While dryers are typically sold with accompanying washers, it's not a rule that needs to be followed. For those of us who have laundry machines hidden away in garages or basements, having a matching pair isn't that important, opening up the opportunity to get the best version of each.
Over the years, hundreds of dryers have passed through our labs. When we test, we're looking at these machines 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 picked out the best of the best. Among those, the crème de la crème is the Electrolux EFME627UTT (available at AppliancesConnection for $983.10). The EFME627UTT aced all of our performance tests and has a number of features that will make laundry day easier.
These are the best dryers we tested ranked, in order:
NOTE: This list is comprised of electric dryers, but you'll find a link to each dryer's gas counterpart (where available) below. Though gas dryers tend to be more efficient, in general, gas and electric versions of the same product should function and perform identically.
Electrolux EFME627UTT
How We Tested
What You Should Know About Dryers
Other Dryers We Tested
Dryers We Reviewed That Didn't Make the Cut
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Hi there! We're Reviewed's appliance testing team. Between the three of us (Jon Chan, Kyle Hamilton, and Julia MacDougall), 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 really 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.
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.
We wrap a temperature reader in a sock and throw it in with a dryer load to see how hot the dryer actually gets on each cycle.
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 is plenty of laundry machines on premises!). Our main goal is to get the answer to one question: How easy is it to actually use this dryer? This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, the door, the vent, and any smart features that are included.
By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for someone looking for any type of dryer at any price point.
Whether it’s an emergency replacement, or you’re just looking to change up your laundry room, there are a few things you should consider when you purchase a new dryer.
Before you head out to the stores, be sure you know the size constraints needed for your dryer. We’re not just talking about the width of the space you have in your laundry room for the dryer itself (although that’s definitely important). Are the doorways in your home wide enough for a dryer to fit through during delivery? Will it be able to fit down narrow or tight stair cases? Take a tape measure and check the doorway width against the dryer’s specs, and make sure you have a few inches of clearance.
Most dryers have capacities ranging from 7.3 to 7.5 cubic-feet, which is 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 on the order of 8.0 cubic-feet or greater. Otherwise, your dryer may struggle to dry large laundry loads in a single dryer cycle.
Keep your budget constraints in mind. Dryer prices can run the gamut, from $500 to $2,000 or more, but most tend to 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 bit of research and figuring out which features and design aesthetics 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.
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? Really consider how you do laundry on a day-to-day basis. If you prefer a straightforward drying process, you’ll probably want to buy a lower-tech dryer. Even if that extra customization seems appealing, it may not make sense for you to buy that kind of dryer if you’re not going to actually use those extra features regularly.
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.
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 dryer doors are reversible; all you’ll need is a screwdriver and some elbow grease. It’s such a minor thing, but if you don’t think about it beforehand, it can be frustrating when you go to use your shiny new dryer for the first time and you can’t open the door all the way.
Huge 9.0 cu. ft. drum
Notifies if issues with ventilation system
Steam cycles
High price
Excellent Normal cycle
Has steam cycles
Comes in a champagne finish
None that we could find
Features the Extra Power button
Comes in a Metallic Slate finish
Lint trap is not well-aligned
Has steam cycles
Great Quick cycle
Long cycle times
Easy to load with two sets of hinges
99% dry clothes
Runs hot
Easy to use
Wrinkle control minimizes ironing
Runs hot
Large capacity
Feature rich
Most cycles are very fast
Normal cycle is too hot and too slow
User-friendly controls
Near-perfect drying
Steam options
None that we could find
Door-mounted touchscreen controls
Intuitive App
Need to bend over to read control panel
Big 7.4 cu. ft. drum
Lint filter removes easily
Runs hot on Normal
Huge 9.2 cu. ft. drum can fit large laundry loads
Metallic slate finish looks high end
Rapid Dry cycle is really speedy—14 minutes
Normal cycle takes an hour and a half
Sensor inaccurate
Drum is 7.5 cu. ft.
100% dry clothes
Steam options
Quick Dry runs hot
Adjustable door
Has steam cycles
Normal cycle runs long
Gets laundry completely dry
Steam, smart app support, door can open vertically
Many cycles get too hot, exacerbating wear & tear
Excellent Normal and Delicates cycles
Great steam features
Poor Quick Dry and Bulky/Bedding cycle
Expensive
Allows user to dry two loads at once
Cycles galore
Defer ironing with Refresh and Wrinkle Away
High price point
The Best Washers
The Best Dryers for Large Families
The Best Dryers with Steam
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Julia is the Senior Scientist at Reviewed, which means that she oversees (and continually updates) the testing of products in Reviewed's core categories such as televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and more. She also determines the testing methods and standards for Reviewed's "The Best Right Now" articles.
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.
We use standardized and scientific testing methods to scrutinize every product and provide you with objectively accurate results. If you’ve found different results in your own research, email us and we’ll compare notes. If it looks substantial, we’ll gladly re-test a product to try and reproduce these results. After all, peer reviews are a critical part of any scientific process.
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