To find out how well each dryer does its job, testers run loads of laundry of varying weights and fabrics. We time how long it takes to dry each load using the most appropriate setting. Then we set the dryer to its minimum dryness level to find out whether clothes come out damp. Why? Some folks like to iron cottons when they’re damp.

We also set the machine to its maximum dryness level to find out whether it can dry laundry in the shortest possible time without exposing it to high temps.

Some machines are noisy, something to know before you buy, so our panelists judge the dryer’s noise level as it dries an average-sized load.  

Dryers that perform well but don’t hold up over time aren’t winners. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most and least reliable brands. And to make it easier for you to choose the best dryer for your budget, we now incorporate lab-test results, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction into one Overall Score for each dryer. 

How much space do you have? Dryers can be full-sized or compact. Choose which type you need based on your available space.

Electric dryers are the big sellers, and Consumer Reports' decades of testing have revealed that electric and gas dryers perform similarly. We now test only electric models, but their gas versions are also listed in our clothes dryer ratings because we expect them to perform comparably.