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A white washing machine and dryer sit in a laundry room Credit: Maytag

The Best Dryers of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

A white washing machine and dryer sit in a laundry room Credit: Maytag

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Electrolux ELFE7637AT
Best Overall

Electrolux ELFE7637AT

4.7
Check Price at Best Buy

The Electrolux ELFE7637AT aces most of our tests. Its performance is excellent, its steam features are helpful, and it's gentle on clothes. Read More

Pros

  • Fast, effective cycles
  • Steam features

Cons

  • Quick cycle doesn't get out much water
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Maytag MED7230HW
Best Large Capacity

Maytag MED7230HW

4.1
Check Price at Maytag

This mid-range dryer from Maytag offers a host of convenient features, straightforward controls, and good, reliable drying performance. Read More

Pros

  • Solid drying
  • Good smart features
  • Hamper door for easier loading

Cons

  • None that we could find
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Beko HPD24414W
Best Compact Ventless

Beko HPD24414W

4.5
Check Price at Appliances Connection

A high-efficiency heat pump ventless dryer that works well and is compact enough to install anywhere. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent efficiency
  • Ample effective dry cycles
  • Compact

Cons

  • App may display misleading cycle timing
  • Controls may be too low for some people
4
Editor's Choice Product image of LG DLEX6700B
Best Design

LG DLEX6700B

4.6
Check Price at Best Buy

With great cycle performance, excellent custom features, a large drum, and a sensible user interface, the LG DLEX6700B offers exceptional performance. Read More

Pros

  • Lots of cycle options
  • Steam mode
  • Well designed
  • Efficient

Cons

  • Higher cost than competitors
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK
Best For Pet Owners

Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK

4.2
Check Price at Best Buy

Read More

Pros

  • Fast, effective cycles
  • High capacity
  • Steam features

Cons

  • The lint trap is so large it's unwieldy
  • Pet Pro features only shine with paired washer
  • Best Overall Electrolux ELFE7637AT
  • Best Large Capacity Maytag MED7230HW
  • Best Compact Ventless Beko HPD24414W
  • Best Design LG DLEX6700B
  • Best For Pet Owners Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK
  • Other Dryers We Tested
  • How We Tested Dryers
  • What You Should Know About Buying Dryers
  • More Articles You May Enjoy

While clothes dryers are typically sold with accompanying washers, there’s no rule saying you have to buy them that way. For those of us with laundry machines hidden away in garages or basements, a matching pair isn't that important. You can just pick your favorite of each.

Over the years, hundreds of dryers have passed through our labs, and we test 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. The very best dryers have sturdy doors, drum lights, and easy-to-read buttons.

We looked over the data of every dryer we've tested and found the best of the best. Among those, the Electrolux ELFE7637AT (available at Best Buy for $999.99) tops our list with excellent performance and a number of features that make laundry day easier.

Editor's Note:

Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best appliances to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.

The Electrolux ELFE7637AT dryer set up in our laundry testing lab.
Credit: Reviewed / Beckett Dubay
Best Overall
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
  • Matching washer: Electrolux ELFW7637AT
  • Energy Star rated:Yes

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 dryer is one of the best we've had come through our labs.

Read our full review of the Electrolux ELFE7637AT dryer

Pros

  • Fast, effective cycles

  • Steam features

Cons

  • Quick cycle doesn't get out much water

$999.99 from Best Buy
A close-up of a hand reaching into frame to open the Maytag MED7230HW dryer's hamper door, which swings from top to bottom.
Credit: Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton

The Maytag MED7230HW dryer features a hamper door, which opens from top to bottom. This makes loading easier and you won't have to stoop.

Best Large Capacity
Maytag MED7230HW
  • Dimensions: 43.13” x 27” x 29.88” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: Heritage white, metallic slate ($100 extra)
  • Special features: Wrinkle control, steam, sanitize
  • Matching washer: Maytag MVW7230HW
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

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.

Read our full review of the Maytag MED7230HW dryer

Pros

  • Solid drying

  • Good smart features

  • Hamper door for easier loading

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Maytag
The Beko HPD24414W dryer set up in our laundry testing lab.
Credit: Reviewed / Beckett Dubay
Best Compact Ventless
Beko HPD24414W
  • Dimensions: 33” x 23.6” x 22.8” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 4.5-cubic-foot capacity
  • Finishes: White
  • Special features: Auto-fills steam reservoir, steam modes, time remaining display, drum light, HomeWhiz app, remote controls through app, downloadable cycles, stackable
  • Matching washer: Beko WFTV10733XC
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

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 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.

