One of the best clothes dryers can make your laundry room complete. There can be a huge difference in performance between these appliances. A good clothes dryer needs to provide the perfect balance between time and temperature when running. If it can achieve this, your laundry will be fully dried in a single cycle, with no damp patches, and no signs of damage from over-drying. This can be quite hard to achieve, even for machines with sensors. On top of that, a clothes dryer should be intuitive to operate, with enough settings to suit your needs, while energy efficient in its design. Look out for the Energy Star Certified logo to check for this.
When it comes to picking out a clothes dryer, you may also want to consider special features, such as smart connectivity. With this, you can control and monitor the appliance via your phone — useful for alerts and notifications. Some models can also be stacked with corresponding washers to save on space if necessary. If you need help choosing a clothes dryer, we’re here to assist. We’ve done the research to find the best appliances the market has to offer, and we’ve considered every circumstance. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or want the latest technology, these are the best clothes dryers.
The best clothes dryers you can buy today
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The LG DLEX400W is the best clothes dryer overall. With its large capacity and a dozen drying cycles, it can handle everything from lacy camisoles to a comforter the size of New Hampshire. It knows exactly when to end the drying process, thanks to built-in moisture sensors, so it won’t be overheating your clothes. If you choose Wrinkle Care, it will periodically tumble your clothes without heat until you remove them from the dryer, preventing creases from setting in.
On the LG you’ll find one steam mode to remove wrinkles and another to both sanitize and remove odors. The steam feature doesn't require a permanent water connection either; you fill a pull-out container on the front of the dryer with water as and when you need it. You can also monitor and control this dryer remotely using the LG ThinQ app, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. Available in white or graphite, it can be mounted on a pedestal to match a front-loading washer.
If you’re shopping on a budget, this is the clothes dryer to get. The Amana NED4655EW couldn’t be more straightforward to operate — it uses a physical dial to adjust the settings. This does limit the number of features on offer, however there’s more than enough options to cover the basics. There are three drying cycles to choose from including Automatic Dry, Timed Dry and Air Dry. Plus there are three temperature settings; high heat, low heat and no heat. Special features also include an Energy Preferred setting, should you want a more energy-efficient cycle.
Just be aware that the capacity is somewhat smaller than others on this list. At 6.5 cubic feet, the drum space may not suit a larger family. Plus, as the design isn’t stackable, you can’t make the best use of your space. Having said that, at $500, this clothes dryer really is great value for money. And with Automatic Dry settings, it can be trusted to find the correct balance between time and heat, whatever you’re drying.
The EFME627UTT is the best clothes dryer for those looking for an effective steam cycle to prevent wrinkles as it dries or do a quick fresh up to remove wrinkles and odors. It’s the companion dryer to the Electrolux EFLS627UTT, our top pick for a washing machine. Reviewers praised this dryer's performance, saying that it efficiently dried even large loads. While a few found that it took longer to dry than similarly-priced models, it also dries at a lower and therefore gentler temperature. At this price, it is surprising that it lacks smart-home features.
When you’re in a hurry to get your Little Leaguer’s uniform dried, there is a 15-minute quick-dry cycle designed for small loads. Reviewers also liked the efficient double-sided lint filter. You can opt to stack this model on top of a washer or install it on a pedestal to pair with a front-loading washer. It comes in white or titanium.
If you handle large loads of laundry on a regular basis, the LG DLEX8900B is what you need. This electric clothes dryer comes with a whopping 9.0 cu. ft. capacity, meaning you can chuck an entire comforter in the drum with room to spare. It’s got more going for it than just space as well. There’s an abundance of settings, including useful steam functions as well as quick dry cycles. If you hate wrinkles, you can select the useful Wrinkle Care option to keep these at bay. Should you want more than the 12 settings on offer, you can download additional cycles as well, so you can find a program to suit whatever you need to dry.
The intelligence of this appliance is impressive — it can be voice-controlled via Google Assistant or Alexa and work with you to keep on top of dryer sheet stock. It will also automatically detect faults and send you notifications regarding maintenance via your phone. For instance, it will tell you when the vent or filter needs cleaning, as a helpful reminder. Ultimately, this clothes dryer will help you take care of it while delivering an impressive performance. Our only qualms are the larger than standard space it requires in your laundry room — be sure to check this before you purchase — and its higher than average price tag. If it’s within your budget and you deal with a lot of laundry, it’s easily one of the best clothes dryers.
If you want a clothes dryer that can be a part of your smart home regime, look no further. The Samsung DVE52A5500W/A3 will certainly make an impact in your laundry room, both in terms of looks and technology. Its smart connectivity allows it to be controlled and monitored straight from your phone, meaning you can schedule upcoming cycles and receive notifications once it’s finished. It also comes with a moisture sensor built-in, which will automatically adjust the time and temperature of the cycle to get that perfect balance. We also like the vent sensor, which monitors the condition of the vent and alerts you if there are any obstructions.
In terms of everyday operation, there’s an abundance of settings, including 12 drying cycles and five temperature options. A steam function is available for sanitizing, while an interior drum light helps you see what you’re doing. This is ultimately an efficient dryer, with a good capacity, that won’t let you down, but it’s not entirely flawless. First, it’s not stackable, so if you’re struggling for space in your laundry room, this model may not be suitable. It also doesn’t come cheap with an MSRP of $899, so all that technology will cost you. However, if you can look past these points, there’s little to argue against this clothes dryer.
Interested in smart connectivity in washers? This new Alexa-enabled washing machine from GE can remove stains on command.
