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With great cycle performance, excellent custom features, a large drum, and a sensible user interface, the LG DLEX6700B offers exceptional performance.
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While clothes dryers are rarely purchased without their accompanying washers, there’s no rule saying you have to buy them as a set. Sometimes it’s more economical to buy a washer-dryer set, but if you’re not concerned about owning a matching pair, you can pick the best dryer for your needs.
Multitudes of dryers have passed through our labs, and we’ve tested them from every angle. The chief concern: Can the dryer get clothes dry in a timely manner without damaging them? Next, we test extra features like steam or smart connectivity. Finally, we analyze the fit and finish.
In addition to meeting our high drying standards, the best dryers have sturdy doors, drum lights, and easy-to-read control panels. Among those, the Electrolux ELFE7637AT
(available at Lowe's for $948.00)
tops our list with excellent performance and a number of features that make laundry day easier.
This dryer buying guide focuses on the best electric dryers, but each has a gas-powered counterpart that we expect works equally well. Your specific needs may vary, but on this list you’ll find the best clothes dryer for your laundry room.
Credit:
Reviewed / Beckett Dubay
Best Dryer
Electrolux ELFE7637AT
Dimensions: 38" x 27” x 32" (H x W x D)
Capacity: 8 cubic feet
Finishes: Titanium, white
Special features: Extended tumble mode, steam features, predictive drying
The Electrolux ELFE7637AT excels at just about everything.
On our drying tests, its Normal cycle shined by completely drying our test load of laundry in just 90 minutes. Its Bulky and Delicates cycles were also able to remove a great deal of water in a relatively short amount of time. While its quick cycle didn't have the highest performance of the bunch, as a blazingly-fast 15-minute cycle, it still has its uses apart from raw water removal.
It isn't just impressive performance: This dryer also comes packed with some incredibly useful features. The steam features also help put it over the top, allowing for dewrinkling and static reduction modes as well as quick refreshes. Its predictive drying helps the machine make better cycle time estimates and can reduce wear and tear damage from over-drying. And it manages to do all this while still keeping its energy consumption low enough to garner an Energy Star certification.
While this dryer is on the more expensive side, you're paying a premium price for a premium product. This Electrolux is one of the best dryers we've had come through our labs.
If you’re looking for a dryer to get through a lot of laundry quickly, the Maytag MED7230HW is one of the best bets out there.
This appropriately-priced mid-range option has all the features you want and some you didn’t know you needed. It boasts simple controls and a solid drying performance. Its drying performance is especially strong for its price point, on most cycles. Its Regular cycle finished faster than the average—64 minutes vs. 71—and got our test load of laundry 100% dry each time.
You'll also love its smart features, which include notifications when you need to adjust a load to ensure proper drying. Nobody likes finding out their comforter or sheets balled up and insulated a bunch of damp laundry from drying properly. As far as standard smart features, the MED7230HW can notify you when a cycle is done, offers a remote start, and sends diagnostics and repair info when something goes wrong.
The LG DLEX6700B is a contemporary, innovative dryer, with a feature set that’s well balanced for a wide range of needs, and a chic design that will fit into even the most stylish of homes.
With solid cycle performance and the user interface to get the most out of them, the LG DLEX6700B has more than enough cycles for most people’s needs. It can also handle more than enough clothes, with a 7.4-cubic-foot drum.
The dryer uses smart connectivity to link with its paired washer for increased efficiency—and this it does an excellent job at. Energy Star rated itself, the DLEX’s paired washer is actually Energy Star Most Efficient certified.
We think that the DLEX6700B’s smart features could do a little more, but otherwise, this efficient, powerful and sleek machine is a great pick.
The Maytag MED7020RF Pet Pro dryer is a smart upgrade to the previous Pet Pro model, which we reviewed a few years ago. The Pet Pro Option is tailored for pet owners, using reduced heat and moisture sensors to effectively remove pet hair.
The MED7020RF also features a redesigned, stackable style for easy pairing with its matching washer. Other new additions to this model are the Extra Power feature, which tackles thick fabrics in a single cycle, and Advanced Moisture Sensing, which monitors moisture and air temperatures inside the dryer to help evenly dry laundry.
Smart technology elevates the user experience over the previous model with features like Remote Start, Custom Cycle, and notifications through the Maytag app. It can also be paired for voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Specialty cycles address unique laundry needs, from activewear to sleeping bags—all with the option for that Pet Pro boost.
This model still features a Steam Refresh cycle to help reduce wrinkles and freshen clothes. Maytag’s 10-year limited parts warranty on the direct drive motor and drum adds peace of mind to this well-rounded machine. With a spacious 7.4-cubic-foot capacity (slightly larger than its predecessor) and Energy Star certification, this dryer handles large loads while conserving energy.
Pros
Pet Pro Option adjusts cycle to target pet fur
Smart features, including Advanced Moisture Sensing
The Beko HPD24414W is one of the best heat pump dryers we've tested to date.
This compact ventless unit is perfect for smaller spaces or apartments that lack a proper water inlet or exhaust vent, and can easily stack with its paired dryer or fit into a closet to save space.
