Best Clothes Dryers of 2023

A great clothes dryer uses less energy and dries your laundry fast and uniformly. Although dryers may appear to be less complicated than washing machines in terms of functionality, they are always gaining new functions and new technologies.

New dryers can be vented or ventless, steam and sterilize, have heat pumps to save energy, link to WiFi and applications, and do a variety of other things. There are several factors to take into account with all of these more recent possibilities.

We have examined hundreds, if not thousands, of clothes dryers throughout the years because we have been testing them since their invention in the 1930s. When we test dryers, we rate their effectiveness to ensure that they dry clothing securely, swiftly, and effectively.

We also assess how user-friendly they are. We also consider features like the footprint, drum capacity and more.

Our top picks:

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You’ll learn more about each of our top-rated clothes dryers as you read on, including how we tested them, what to consider when making a purchase, and the reasons we can be relied upon.

Before you go shopping, be sure to precisely measure the area where your new dryer will go as well as the width of doorways and stairwells to get it into position. Remember to account for space needed to open and close doors on both the appliance and the room in which it will be placed.

Types of Dryers

A major difference between dryers is in gas and electric dryers. Let me briefly list some differences.

Electric dryers

Generally less energy efficient than gas drying units, electric drying units are cheaper to buy. It is easy to get the electric dryer on your own.

Electrical drying dryers dry garments not as fast as gas washing machines take longer to wash than other types of dryers.

Though it is not as energy efficient as gas dryers, it is not a sign that electric dryers are less energy efficient.

Gas Dryers

The pro: Energy efficient Dry clothes faster, the price.

Drying clothes can usually be heated at higher temperatures than their electric counterparts, resulting in shorter drying time and less fuel.

A big downside when buying a gas dryer is its cost. It’s possible to get gas models at a cheaper rate than electric versions.

BEST OVERALL CLOTHES DRYERGE APPLIANCES

Pros

• Innovative smart features
• Large inner drum capacity
• Easy to sync dryer with matching washer

Cons

• Need to have matching washer for some smart features to work

Our Cleaning experts were immediately drawn to the stylish design of this sleek machine — and it proved a winner in our performance evaluations too.

During our Cleaning Lab assessments, this GH Seal star demonstrated stellar drying power for clothing and towels.

Choose from cycles designed to steam out wrinkles, reduce static, sanitize with heat and time, dry small loads in as little as 23 minutes and more.

Plus it’s loaded with smart technology and features that allow you to check or control it from anywhere using your mobile device.

It can even be linked to the washer, so once you connect them, the dryer automatically selects the correct cycle for the load that’s coming its way!

During Lab tests, we found this feature a cinch to use. Simply download the app and sync the washer and dryer.

We ran a normal load in the washer and when it was done, the dryer automatically selected the normal dry cycle. All we had to do was load and press start.

BEST VALUE CLOTHES DRYER

Pros

• Exceptional value under $500
• Straightforward settings
• Large lint filter

Cons

• Not stackable
• Only available in white
• A bit wider than other dryers

This dryer proves that fancy features alone don’t guarantee better results — and that you can score a great clothes dryer on a smaller budget!

This machine has basic knob controls, timed and automatic cycles, three heat settings (low, high and no heat) and not much more, but it does the job just as well as more expensive models.

Some cycles were a bit longer or hotter than other dryers we tested, but temperatures held steady. It has the option to keep the drum tumbling when the cycle is over to prevent wrinkles from setting in, and the lint filter is large and we found it easy to clean.

The 6.5-cubic-foot capacity inner drum is slightly smaller that other “full-size” models — but you likely won’t even notice the difference unless large, bulky loads are common in your household.

EASIEST TO USE CLOTHES DRYER

Pros

• Wide door opening with easy-to-grab handle
• Simple controls
• Connects to WiFi for more features

Cons

• Not stackable

If simple controls and easy-to-read displays are important to you, this GE model is worth a second look.

This is an updated version of a previous model we tested. The buttons and start controls are smooth pads that we think are clear and easy to use.