If you don’t have access to a vent, or you’re looking to save on energy, you’re going to need a ventless design. In such circumstances, we’d recommend the LG DLHC1455W Electric Dryer which comes with a Dual Inverter HeatPump. This allows it to recycle the heated air which it uses to extract the moisture from your clothes. The moisture is drained separately via a drain hose, so there’s no need for a duct. This method of drying happens to be very energy-efficient, because you’re reusing the heated air rather than continually venting it.
We also like that this alternative design still comes with plenty of desirable features, such as smart connectivity and stackability. The essential drying sensors are also available. However, there are a couple of drawbacks. This method of drying naturally takes a little longer versus vented — this is the price to pay for a reduced electricity consumption. This clothes dryer unfortunately has a smaller capacity compared to others on our list as well, so it may not suit a large household. Having said that, it still offers a solution should you lack a vent, and it comes with all of the features you could hope for from one of the best clothes dryers.
How we tested the best clothes dryers
To find the best clothes dryers, we undertook extensive online research, taking consumer reviews into account as well as the specifications of those shortlisted. Those that have featured demonstrate consistently high ratings online to reflect a top-notch performance and design. Consumers would happily recommend the product and buy again. Any recurring faults or problems with the product were an immediate red flag during this process
On top of that, we compared the specifications of each shortlisted model, to make sure that those that featured had the most to offer. We looked at everything from capacity, to number of cycles, to the special features, such as app connectivity. We considered types and settings to suit different households as well, such as whether it has a gas or electric heat source and whether the design is stackable. In doing this, we can confidently say that these clothes dryers are the best that you will find and each will go nicely with one of the best washing machines.
Want to know more about our experience? I test appliances for a living — here are my top 9 clothes dryer tips.
How to choose the best clothes dryer for you
Gas or Electric?
You will typically decide this based on whether you have a gas line available in your laundry room or not. Nowadays, most clothes dryers use an electrical power source, although they can’t be powered by any standard socket. These require a two-phase 220-volt socket which can source more power than a standard wall socket. For this guide, we’ve primarily focused on electric models, however most manufacturers offer gas alternative designs.
Venting
Unless you opt for a ventless design, clothes dryers will also need access to an air vent to exhaust the hot air. This limits where you can put the dryer because you need the connection between the two to be as short as possible. The vent also shouldn’t be curved or bent as this can leave a space for lint to gather, which could be a fire hazard.
Regular cleaning of the vent is just one of the ways you can make your clothes dryer last longer — and perform better.
Will it fit?
It sounds like common sense, but make sure you measure where you want to put the dryer, especially if it’s under a counter. Each design can vary slightly in dimensions, so this should always be checked. If you’re fitting it under a counter, you naturally can’t have a design where the controls are on top.
For full guidance, check out 9 things to look for when buying a clothes dryer.
Not sure whether to invest in a clothes dryer or opt for a clothes rack? Here's air dryer vs dryer for a full list of differences.
When to replace a dryer
The National Association of Home Builders says that a clothes dryer has a lifespan of about 13 years, yet you'll rarely see warranties for more than a year. Extended warranties generally cost more than the repairs they cover, so we recommend skipping the common upsell.
When the cost of a repair is fifty percent or more than the price of a new dryer, you should consider shopping for a replacement. Some of the signs that you may be in for a major repair are thumping or clanging noises, lack of heat, or a malfunctioning control panel. Also look out for a failure to start or a tendency to shut off in the middle of a cycle. A burning smell may or may not indicate the need for an expensive repair, but it could mean there’s a risk of fire so it definitely means you should call for a service visit. These faults could be caused by drying the wrong items — here are 10 things you should never put in the dryer. You could also be making any of these 7 clothes dryer mistakes.
There are definite advantages to newer models. Any Energy Star certified dryer uses 20% less energy and saves you about $215 during its lifetime, making it frugal as well as environmentally friendly.
Other energy-saving features include moisture sensors that detect how damp your clothes are and end the cycle when the load is dry. Cycles that use steam to get rid of wrinkles and reduce static, others that sanitize to get rid of germs, and ones tailored to small loads are now common. For safety, some dryers alert you when the lint filter needs to be emptied or even when the duct is blocked. New dryers even prevent unwanted creases by keeping clothes tumbling without heat instead of letting them sit until you remove a finished load. Although, keep in mind that tangling is always a possibility, here are 7 ways to prevent your clothes from tangling in the clothes dryer.
Increasingly, dryers are equipped with WiFi, allowing you to see the progress of your load on your mobile device and control the cycle from your phone or Alexa or Google Assistant. Connected dryers may even be able to diagnose problems and in some cases, alert the manufacturer's service center so that the repair person can bring the right part on the first visit and eliminate a second one.
How much should you spend on a clothes dryer?
Clothes dryers start from as little as $300, and can go as high as $1,800. So, the price can vary significantly depending on the model you choose. Premium features will generally add to the price tag, such as smart connectivity and moisture sensors. While the prior may not be necessary, unless you love all things smart home, we do recommend opting for a clothes dryer with built-in moisture sensors. With this, your clothes dryer will adjust its runtime automatically, based on the moisture remaining in the laundry. This can save time and energy, as well as unnecessary damage to the items.
It’s all too easy to overspend on something as substantial as a clothes dryer. For this reason, we recommend having a budget in mind before you start shopping. You should also consider the features and specifications you need in advance. In doing this, you can avoid spending money on functions you’re unlikely to use. Even if you have all of the above in mind, it can be tricky picking a model out from the crowd. If you need a hand, refer to our list of the best clothes dryers. We’ve found the best options, whatever your needs and budget.
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