The idea of hanging crisp, white sheets out to dry in the sun evokes an image of purity and wholesomeness, but let's face it – using a dryer is a lot more practical. The good news is that choosing a dryer is a much easier process that choosing a washing machine. In fact, your dryer decision might already be narrowed down considerably if you're purchasing a washer at the same time. Even so, it's worth knowing what you're looking at.
Types of Dryers
Believe it or not, dryers are one of the biggest energy hogs in your house. They need a lot of juice to get through an average load, and despite all the bells and whistles available on some fancy electric models, there are few, if any, differences between them energy-wise. Recently, gas dryers have been gaining traction because they are less costly to operate. Therefore, the biggest decision you'll need to make is to consume more power for less money or less power for more money:
Electric. Most people are familiar with the typical electric dryer, which plugs into a 220-volt plug and uses a heating coil to create heat while it tumbles everything dry. Starting at about $300, electric dryers are economical to purchase but less so to operate.
Gas. Instead of using heating coils, gas dryers generate heat using a gas burner. Everything else is pretty much the same as an electric model. This option is a more hefty investment at prices that start around $450, but depending on gas prices in your area, operate on about half the energy. You'll need to have a gas line in the area you're installing the unit; if you need to get one installed, it may not be worth the savings.
Key Features
Aside from the heating mechanism, all dryers operate the same way: they whirl clothes around in heat until they dry. Still, you'll encounter some different features, all of which boil down to one thing: convenience.
Capacity. Like washing machines, dryers come in different sizes. Full-size models can range from 25 to 29 inches wide (also called full, regular or oversized). Compact models, perfect for those with limited space, are about 24 inches wide. Make sure you get a dryer with an equal capacity to your washer. If your dryer is smaller than your washer, you're not going to be able to fit all your laundry into a single load. If it's bigger, you'll be running smaller loads at a higher cost.
Settings. A bare-bones dryer will usually include regular/ high (or cotton), medium (or permapress), low and tumble dry settings, which regulate heat, and in more recent models, drying time. More advanced models can include up to 10 different settings; one particularly sexy setting, for those of us who will go to any extremes to avoid ironing, is the wrinkle-free setting.
Moisture sensors. We've all encountered jeans so hot that you have to let them cool down before you put them on. New moisture sensors – available in many models – determine when clothes are dry and stop the cycle automatically. Not only does this cut down on power costs, but it also reduces wear and tear on clothing.
Drum lights. If the laundry monster routinely eats a sock during every load, think about getting a dryer fitted with a drum light. It'll scare him away and give you the light you need to see into all the nooks and crannies.
Lint filters. Depending on preference, you can have your lint filter on top of the dryer, so you don't need to bend over, or inside the door. You can even get lint sensors, which notify you when the filter is full so you don't set the house on fire. Don't laugh. This actually happens. Never put a load of clothes on to dry when you're leaving the house.
Drying racks. Some items, like pillows or sweaters, don't do nearly as well when tumbled around in a hot dryer. You can get dryers that come with drying racks that let you place these items flat.
How to Choose
Moderation in all things, said the immoderate Greeks. Fortunately, this much-touted virtue is easy when it comes to dryers. Although you can spend as little as $300 or well over $1,000, dryer technology is pretty much the same wherever on the spectrum you fall. While fancier models might provide drool-worthy features, such as gleaming stainless steel interiors and fully computerized settings that do everything but fold the clothes, these really aren't necessary. A solid mid-range model will give you the features you really need, while the cost won't hang you out to dry.
