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Oct 24, 2024

The 6 Best Dryers of 2024 — Clothes Dryer Reviews

Whether you want basic or high-tech, these appliances are worth adding to your laundry room. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why

Whether you want basic or high-tech, these appliances are worth adding to your laundry room.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

While many people like to purchase a matching washer and dryer set for their laundry room, there are times when you might find yourself in the market solely for a dryer. Sure, you can get by without one if needed, but air-drying your clothes takes several hours and may not be the most efficient method to use in a pinch. Modern dryers have evolved significantly, offering smart features, energy efficiency, and even specialized drying cycles depending on fabric and materials.

Popular models from brands like Whirlpool, LG, and Maytag stand out for their reliability and innovative designs, and they can span a wide range of price points, with some starting as low as $500. Both electric and gas-powered dryers each have their own benefits, too.

If you’re in need of a dryer, we’ve outlined the most important considerations to take into account, as well as the best models available today based on our expert knowledge and testing.

For more laundry room essentials, check out our top picks for front-load washers, top-load washers, and all-in-one washer-dryers.

While buying a dryer is much less complicated than purchasing a washing machine (or dishwasher, or refrigerator, for that matter), there are still several aspects to keep in mind when selecting an appliance that fits your needs.

Broadly, long-time Popular Mechanics test editor Roy Berendsohn suggests: “Shop on the heavier-duty end of the spectrum (at least, if you’re washing and drying clothing for more than one person). Next, simpler is better with all appliances. Fewer bells and whistles means fewer parts to break. I’ve never seen a garment that a basic washer can’t wash or a basic dryer can’t dry.”

Gas dryers require a gas line hookup, naturally, and electric dryers need a 240-volt connection. Gas models are typically more expensive up front, with some dryers starting as low as $500 up to $1500. However, they can save you money in the long run because they heat up faster and don’t need to run as long to dry clothing. You can have a fresh load done in as little as 30 minutes with a gas dryer.

Electric dryers are generally easier to install, and they are usually less expensive upon initial purchase. A basic model can cost around $300, and mid-range models can vary between $600 to $1000. They use more energy than a gas dryer and may take longer to dry clothes, with an an average cycle lasting between 40 to 70 minutes, but they can still produce high enough temperatures for a thorough dry.

The best dryer drum size depends on the size of your household, the frequency of your loads, and the type of items you normally dry. If you have a larger family and frequently wash bulky items like comforters, towels, or large quantity of clothes, then a drum size of 7 cubic feet or more is ideal. For medium-size to small households, 3.5 to 7 cubic feet will get the job done.

Keep in mind that space constraints might affect the size of dryer you can accommodate. Larger drum sizes require more room, so be sure to measure your laundry room or closet carefully before selecting.

A range of cycles provides versatility and simplicity, covering the most basic needs without being overwhelming, and offers lengthier and specific drying times depending on the load. A good rule of thumb is to find a dryer that has between eight to 12 cycles. Essential cycles like normal, delicate, and heavy-duty can handle a range of fabrics. Special options like sanitize and quick-dry offer more targeted solutions.

Quick-dry can be a benefit if you have kids that often spill drinks on their clothes, and the sanitize cycle uses high heat to kill common household bacterias. These additional cycle types are usually listed around the dial amongst the normal cycle options. You can just turn the knob to your preferred setting.

You’ll want to select a dryer with features that are the most useful based on your laundry preferences. That may include a steam cycle, automatic moisture sensor, or a sanitize cycle. Dryers that use steam efficiently remove wrinkles and static from clothes, and a good moisture sensor adjusts the cycle length so the appliance isn’t running for longer than necessary. Wi-Fi and app connectivity, which is becoming more common on washers and dryers, allow you to start and monitor cycles from your smartphone.

Most dryers will also require proper venting, meaning the installation of a dryer may require some construction so that moisture and heat can be safely removed from the home.

“Pay attention to the dryer vent,” advises Berendsohn. “Buy yourself a dryer vent cleaning kit and clean the dryer vent before moving the new dryer into position. A dryer can only dry properly if it has sufficient air to move, and it can’t move that air if the vent is blocked. Also, clean the vent at regular intervals depending on how much laundry you do. I clean mine every four months.”

Finally, consider energy use. Natural gas is usually cheaper than electricity, which can lead to lower energy bills over time. Gas dryers also typically heat up faster, meaning shorter run time for drying cycles, and they use less energy per load than an electric dryer. Electric dryers only use a standard outlet for power, so they're cheaper and easier to install. Plus, there's no risk of gas leaks. But they do take longer to reach an ideal drying temperature, which can increase the energy consumption per load.

