Home Sweet Solutions

Guide to Buying a Clothes Dryer

Consider all the options and special features before purchasing a new clothes dryer.

BY: Susan Hoffman

A new clothes dryer is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the differences between the various models and features before you decide which dryer to buy for your household. These shopping tips from appliance experts will help guide you through your selection process.

Should I buy a gas or electric dryer?
Before you buy a dryer, you need to know how your appliance will be powered. All dryers have electric motors and fans, but that’s where the similarities end. If you have the option of gas or electric, the choice boils down to personal preference and the available utility in your home. 

Gas dryers:

• Typically, gas dryers cost more up front than electric dryers but are more energy-efficient.
• Gas dryers require a nearby natural gas source and professionally installed hookup for proper venting.
• Gas dryers can use a 120-volt electric line.

Electric dryers:

• Initially, electric dryers may cost less than gas dryers, but they’re typically more expensive to operate.
• Electric dryers generally have more venting options than gas dryers.
• Electric dryers need a dedicated 240-volt outlet.

Should I buy a large or compact-size dryer?
The rule of thumb when buying a dryer is that dryer capacity should be twice that of your washing machine. In other words, if you have a 3.5-cubic-foot washer, you’ll want to buy a 7-cubic-foot dryer. The larger the clothes dryer, the more expensive it will likely be, but it could save you money over time because you’ll be drying fewer, larger loads more efficiently.  

Dryer capacity considerations:

• If in doubt, buy a larger clothes dryer. The extra tumbling space in the drum circulates air better, resulting in energy savings and fewer clothing wrinkles.
• Big families have different needs than singles or couples. Choose a dryer size that is realistic for your lifestyle and wash frequency.
• Large-capacity dryers are better for drying big, bulky items like blankets and jackets.
• Compact and combination washer/dryers save space and energy and often don’t require outside venting. The trade-off is limited capacity.

Should I buy a front or top load dryer?
Over the past few years, manufacturers have updated traditional top load clothes dryers, making them more energy-efficient and adding more user-friendly features. While both front and top load styles now dry equally well, some dryer differences still remain.

Front load dryer advantages:

• Front load clothes dryers have a larger-capacity drying drum.
• The front-facing door on a front load dryer is easier to access for people who have mobility issues.
• A front load dryer can be stacked on top of a washer to save space.

“Must Have” vs. “Want to Have” Dryer Features
All dryers will dry your clothes, but the high-performance models allow you to customize temperature, fabric selection, water level and drying time. The higher initial expense is offset by everyday convenience for you and better energy efficiency in the long run. It can also cut down on dry cleaning bills if you purchase a dryer with special settings for wool. So, buying the right dryer is a matter of personal preference.

Clothes dryer options to consider:

• Digital displays (provide more precise control than turn dials)
• Moisture sensors and wrinkle-free settings (prolong the life of your clothes)
• Drying racks (dry sweaters and sneakers without tumbling to retain their shape and cause less wear and tear on the fabric)
• Fashion-color dryers (become part of the laundry room’s decor)
• Stainless steel drums (never rust)

• Extended warranties (protect your investment)