The 6 Best Dryers of 2024, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

We recommend the LG DLEX4000W 7.4 cu. ft. Large Capacity Vented Smart Stackable Electric Dryer as the best dryer overall. It’s well-equipped to handle large loads, keep clothing wrinkle-free with steam, and make the most of smart technology.

What to Know About Dryers Before Shopping

Gas or Electric

Dryers operate using either electricity or gas to produce the heat needed, and that source influences both the installation and price.

If you’re replacing an old dryer, you’ll likely want to match some or all of the power source specs so you don’t have big updates prior to installation, like needing to install a gas connection if it’s not already present.

If you’re looking to add a dryer to a new space, the electrical outlet and venting options may be a consideration—both of which are impacted by whether the machine is gas or electric. 

Gas models require an electrical power source (typically a standard 120-volt outlet) as well as a gas hookup. While you can likely install and maintain an electric model yourself, professional installation is recommended for gas.

Gas models are around $100 more expensive than electric dryers, but over time, gas models should cost less because they typically dry faster and more efficiently than electric models. 

Electric models are easier to install because they only need an electrical outlet for their power source; however, the more powerful and efficient models run from the less-common 240-volt outlets. Though gas has generally been considered cheaper over the long run, electric models are definitely more efficient if your home is running appliances on solar power. 

Although there are generally more electric dryers than gas models on the market, you will find dryers that come in both a gas model and an electric model. The most efficient dryers are vented to remove hot air from the machine. There are ventless dryers for spaces where venting isn’t an option, but those are electric-only—all gas dryers must be vented—and they tend to have longer dry times. 

Settings

After considering things like budget, size of your space, and the type of hook-up, you’ll next look at the functionality of the machine. “It’s important to take into account your lifestyle and laundry habits to choose a unit and features that will serve you best,” McCoy says.

With the most basic machines, you select run time, temperature (high, low, and no-heat), and dryness level. Standard dryers also include pre-set options depending on the fabric or items being dried—towels, delicates, and permanent press may sound familiar.

More sophisticated models upgrade the experience to do things like allowing you to choose exact temperatures, quickly add additional time to a running cycle, and inject steam at just the right times to prevent wrinkles.

Many machines now incorporate a moisture sensor that automatically determines the temperature and/or run time of a dryer cycle according to the dampness of what’s in the machine, and they can even make adjustments while drying. There are often multiple sensor-based cycles on today’s dryers. 

There are also settings that can be applied to many predetermined selections already on the machine, such as choosing an eco-mode to reduce energy, or a continuous and intermittent post-cycle tumble to prevent wrinkles.

In addition to these programmed settings and features, smart models have the added ability to download more cycles or allow you to create custom settings, and some can learn from what dryer settings you select. 

Settings can range from as few as two to more than 15. More settings mean more to learn about using the machine, but they also mean better care and extending the life of your clothes, bedding, and towels. 

Capacity

Capacity refers to the drumsize of the dryer, which is measured in cubic feet, though occasionally you may also see reference to how many pounds of wet or dry laundry can fit the drum. Portable and compact dryers can have a capacity as small as 1.5 cubic feet while full-size dryers can be 9 cubic feet or larger.

“Most standard dryers offer between 5.0 and 7.0 cubic feet of capacity, which equals to about nine to 15 full-sized bath towels per load,” Ashby says. The right capacity for you will depend on the amount and type of laundry you’re doing, as well as the size of your space. 

Smaller drum size can equate to a smaller machine, which is great for tight spaces or if you do smaller loads of laundry and don't wash a lot of bulky items. But for large loads or hefty items, bigger is better.

Large capacity dryers are great for big families, those who want to spend less time doing laundry by consolidating loads, or for drying big, bulky items like king-size comforters or duvets. Ashby also notes that a larger capacity will encourage better airflow for faster and more efficient drying. 

When assessing dryer capacity, also think about your washer’s capacity—you don’t want to end up with a significantly larger washer capacity only to have to spend more time doing smaller drying loads. 

Steam

Steam functions help dryers reduce wrinkles in clothing, sanitize hard-to-clean items like decorative pillows, and even tackle odors. According to Ashby, steam dryers first became available in the early 2010s. Today, the functions are common, especially on higher-priced dryer models with more features. 