Its 7.4-cubic-foot-capacity inner drum is roomy and its wide door opening and easy-to-grab handle make it a cinch to load and unload.

We love using this dryer so much that we’ve kept it in our Cleaning Lab to handle all the big loads we have to dry when we test the newest washing machines and the best laundry detergents.

GE’s tangle-free results always impress us and its speedy (under 30 minutes) delicates cycle is a real time-saver.

Our model came with a rack for drying shoes, sweaters, hats and anything that you prefer not to have tumbled.

A rack isn’t standard, however, but can usually be purchased separately. And this dryer is WiFi-enabled for monitoring, linking with a matching washer and downloading additional cycles — like activewear and casual — via a smartphone.

BEST CLOTHES DRYER FOR BIG FAMILIES

Pros

• Supersized capacity
• Easy to load and unload
• WiFi connectivity

Cons

• A bit wider than other dryers
• Expensive

This mega-capacity machine is the ultimate choice for those with a large decked-out laundry room and with lots of laundry to do.

Its elevated and angled drum means loading and unloading are less strenuous and items in the back of the drum are easier to reach.

The control panel is integrated into the door for a sleek look and easy access which leaves room on top for a sliding door and mini storage compartment for sock clips, pins or any little items you need to keep handy but out of sight.

And with 14 drying programs including SteamFresh and Jumbo Dry and 14 optional settings like Custom Program and Energy Saver at your fingertips, the cycle combinations are virtually unlimited — which they should be at this price tag.

De-wrinkling, steam and sanitizing settings and WiFi connectivity for diagnostics, troubleshooting and downloading updated cycles all round out the high-end features of this top-of-the-line dryer.

And make sure to measure carefully if you are bringing this dryer into your home. It’s a bit wider than many others.

MOST INNOVATIVE CLOTHES DRYER

Pros

• Super versatile
• Large, clear control panel
• Flat mesh shelf to dry delicates that can’t be tumbled

Cons

• Not stackable
• Taller than traditional front-loading dryers

Finding flat surfaces for air-drying delicates and other clothing that shouldn’t be tumbled is always a challenge.

That’s why we were super excited to test the previous version of this innovative dryer from Samsung when it first launched.

This dryer is two machines in one. Fill the bottom front-loading dryer with your usual everyday loads.

Its cycles include multiple fabric and temperature options and even steam to de-wrinkle, refresh and sanitize garments.

But what’s really unique is the delicate dryer up top with a flat mesh shelf inside. Simply lay your item inside and air gently circulates around sweaters, accessories, lingerie or any delicate item without causing damage.

In our tests, we liked that the controls for both dryers were on the same panel and that they were easy to navigate and use.

The main dryer has a huge drum to easily handle big loads and worked quickly and efficiently.

It’s taller than other dryers, so it can’t be stacked on top of a washer and may not fit under low-mounted upper cabinets.

But, use the dryers separately or together and get your nighties off the shower rod for good!

BEST CLOTHES DRYER FOR PET OWNERS

Pros

• Removes pet hair
• Reversible doors
• Steam setting to help reduce wrinkles

Cons

• Not stackable

Picking off pet hair before washing clothing can be a pain but the Speed Queen DR7 has a built-in cycle meant to do just that.

The 10-minute pet cycle deep cleans by pulling hair from dry items before they are washed.

Our tester with a shedding puppy found this feature extremely helpful and effective, and we think the idea of a dryer that can actually help the washer work better is genius!

The 7 CU. Ft. capacity dryer has a steam function that helps reduce wrinkles and has eight preset cycles including heavy duty and quick dry.

It also sports a reversible door and interior light for easy loading and unloading, straightforward controls and — unlike others — a full seven-year warranty.

How we test clothes dryers

When we test dryers in our Cleaning Lab, we install each one in a climatology chamber on a special platform balance.

Here, we maintain the same temperature, humidity and venting conditions for each model and use the balance to help us precisely determine when the wet load is back to its bone dry starting weight.