Read our full review of the Beko HPD24414W compact dryer

Pros

  • Excellent efficiency

  • Ample effective dry cycles

  • Compact

Cons

  • App may display misleading cycle timing

  • Controls may be too low for some people

Buy now at Appliances Connection
The LG DLEX6700B dryer set up in our laundry testing lab.
Credit: Reviewed / Michael Elderbee
Best Design
LG DLEX6700B
  • Dimensions: 39” x 27” x 30⅛” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: Black Steel
  • Special features: Steam Fresh, Smart pairing, AI Dry, LG ThinQ app support
  • Matching washer: LG WM6700HBA (electric), includes Smart Pairing functionality
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

The LG DLEX6700B is a contemporary future-forward machine, 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.

Read our full review of the LG DLEX6700B dryer

Pros

  • Lots of cycle options

  • Steam mode

  • Well designed

  • Efficient

Cons

  • Higher cost than competitors

$1,199.99 from Best Buy
The Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK dryer set up in the loading dock of our testing labs. Its door is open, revealing a load of towels inside.
Credit: Reviewed / Beckett Dubay
Best For Pet Owners
Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK
  • Dimensions: 40.69” x 29” x 28.38” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 7-cubic-foot wash drum
  • Finishes: White, Volcano Black ($90 extra)
  • 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
  • Matching washer: Maytag MVW6500MBK
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

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.

Read our full review of the Maytag Pet Pro MED6500MBK dryer

Pros

  • Fast, effective cycles

  • High capacity

  • Steam features

Cons

  • The lint trap is so large it's unwieldy

  • Pet Pro features only shine with paired washer

$749.99 from Best Buy

Other Dryers We Tested

Product image of Maytag MED6630HC
Maytag MED6630HC
  • Dimensions: 38.25” x 27” x 30.75” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 7.3 cu. ft.
  • Finish: White, volcano black ($50 extra), metallic slate ($50 extra)
  • Special features: Steam, Extra Power, and sensor drying
  • Matching washer: Maytag MHW6630HC
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

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 will 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.

Read our full review of the Maytag MED6630HC dryer

Pros

  • Features the Extra Power button

  • Comes in a Metallic Slate finish

Cons

  • Lint trap is not well-aligned

Buy now at Maytag
Product image of Maytag MED6230HW
Maytag MED6230HW
  • Dimensions: 41.3” x 27” x 29.88” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 4.7 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: White, metallic slate ($100 extra)
  • Special features: Hamper-style door, smart features, wrinkle control
  • Matching washer: Maytag MVW6230HW
  • Energy Star rated: No

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.

Read our full review of the Maytag MED6230HW dryer

Pros

  • Very efficient Regular cycle

  • Fast cycles

  • Great accessibility features

Cons

  • Disappointing Bulky cycle

$699.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Bosch 500 Series WTW87NH1UC
Bosch 500 Series WTW87NH1UC
  • Dimensions: 33.25" x 23.5" x 25" (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 4.0 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: White
  • Special features: Low Heat, Time Dry, Remote Start, Finish In, Level Adjust, Dryness Level, Wrinkle Block, Home Connect support
  • Matching washer: Bosch WAW285H1UC Front Load Washer
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

If you're in the market for a ventless dryer, the Bosch 500 Series WTW87NH1UC is one of the best out there.

Even when comparing it against full-size dryers the WTW87NH1UC has good test results. Its cycles are a bit slower, its drum is on the small side, and its spin cycles don't get out the most water, but it still holds its own as an above-average dryer. Compared to other ventless models, it's a rockstar.

In all, this is an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional vented dryer that's perfect for smaller spaces. Because this technology is on the expensive side, however, we reserve our heartiest recommendations for those specifically looking for a ventless dryer. For everyone else, the above built-in models are likely a better value.

