Clothes Dryer Comparisons
According to Consumer Reports, dryers continue to remain pretty basic and washers are evolving with all the bells and whistles, but there are several things to consider when purchasing a new dryer. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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J. Ross Moore is reported to have built the first clothes dryer -- a mere oil-heated drum -- in North Dakota in 1935. He received a patent for the dryer and sold his design to the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in 1936 because of financial struggles.
Types
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The key difference in dryers is whether they run off gas or electric. Consumer Reports outlines three major types of dryers.
Full-sized dryers are typically 27 to 29 inches and width and can handle a normal wash load of 5 to 7 ½ cubic feet.
Space-saving dryers are compact, usually measuring 24 inches or less in width. They can manage a washload of approximately 3 ½ cubic feet.
Washer-dryer laundry centers combine the washer and dryer into one freestanding unit and can be full-sized or space-saving models.
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Cost
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A good dryer can be purchased for about $350 and will have three basic temperature settings, mechanical controls and a timed-dry cycle. This dryer will also have an air-dry (no heat) option.
Dryers in the $400 to $500 range will have a no-heat setting, and are more likely to have a stainless steel drum, extended tumbling cycles and adjustable audio signals.
Dryers in the $500-plus range have quiet cycles, faster cycles, electronic controls instead of mechanical controls, additional temperature settings and drying racks.
Features
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A moisture sensor determines when the contents of a cycle are dry and shuts the dryer down.
Auto-dry cycles allow the operator to control the desired dryness of laundry, with settings such as complete-dry or less-dry. Extended tumble continues to tumble laundry even after the load is dry, reducing wrinkles.
A top-mounted lint filter is designed for easier cleaning. A drum rack can be attached in the drum to keep contents from tumbling, like shoes.
The dryer door can either be a drop-down or side-opening front door. Touchpad controls are available on high-end dryers.
Considerations
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Consumer Reports urges the following considerations.
Placement -- A noisy dryer in the basement can be ignored. If a unit will be situated next to a bedroom, for example, consider noise-reduction models.
Lifestyle -- A large family may benefit from a heavy-duty washer, and a busy lifestyle may warrant the additional features such as a moisture sensor.
Energy source -- Gas dryers and electric dryers perform about the same, but that gas models cost about $50 more upfront, with long-term savings on fuel costs.
Ventilation -- Dryers must have a vent system that goes outside.
Delivery and setup -- Hauling the old dryer can be complicated; check with the city/town street department for appliance pick-up rules.
Warranty -- Dryers typically come with a one-year warranty covering parts and labor, with additional limited warranties available for purchase.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit laundry dial image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
