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We updated this guide in November 2021 to include new winners based on updated testing by Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and removed sold out and discontinued products. Our new picks include the Speed Queen 7 Cu. Ft. 8 -Cycle Electric Dryer.
It’s true, there aren’t as many decisions to make when buying a new dryer compared to a new washing machine, but today's models incorporate new technologies, like heat pumps to save energy, can come vented or ventless, have specialty cycles to steam and sanitize, work with Wi-Fi and apps, and more. It's a lot to consider! And that's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab can help you make the best choice for your home and your family.
Our Cleaning Lab pros test dryers by considering features, drum capacity, footprint, ease of use and — above all — performance. Scroll to the bottom of this article for more information on how we test and what to keep in mind when shopping for a new dryer. Here are our top picks for the best clothes dryers:
GH LAB TIP: Before you head out shopping, make sure to accurately measure the space where your new dryer will go, keeping in mind allowances to open and close doors in the room as well as on the appliance.
Our Cleaning experts were immediately drawn to stylish design of this sleek machine — and it proved a winner in our performance evaluations too. During our Cleaning Lab assessments, this GH Seal Star demonstrated stellar drying power for clothing and towels. Choose from cycles designed to steam out wrinkles, reduce static, sanitize with high heat, dry small loads in as little as 23 minutes and more. Plus it's loaded with smart technology and features that allow you to check or control it from anywhere using your mobile device. It can even be linked to the washer, so once you connect them, the dryer automatically selects the correct cycle for the load that's coming its way!
This dryer proves that fancy features alone don’t guarantee better results — and that you can score a great clothes dryer under $700! This machine has basic knob controls, timed and automatic cycles, three heat settings (low, high and no heat) and not much more, but does the job as well as more expensive models. Some cycles were a bit longer or hotter than with others we tested, but temperatures held steady, it has the option to keep the drum tumbling when the cycle is over to keep creases from setting in and the lint filter was large and easy to clean. The 6.5-cubic-foot capacity inner drum is slightly below standard "full-size" — but you won't even notice the difference unless large, bulky loads are common in your household.
The super clear, responsive-to-the-touch control panel on this dryer will have even the most inexperienced laundress drying clothes like a pro. The Extra Power feature extends operating time, heat and tumbling easily on any cycle for more thorough drying while Quick Dry speeds through small loads in as little as 15 minutes. Need something sanitized? There’s a cycle for that, too. Or choose the reduce static option to cut down on clothes clinging together. It’s oversized 8.8-cubic-foot-capacity inner drum and large door opening mean big, bulky loads are as easy to do as small ones. And with WiFi enabled and the connected subscription, you can even start it or stop it remotely.
If large loads are the norm for you, this GE is up to the job. Its 7.4-cubic-foot-capacity inner drum is roomy and its wide door opening and easy-to-grab handle make it a cinch to load and unload. The control panel is clear and uncomplicated and we we’re always impressed with GE’s tangle-free results and its speedy (under 30 minutes) Delicates cycle. There’s a rack for drying shoes, sweaters, hats and anything that you prefer not to have tumbled. It’s even Wi-Fi-enabled for monitoring via a smartphone.
This mega-capacity machine is the ultimate choice for those with a decked-out laundry room. Its elevated and angled door design means loading and unloading is less strenuous on your back. The control panel is integrated on the door for a sleek look and easy access which leaves room on top for a sliding door and mini storage compartment for sock clips, pins or any little items you need to keep handy but out of sight. And with 14 programs and 13 options at your fingertips, the cycle combinations are virtually unlimited. TurboSteam de-wrinkling and sanitizing, Wi-Fi connectivity and app controls, and the ability to download extra drying cycles not currently on the panel round out the high-end features on this top-of-the line dryer.
We expect this updated version of the perviously tested Samsung Smart Electric Dryer to have a similar performance. It also has similar controls as the recent 2021 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award winning Samsung washer which was a lab favorite.
This dryer is two machines in one. Fill the bottom dryer with your usual everyday loads. There’s steam to de-wrinkle, refresh and sanitize fabrics and multiple fabric, dryness, and temperature settings to better customize every cycle to every load. But what’s really unique is the delicate dryer up top with a flat mesh shelf inside to gently circulate air around sweaters, accessories, lingerie, or any delicate item that shouldn’t be tumbled. Use the dryers separately or together and get your sleepwear off the shower rod for good!
The LG Styler is a freestanding cabinet that turns tap water into steam to refresh fabrics in 20 to 67 minutes. It can be plugged into a regular outlet and does not require an additional water hook-up. It can hold three hanging items and a pair of pants. Also, it has a shelf for toys and pillows so you can sanitize them. The Styler is perfect for reducing allergens, odors, drying items like damp coats, or refreshing seasonal items.
This 2021 Cleaning Award winner is a pro at not only drying but removing stubborn pet hair. Picking off pet hair before washing can be a pain but with the Speed Queen DR7, life has become a bit easier. The 10-minute pet cycle deep cleans by pulling hair from dry items before they are washed, so no more trying to collect stuck-on hair from your washer. The 7 CU. Ft. capacity dryer has a steam function that helps reduce wrinkles and has 8 preset cycles, including heavy duty and quick dry. The dryer includes a reversible door and interior light so you can easily load and unload items.
When we test dryers, we install each one in a climatology chamber to maintain the same temperature and humidity conditions for each model. We look at all the features they offer, plus drum capacity, total footprint, ease of use — and, of course, performance. We evaluate standard cycles — from timed dry to presets like regular, delicate, and permanent press — to assess heat levels and how well they dry clothes, bedding, towels and more.
Our evaluation includes how quickly the machines dry the items, but also how well they remove wrinkles and if they do a good job of capturing lint. We also make sure no tangling or twisting of clothing is observed. Then we test specialty cycles like steam and sanitize to ensure they work as expected. For these cycles, we double check that the dyer creates enough heat to perform as promised, without overheating or damaging the items inside.
And while we recommend that people read the entire owner's manual for all new appliances they purchase, we know this doesn't always happen. So when we evaluate ease of use, we analyze each model’s controls for clarity and intuitiveness, plus how easy the lint filter is to clean, remove, and replace and how easy the interior of the drum is to access.