Even the worst dryer on the market is going to, eventually, get your clothes dry. However, after having to reset it over and over, waiting for it to finally get a load dry only so you can load up another one, you may find yourself wishing things could be different. If you know how to choose a good dryer, you can save yourself from all this trouble.
You can expect a dryer to cost between $400 and $2,000 or even more, but this depends on its kind, features, and capacity. There are so many different kinds of options out there these days, so it’s important that you know how to choose a good dryer.
What Type?
While electric dryers tend to sell more, gas and electric dryers tend to perform similarly. One key piece of figuring out how to choose a good dryer is whether you want a full-sized or compact dryer. Full-sized dryers typically pair with washing machines, potentially even being stackable as a result. Electric dryers require a 240-volt outlet, whereas gas dryers need a 120-volt outlet plus a gas hookup. Compact dryers are usually electric and are much smaller, making stacking even easier.
How Big?
The typical full-sized dryer is 27 inches wide, though this can vary if you opt for a model with a larger capacity. Make sure to measure your space and leave at least 6 inches in the back so you can properly hook up ventilation. You also want to measure the doors into your home and laundry room to ensure that you can fit the machine into your home. Height could also be a factor if you’re going to put your dryer under a counter. If you choose a dryer with the intent of matching it to your washer, make your dryer pick based on the washer first—washers are more complicated machines, so you want something that will complement that.
What’s the Capacity?
Typically, a dryer’s drum capacity is more than whatever the washer it goes with has. That’s a result of wet laundry taking up more space once it dries and expands. If a dryer claims it has a capacity of about nine cubic feet, on the larger end of what’s available, you should be able to fit around 17 thick, full-sized bath towels. On the other hand, a compact dryer can fit around six towels, so you’ll want to choose something that matches your laundry needs.
