Best Dryers of 2021

Your laundry room might not seem like a place for innovation, but the technology of clothes dryers has come a long way. From hang-drying to hand-cranked machines and finally, to gas- and electric-powered appliances, laundry equipment now boasts features like special sensors to help people do their laundry loads more easily. Many new models can even connect to Wi-Fi, giving you the ability to control your washer or dryer from anywhere.

This new technology might make shopping for a new dryer seem like a daunting task. We looked at the top-rated clothes dryers on the market to arrive at this list of the Best Dryers of 2021.

Our Best Dryers Rating

#1 Electrolux 8-Cubic-Foot EFME627U Electric Dryer
#2 LG 9-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX9000V Electric Dryer
#3 GE Appliances 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer
#3 Whirlpool 7-Cubic-Foot WED5000DW Electric Dryer
#5 LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX7800 Electric Dryer
#5 Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer
#5 LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLE7300 Electric Dryer
#8 Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE60M9900 Electric Dryer
#9 Amana 6.5-Cubic-Foot NED4655EW Electric Dryer

Compare the Best Dryers of 2021

Best Dryers in Detail

Electrolux 8-Cubic-Foot EFME627U Electric Dryer

The Electrolux 8-Cubic-Foot EFME627U Electric Dryer places No. 1 in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2021 with a score of 4.3 out of 5. With a total capacity of 8 cubic feet, it’s one of the largest models in our rating. It has features that are fairly common among the dryers in our rating, such as a front-load design, a moisture sensor, and a reversible door, plus an Energy Star certification.

This Electrolux model comes with several features that can make taking care of your laundry a bit easier. The Predictive Dry feature is an auto-dry setting designed to analyze the laundry load and give you an accurate dry time within the first 90 seconds of starting the cycle. The Perfect Steam feature uses steam to eliminate wrinkles and reduce static. There’s also an Instant Refresh setting to quickly freshen up clothes that have been placed in storage, folded in luggage, or left in the dryer.

The Electrolux EFME627U dryer starts at $1,249 in a white finish and is also available in a gray finish for $1,399.

Read more in our Electrolux dryer review.

LG 9-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX9000V Electric Dryer

The LG 9-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX9000V Electric Dryer takes the No. 2 spot in our rating. It’s one of three LG models to place in our Best Dryers of 2021 rating; LG appliances are also featured in our Best Refrigerators and Best Washing Machines ratings.

The DLEX9000V electric dryer has the largest capacity among the dryers we rated, with 9 cubic feet of space; the average size in our rating is 7.5 cubic feet. LG says this model can dry a king-sized set of bedding in a single load.

The DLEX9000V has 14 cycles, including setting specifically for contents like towels, bedding, and delicates, as well as treatment cycles like Steam Sanitary and TurboSteam to sanitize or de-wrinkle fabrics. It also has a Sensor Dry mode that detects the levels of moisture in a load to determine dry time. This model is Wi-Fi-enabled so you can use LG’s ThinQ app to monitor and control the dryer from wherever you are.

With a price of $1,799.99, it’s the second-most expensive model in our rating.

Read more in our LG dryer review.

GE Appliances 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer

The GE Appliances 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer ties for the No. 3 slot in our Best Dryers of 2021 rating with a score of 3.9 out of 5. It’s one of the most well-equipped models in our rating, with 12 cycle settings, including ones for sanitizing, removing wrinkles, and quickly refreshing clothes. It has a moisture sensor and is Wi-Fi-enabled so it can communicate with the GE SmartHQ app, allowing you to control the dryer remotely.

It’s also stackable, Energy Star-certified, and ADA-compliant, plus it’s one of only two models in this rating to have a vent sensor that alerts you to potential blockages in your dryer vent. It’s also the only model in our rating that’s available in blue. Prices start at $1,099 for the white finish.

Read more in our GE dryer review.

Whirlpool 7-Cubic-Foot WED5000DW Electric Dryer

The Whirlpool 7-Cubic-Foot WED5000DW Electric Dryer ties with the GE GFD85ES for the No. 3 spot, but it’s a very different dryer. Compared to the GE and most other models in our rating, this Whirlpool electric dryer is quite simple. It has multiple temperature settings (low, medium, and high, plus a no-heat option), and it has an AccuDry system that senses moisture to auto-dries accordingly.

But unlike other models in our rating, it doesn’t have extra features like steam or fast-dry settings, a reversible door, or Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s only available in white, with a hamper door that pulls down from the front of the machine and dial controls on the rear panel. It also has one of the lowest capacities of the models we rated.

Still, the Whirlpool 7-Cubic-Foot WED5000DW Electric Dryer might be the right choice for those who don’t need bells and whistles and are looking for a machine that gets the job done at a reasonable price. This dryer does include a few modern elements like AccuDry and Wrinkle Shield, a feature that tumbles the load every five minutes after the main cycle is complete to prevent wrinkles from setting in. And at $749, it’s one of the least expensive models in our rating.

Read more in our Whirlpool dryer review.

LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX7800 Electric Dryer

The LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX7800 Electric Dryer is one of three LG models to make our Best Dryers of 2021 rating and is the least expensive of the three. It ties for No. 5 with a score of 3.8.

Like the LG DLEX9000V in second place, the DLEX7800 has 14 cycles that include steam and quick-dry modes, a moisture sensor, a reversible door, and Wi-Fi capabilities to connect with LG's ThinQ smartphone app. It has an EasyLoad door that can either swing open on a vertical hinge or pull down like an oven door.

It’s smaller than the DLEX9000V, though, with a total capacity of 7.3 cubic feet. It also has a different design, with the controls on a rear panel rather than right at the front. It comes in a white finish for $1,099 or a graphite steel finish for $1,199 at the time of our data collection.

Read more in our LG dryer review.

Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer

Also tying for fifth is the Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer. This model is one of two Samsung models to make or Best Dryers of 2021 rating. Samsung says this model's Steam Sanitize+ feature can eliminate 95% of pollen, 99.9% of germs, and 100% of dust mites. The Multi-Steam function is designed to use steam to reduce wrinkles, static, and odors.

This dryer is one of just two models in our rating to be ADA-compliant when used with a Samsung riser to make loading and unloading the machine easier. It also features Braille and audio tones alongside the controls for those with visual impairments.

The Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer comes in white, silver, and a unique champagne finish. It’s stackable and can be paired with the Samsung WF45R6100, also available in the same colors. Prices start at $899, a bit less than the average cost of $1,121 among the dryers in our rating.

Read more in our Samsung dryer review.

LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLE7300 Electric Dryer

The LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLE7300 Electric Dryer is a midrange model. With a price of $899, it’s less expensive than most models in our Best Dryers rating, though not the cheapest, and is the least-expensive LG model on our list.

It has some of the same features as many other models here, such as a moisture sensor, a reversible door, and an Energy Star certification. However, it doesn’t have various steam settings like other top-rated dryers. Its controls are on the rear panel, so while this model has a matching washer, it is not stackable, nor is it ADA-compliant.

It has Wi-Fi capabilities, though, so you can use the LG ThinQ smartphone app to monitor and control the machine.

Read more in our LG dryer review.

Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE60M9900 Electric Dryer

The Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE60M9900 Electric Dryer is the most expensive model in our rating, with a starting price of $1,899. As expected for this price, it comes with a number of features. Like other models, it has a reversible door, moisture sensors, multiple steam settings, and Wi-Fi capabilities. It’s also one of only two models in our rating with a vent sensor.

Most notably, this model features what Samsung calls FlexDry, which adds a separate compartment just for delicate items above the main dryer. This allows you to dry both everyday items and delicates at the same time but with different settings.

The Samsung DVE60M9900 is Energy Star-certified and has an Eco Dry mode which uses up to 25% less energy while drying your clothes, according to Samsung.

Read more in our Samsung dryer review.

Amana 6.5-Cubic-Foot NED4655EW Electric Dryer

Rounding out our Best Dryers of 2021 rating in the No. 9 spot is the Amana 6.5-Cubic-Foot NED4655EW Electric Dryer. With a price of $494, it’s the least-expensive model in our ratings; the Samsung DVE60M9900, just above the Amana in eighth place, costs almost four times as much.

The model’s price is reflected in its design. It has the smallest capacity among the dryers in our rating at 6.5 cubic feet. It doesn’t have the special features of other models, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, steam settings, or sanitizing modes. But its 11 cycles and wrinkle prevention option, which tumbles laundry intermittently after a dry cycle finishes, may be all that some users need.

Read more in our Amana review.

How to Choose the Best Dryer

When purchasing a dryer there are a number of things to keep in mind. Some of the most important are your budget, where it will be placed, and the capacity.

The space where you place your dryer is important. You’ll want to have enough space behind the dryer for the vent line, and have access to either a 240-volt outlet for an electric dryer or a gas hookup for a gas dryer. If you’re planning to move your laundry setup keep this in mind when choosing the new location.

Many dryers offer placement flexibility by having doors that can be mounted to open in a variety of ways, so if you need to place your dryer against a side wall you can mount the door in a way that won’t limit your access. If floor space is really limited you’ll want either a compact dryer or a stackable dryer. Stackable dryers will usually have a matching, or suggested, washing machine to partner with and can be placed one on top of the other saving floor space.

For many people as long as dry clothes come out of their dryer they are satisfied, but even that requirement allows for wiggle room. If you are not limited by either space or your budget you can get a large capacity washer and dryer which will allow you to do fewer loads of laundry. Just keep in mind that capacity isn’t everything.

If you have a large family or go through lots of laundry then a larger capacity dryer might be a good option, but if you have a smaller family or prefer to do small loads of laundry throughout the week a smaller capacity model might satisfy your needs.

You will also want to consider whether or not you want a gas or electric dryer and the energy efficiency of your dryer. Typically, gas is a more energy-efficient option for dryers. Because it uses gas to fuel its heating element it uses less electricity and tends to dry clothes faster than an electric dryer. The downsides being that gas dryers are more expensive and require a licensed technician for the installation which will also cost more.

