Clothes dryers

The Whirlpool WED4900X[W] is part of the clothes dryer test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, electric dryer models like the WED4900X[W] 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.