How to Compare Clothes Dryers

One of the most important home appliances consists of a clothes dryer. Having a clothes dryer saves you time and money. You don't have to waste time or money at a laundromat. You can accomplish other tasks at home while you do your laundry. A quality dryer also helps you save on utility bills. Take care when choosing a clothes dryer because a poor-quality dryer will waste time and money.

Instructions

1. Compare basins. Manufacturers rate dryer basins according to cubic feet. Smaller apartment-size dryers have three cubic feet. Full-load capacity dryers have five to seven cubic feet. Make sure your basin has enough room to accommodate the clothes from your washer.

2. Compare energy sources. Most full-size dryers require a 220-volt socket. Most homes have at least one 220-socket dedicated specifically for a dryer. Some small dryers or stackable units, however, have a 110-volt plug-in. A 110-volt plug-in will fit any electric socket. Alternates to electric dryers include gas dryers. Gas dryers operate off natural gas via a natural gas line in your home. Gas dryers cost more, but they operate more efficiently and save you on utility bills.

3. Compare the sizes. Dryers come in a three basic sizes: compact, full-size and combination. Compact units span 24 inches. Full size dryers measure 27 to 29 inches. Combination dryers consist of stacked washer and dryer units.

4. Review features. Dryers come with a variety of features that include auto shut-off, over-heating sensors, multiple heat settings, digital control panels, a receptacle for heat-activated clothes softener and see-through doors. Wrinkle-free cycles cool the dryer and keep your clothes from wrinkling. Make sure you purchase the features that make your laundry chores quick and hassle-free.

5. Shop around. Small-capacity dryers with basic features cost $300 to $500. Mid-range models cost $700 to $1,500. Full-sized, full-featured dryers cost $1,500 to $3,000. Even a 10-percent savings can save you significant money. Gas dryers of similar capacity, cost $50 to $100 more than their electronic counterparts.

6. Review the warranties. Warranties range from three to five years. Some warranties, however, include the lifetime of the dryer. Others restrict themselves to the motor or heating element.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a dryer that matches your washer's basin, so you can dry the same amount of clothes that you wash.

References

• ConsumerReports: Clothes Dryers
• Cnet: Dryer Buying Guide
• Hometips: Clothes Dryer Buying Guide
• Lowe's: Dryer Buying Guide

Resources

• Lowe's: Stacked Laundry Units