The Fisher & Paykel AeroSmart Dryer DG27CW1 (gas)/DE27CW1 (electric) is getting a lot of attention for its unique top-loading design. This design eliminates the need to bend over to load as well as the need for expensive add-on pedestals.

When it comes to features, this dryer is as desirable as any of the newly styled models that accompany the high-efficiency washing machines. It has a large 6.2-cubic-foot capacity that matches the large capacity of all the Fisher & Paykel washers and offers a handy and effective auto-sensor. This auto-sensor not only takes the guesswork out of setting the dryer, it selects the best cycles and settings for each load based on fabric type. You still have the option of choosing settings yourself, but why bother when this dryer's settings have been pre-tested and preset to give you the most effective settings possible.

Fisher & Paykel's AeroSmart dries items quickly and has a wrinkle guard setting. This setting continues tumbling clothing after the cycle ends to prevent creases from setting in the clothes. Even better, the wrinkle guard tumbling reverses direction every so often to eliminate the potential of tangling.

We especially like the versatility of the 18 lifecycle settings. These settings have preset cycles for common household uses such as drying jeans, comforters and pillows. In every case, the preset cycles did an excellent job. The folks at Fisher & Paykel have done their research and thoroughly tested these item-specific cycles. We couldn't be more pleased with the presets.

The unusual features don't stop there either. This dryer has a self-cleaning lint filter such as we've never seen before. After each load the filter is scraped and dumped into a 2-cup lint bucket. When the bucket fills, the dryer indicates it's time to empty. This feature prevents slowed drying due to lint build-up and saves you the task of emptying the trap after each use. It's a totally different and ingenious concept, one that we're not used to seeing on dryers.

Designed and sold by a New Zealand company, this product is fairly new in the United States, but has an established track record of performance in its own country. Although it has a stainless-steel drum, it operates quietly. The warranty of 2 years is double that of most dryers we review.

The only real concern we have with this model is its plastic lid. It is light weight and not one that we think you should try sitting on. But it's sturdy enough to withstand a basket of laundry or a baby for changing. It also won't rust, scratch or chip, like a metal lid.

A product with unique features as well as money-saving attributes, Fisher & Paykel's unusual top-loading dryer is definitely one we would consider placing in our own homes. The DG27CW1/DE27CW1 is value packed, well engineered and thoughtfully designed -- all qualities we just can't resist.


Pros: Top-loading pattern eliminates back strain, durable stainless-steel drum, excellent value, no pedestals required, outstanding sensor with useful, accurate pre-set cycles, no front door clearance required
Cons: Lid may not be as strong as the metal ones we're familiar with

Warranty
2 years