The Basics: Dryers
Until recently clothes dryers, like most laundry equipment, were pretty basic machines. But these days dryers have taken on a whole new sophistication (as have washers). Gone is the day of the simple basket, heat source and thermostat. Basic dryers are still available, but consumers are increasingly choosing sophisticated models that rely on sensors, microprocessors and complex electronic controls to operate them.
When it comes to new controls on the latest dryers, the best of these features is the sensor. Instead of a thermostat that simply sets the cycle to meet a desired temperature, a sensor measures the amount of moisture in clothing and sets the cycle appropriately. The benefit of this technology is that it hugely reduces the incidence of shrinkage and other fabric damage during the drying cycle. In fact, we're so impressed with the newest sensors that we recommend that unless you are on a very tight budget, you shouldn't purchase a new clothes dryer without one.
The newest controls are quite sophisticated, but some people may find them too complex to operate. More sophisticated controls also have the potential to break down more often than the simpler controls of basic models. And if these newer controls break down, you can expect repairs to be more expensive. Unless you plan to fully utilize these controls on a regular basis, we suggest you shop for a dryer with the standard controls that also features a sensor.
Although a sensor is a great benefit to have on a dryer, the most exciting new feature on dryers is steam. Whirlpool, LG Electronics and Maytag are all adding steam to their top-of-the-line dryers. On these models, steam is added to the extended tumble of a cycle to prevent wrinkling, and it can also be used throughout an entire cycle to perk up dry, but wrinkled clothing. This is a new and very expensive feature, but we expect more manufacturers to add steam settings to their dryers and thus drive the cost down over time. This new technology has great possibilities to improve the way we dry our clothes, but we would like to see how it performs over the long term.
What most of us are looking for in a dryer is one that will quickly dry our clothes. When a dryer seems slow, though, often it's not the dryer that's at fault -- how wet the clothes are that you put in the dryer is what will determine the drying time. And when you put very wet clothing in the dryer, you can expect a long, inefficient drying cycle that will cost plenty to run. The solution is to make sure that clothes that need to be dried are not overly wet or completely soaked. How does one do this? Utilize a washer's efficient and effective spin cycle. So if you are shopping for both a washer and a dryer, it is essential to purchase a washer that offers this cycle. The very best washers will offer spin cycles of up to 1000 rpm for use on the most durable fabrics.
Clothes dryers are powered by either gas or electricity. Electric dryers are usually cheaper to purchase but can cost more to operate. Gas dryers typically cost about $50 more than electric models, but they are more efficient and will save you money in the long run. Often the choice is not yours -- the fuel source that is available in your home will dictate what type of dryer to purchase. If you would like to change the fuel source in your home, you will have to pay to have the fuel source converted to gas or propane.
Make sure the dryer you are considering purchasing will fit in your laundry space. Full-size models have widths of 27 to 30 inches. Compact models, which are great for closet or under-counter installation, typically measure 24 inches across. You will also need to take a look at the way and in what direction the door of the dryer swings open, especially if there's limited space in your laundry area. For installations with limited room for door swing, consider a drop-down door model or a top-loading dryer.
Prices for basic dryers (without the sensor feature) start at around $250. Most models with a decent set of features sell for around $400, while some newly styled, high-capacity models go for $700 or more, and the steam models are more than $1000. At the highest end is a model from KitchenAid that has a suggested retail price of $3499.
How to Shop
Make sure the dryer you purchase will be able to handle the amount of clothes coming from your washer. Although most full-size dryers have similar capacities, there are models that offer more or less capacity. A slight difference in capacity is not nearly as important as having the right features. Look for a dryer that has a sufficient variety of settings to handle the items that you are likely to be washing. If you dry your towels, sheets and cotton work clothes only, then a one-temperature dryer should be sufficient. If you're likely to wash synthetics, permanent press, lingerie, woolens and swimwear, you will need a machine with a minimum of two or three temperature settings, but ideally even more temperature settings is best.Consider a dryer that has a cool down cycle and/or an extended tumble or wrinkle release setting. These cycles help reduce the wrinkles in your clothes by periodically moving clothes around after the drying is done, until you retrieve them from the machine. Also check where the lint screen is located. Will you see it and remember to empty it regularly? A lint screen filled with lint after a few uses will greatly slow drying time and excessively run up your energy bill. For those who can't remember, some high-end dryers have an indicator light that reminds you to handle this chore.
If your laundry area is near sleeping quarters, you may want to select a quieter unit with better than average suspension and insulation. It's very difficult to determine how much noise a machine will make, but the best indicator is the db (decibel) rating. Typically, if a db rating is not provided, it's not quiet enough to place near a bedroom.
Dryers are big-time energy guzzlers. The most energy-efficient models are the ones with sensors. To get the best performance out of your dryer, it is best to place it in a warm, dry room, not a cold, damp basement, if possible. Since the energy consumption of dryers is so high and doesn't vary all that much from model to model, there is no energy guide required on them and they are not listed in the Energy Star database.
Don't be fooled into thinking costly special settings for specific clothing are all necessary. Most of these settings can be easily duplicated with a basic control. For example, a jeans drying setting is usually just the machine running at its highest temperature. Look out for the added cost of such features that you may not be utilizing on a regular basis.
When planning your installation, don't forget to consider venting and power. All dryers except condensation units will require venting. Electric models will require a dryer outlet of 220 volts. A gas dryer will require a gas or propane hookup and access to 120-volt standard household outlet.