Read our full review of the Bosch WTW87NH1UC dryer

Pros

  • Energy efficient

  • Tons of installation options

  • Dries clothes

Cons

  • Takes forever

  • Complex controls

  • Needs draining

$1,449.00 from Home Depot
Product image of Whirlpool WED9620HC
Whirlpool WED9620HC
  • Dimensions: 38.75” x 27” x 31” (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: White, Chrome Shadow ($100 extra), Black Shadow ($150 extra)
  • Special features: "What to dry" / "How to dry" cycle selection, smart features
  • Matching washer: Whirlpool WFW9620HC
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

Though expensive, the Whirlpool WED9620HC has excellent test results and provides a smooth user experience. Just about every cycle we is able to get laundry completely dry in faster-than-average times—in some cases significantly faster than average. Add Whirlpool's smart appliance suite and you have quite a formidable dryer on your hands.

The only real downside we could find are minor: Some cycle combinations can be lengthy—the "Regular + Normal" settings took two hours to finish— and the onboard controls can be unresponsive.

Assuming it falls into your budget, the Whirlpool WED9620HC is a great pick for its power and aesthetics, but budget-minded buyers can find better values elsewhere on this list.

Read our full review of the Whirlpool WED9620HC dryer

Pros

  • Most cycles are fast and get laundry 100% dry

  • Door-mounted touchscreen controls

  • Intuitive App

Cons

  • Need to bend over to read control panel

$1,528.00 from Home Depot
Product image of Miele TXR860 WP
Miele TXR860 WP
  • Dimensions: 33.5 x 23.5 x 25.38 (H x W x D)
  • Capacity: 4.03 cu. ft.
  • Finishes: Lotus White
  • Special features: Steam, wrinkle-free, compact & ventless
  • Matching washer: Miele WXR860 WCS TDos & IntenseWash
  • Energy Star rated: Yes

If money is no object, and you're specifically looking for a compact ventless dryer, the Miele TXR860WP Eco & Steam dryer is an excellent option.

Compact ventless dryers are a lot smaller than built-in models, which can be either a boon or a burden, depending on your laundry room. They're also much more expensive than vented models, so typically you should get a full-size, built-in model if you can accommodate one.

For those that can't, the Miele TXR860WP Eco & Steam dryer provides a higher-end user experience than most other compact ventless dryers we've tested, proving itself capable of competing with full-size models. Its drying performance was better than most built-in models, and its cycle times were surprisingly fast as well. Its steam features really helped it clear away stubborn stains and can help sanitize items as well. We also liked its specialized cycle settings and low maximum temperature, both of which can help mitigate wear and tear damage on your laundry.

This model is simple to install, and its smaller size makes it easy to move from room to room. Those shopping for a compact ventless dryer should definitely check out the TXR860WP Eco & Steam dryer.

Read our full review of the Miele TXR860WP Eco & Steam Dryer

Pros

  • Easy installation

  • Plugs into 120V outlet

  • Ventless

Cons

  • Have to manually empty water condensation

$2,449.00 from Abt

How We Tested Dryers

The Testers

Hi there! We're Reviewed's appliance testing team. We've spent many years testing major appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and robot vacuum cleaners.

We have plenty of experience testing these products in the lab, but we've also used them like normal people would in the course of their daily lives, which means that we have a great sense for what appliances are bargains at their price points, and which appliances have genuinely useful extra features (as opposed to the kitchen-sink approach to features).

With all this in mind, you can feel confident that when we recommend a product, we're giving it our Reviewed stamp of approval, which means two things: firstly, this appliance performs well, and secondly, this appliance is easy to use. We're always reviewing new products, so stay tuned for our reviews and roundups of the latest products in laundry, refrigerators, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.

The Tests

Every dryer that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regime, which addresses both performance and user-friendliness.

Performance tests include:

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.

A person pulling a white piece of laundry out of a dryer.
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 have short cycle times.

Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each dryer, based on our experience, both during testing and during more casual use (one perk of working at Reviewed is that there are plenty of laundry machines on premises!). 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, 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 You Should Know About Buying Dryers

Whether it’s an emergency replacement or you’re just looking to change up your laundry room, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a new dryer.

Space

Before you head to the stores, be sure you know the size constraints on your dryer. 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 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. 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, but most sit in the $800 to $1,200 range.We have recommendations for some dryers with very low prices, 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 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.

Steam

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.

Door

Based on your laundry room configuration, 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. All you’ll need is a screwdriver and some elbow grease.

It’s such a minor thing, 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.

Meet the testers

Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

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.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews
Gabriel Morgan

Gabriel Morgan

Staff Writer, Home

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.

See all of Gabriel Morgan's reviews

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