Electric dryers on the other hand are less expensive, but generally less energy efficient and take longer to dry laundry. That being said, there are several Energy Star-qualified dryer models available in our ratings of the best dryers. Energy Star is a United States government-backed program to certify energy efficiency in consumer products as well as buildings, private and commercial.

Energy Star claims that in 2019 alone it and its partners helped save American consumers $39 billion in energy costs. Dryers certified by Energy Star may also qualify for rebates in certain locations. You can visit the Energy Star website’s Rebate Finder page and input your zip code to see if your dryer or other appliances qualify.

Below we’ve created a list of features to consider when choosing a dryer.

What to Look for in a Dryer

Once you’ve decided on the top-level criteria for your dryer you can begin to look into the various features of different models. Dryers have come a long way from only having a few different cycles and an end-of-cycle buzzer.

Modern dryers occasionally come with their own apps that can be used as a control panel to start and stop loads, schedule drying times, adjust settings and cycles, indicate maintenance issues like when the lint trap or vent lines need to be cleaned, and even troubleshoot your dryer should a problem arise.

In terms of drying features, many dryers have heat and moisture sensors to indicate when a load of laundry has finished drying. These sensors can save you money over timed loads by stopping a cycle when the laundry is dry and not when the timer says so. This can prevent overdrying, which is when your dryer keeps going even after your clothes are dry. Overdrying can add wear and tear to your clothing, shortening its lifespan.

Temperature and moisture sensors can also prevent underdrying. No one likes hearing the buzzer for a load of laundry go off only to open the door and find your clothes are still wet.

Dryer cycles have been around for a long time, but those have expanded beyond those like Permanent Press and Delicates to include cycles that dry your clothes quicker, add steam, or increase the energy efficiency of your appliance. These different cycles will often have different names depending on the manufacturer.

Some dryers even include features to help keep your clothes wrinkle-free such as the aforementioned steam cycle as well as a feature that will turn the heating element of the dryer off while the drum continues to spin. This will prevent the clothes from overdrying while keeping everything moving to reduce the number of wrinkles and creases in your laundry.

Below we have a short list of some of the common features available in modern dryers:

How Much Does a Dryer Cost?

Within our rated Best Dryers of 2021, the prices range from $494 to nearly four times that at $1,899. The cost of a dryer can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Size plays a large role in determining price. The least expensive dryer in our rating, the Amana electric dryer, has a capacity of 6.5 cubic feet. Our second most expensive dryer, the LG 9-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX9000V Electric Dryer, also has the largest capacity. It costs about $1,800, a thousand dollars more than the smaller Amana.

Dryer cost can also be affected by features designed to simplify the drying process, including Wi-Fi connectivity, steam capabilities, and cycle options. Our inexpensive models follow a more traditional design and do not offer the same special features included with higher priced upgraded models.

Outer finishes and colors affect price as well. A white option is typically the base model and sells at a lower price compared to black or stainless steel finishes.

Types of Dryers

One of the biggest differences between dryers is that of gas and electric dryers. Below is a brief overview of the differences.

Gas Dryers

Because gas dryers use gas instead of electricity to power their heating elements gas dryers use less electricity when drying a load of laundry. The temperature used to dry laundry is generally higher than their electric-powered counterparts resulting in a shorter drying time and the use of less fuel to do so.

One of the downsides to purchasing gas dryers is the expense. A gas model can cost $100 more than an almost identical electric version. Gas dryers also require a certified technician for installation, and the U.S. Fire Administration recommends having a professional inspect gas dryers annually to ensure they’re free of gas leaks.

Electric Dryers

While generally less energy efficient than gas dryers, electric dryers are less expensive to purchase and install. You can also save some money by installing an electric dryer yourself. Electric dryers don’t dry clothes at as high a temperature as gas dryers and so take longer to dry laundry loads. Although not considered as efficient as gas dryers, that doesn’t mean that electric dryers can’t be energy efficient, as several models in our ratings are Energy Star-certified.

For more information on gas and electric dryers visit our guide Gas vs. Electric Dryers.

Learn More

For more information about dryers visit our guide:

Other Ratings From 360 Reviews

For more information on household appliances for your home, see some of our other guides:

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Dryers

Why You Can Trust Us: 32 Dryers Researched

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 32 dryers and analyzed 10 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review.

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing dryers to provide guidance to prospective consumers.

1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which dryers Americans are most interested in. We found 35 dryer series that stand out across different ratings sources as well as in terms of volume of searches. Once we identified these models, we narrowed our list to the best series in this category.

With the final list of best dryers determined, we compared available features and specifications offered by each model across several criteria to assist the consumer in making the best decision based on their needs. We reviewed price, warranty, capacity, energy efficiency, dimension, and other unique features that consumers consider when purchasing a dryer.

2. We created an objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on the personal opinions, tests, or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.

We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than 2 was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.