Clothes dryer buying guide

Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 to $150 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 needs a gas hookup and a 120-volt outlet. 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.)

Overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are on most of the dryers we've tested. Whether a specific model has a sensor or thermostat might not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's website, or pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.

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.

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 the "more dry" setting routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use the "less dry" setting 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 optional extended-tumble setting without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.

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.

If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise. Also pick models that let you silence end-of-cycle signals.

Most full-sized dryers are 27 to 29 inches wide. Manufacturers often describe them with superlatives such as "extra large," "super," and "super-plus," but don't get hung up on capacity. Most full-sized models can manage a typical wash load--about 6 to 7½ cubic feet. If you want to dry comforters and other bulky items, check our Ratings for models that scored excellent for capacity.

Full-sized dryers are the most practical type for most homeowners. Front-mounted controls on some let you stack a front-loading dryer atop a front-loading washer, though shorter people might have to stretch to reach the controls or empty the drum.

These compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less.

These might be a good choice for apartment dwellers and singles. You can stack some front-loading compact dryers atop a front-loading washer.

Compacts have half the drum capacity of full-sized models, about 3½ cubic feet. Their small opening makes them more difficult to load and unload than a full-sized dryer.

These combine the dryer and washer in one unit. They may be full-sized or compact, gas or electric.

Performance is generally equal to that of a full-sized machine.

The dryer component, though full-sized, typically holds less than a stand-alone full-sized dryer.

This device is more accurate than a thermostat in determining when laundry is dry. Moisture-sensor dryers are easier on fabrics because they don't subject your laundry to unnecessary heat. And the dryers use less energy by shutting themselves off as soon as laundry is dry.

Full-sized machines often offer three or more cycles, which shut off the unit when the clothes reach the desired dryness. Each cycle may have a complete-dry setting, a less-dry setting for damp ironing, and gradations in between. A separate temperature control in most dryers lets you choose lower heat for delicate fabrics. These features increase flexibility.

This setting keeps tumbling the clothes after they're dry. Some models tumble without heat; others cycle on and off. It reduces wrinkling if you aren't able to remove clothing immediately after it's dry.

It might be easier to clean than one inside the drum. Many models have a warning light that reminds you to clean the filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and could be a fire hazard.

Attached inside the drum, it keeps items from tumbling. It's especially useful for sneakers and other solid objects.

Choose according to personal preference. As you're removing laundry from the dryer, a drop-down door can serve as a convenient shelf for folding. But reaching items inside might be easier with a side-opening door.

Many models have electronic dials that allow you to select fabric and push buttons for selecting other settings such as temperature and level of dryness. Whether a dryer has electronic controls or not, the controls should be legible, logically arranged, and easy to operate.

A growing number of dryers include a steam setting that promises to reduce wrinkles, remove odors, or both. Our tests have found mixed results, however, with better odor removal than conventional models but visibly wrinkled shirts.

The vent-blockage indicator is designed to sense when a vent is blocked. Lint-filled dryer ducts increase drying time and energy costs, problems this feature addresses, according to manufacturers. Makers do not call the indicator a safety feature, even though lint-filled ducts can cause dryer fires. Our tests found the indicators were too inconsistent to count on.

Frigidaire dryers are known for their generally good value for the price. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Frigidaire dryers range in price from $300 to $900.

This century-old brand offers dryers under both the GE and GE Profile lines. GE is an industry leader in laundry centers. GE's latest models provide an exterior drying rack, allowing you to hang clothes to dry, a permanent rack within the dryer, and reverse tumble. Prices range from $320 to $1,000.

This brand, sold at Sears, is known for its reliability and offers a wide choice of models. The Kenmore brand also offers a number of different dryer lines that match its washing machines: Kenmore, Elite, HE5, HE5 Steam, Oasis, and HE2. Some Kenmore dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for the dryers range from $350 with sensor to $1,300.

This company is known for its TrueSteam dryers and the designer colors available for its models. Some models have a steam generator intended to eliminate wrinkles. Prices for LG dryers range from $700 to $1,200.

This Whirlpool-owned brand is positioned as a durable brand but priced a bit lower than Whirlpool-branded products. The company makes electric and gas products and also sells models that are stackable with the washer. Prices for Maytag dryers range from $350 to $900.

Over the past three years Samsung has introduced a full line of laundry products, with prices ranging from $750 to $1,350. The company has been broadening its dryer line.

This brand, known for innovation, markets itself as the brand that cares about the family and the environment. It offers a wide range of choices in lines that include Whirlpool, Duet, Duet Sport, Duet Steam, Cabrio, Cabrio Steam. Some Whirlpool dryers use steam to freshen up clothing or remove wrinkles. Prices for Whirlpool dryers range from $350 to $1,300.