When it comes to a compact dryer at an affordable price, it makes sense to consider the ASL65VXS from Ariston. Many European brands are prohibitively expensive, but that's not the case with this model.

Although the ASL65VXS costs about $100 more than Ariston's entry-level dryer, it offers a number of features that we feel are well worth the added expense. Of these features, the sensor is the one that is most useful to everyone. Regardless of how you do the laundry, you will benefit from the automated moisture monitoring of this sensor. By monitoring moisture, the sensor ensures clothing is dried exactly the way you want it. Choose from a variety of settings and rest assured that whatever you choose, your clothing will be protected from shrinkage and other damage caused by over-drying.

Other step-up features onboard this model include a delay timer and an extended tumble. These features meet the requirements only of some individual users. Although the sensor is for everyone, the delay timer is useful only to those who can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. This feature allows you to load the dryer and program it to start up to 18 hours later.

Another added feature is the extended tumble that Ariston refers to as Post-Crease Care. What this means is that the dryer will continue to tumble in two directions, even after the actual drying is complete. It's a useful cycle because it prevents clothes from wrinkling if you're not right there to unload when the cycle ends. However, if you put your clothes in to dry and leave for an extended period of time, this feature will be of no help to you. It doesn't continue to tumble clothing indefinitely.

Also included on this model are electronic controls. They're fine in our book, but what really matters to us in the sensor. These step-up controls are just part of the package that comes with the sensor-equipped model. Smaller than a typical American dryer, this model is just 23-1/2 inches wide. For our purposes that makes it a European-style compact unit -- and one of the most attractively priced ones at that. It's great for use under a counter and is also stackable. The drum is made of durable stainless steel and the exterior is available only in one popular appliance color -- platinum. It has a maximum capacity of 15 pounds of laundry, offers two temperatures -- hi and low -- and has three automated cycles and a 120-minute timed dry. Unlike some compact models, this one requires outside venting.

We like this model for its attractive pricing in the compact European dryer category. Other companies offer compact dryers with more features, but few can beat the affordable pricing of Ariston's ASL65VXS.


Pros: Attractive pricing, sensor protects clothing from over-drying, compact size is stackable and great for under-counter installations, excellent warranty
Cons: Capacity is just 15 pounds, costs $100 more than the entry-level model

Warranty
2 years; 5 years, electronic components