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Electric dryers rank just behind room heating, water heaters, lighting and refrigerators when it comes to household power use. That’s saying something since the others on that list are powered on all or most of the time, whereas your dryer may run for a couple of hours every few days. So, it’s a good idea to look for the most efficient dryer you can find.
The energy efficiency of an electric dryer is denoted by its combined energy factor (CEF), measured in pounds per kilowatt hour (lbs/kWh). The CEF determines whether an electric dryer gets Energy Star certification. Standard electric dryers, those with a capacity of 4.4 cubic feet or larger, should have a CEF of 3.93 lbs/kWh or higher. If this is a little too technical, just remember to pick a dryer that’s Energy Star certified.
Electric dryers get a high CEF rating by taking advantage of features such as a moisture or dryness sensor, a low heat setting and delayed start. A moisture or dryness sensor, also known as moisture sensing or sensor dry, stops the dryer when it senses the clothes are dry. This not only saves energy but also helps reduce wear and tear on clothes by preventing overdrying.
Energy Star-rated electric dryers also have an “eco” mode that uses lower temperatures, conserving power. The ability to delay or schedule a drying cycle can save you power and money if you strategically run the dryer when power costs are low.
We made a list of our top electric dryers. We think the Maytag 7.4-cubic-foot 240-Volt Smart Capable Electric Vented Dryer is the best dryer you can buy, while the Samsung 7.5 cu. ft. Stackable Vented Electric Dryer with Sensor Dry offers plenty of features for the buck.
This budget-friendly option comes with a sensor-dry feature that adjusts both time and temperature to get the best drying results while saving power. As a 7.5-cubic-foot model, it’s stackable, so it can go on top of a matching Samsung front-load washer to save floor space. Several nice touches make it a pleasure to use, including a handy interior drum light for finding that one missing sock and melodic notifications that alert you when a cycle is done. It also has an indicator that tells you when it’s time to empty your lint filter.
There’s no steam, and it’s not Wi-Fi connected, but you can use a Samsung app to diagnose any error codes on its screen.
Another Samsung dryer worth considering, this model is designed to go side-by-side with a Samsung top-load washer. A couple of inches taller and thinner than the stackable option mentioned above, this model has an opaque front door to go with the clean look of a side-by-side top-loading washer.
This Samsung gem dries via sensor, adjusting time and heat intelligently. It has a drum light so you can peek inside for loose articles, and the lint filter indicator reminds you to clean the filter so the airflow stays clear.
Select from 10 preset cycles with the easy-to-access front dial, and enjoy the pleasant audible notifications for all its controls, which are also printed in braille. Though it lacks steaming and Wi-Fi, it’s a solid, handsome option for your laundry room.
Easy to use, this one has four drying cycles for simple operation and an auto-dry option for sensor-based, power-saving drying. It’s quiet even if used on a second floor or near a bedroom, so you don’t necessarily have to relegate this machine to the basement — a bonus if you prefer not to lug loads of laundry up and down the stairs.
This GE dryer has an adjustable audible end-of-cycle alert and an extended tumble option after a cycle to reduce wrinkling. It also has an interior drum light. Interestingly, it can work with a vent as far away as 120 feet, making placement more versatile.
There are two size considerations when choosing a dryer: inside capacity and outside dimensions.
Inside capacity: If you routinely do big loads of laundry, you’ll likely want a dryer with a large capacity. The largest capacity generally available is 9 cubic feet, which is big enough to hold about 15 bath towels. Compact dryers with an average capacity of 4 cubic feet only hold about six bath towels. Most people choose a machine somewhere in the middle. The average dryer capacity is between 7.3 and 8.3 cubic feet. A good rule of thumb is to pick a dryer that’s twice the capacity of your washer.
Outside dimensions: Measure your laundry room space before shopping for a dryer. The typical full-size dryer is somewhere between 25 and 35 inches deep, 25 and 30 inches wide and 35 to 45 inches tall. Remember that you need at least 1 inch of space between your washer and dryer, 6 inches of clearance behind your dryer and 3 inches of clearance between the side of your dryer and the wall. This allows for proper venting and leaves room for the exhaust duct.
Stacking: If you don’t have enough room to place your washer and dryer next to each other, consider stacking units. While all-in-one compact stacking units are commonly used in apartments and other small homes, you can find full-size stacking machines that are held in place with brackets.
Aside from a moisture sensor and delayed start, there are other features you may find helpful that can save you energy or time.
Steam: This handy feature releases a small burst of steam while the clothes tumble, helping eliminate wrinkles and odors.
Sanitize: This super-high heat setting kills bacteria in your laundry, helping to reduce the risk of illness and allergies. It’s a great feature if you wash cloth diapers, pet bedding, or a lot of clothes that have been worn for outdoor activities.
Detangle: At the end of the drying cycle, the dryer slowly reverses direction, helping to unwind sheets, towels and other large, long items that tend to do the twist during the drying process.
Smart technology: This allows you to monitor and control your smart dryer from your phone. You can also monitor its energy usage. You’ll even get an alert when your clothes are dry and ready to be folded.
Express dry: This cycle uses larger fans to speed up the drying process.
Wrinkle guard: If you can’t remove your laundry right away, this feature periodically gives the load a tumble, helping to reduce wrinkles and ironing time and saving more energy.
It isn’t rocket science, but the following tips will help you make the most of your electric dryer and keep it in good working condition.
A. Shopping around can definitely uncover bargains, but in general, you can expect to spend between $300 and $1,100 for a vented electric dryer and $800 to $2,000 for a ventless model. For most people, a dryer in the $500 to $1,000 range is ideal. This is where you can find quality brands with dependable performance and plenty of up-to-date features.
A. Given that most dryers aren’t expected to last longer than 10 to 13 years, it’s likely not worth the cost to repair it. Depending on what needs fixing, repairs can range from $100 to $400 or more. If your repairperson gives you a quote on the higher end of that range, it’s time to find a new dryer. Chances are you’ll be happier with an updated model, as they are often more energy efficient and include handy features.
A. While it looks nice and is convenient to own a matched washer/dryer set, it’s not absolutely necessary. Mix and match if you like. In fact, you might have to do this if your old washer is still in good condition but you need a new dryer.
