Steam is showing up on everything from ranges to drying closets and microwaves, so it's hardly surprising that Whirlpool has added it to the top-of-the-line Duet dryer. As the newest and most expensive Whirlpool dryer, the WED9600T (electric)/WGD9600T (gas) offers steam to the rescue -- an especially useful feature for those of us who forget to remove our laundry from the dryer.

If you are busy like most of us, you do your laundry on the run and often forget to take it out of the dryer. In spite of extended tumble settings, the laundry ends up sitting long after the cycle ends and by then it's a wrinkled mess. Enter the steam solution. The WED9600T/WGD9600T offers two steam settings. One setting, Quick Refresh, is perfect for the items in these long forgotten loads. This setting heats, tumbles and adds a bit of steam to de-wrinkle and make these items ready to wear. The second steam setting is Enhanced Touch-Up. This cycle uses steam to quickly touch-up clothes that have become wrinkled, but not dirty enough to require a wash. Use this setting for clothing that's been folded, packed in a suitcase or not worn in a while.

If this scenario sounds like your life, then Whirlpool's Duet Steam-Enhanced dryer makes a lot of sense. If on the other hand, you're organized enough that you get to your loads before tumble time ends, the added expense is unnecessary. Save yourself some money and purchase a less expensive, steam-free model.

When it comes to other features, the WED9600T/WGD9600T is very similar to the top-of-the-line, non-steam Duet model -- only it's even larger. This steam-enhanced model offers a 7.4-cubic-foot capacity, a moisture sensor, five temperature settings, 10 preset cycles and can be stacked or elevated on a pedestal. The only other difference with this steam-added model is that it's available only in New Aspen or Silver Metallic. These colors may seem a bit odd, but take a look. They're a refreshing, yet neutral alternative to black or white.

For us, Whirlpool's Duet Dryer with Steam WED9600T/WGD9600T is a winner. We're just amazed no one thought of adding steam to a dryer before this.


Pros: Steam quickly refreshes forgotten loads and perks up wrinkling clothing
Cons: Steam feature adds plenty to the price

Warranty
1 year