Clothes dryers

The Amana NED4600YQ is part of the clothes dryer test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, electric dryer models like the NED4600YQ are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Drying performance:

This score combines performance on three types of laundry loads of different sizes and fabric mixes: A 12-lb. load, predominantly cotton, representing a family's large weekly load; an 8-lb. load of cotton/polyester blend clothing; and a 3-lb. load of synthetic delicates, women's pajamas, nightgowns, bras and underwear.

Capacity:

Among the models we tested, drum volume varied from about 6 to 8.0 cu. ft.

Convenience:

For this measurement, we judged controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loading and unloading, servicing the lint filter, whether the door could clear a tall basket, and whether the machine has a raised edge to contain spills.