Credit:
Maytag
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Credit:
Maytag
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This mid-range dryer from Maytag offers a host of convenient features, straightforward controls, and good, reliable drying performance. Read More
For those not looking for frills and extra features, this Maytag offers an easy-to-use interface with old-school dials while getting your clothes dry. Read More
This Electrolux dryer has a stylish modern design and a fast heavy cycle, but the normal cycle’s a bit slow. It performs pretty well across the board. Read More
The Samsung DVE45R6100C has one of the most effective Normal cycles we've tested, lasting only under an hour and getting clothes dry 100% every time. Read More
The Maytag MED6630HC features an Extra Power button located in the center of the cycle dial that increases the performance of every drying cycle. Read More
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 Maytag MED7230 (available at Maytag) tops our list with excellent performance and a number of features that make laundry day easier.
These are the best dryers we tested ranked, in order:
NOTE: This list is composed of electric dryers, but you'll find a link to each dryer's gas counterpart (where available) below. While gas dryers tend to be more efficient, gas and electric versions of the same product should perform identically.
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.
The link filter is on the top of the dryer, so it's easy to pull out and clean.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Heavy cycle done in one hour
99% dry clothes
Steam options
Normal cycle takes over an hour and a half
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
Easy to load with two sets of hinges
99% dry clothes
Runs hot
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
The Best Washers
The Best Dryers for Large Families
The Best Dryers with Steam
Why your washing machine smells and how to clean it
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.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians 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.
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