How do you compare large machines – like dryers – for effectiveness? Are the name brands really worth the extra costs? What features do I need? How do I choose the right one for my family?
When shopping for a large, relatively expensive item like dryers, it’s nice to get some feedback about how well they actually work, how much they cost, and which brands are quieter. Shoppers can depend on the ever-trustworthy Consumers Union to objectively test and rate products and give them honest feedback about the best buys for the best costs.
By analyzing the top-rated models as judged by the Union in their July 2009 Consumer Reports magazine, consumers have a guide from which to choose what they think is best for them.
Dryers haven’t changed very much over the years, so CR does not recommend automatically replacing your dryer to match a new washer if the dryer is still working properly. But if your dryer is over six years old and needs repair, then it’s probably best to simply replace it.
Look for the following features in dryers. Many machines offer a “moisture sensor” to tell when clothes are done and shut off automatically. This can save time (on long cycles) and a lot of checking in (on timed cycles) to feel whether clothes are dry. Sensors protect clothes from unnecessary tumbling.
“Auto-dry” cycles will turn off the machine when clothes have reached the level of dryness you set it for: “less dry” if you damp iron and “more dry” if you want to guarantee a fully dry load, plus a couple levels in-between.
The “temperature control” lets you set for fabrics – such as low for silks and delicates. An “extended-tumble” dry setting will continue to roll the clothes to prevent wrinkling, some with heat and some without. “Express-dry” can work within a half hour on high heat for a small load.
Some offer racks for drying sneakers and such without tumbling.
Touchpad controls and menus can give more options, if you want to learn to use them.
Lint filters: top-mounted may be easier to clean than one placed within the drum.
End-of-cycle signals should allow for reduced sound or turn-off if not wanted.
Most dryers hold a typical wash load. Capacity numbers are often generalized and almost meaningless. All models listed rated “good” to “excellent” on capacity.
Door choices. Side-opening lets you reach inside better, but drop-down front openings may fit better against walls.
Dryers are rated for drying performance, convenience, capacity, and noise.
Ten best choices from 44 models are listed with retail prices and overall scores (based on 100 possible points). Prices and numbers are for electric models. Gas models cost an extra $40 to $80 in purchase price, but they tend to cost less to run long-term. [Most model numbers simply replace the “E” with a “G” if you prefer gas.]
Comments on noteworthy features are mentioned for selections given. Color codes are in brackets. Final note: CR recommends that you “use solid metal ductwork to vent your dryer, not coiled-wire foil or plastic, which pose a fire hazard.”
1. GE Profile Harmony DPGT750EC [WW] price $950; score 82; includes stainless steel drum and custom programming.
2. LG DLE5955 [W] price $900; score 80; includes stainless steel drum and custom programming.
3. Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 6703[2] price $800; score 80; has porcelain top.
4. LG DLE2516 [W] price $700; score 79; stainless steel drum and custom programming.
5. Kenmore (Sears) 800 Series 6982[2] $600; score 78.
6. Whirlpool Cabrio Steam WED6600V [W] price $900; score 77; has a steam cycle to remove odors and wrinkles.
7. GE Profile DPSE810EG [WT] price $625; score 77; includes stainless steel drum and porcelain top.
8. Amana NED7200T [W] price $600; score 72.
9. Frigidaire Gallery GLER104FS[S] price $450; score 66.
10. Kenmore (Sears) 6962[2] price $490; score 64.
Best for “performance” are numbers 1, 2, 3 and 6; the “most affordable” are numbers 9 and 10; and all are marked as “Recommended.”
Price and performance: numbers 4, 5, 7 are marked “Best Buys” and Number 8 is “Recommended.”
Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 8 were judged “excellent for noise.”
Sources:
Consumer Reports magazine, “Washers and Dryers,” July 2009 “select ratings dryers” published by Consumers Union.
Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2009, “Washers and Dryers,” general information, published by Consumers Union.
Consumers Union is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts no paid advertising, tests thousands of products a year and publishes the results. They are based in Yonkers, NY.
