Best Clothes Dryer of 2024
1. BEST OVERALL CLOTHES DRYER
GE Appliances 7.8 Cu. Ft. Smart Gas Dryer
PROS
- Innovative smart features
- Very large inner drum capacity
- Easy to sync dryer with matching washer
CONS
- Need to have matching washer for some smart features to work
The first thing you notice about this GE dryer is its stylish design, especially if you choose it in sapphire blue. But there’s more. During our Cleaning Lab tests, this GE quickly and thoroughly dried our largest test loads of clothing, towels and bedding without leaving them feeling stiff and scratchy. We found it easy to load, unload and program, and it was able to handle a wide variety of items including the bed pillows our Textiles Lab team was testing at the same time. And there are lots of nice extras, like cycles designed to steam out wrinkles, reduce static, sanitize with heat, dry small loads in as little as 23 minutes and more.
Smart technology and features allow you to control it from anywhere or check the status of a load using your mobile device. It can even be linked to the matching front-loading washer, so once you connect them, the dryer automatically selects the correct cycle for the load that’s coming its way! During Lab tests, we found this feature a cinch to use. We ran a normal load in the washer and when it was done, the dryer automatically selected the normal dry cycle. All we had to do was load and press start.
2. BEST VALUE CLOTHES DRYER
Amana 6.5 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
PROS
- Exceptional value
- Straightforward settings
- Large lint filter
CONS
- Not stackable
- Only available in white
- A bit wider than other dryers
If design or style aren’t top priorities for you, this machine proves you don’t need fancy features to get good drying results. The Amana has basic knob controls instead of electronic touchpads and only comes in white. But you will find both timed cycles and automatic cycles that monitor when the load is dry and three heat settings (low, high and no heat). In our tests, we found it does the job just as well as some more expensive models and at a budget-friendly price.
Some cycles were a bit longer or hotter than other dryers we tested, but temperatures held steady, and we didn’t observe any fabric damage. It has the option to keep the drum tumbling when the cycle is over to prevent wrinkles from setting in, and the lint filter is large and easy to clean. The 6.5-cubic-foot capacity inner drum is slightly smaller than other “full-size” models — but you likely won’t notice a difference unless large, bulky loads are common in your household. And don’t expect extras like a drum light or end-of-cycle signal.
3. EASIEST-TO-USE CLOTHES DRYER
GE 7.4 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
PROS
- Wide door opening with easy-to-grab handle
- Simple controls
- Connects to Wi-Fi for more features
CONS
- Not stackable
Programming a clothes dryer shouldn’t be overly complicated, and the simple controls and easy-to-read displays on this GE model make a difference. On this updated version of a previous model we tested, the buttons and start controls are smooth pads that we found clear and easy to use, and the cycle knob is easy to adjust. Its 7.4-cubic-foot-capacity inner drum is roomy, and its wide door and easy-to-locate handle make it a cinch to load and unload. We love using this dryer so much that we’ve kept it in our Cleaning Lab to handle all the big loads we have to dry when we test washing machines and laundry detergents. Our test kitchens use it, too, for the aprons and dish towels they launder.
GE’s tangle-free results always impress us, and its speedy (under 30 minutes) delicates cycle is a real time-saver. Our model came with a rack for drying shoes, sweaters, hats and anything that you prefer not to have tumbled. A rack isn’t standard, however, but it can usually be purchased separately. And this dryer is Wi-Fi-enabled for monitoring, linking with a matching washer and downloading specialty cycles via a smartphone.
4. BEST SMART CLOTHES DRYER
GE Profile 7.3-cu ft Smart Electric Dryer with Fabric Refresh
- Large capacity
- Offers a 90-minute time dry setting
- Can dispense fabric refresher or wrinkle reducer into the load
CONS
- Filter is small
- Door is plastic
We liked this new GE Profile series dryer so much, both the top-loading washer and this dryer earned spots in our 2022 Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards. We found it very easy to use, and we appreciate its large 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. It’s a breeze to load and unload, and the quick cycles dry items thoroughly. This app-enabled dryer matches and links to its Alexa voice-enabled washer partner andautomatically selects the optimal dry cycle for the washed load.
A feature that’s truly unique in our experience is a chamber in the door that holds and dispenses GH Seal star Febreze FABRIC Refresher or Downy Wrinkle Releaser into the load for additional freshness. And speaking of the door, our only complaint is that it’s made of plastic and not what we expected to see on a dryer of this caliber. We like that it offers a 90-minute timed dry setting, rather than 60 minutes like other dryers and that the time remaining and status of the cycle is clearly displayed — so helpful when drying bulky things like comforters and down coats.
5. BEST CLOTHES DRYER FOR BIG FAMILIES
LG Electronics Signature 9.0 cu. ft. Gas Dryer
PROS
- Supersized capacity
- Easy to load and unload
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Alerts you when the vent needs cleaning
CONS
- A bit wider than other dryers
- Expensive
Large families rejoice! This mega-capacity machine is the ultimate choice for those with lots of laundry to do. Its elevated and angled drum means loading and unloading are less strenuous on your back and socks and other small items in the rear of the drum are no longer out of reach — something we very much appreciated when we tested a previous model of this same machine. Here, the control panel is integrated into the door for not a sleek look and easy access, and it made room on top for a mini storage compartment to hold sock clips, pins or any little items you want to keep handy but out of sight.
With 14 drying programs including SteamFresh and Jumbo Dry and 14 more optional settings like Custom Program and Energy Saver at your fingertips, the cycle combinations are virtually unlimited — and they should be at this price tag. De-wrinkling, steam and sanitizing settings round out the high-end features of this top-of-the-line dryer. And it’s Wi-Fi enabled for diagnostics, troubleshooting and downloading updated cycles. Just make sure to measure carefully if you are bringing this dryer into your home. It’s a bit wider than many others.
6. MOST INNOVATIVE CLOTHES DRYER
Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer with Steam and FlexDry
PROS
- Super versatile
- Large, clear control panel
- Flat mesh shelf to dry delicates that can’t be tumbled
CONS
- Not stackable
- Taller than traditional front-loading dryers
When a garment’s care label recommends that it be dried flat, finding a surface to lay it on for hours can be a challenge. That’s why we were super excited to test this innovative, two-machines-in-one dryer from Samsung. The bottom front-loading dryer handles your usual tumble dry loads. Its cycles include multiple fabric and temperature options and even steam to de-wrinkle, refresh and sanitize garments. But what’s really unique is the delicate dryer up top with a flat mesh shelf inside. Lift the lid and lay your item inside and air gently circulates around sweaters, accessories, lingerie or any delicate item to dry it without damage.
In our tests, we liked that the controls for both dryers were on the same panel and that they were easy to navigate and use. The main dryer has a huge drum to easily handle big loads, and it worked quickly and efficiently. It’s taller than other dryers, so it can’t be stacked on top of a washer and may not fit under low-mounted upper cabinets. But, use the dryers separately or together and get your nighties off the shower rod for good!
