Today's
clothes dryers offer a wide-range of features to compliment washing machines. Before you buy, take time to consider your laundry needs and location. And spend some time online
reading reviews of top-rated machines.
Matching Set?
The main benefit of purchasing a washer/dryer set is that the styles, colors and heights will match. They are more attractive but certainly not necessary to doing laundry well.
Dryer Types
There are three basic dryer models - High Efficiency Front-Load, High Efficiency Top-Load and Traditional Front or Top-Load. HE front-load and top-load machines usually offer more capacity and a steam cycle that is used to remove odors and wrinkles. Traditional dryers are usually less expensive and still offer a wide range of sizes, multiple temperature settings and cycle options. You can read reviews of top rated dryers at
ConsumerSearch .
Gas or Electric
There are two ways to create the heat needed to efficiently dry clothes - natural gas or electricity. Most electric dryers operate on 240-volt current, twice the strength of ordinary household current, to fuel heating coils. Natural gas dryers use a gas burner to create heat, but otherwise they operate the same as an electric dryer. Natural gas is more efficient in heating air and dries clothing more quickly than electricity. Installation of a gas line must be done by a professional.
Energy Star Ratings
ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers since there is little difference in the energy use between models. All dryers use a small electric motor to turn a large drum that tumbles the clothes inside and an electric fan to distribute heated air.Options and Special Features
Dryers with moisture sensors typically shorten drying times and prevent overdrying that can shorten the life of your clothing. Noise reduction packages are a good choice if your dryer is located in a family room. Steam cycles are a nice - but pricey - option and require a water line for the dryer. The same wrinkle removing results can be obtained in a steamy bathroom.Location
If you are planning to stack your washer and dryer, a front-loading machine is the only option. If you have a small space, look for compact models. Get out that measuring tape before you go anywhere. Measure the laundry room space - height, width and depth - as well as the sizes of any appliances you plan to keep, measure the doorways and access areas, write it all down and take the tape measure with you when shopping. Be certain that the location of the dryer vent will align with your new dryer.
