Getting started
While washers have become more efficient in the past decade, dryers have changed relatively little. Clothes dryers are relatively
simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (using gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off
once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). Gas models typically cost about $50 more than electric ones, but they're
usually cheaper to operate. Full-sized electric dryers require a heavy-duty, 240-volt line.
Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor tend to recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than machines that use a
traditional thermostat. Because they don't subject clothing to unnecessary heat, moisture-sensor models are easier on fabrics.
And since they shut themselves off when laundry is dry, they use less energy. Sensors are now offered on many dryers, including
some relatively low-priced ones. Thermostat-only dryers are generally the most basic models. This clothes dryer guide will
help you choose.
How to choose
Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than comparable electric
models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run. An electric dryer requires
a 240-volt outlet, a gas dryer a gas hookup. If you have both, don't rule out the gas model simply because it costs more.
(
Consumer Reports now tests only electric dryers, which account for about 80 percent of the models sold, but equivalent gas models are listed
in the
Ratings, which are available to subscribers.)
Insist on a moisture sensor
As noted earlier, overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are
available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. Whether a specific model has a sensor
or thermostat might not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's Web site, or
pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.
Don't get hung up on capacity
Manufacturers describe dryer capacity (as they do washer capacity) with terms such as extra large, super, and super plus.
The differences aren't meaningful for everyday use. Most full-sized dryers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry
big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings.
Start in the middle
When using an automatic setting (which we generally recommend) rather than a timed one, set the control to the midpoint and
raise or lower it as needed. Using More Dry routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use Less Dry to leave clothing
damp for ironing. Don't worry about knowing when an automatic cycle is done: If you don't hear the buzzer, an extended tumble
without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.
Don't pay for unnecessary extras
Higher-priced dryers might offer a dozen or so choices, including specialty cycles such as "speed dry" (15 minutes of high
heat, for example). These can usually be replicated with standard settings. A choice of heat level, timed and auto-dry, and
a few fabric types (regular/cotton and permanent press/delicate) is usually plenty. Touchpads look impressive and might allow
you to save custom settings but don't improve performance. Nor do stainless-steel tubs, unlike in washers.
Get a quiet dryer for living areas
If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise.
Next in this section:
Types
