The 9 Best Clothes Dryers of 2020

The roomy and practical Whirlpool WGD5000DW is a top option for a clothes dryer and is also available in an electric model as well if you lack the connection for a gas dryer. This popular Whirlpool model gives you 7.0 cubic feet of dryer space and is up to the challenge of thoroughly drying loads large and small. It’s equipped with an automatic moisture sensor to ensure that each load is dry without wasting excess energy on a cycle, and a Wrinkle Shield setting to minimize ironing time on items like shirts and pants. 

Nearly all reviewers—95 percent—indicate that they would recommend this clothes dryer to a friend. It might not have as many settings and options as some more full-featured dryers, but it does offer easy-to-use settings and convenient features. For instance, a lot of users appreciate the hamper-style door that folds down for easy access to the dryer drum and allows for simple transfer of clothes from the washer. The top of the dryer has easy access to the lint trap, also—no reaching inside the drum to clear the lint after each load.

If you’re shopping for an electric dryer, remember that you’ll need a 220/240V outlet to plug your machine in. Electric dryers require the additional voltage to generate heat, along with powering the controls and turning the drum. Many homes are already equipped for an electric dryer, making them a popular option. The LG DLE7300WE is an eye-catching model that offers easy loading, plenty of cycles, and quiet operation. 

Most notably, the LG DLE7300WE has a dual opening door that can be opened hamper-style or to the side, depending on your preference or the configuration of your washing machine. Some people like opening it hamper style to prevent any clothes from falling on the floor or to use it as a place to quickly fold a small load of clothes. Additionally, the 8 drying cycles and options are easy to use, according to reviewers. A FlowSense Duct Clogging indicator helps to ensure that lint doesn’t linger in your vent system and impair dryer performance. 

By design, dryers require a fair bit of energy to operate. Between generating hot air and tumbling a drum to take your clothes from drippy to dry, energy consumption is inevitable. However, you can offset some of your energy costs by choosing an energy-efficient dryer—like the Electrolux EFME627UTT. While dryers with a heat pump might use even less energy, they sometimes get a bad rap for not thoroughly drying clothes. On the other hand, this traditional vented clothes dryer is an energy-efficient option that fits the needs of most households. 

This dryer is part of a very energy-efficient washer and dryer duo and is Energy Star certified. This unit uses about 600 kWh, according to the Energy Star rating. Some of the features that will make a difference in your everyday routine include a 15-minute fast dry setting that lets you dry smaller loads of clothes quickly and thoroughly without extended cycle times. Additionally, users appreciate that this dryer has an ‘Eco’ mode that minimizes energy consumption without sacrificing the dryer’s performance.

If you’re tight on space, then the Bosch 500 Series clothes dryer is a go-to option. All of Bosch’s dryers measure just 24 inches wide, but the 500 series combines a great set of features with excellent value. This compact clothes dryer can fit in small laundry rooms or closets and is also stackable with its matching washer.

It uses a condensation drying method, which circulates warm air through the drum and eliminates the need for venting. The ventless design further expands the possibilities for placement of this dryer in small spaces. One thing that reviewers really appreciate is the numerous cycle options available on this Bosch dryer. In addition, appliances with the Bosch badge are known for having excellent sound dampening technology and this dryer is no exception. This is especially valuable if the limited space you have for your laundry room also happens to be near a bedroom or living room where you may often be in close proximity to your dryer. 

One of the most popular clothes dryers also happens to be a great value—the Amana NED4655EW. This budget clothes dryer isn’t the fanciest model on the market but includes useful features that make it easy and efficient to dry your laundry. 

The 6.5 cubic foot drum isn’t the largest capacity dryer on the market, but it’s plenty for average-sized loads. In addition, it has an auto-dry sensor that ensures each cycle only lasts as long as necessary to get your clothes dry. Plus, people love the optional wrinkle prevention setting. For under $400, this best-selling drying has earned a recommendation from more than 90-percent of reviewers.

The stackable LG DLEX3700V is a much-loved clothes dryer that doesn’t skimp on features or performance. While you can position it next to your existing washing machine, it also has the option to stack on top of its matching washer—offering you easy access to the contents of the 7.4 cubic foot drum. 

Reviewers generally find that this stackable dryer is easy-to-use and reliable. Whether or not you have the matching washer, you’ll appreciate that you can put even oversized loads inside of this machine. The 11 cycles include handy features, like a SteamSanitary setting that can eliminate bacteria and fight allergens in hard-to-wash items, such as pillows and stuffed animals. The power of steam also helps to eradicate wrinkles and reduce ironing time, saving you time and energy. 

For a supersized dryer, look no further than the large capacity Maytag MEDB955FW. One look inside the cavernous 9.2 cubic foot drum and you’ll see that there are very few loads that this dryer can’t handle. This is one of the largest capacity dryers on the market right now. 

Aside from the oversized drum, several features have been included to make this dryer efficient at drying large loads. An additional interior fin helps to keep items tumbling freely and air circulating evenly. An advanced moisture sensor helps to accurately detect when large loads are no longer damp. Finally, a special PowerDry cycle utilizes higher levels of heat to dry even thick, heavy loads like towels more efficiently. 

Get a helping hand with your laundry routine when you choose a smart clothes dryer. The GE GTD84ECPNDG is part of a smart washer-dryer duo but brings its intelligent features to any laundry set-up. It works with Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Assistant, so no matter which smart home system you’re set up with, it’s easy to link this dryer. 

This machine has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to monitor and even control the dryer’s function via an app on your smartphone. Some of the useful features that reviewers appreciate are receiving notifications when a cycle ends—helping you get to your freshly tumbled clothes before the wrinkles set in. You can also start the dryer from your smartphone (if you’ve utilized the ‘dryer delay’ mode option on the machine) and stop the dryer’s cycle at any time.