We look at all the features they offer plus drum capacity, total footprint, ease of use — and, of course, performance.

Based on industry standard AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturer) protocols, we attach temperature strips to the fabrics in the load to help us find the dryers that dry fabrics quickly without excessive fabric-damaging heat.

We evaluate cycles from timed dry to regular, delicate and casual to see how well they dry clothes, bedding, towels and more.

Our evaluation includes not only how quickly the machines dry the items, but also how well they remove wrinkles and if they do a good job of capturing lint.

We also make sure no tangling or twisting of clothing is observed. Then we confirm that specialty cycles like steam and sanitize work as expected.

And while we recommend that people read the entire owner’s manual for all new appliances they purchase, we know this doesn’t always happen so we do it, reviewing the manual for accuracy, clarity and manufacturer’s contact information.

When we evaluate ease of use, we analyze each model’s controls for clarity and intuitiveness, plus how easy the lint filter is to clean, remove and replace and how easy the interior of the drum is to access.

Lint filter testing

During testing, we check the lint filter to assess how easy it is to clean and if we’re able to grab lint trapped deep inside the chamber.

What to look for when shopping for the best clothes dryer

Do you want a gas or electric dryer?

If you are replacing a dryer you already have, it’s easiest to simply get the same type based on whatever utility is in your laundry room.

Gas dryers require a gas line hook-up while electric dryers require a 208-240V connection. If you are remodeling and running new lines anyway, you may want to make a switch.

Gas dryers are more expensive to purchase up front — by about $100 — but usually cost less to run over time than electric dryers.

The good news is, most models are available in either gas or electric so there’s no reason to switch unless you really want to.

Next, think about venting.

Virtually all dryers require venting to the outside to safely remove lint, heat and moisture from your home.

If you live in an apartment or want to install laundry appliances on the second floor or somewhere where outside venting isn’t possible, a ventless model is a great option.

Here, the excess water collects in a chamber or drawer that at the end of the cycle must be emptied into a sink.

Most ventless or condenser dryers are compact models, but some new larger models can be vented or ventless.

Lastly, there’s energy efficiency.

More and more manufacturers are incorporating heat pumps into dryers.

They take the hot moist air from the drum and instead of sending it out of the house through the vent, cool it down to pull out the moisture (which collects in the tray you empty) then re-heat and recirculate the hot dry air back into the drum to continue drying.

This cuts down on wasted energy and because there is now a measurable difference in the amount of energy different dryers use, you’ll see the yellow Energy Guide labels on dryers as you’ve always seen on washers and other appliances.

Check the yellow label to get an idea of how much energy a model will use, how much it will cost you to run and how it compares to others in the market before you buy.

What features to consider when buying a clothes dryer

Virtually every dryer on the market today offers features like multiple cycle choices, sensors to determine when the load is dry for better fabric care, extended tumbling to prevent wrinkles, reversible doors, lighted interiors, end-of-cycle signals, child locks and time and temperature adjustments and we recommend getting them all.

Below, however, are some of the newest features also worth considering on any new dryer you’re about to purchase.

Steam

In order to get steam in a dryer, it needs to tap into the water supply that goes to the washer. Dryers with steam are a bit more complicated to install, but we think it’s worth the effort.

Steam in the dryer helps freshen and remove wrinkles and odors from clothing that are not in need of a full washing. It’s also a great way to perk up difficult-to-wash items, like throw pillows and stuffed toys.

WiFi connectivity

This may sound frivolous, but appliance apps are becoming more useful. They’re moving beyond just monitoring and remotely starting and stopping a cycle.

They can help diagnose and troubleshoot problems, add cycles for special types of clothing like activewear and in some cases even connect and communicate with the washer and facilitate updates to your appliance’s software directly from the manufacturer.

Sanitizing cycles

Killing germs is more important than ever, especially in things like bedding. These cycles use higher heat, steam and longer tumbling to kill 99% of bacteria in fabrics. Look for cycles certified by NSF or another reputable organization to make sure they perform as expected.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API