If you want to see exactly how much energy your dryer will use, look at the yellow label, which will also tell you how much it will cost you to run and how it compares to others in the market before you buy. Bonus points if the dryer is Energy Star certified, which means it follows the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and uses 20% less energy than conventional models.

To find the best of the many dryers out there, we leaned on our experience testing and evaluating major appliances and deep knowledge on what to look for—and avoid—when making a purchase. To put together this list, we researched efficiency, energy use, capacity, and special features for each dryer. We prioritized models that are backed by solid warranties, too.

Durability and reliability were also key factors, so we selected models from reputable brands that consistently receive positive feedback from users. We also compared price points to ensure a range of options that are suitable for different budgets. We've curated this list of top-performing dryers to boost your laundry care routine.

With a sleek design and wide range of cycle options, this Maytag Electric Dryer is a solid mid-priced option for any home. It has a sleek, modern appearance, and you can monitor your laundry through the clear door, which lets you see what’s going on in the large drum.

You can stack this dryer with a compatible washer, and its Advanced Moisture Sensing technology helps to ensure your laundry is evenly dried. It’s a three-step process: A sensor in the base of the dryer monitors the temperature of incoming air, sensing strips in the drum detect the moisture level of your clothes, and a third sensor measures the outgoing temperature. Once your clothes have reached the proper temperature and moisture levels, the cycle will stop.

Other handy features include its Extra Power button, which extends time and tumbling on the cycle, and a Quick Dry cycle for small loads. The appliance is backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty, meaning Maytag will pay for parts that prevent the appliance from working properly, like the drum motor and drum walls.

Hamper-style doors are an often sought-after feature on dryers. They hinge down, instead of swinging to the side, which helps prevent clean laundry from falling on the floor as you’re loading or unloading. And if that’s a must on your list, this 7-cubic-foot electric model is a worth a look.

Despite its affordable price, the appliance features a digital control panel, plus a wide range of cycles. In addition to standard timed dry and air dry, there are settings for delicates, bulky items, and towels, as well as a built-in moisture sensor to prevent overdrying.

This 6.5-cubic-foot Amana certainly isn’t the fanciest model out there, but it is reliable and a decent size for the price.

The dryer features 11 different cycles so you can find the ideal setting for everything from small delicates to large, fluffy towels, and you control it all via a single dial on the top of the appliance. The wrinkle-prevention setting mitigates the need to iron, and the dryer has a reversible swing door, as well.

While this machine does have a slightly smaller capacity than many other models, it’s still spacious enough for average-size households, plus it comes in both electric and gas versions. The only downsides are that it doesn’t have a light inside the drum or an end-of-cycle signal to let you know when laundry is finished.

Like Berendsohn says, there are fewer things that can go wrong with a basic, no-frills dryer. And this 7-cubic-foot appliance from Maytag is truly bare bones. It offers auto dry, timed dry, and air dry settings, as well as three temperature options. That’s it.

This dryer is simple to operate, with the three knobs on the control panel so you don’t have to worry about navigating a complicated menu or having high-tech features malfunction.

In terms of other features, there’s a top-loading lint filter, which some people find easier to access, and its side-swinging door is reversible, allowing you to adjust the orientation to fit your space. Maytag also backs the appliance with a 10-year limited-parts warranty. If you’re someone who likes to stack folded laundry on top of your dryer, be aware that the top of this appliance is slightly sloped, which may cause items to slide off.

You can get rid of tough wrinkles with this 7.4-cubic-foot electric dryer. It has several different steam cycles, including one that tumbles clothes with steam after the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles if you don’t unload everything right away. Another helps remove creases from clean clothes without needing to rewash them.

The dryer offers moisture-sensing technology to help prevent clothes from overdrying, which can be tough on fabric over time. With the Static Reduce setting, the dryer will automatically add a little bit of moisture into the drum, which can help keep your clothing items from sticking together.

In terms of advanced features, it has Wi-Fi connectivity and voice controls, along with a hamper-style door that prevents laundry from falling on the floor as you load or empty.

Overall, this dryer is a great option for anyone who frequently steams or irons their clothing. The only downside (though likely not a dealbreaker) is that the lint trap is a bit small.

Large households will benefit from a dryer like this one, which has an extremely large 9-cubic-foot capacity. It can hold a full set of king-size bedding in a single load, and it even has an ergonomic angled door that makes it easier to unload.

This extra-large electric dryer offers 14 different cycles, including a Sensor Dry option that automatically adjusts drying time based on the amount of moisture to help save energy. While there's a lot to like about this dryer, considering its price point, we wish it offered smart features.

Amber is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on home, appliances, tech, and gaming. She also occasionally contributes lifestyle content to Best Products, Runner's World, and Bicycling. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, watching bad reality TV shows, or cuddling with her two cats.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.

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