Half of a top-loading, high-efficiency washer/dryer pair, General Electric's Profile DPGT650EHMG (electric) / DPGT650GHMG (gas) is much like the company's top-of-the-line Harmony dryer, but it lacks the CleanSpeak feature, which gives the dryer the ability to electronically communicate with the washer in order to share load information and automatically adjust dryer settings. While CleanSpeak is a neat novelty to have in a washer/dryer pair, we prefer to save on the cost of the machines, skip the automatic communicating and set our own dryer temperatures and cycles.

When it comes to the actual features of the DPGT650EHMG / DPGT650GHMG dryer, there's a lot to like. We're pleased with the sensor, which serves to protect fabrics from damage. It works by shutting off the machine before fibers have the chance to become dried out and brittle. Five temperature settings are more than sufficient for drying anything the average household puts out, while nine cycles offer plenty of options for drying fabrics from durable to delicates. The extended tumble setting keeps clothes moving until you return, so wrinkles can't set in.

Although this Profile model uses slightly different controls than the Harmony, the high-tech look and effect are similar. The design is also equally attractive and up to date. The technology of this model, like most high-efficiency paired dryers, is fairly complex and may pose more reliability issues than simpler models. Still, this model does not have the advanced -- and thus even more complicated -- technology of GE's Harmony. In fact, we prefer the DPGT650EHMG / DPGT650GHMG dryer for just these reasons. It offers high performance and an attractive design, yet it only has the technology that's optimally necessary.

Offered in white or champagne, this 7.1-cubic-foot model is not the absolute largest on the market, but it is one of the more sensible choices in the high-tech, top-loading category. GE's DPGT650EHMG / DPGT650GHMG dryer performs well, looks good and is up to date.


Pros: Makes a good choice of available technology, substantial capacity
Cons: Doesn't communicate with washer for automated setting

Warranty
1 year, labor; 2 years, parts; 5 years, drum/main electronic control panel