A basic model by today's standards, Hotpoint's NWXR483 dryer would have been considered highly featured just a few short years ago. Equipped with standard technology, this model operates thermostatically and therefore lacks one fairly new feature we particularly like -- the fabric protecting sensor. A sensor controls drying by monitoring fabric moisture levels. A thermostatic unit concludes its drying cycle when a pre-determined internal temperature is reached. With this traditional thermostatic system, you'll need to pay closer attention to your clothing to avoid shrinkage and other common damage caused by over-drying.

What we do like about this model is its Press Guard-Wrinkle Free cycle. A no-heat extended tumble, this feature keeps your clothing moving for up to 20 minutes after the heated cycle ends. Reminding you to remove the clothing is an audio prompt that signals you every five minutes during the added cycle. The benefit of this is wrinkle prevention and 20 extra minutes until you need to unload. You can find dryers that offer this feature for up to 2 hours, but in reality if you don't get to the load within 20 minutes, is a 2-hour extension going to make much of a difference?

Other pluses to be had on the NWXR483 include four temperature options and eight drying cycles. Just a few short years ago a selection this extensive would have been far more costly. For this reason we're enticed by this model's attractive price in spite of the fact that it lacks our most preferred feature -- the sensor.

If your budget is tight and your family large, you'll likely appreciate the low price and fairly spacious 6.0-cubic-foot interior this model offers. You'll also like the fact that we expect Hotpoint's NWXR483 to be a reliable dryer. We project this model will need very little service for a long time thanks to its simple electro-mechanical, rotary-dial controls.

Fairly risk-free with familiar technology, this dryer comes in gas or electric, and lacks only a sensor. Hotpoint's NWXR483 is an attractive buy that's available from The Home Depot and other appliance retailers.


Pros: Family-sized capacity, plenty of temperature options and cycles, attractive price
Cons: Lacks fabric protecting sensor