stackable: No
- Power: Electric
- Wi-Fi enabled: Yes
- Warranty: One-year limited
- Requires venting: Yes
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Price on publish: $898
What we like:
- Includes a separate drying rack for awkward items like shoes and sweaters
- Features the Wrinkle Shield Plus option with Steam so you get the steam while tumbling
- The EcoBoost™ option uses less heat for energy savings
What we don't Like:
- No check lint screen light
- Not stackable
The bottom line:
This dryer offers a convenient solution for anyone who’s tired of hearing their shoes tumble or untangling shoelaces from the dryer.
Get it here: Whirlpool Smart Capable 7.4 CU Ft Steam Cycle Smart Electric Dryer
How to maintain and clean a clothes dryer
Maintaining and cleaning your clothes dryer ensures it continues running efficiently. Start by removing lint from the lint trap after each use, which helps maintain airflow and prevent fire hazards. Occasionally, try vacuuming the lint trap area and wiping down the interior drum for maintenance. Consider scheduling a professional vent cleaning service every couple of years, which can also help with efficiency and safety.
Types of dryers
Whether you're looking for simplicity, space-saving solutions, or eco-friendly options, you can find a dryer matching your needs. The most common options include:
- Vented dryers: These are the most traditional dryers you’ll find and use hot air and a vent to expel moisture.
- Ventless dryers: These use innovative technology like condensation or heat pump systems to dry your clothes without needing a vent, making it more portable or flexible for your space.
- Combo unit: A combo unit combines both a washer and dryer in one, ideal for smaller spaces.
- High-efficiency dryers: These save energy and reduce drying time compared to less efficient options.
Installation and set up
Always follow the manufacturer instructions for the installation and set up of your dryer. The first step with the setup is checking your electric or gas connection and making sure it’s clear so you can place the dryer in your space. Position the dryer near a vent or in a ventless area, depending on the type you purchased. Lastly, adjust the settings of the dryer to fit your space.
How we test and select the best dryers
To select the best dryers, I relied on my professional experience from working at the headquarters for one of the largest global manufacturers of appliances. I reviewed dozens of products and selected those based on the features households prefer today and across various price points.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long should my dryer last?
A typical dryer can last anywhere from 10 to 13 years with proper maintenance and usage. Factors such as the frequency of its use and quality of the dryer purchased has a bearing on its lifespan.
What does “high-efficiency” mean in a dryer?
A high-efficiency dryer refers to a design using less energy to dry clothes more efficiently compared to traditional models. They often have features such as advanced sensors that detect overdrying and lower heat settings.
Is it bad to put very wet clothes in the dryer?
Putting extremely wet clothes in the dryer requires much longer drying time, and it can put a strain on the dryer components. The best action is wringing out as much excess water as possible before placing it in the dryer.
How is an electric dryer different from a gas dryer?
An electric dryer uses electricity for powering a heating element, which generates heat for drying clothes. A gas dryer relies on natural gas or propane to ignite a burner and produce heat. The energy source also impacts the annual operating costs and installation requirements for the dryer.
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