Clothes dryers

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What's behind our clothes dryer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 235 models in clothes dryers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
This score is based primarily on drying performance, drum volume and noise. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
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.
Noise
This score was determined by a panel of judges who listened while machines dried an 8-pound load, measuring both sound quality and volume.

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Recommended clothes dryers

Recommended clothes dryers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended clothes dryers

Clothes dryer buying guide

To find the clothes dryer that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy clothes dryers in a safe-shopping environment.

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Clothes dryers are pretty uncomplicated machines. The major differences in clothes dryers are how they heat the air (gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). If you're looking for information about clothes dryers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ clothes dryer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our clothes dryer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and clothes dryer reviews to help you choose the best clothes dryer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended clothes dryers

Electric dryers (94)

Recommended models are those that, based on our expert evaluation, deserve special consideration. We highlight high-scoring models that combine performance, features and value, so that you can choose the product that best suits your budget and lifestyle. Prices shown are approximate retail for models in white. Colored models cost about $100-$200 more.

Most of the dryers we tested scored at least very good for drying performance. Those that scored excellent were better at drying delicate clothes at low temperatures and leaving loads damp enough for ironing.

While the gas dryers in our Ratings are similar to the electric models we test, we've found that gas and electric dryers perform similarly. Electric dryers require a heavy-duty 240-volt line. Gas dryers cost more but are less expensive to operate, so you'll recoup the added expense quickly.

Recommended dryers have a moisture sensor that helps save energy and protect clothes.

Our Ratings rank dryers by overall score.

Gas dryers (141)

While the gas dryers in our Ratings are similar to the electric models we test, we've found that gas and electric dryers perform similarly. Gas dryers cost more but are less expensive to operate, so you'll recoup the added expense quickly.

Recommended dryers have a moisture sensor that helps save energy and protect clothes.

Our Ratings rank dryers by overall score.

Clothes dryer buying guide

Don't assume you should replace your dryer if you buy a new washer. But if you're in the market for a new one, you'll find some refinements. The biggest is a moisture sensor, which automatically stops the machine when the laundry is dry. Most of the dryers tested by Consumer Reports are both capable and quiet.

While washers have become more efficient in the past decade, dryers haven't changed much. 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).

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.

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