Doing laundry can be a tedious task. The best clothes dryers we’ve tested can ease the chore, from drying your clothes more thoroughly to handling larger loads. And our testing shows that some of the best dryers are among the least expensive.
CR’s clothes dryer ratings of nearly 190 models are based on performance, reliability, noise, and convenience (for instance, whether the door is high enough to clear a laundry basket).
In this article
- Best Dryers from Our Tests: : Electric Gas Compact
LG dryers dominate our ratings for standard-sized dryers. The brand performs better than any other in CR’s lab tests and reliability ratings, claiming the top 16 electric dryer spots and the top 12 gas dryer spots. Samsung leads in the compact dryer sector, but Miele is not far behind. Dryers are available in a wide price range, from about $300 to about $2,300, but most fall between $600 and $1,300. For a dryer that offers top performance at a great price, look for models identified in our ratings as a CR Smart Buy. And remember that regardless of price, you’ll get the best value out of your dryer purchase if you choose a reliable one.
More on Dryers and Washers
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Best Electric Dryers for $800 or Less
Most and Least Reliable Clothes Dryer Brands
Some dryers offer special features or cycles. One example is a steam option that unwrinkles your clothes by spraying a little water into the drum while heating and tumbling. But the features that will make the most difference in everyday use are sufficient capacity and a moisture sensor, which detects how dry a load is and automatically turns off the machine. This prevents overdrying and also saves energy.
That’s important, because in generating the heat required to dry clothes, a dryer uses much more energy than a clothes washer. An Energy Star certified dryer can save as much as 20 percent on your energy costs. For the most efficient and eco-friendly dryers, look for those that receive our Green Choice designation.
There’s no shortage of dryers to choose from today, so it’s worth taking some steps to hone your search. “Dryers can vary in external size by a few inches or more, and many people have space or access limitations, like doorways,” says Rich Handel, the CR test engineer who oversees our laundry lab. “Narrow your choices down to a dryer that has a moisture sensor, then look at the space you have and the capacity you need."
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CR’s interactive toolleverages product costs, depreciation rates, and survey data to help you make the right choice.
In our labs, we dry laundry loads of different sizes and fabric mixes (like cotton/polyester blends and synthetic delicates) to determine a model’s drying performance. A dryer’s controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loading and unloading, determine its convenience score. The sound quality and volume of an 8-lb. laundry load define its noise score as judged by an expert panel.
A majority of consumers recently surveyed by CR said they prefer electric dryers over gas dryers. Nonetheless, our decades of research and testing show that gas dryers compare favorably with their electric counterparts. You’ll find both types of dryers, as well as compact dryers, in our comprehensive ratings.
If your dryer is on its last tumble, the models below are among the top electric, gas, and compact dryers from our tests. For helpful information as you shop, see our clothes dryer buying guide, which also lists the brands we test. Need a washer, too? Check out our picks of the best matching washer/dryer sets and the best washing machines.
Best Electric Dryers From CR's Tests
Best Gas Dryers From CR's Tests
Best Compact Dryers From CR's Tests
@consumerreports For optimal laundry success, follow these tips from our resident laundry expert, Rich Handel ☺️. Learn more through the link in our bio. #laundrytok #laundry #cleaningtok #laundrytiktok ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports
Keith Flamer
Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.