Like most compact ventless dryers, this Beko does have long cycle times, but as long as you don't mind a wait this tiny dryer can offer some outsized performance. While all its cycles performed well, its Bulky cycle especially impressed with its ability to get a comforter completely dry. And it does all this using a small fraction of the electricity a standard dryer would need.
If you can accommodate a full-size dryer, you should go that route instead, but if you can't, the Beko HPD24414W should be at the top of your shopping list. And if money is no object, and you're specifically looking for a compact ventless dryer, the Miele TXR860WP Eco & Steam dryer is also an excellent option.
The Maytag MED6630HC dryer is the perfect combination of looks, usability, speed, and power. This Maytag dryer has a sleek, futuristic look that would do any laundry room proud.
With its large central dial and streamlined control panel, it’s easy to select the cycle that’s right for your wet laundry load. If you’re looking for steam options, this dryer has two: Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Prevent.
The MED6630HC manages to dry your clothes quickly without raising the temperature to the point where you’d have to worry about heat damage (typically 150°F or above). Even better, the test loads in the Normal and Delicates cycles came out 100% dry. For a dryer that gets your clothes dry the first time, with no muss or fuss, check out the Maytag MED6630HC.
The Maytag MED6230HW is a good dryer at a good price—there's not a whole lot to dislike about it.
In terms of its core performance, the MED6230HW was able to finish cycles quickly and effectively. We only ran into a minor issue on Bulky Items, which didn't have the most effective spin cycle: Clothes were damper than average afterwards.
In addition to excellent cleaning power, we love this dryer's design. Its hamper-style door, which can open either from top to bottom or left to right, can make loading and unloading a lot easier. This, coupled with its smart features and remote start, help make this one of the easier-to-use dryers we've reviewed, though it isn't explicitly ADA compliant.
The MED6230HW also has some great extra features, like wrinkle control, which keeps clothes tumbling after a cycle to prevent creasing.
The Whirlpool WED6720RU smart dryer has a 7.4-cubic-foot capacity that makes it ideal for handling large or bulky loads. Steam capabilities such as the Steam Refresh Cycle and Wrinkle Shield Option with Steam help reduce wrinkles, refresh clothes, and prevent static.
AI Intelligent Dry technology uses three sensors to detect moisture and temperature and automatically adjust drying time to prevent overdrying and save energy. Time-saving features include the Quick Dry Cycle and 30-minute timed dry, while specialized cycles like Sanitize, Air Dry, and Wrinkle Control provide tailored care for different fabrics.
Smart connectivity enhances usability with features like cycle notifications, remote access, custom cycles, and the ability to save favorites through the Whirlpool app.
The GE Profile PTD90EBPTRS 900 Series offers strong drying performance, consistently delivering near‑complete moisture removal across cycles—including a standout 98% dry result on a bulky comforter.
This dryer also packs a rich feature set: smart controls via the SmartHQ app (with Alexa, Google, IFTTT, and Sonos), multiple steam options like Fabric Refresh and Wrinkle Care, a sanitize cycle for high-heat sanitizing, and customizable settings that let you tailor and save cycles including quick-dry, delicate, and eco-friendly modes.
The main drawback of the GE Profile PTD90EBPTRS: drying times are significantly slow. In tests, the Normal and Bulky cycles took over 40 minutes longer than average, largely due to its moisture-sensor and low-heat steam strategies. Because the on-screen time estimates proved unreliable, users must rely on app notifications to know when laundry is truly done. Despite the slower cycles, the dryer earns strong marks overall for its efficient results, premium extras, and smart features.
Special features: Pet Pro (uses a no-heat, extended dry time to lift pet hair from clothes), XL lint trap (traps and removes a high volume of pet hair), steam cycles (to remove and prevent wrinkling), huge drying drum (ideal for larger families), interior LED
If you have pets, the Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK is definitely worth a look. Between its fast cycle times and huge drum, this is one dryer that's capable of churning through pet blankets without breaking a sweat.
Where this dryer shines is when it's working in tandem with its matching washer, the Maytag MVW6500MBK, as they can coordinate to rid your laundry of pet hair. This feature makes it the best dryer for pet owners.
Whether it’s an emergency replacement or you’re just looking to upgrade your laundry room, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a new dryer.
Space
Before you hit “buy” on your new dryer, be sure you know the size constraints of your space. We’re not just talking about the available width in your laundry room, although that’s definitely important.
Are the doorways in your home wide enough for a dryer to fit through during delivery? Will narrow or tight staircases present a problem? Take a tape measure and check the doorway width against the dryer’s specs, making sure you have a few inches of clearance.
Capacity
Most full-size dryers have capacities ranging from 7 to 7.5 cubic feet, enough to deal with the laundry that can fit in most washing machines. However, if you have a high-capacity washing machine (5.0 cubic-foot capacity or greater), you’ll need a dryer that can keep up with the bigger laundry loads—typically one with a capacity of 8.0 cubic-feet or greater. Otherwise, your dryer may struggle to dry large laundry loads in a single dryer cycle.
