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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Dryers

Electric, gas, or heat pump—your dryer choice affects energy bills for years. We compared dryers for actual drying performance, not just spec sheets.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
DLEX4000W Electric Dryer

LG

DLEX4000W Electric Dryer

4.7 (9,876 reviews)

TurboSteam is legitimately useful—throw in a wrinkled shirt, 20 minutes later it's presentable without an iron. The sensor dry actually works, unlike cheap dryers that guess.

Capacity

7.4 cu ft

Type

Electric

Cycles

12

Features

TurboSteam, Sensor Dry, WiFi

Pros

  • TurboSteam reduces wrinkles
  • Sensor Dry prevents over-drying
  • WiFi connectivity

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Large footprint
  • Steam requires water hookup

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
DLEX4000W Electric Dryer
DLEX4000W Electric Dryer Best
LG
4.7
$998 View
DVE45R6100W Electric Dryer
DVE45R6100W Electric Dryer Value
Samsung
4.5
$748 View
TWI180WP Heat Pump Dryer
TWI180WP Heat Pump Dryer
Miele
4.8
$1,699 View
GTD65EBSJWS Electric Dryer
GTD65EBSJWS Electric Dryer
GE
4.4
$598 View
WGD5000DW Gas Dryer
WGD5000DW Gas Dryer
Whirlpool
4.5
$648 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
DLEX4000W Electric Dryer

LG

DLEX4000W Electric Dryer

4.7 (9,876 reviews)

TurboSteam is legitimately useful—throw in a wrinkled shirt, 20 minutes later it's presentable without an iron. The sensor dry actually works, unlike cheap dryers that guess.

Capacity

7.4 cu ft

Type

Electric

Cycles

12

Features

TurboSteam, Sensor Dry, WiFi

Pros

  • TurboSteam reduces wrinkles
  • Sensor Dry prevents over-drying
  • WiFi connectivity

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Large footprint
  • Steam requires water hookup
Best Value
DVE45R6100W Electric Dryer

Samsung

DVE45R6100W Electric Dryer

4.5 (7,654 reviews)

The vent sensor is a genuine safety feature—it warns you when lint buildup restricts airflow. Most house fires start in the dryer. Samsung wants to keep yours standing.

Capacity

7.5 cu ft

Type

Electric

Cycles

10

Features

Steam Sanitize+, Sensor Dry

Pros

  • Steam sanitize option
  • Sensor dry
  • Vent sensor monitors lint

Cons

  • No WiFi
  • Basic controls
  • Louder than LG
Premium Pick
TWI180WP Heat Pump Dryer

Miele

TWI180WP Heat Pump Dryer

4.8 (2,345 reviews)

The apartment dweller's dream. No vent, no problem. Heat pump technology uses half the energy and the lower heat means clothes last longer. German engineering at its finest.

Capacity

4.1 cu ft

Type

Heat Pump

Energy

Energy Star

Features

Ventless, FragranceDos

Pros

  • No vent required
  • Energy Star certified
  • Gentle on clothes

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Longer cycle times
  • Smaller capacity
Budget Pick
GTD65EBSJWS Electric Dryer

GE

GTD65EBSJWS Electric Dryer

4.4 (12,345 reviews)

WiFi at this price point is unusual. Get notifications when laundry is done instead of finding still-damp clothes three hours later.

Capacity

7.4 cu ft

Type

Electric

Cycles

8

Features

Sensor Dry, WiFi

Pros

  • WiFi enabled at budget price
  • Sensor dry
  • Extended tumble

Cons

  • Smaller capacity
  • No steam
  • Basic features
WGD5000DW Gas Dryer

Whirlpool

WGD5000DW Gas Dryer

4.5 (6,543 reviews)

Gas dryers cost more upfront but save $50+ per year in operating costs. If you have a gas hookup, you'd be foolish not to use it.

Capacity

7.0 cu ft

Type

Gas

Cycles

9

Features

AccuDry, Wrinkle Shield

Pros

  • Gas efficiency
  • AccuDry sensor
  • Wrinkle Shield

Cons

  • Requires gas hookup
  • Basic features
  • No steam

Buying Guide: How to Choose Dryers

How to Choose a Dryer

Match Your Washer Capacity
Your dryer should be larger than your washer. Wet clothes need room to tumble—cramped clothes come out wrinkled and damp.

### Electric vs Gas vs Heat Pump

Electric:
  • Most common, works anywhere
    - Higher operating cost
    - Standard 240V outlet required

    Gas:
    - 50% cheaper to operate
    - Requires gas line
    - Dries faster, hotter

    Heat Pump:
    - No vent required (apartment-friendly)
    - Most energy efficient
    - Gentler on clothes
    - Longer cycle times
    - Highest purchase price

    ### Features That Matter

    Sensor Dry: Stops when clothes are actually dry. Prevents over-drying (and shrinking).

    Steam: Refreshes clothes, reduces wrinkles, sanitizes.

    Wrinkle Prevention: Tumbles periodically after cycle ends so clothes don't sit in a wrinkled heap.

    ### Venting Considerations
    - Rigid metal duct is safest (flexible traps lint)
    - Keep vent run short and straight
    - Clean lint trap every load
    - Clean vent annually (fire prevention)
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Dryers

    Electric or gas dryer?

    Gas if you have a hookup—it's cheaper to operate and dries faster. Electric if that's your only option. Heat pump if you can't vent outside.

    Why do my clothes come out wrinkled?

    Overloaded dryer, left sitting too long after cycle, or over-dried. Load loosely, remove promptly, don't run longer than necessary.

    How often should I clean the dryer vent?

    At least annually. Lint buildup is a fire hazard and makes your dryer work harder. If clothes take multiple cycles to dry, your vent is probably clogged.

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