Clothes dryers: every model we've tested, ranked
Dryers are the simplest big appliance to buy and the easiest to overpay for: beyond capacity and drum finish, the features that matter are moisture sensing, steam dewrinkle and — for ventless homes — heat pump technology. We track gas and electric listings across dealers so you can price the matching set against your washer.
Rankings
The best clothes dryers (2026)
#1 ge gfd55gssnww (best overall) · #2 lg dlgx4001b (best front-load) · #3 whirlpool wgd4720rw (editor's pick)
The best dryers under $700
#1 ge gfd55gssnww (best overall) · #2 lg dlgx4001b (best front-load) · #3 whirlpool wgd4720rw (editor's pick)
Value leaders right now
Highest ValueScore in this category (1-10 price-performance ratio vs the category best) among qualifying models — the "bang for the buck" shortlist, quality-gated.
- 1Midea Vented$329 effective10.0 ValueScore
- 2GE 6.2 cu ft$429 effective7.9 ValueScore
- 3Whirlpool WGD4720RW$447 effective7.8 ValueScore
Clothes dryers FAQ
Gas or electric dryer?
Gas costs less to run where a gas line exists and heats faster; electric is simpler to install anywhere. Matching your washer brand lets you stack them with one pedestal set.
What does a moisture sensor do?
It ends the cycle when clothes are actually dry instead of running a fixed timer — the cheapest feature that saves real energy and fabric wear. Treat it as a must-have.
Are heat pump dryers worth it?
They use roughly half the energy of vented electric dryers and need no vent, which makes them the only option for apartments and closets. They cost $700+ more and dry slower.
How long should a dryer last?
12-13 years on average — longer than washers, since the mechanism is simpler. Lint-screen and vent cleaning matters more than brand choice.