Price
Keep your budget constraints in mind. Dryer prices can run the gamut from $500 to $2,000 or more. Most sit in the $800 to $1,200 range, but you can generally find great dryers at any price point. It just takes a little research and figuring out which features and design elements you absolutely need versus those you can live without.
Also, if you can afford to wait, most appliance manufacturers and retailers tend to offer steep discounts around major holidays. Vigilantly searching for deals can save you hundreds of dollars.
Customization/Extra Cycles
How picky are you about your dryer cycles? Do you want to be able to set specific cycle temperatures, drying levels, and cycle duration, or would you prefer to just hit two buttons and start drying? Do you want a cycle just for denim jeans?
Consider how you do laundry on a day-to-day basis. If you prefer a straightforward process, you’ll probably want to buy a lower-tech dryer. Even if extra customization seems appealing, it may not make sense for you to buy a dryer loaded with features you won’t really use.
On the other hand, if you’re tech-savvy and want your phone to alert you when your laundry is dry, look for a model with Wi-Fi capabilities and app controls. Apps also tend to unlock additional customization features.
FAQ: What To Know About Dryers
What are steam capabilities?
Are you considering a dryer with steam? Steam is an easy and effective way to reduce wrinkles, remove stale smells, and refresh clothing.
However, if the dryer you’re eyeballing has steam, be sure to find out exactly how the dryer gets the water needed to create that steam. Most dryers will require access to an additional water line, but some dryers have a drawer where you can manually add water. If you don’t have that necessary water hookup, you may pay extra for a feature you can’t actually use.
Can you change the door configuration?
Based on your laundry room setup, which way should the dryer door open? If the opening direction doesn’t work in your laundry space, don’t worry, almost all dryers have reversible doors. Request that the installer flip the door before they finish the installation.
It may seem like such a minor thing, but it can be a big frustration when you use your shiny new dryer for the first time and learn you can’t open the door all the way, or the door is getting in the way of moving wet laundry from the washer.
Some dryers now have dual-direction opening— the ability to pull down and open to the side. Check the specs if you’re interested in a dryer that opens both ways.
Do I need an electric or a gas-powered dryer?
Whether you need a gas-powered or electric dryer depends on your existing hookups, and your budget. If you currently have a gas line to your dryer, you can look at gas-powered models, but if not you’ll need an electric dryer. Be sure there’s a 240-volt outlet there, because dryers run on higher voltage than a standard 120-volt outlet and the plug is configured differently.
Electric dryers are typically less expensive, but may cost more to run over time. Gas dryers cost more up front, but may have less impact on your utility bills. Gas dryers also require proper ventilation beyond the standard dryer vent, and can pose concerns of a hazardous gas leak.
Why You Should Trust Our Expertise
Every dryer we tested in the Reviewed labs has been put through the same testing regime, which addresses both performance and user-experience.
In addition to standardized performance testing, we use appliances as anyone would in their daily lives, evaluating the user experience so we can recommend products that really work and are easy to use.
Dryer testing includes:
• Drying performance – How much water does each major dryer cycle actually remove from your clothes, and how quickly can it achieve that level of dryness?
• Maximum temperature – We record the maximum temperature in each dryer cycle. Some like it hot, but if dryer temperatures get too hot, it could damage your clothes.
Credit:
Reviewed / Timothy Renzi
Most dryers have capacities ranging from 7.3 to 7.5 cubic feet, enough to deal with the laundry that can fit in most washing machines.
The best dryers completely dry your clothes at a temperature that is hot (140°F-150°F), but not too hot (lest your clothes be scorched or damaged), and do that in a reasonable amount of time.
Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each dryer, based on our experience, both during testing and during more casual use. Our main goal is to discern: How easy is it to actually use this dryer? This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, the door, the vent, the lint trap, and any smart features.
By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for any type of dryer at any price point.
What Other Reviewers Are Saying About The Best Dryers
There are so many dryers on the US market, and almost as many recommendations from experts about which one to buy, so we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you.
Wirecutter: Wirecutter evaluates washer-dryer sets, so its top pick is an LG companion to its winning washer, the LG DLEX4000 is a step down from our Best Upgrade pick, but offers solid performance at a lower cost with fewer bells and whistles.
Consumer Reports Consumer Reports’ top rated dryer the LG DLE3400W which scored highest for its predicted reliability and quiet performance.
Better Homes & Gardens: The BHG team agrees with Wirecutter, and their pick for the best washer-dryer set includes the LG DLEX4000.
What Owners Are Saying About Our Best Dryer
User comments around the topic of the best dryer show the typical animosity of putting up with laundry day. We’re pulling these user reviews from some of the largest consumer sites and appliance retailers.
The Home Depot: Customers at The Home Depot give the Electrolux ELFE7637AT dryer an average of 4.7 stars with over 4,000 reviews. This dryer also gets 4.7 stars at AJ Madison and Abt signaling a lot of very satisfied customers.
reddit/BuyItForLife: The folks who contribute to the BIFL subreddit often recommend Speed Queen for washers and dryers, but when challenged to pick a different brand, Maytag appears most often with LG coming in a close second.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.