Modern dryers are no longer the loud, bland appliances they once were. Stylish and advanced options for the modern household now do more than simply dry garments, with even affordable models now offering built-in sensors and a range of high tech features.
Depending on the size and type of your typical laundry load, you may need a dryer with special features or settings. For example if you have garments or fabrics requiring special care, there are dryers offering special cycles for gentle drying without tumbling. Other elements to look at include the dryer’s controls, ease of opening/closing the door, as well as lint filter size and accessibility.
A budget-friendly dryer typically will operate as efficiently as a more expensive unit; the major differences between budget and high end options will boil down to specialized drying cycles, special features, and style. Fortunately, most household dryers can be had at steep discounts during sales, especially around the holidays.
Dryer Types
Gas
Gas typically cost more than electric dryers to buy, and can also be complicated to install. However, their operating cost tends to run less to run over time, so if your house has the proper hookups, a gas dryer may be the right choice for you.
Electric
Electric units use more energy but are more affordable and offer a wide variety of options in terms of style, features, and laundry capacity. Most electric dryers run on a 240-volt current which requires a special outlet, although many homes will already have one in place.
Steam
Steam dryers can be either gas or electric units, and tend to be higher end, pricier models. The use of steam greatly increases the utility of a dryer, allowing for better sanitization, wrinkle control, and odor elimination.
Features
Screen Displays
Many modern dryers feature bright screens displaying all the information related to your machine and individual loads. Some displays can be fairly complicated so test out the dryers interface first to ensure user-friendliness.
Special Cycles/Settings
Most dryers feature multiple settings and cycles with some including the power of steam to both sanitize garments and remove wrinkles. There are also speed cycles to cut down on drying time and the option to keep tumbling clothing after the cycle is done to prevent wrinkles.
Moisture Sensors
A moisture sensor detects your loads dryness level so it can adjust or end the cycle accordingly. This takes the guesswork out of choosing the right amount of time for each load and also prevents unnecessary wear and tear on garments.
Smart Features
Dryers are beginning to incorporate smart features such as allowing you to monitor and control the dryer using specialized apps downloaded onto your smartphone. These features are still uncommon and quite expensive but expect to see widespread integration of these features in the future.
Additional Options
Some dryers come with additional convenience and safety options such as delayed start, sophisticated timers, and vent-blockage indicators.
Capacity & Installation Considerations
In general, the capacity of your dryer should be about twice as that of your washing machine. Take the time to accurately measure your laundry area, leaving clearance for all necessary hookups as well as space for the door to open and close easily.