“Some steam dryer models will inject steam directly into the dryer while others spray a fine mist of cold water that mixes with the heat in the dryer to create steam,” Ashby says. Many (but not all) steam-enhanced dryers need a water connection in addition to a gas hook up and/or electrical connection.

Steam settings are ideal for drying wrinkle-prone fabrics and reducing static as well as reviving clean-but-wrinkled clothes, like a load of laundry accidentally left in the dryer too long. Though steam cycles aren’t a replacement to ironing, they should help cut down that chore.

Special Features

The best dryers often include special features, including smart capabilities, sensor drying, and energy efficiency. These upgrades can go a long way toward saving you time and elevating your laundry experience. 

A smart dryer connects to the internet and can be controlled by an app on your phone, or sometimes using a smart home device. These specialized apps serve as a remote for starting and stopping your dryer, and they can notify you when a load is complete. They also alert you when your dryer is experiencing maintenance issues.

Sensor drying determines how wet a load of laundry is and automatically adjusts dry time and temperature settings. This feature helps save energy and prevent unwanted heat from damaging your clothes. Keep in mind that this feature usually works best with loads that are the same material and weight.

Energy efficient appliances use less energy, which is nice for your wallet and for the environment. These dryers typically cost more up front, but over the years you’ll notice savings in your utility bill.

Other Dryers We Tested

Samsung DVE53BB8900D Bespoke 7.6 cu. ft. Vented Smart Electric Dryer

Compared to other models we tested, we were not overly impressed with the functionality of the Samsung. Though it has a sensor designed to shut off once items are dry, we found that it often misjudged and stopped the cycle when fabric was still wet. We also thought the noise it made to alert us to a finished cycle was exceptionally annoying.

Samsung DVG60A9900V/A3 7.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Gas Dryer

Difficulty overriding the smart features kept this Samsung from functioning like we wanted it to. The AI-driven settings caused the machine to shut off quickly when trying to do things like bounce a single piece of clothing on a normal setting. It also resulted in slightly damp clothing at the end of the cycle.

Your Questions, Answered

Is it cheaper to buy a washer and dryer as a set?

You can purchase a dryer individually, but you can also buy a washer/dryer set. “Usually there are cost savings, sometimes minimal, to purchasing them as a pair,” McCoy says.

You might pay less for installation and delivery fees, too, by only requiring a professional to come to your house one time. Bottom line, McCoy says if you can’t afford both, don’t sweat it. However, though it may be slightly cheaper to purchase a set, the benefits are more than monetary if you can buy both at once. 

“You could also see better performance from matching units (purchased at the same time) since their features complement one another,” McCoy says. Many dryers have programs specifically configured to match washer settings for maximum performance. 

You may save yourself some potential frustration as well. “When you buy units from the same brand and product line, even their settings and controls will be the same which makes doing laundry much simpler,” McCoy says. It also keeps both appliances on the same warranty timeline.

Sometimes installation necessitates replacing both. For example, switching from a side-by-side setup to a stacked configuration or replacing one stacking machine that isn’t compatible with the existing stacked appliance. You might also see it as an opportunity to make venting changes or cosmetic upgrades, like new floors, that are more doable without appliances in the room. 

How often should you replace a dryer?

“Dryers last about 10 to 12 years, give or take,” McCoy says. “To ensure you’re getting full usage out of the dryer, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance—like keeping your dryer vent clean and clear.”

If your dryer is well maintained, you’ll be more confident identifying an issue and noticing when it starts to underperform. Things like excessive noise or shaking, leaking water, or longer-than-normal drying times can be an indication your dryer needs maintenance or, possibly, replacement.

Other reasons you may want to replace your dryer include seeking newer technologies and better efficiency.

Who We Are

Kristina McGuirk is a freelance writer whose first contracts included doing product selections for Better Homes and Gardens branded special interest magazines in 2008. Addie Morton is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in home decor and lifestyle content. To better understand what the best dryers should—and should not—do, McGuirk consulted product experts Shawn Ashby, Whirlpool Laundry Brand Manager, and Gary McCoy, Store Manager for Lowe’s. McGuirk and Morton identified well-reviewed machines and chose the best dryers by researching their features and performance.