Wirecutter has been evaluating dryers since 2013. For this guide:

• We combed through hundreds of owner reviews and spoke with numerous owners of dryers.
• We used the AI tool FindOurView to identify issues and themes in thousands of owner reviews.
• We spoke with product managers and designers at various appliance brands, including Electrolux, GE Appliances, LG, and Samsung.
• We visited the GE Appliances headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, and toured the facility.
• In 2023, we tested 12 dryers. We also hosted a group of paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss, use, and evaluate large appliances at our office in Long Island City, New York.

Our picks are for people who need a new full-size vented dryer.

Vented dryers all have similar, simple designs, basically consisting of a heating element, a fan, and a motor. Drying times and drying accuracy (that is, whether fabric is over- or under-dried) are pretty consistent from model to model. Multiple experts, in fact, have told us that a good washer is harder to find than a good dryer.

If you’re also shopping for a new washer, you can opt for the matching dryer. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, matching washers and dryers from the same brand are often designed to stack, maximizing space in your laundry room. You may also benefit from a good deal on the pair and save on delivery and installation fees.

But if you just need to replace a dryer, or if you want to mix and match a washer and dryer from different brands for budget, availability, or sizing reasons, that’s fine too.

Most dryers measure 27 to 29 inches wide, between 38 and 44 inches tall, and around 30 inches deep. The machine also needs at least an additional 6 inches of clearance behind it for the vent hose. And don’t forget that you need somewhere to vent the dryer, preferably through a wall cutout or a window.

If you need a compact, ventless condenser or heat-pump dryer, check out our guide to compact washers and dryers. Note that ventless dryers, which take longer to dry clothing than traditional dryers, typically perform best when paired with their matching washer. Matching their capacity can speed up the drying process, and the washing machine usually spins at a faster speed to wick away as much moisture as possible, which makes up for the dryer’s slower performance.

Most clothes dryers in the US run on electric power, from a 220-volt outlet. Almost every model also has a counterpart that uses natural gas instead. Gas dryers typically cost $100 more than electric dryers but work a little quicker.

In our most recent round of testing, in 2023, we tested 12 dryers in our testing facility in Long Island City, New York.

We dried a 12-pound mixed load of laundry (that we used to test washers) in each dryer on its normal sensor-dry setting, along with several loads of sheets and a king-size comforter. None of the full-size dryers had issues with tangling or bunching, which bodes well for both medium and large loads.

We compared the weight of the load before washing against the weight of the load after drying, and we checked all items at the end of a cycle for dampness. Although underdrying is inconvenient, a small amount of moisture is better for fabric care, as overdrying can wear out fibers due to abrasion from extended tumbling and additional exposure to high temperatures.

Here’s a summary of what we evaluated:

• Convenience and ease of use: We’ve found that most people prefer shorter cycle times, less noise and vibration, and minimal maintenance, so in our tests we favored models with those attributes. As for capacity, standard front-loaders and top-loaders are all big enough for most people’s laundry needs. We noted how easy the control panels were to read and operate, as well as the number and types of cycles available. We also paid close attention to the door and lid design.
• Fabric care: A good dryer should be able to dry clothes while minimizing wear or damage to fabric. We also take into account temperature control, which impacts fabric care.
• Reliability and longevity: After talking to many dryer owners, interviewing a variety of industry experts (including retailers, repair technicians, and brand representatives), and analyzing data online, we’ve concluded that you’re lucky if a dryer lasts for 10 years with no major repairs. We looked for models from brands that have strong dependability track records.
• Energy efficiency: Three of the five dryers we recommend are Energy Star–certified.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: We paired an iPhone 13 with every machine that offers a connected app and evaluated the app’s usability and functionality. With some Wi-Fi–enabled machines, you can get diagnostics, cycle preferences, information on energy usage, and integration with a voice-controlled assistant and other smart-home devices. And some people may find it easier to use an app on their phone or tablet to operate their washer and dryer. (Lucy Greco, a blind accessibility expert at University of California Berkeley, describes some of the shortcomings of an LG washing machine in two of her videos, plus how she worked with LG to make the connected models more accessible.)

You can read about our full testing protocol for details.

If you’re looking for a basic dryer with impressive drying powers and an assortment of cycles, the GE GTD58EBSVWS electric dryer is a solid choice and a great value.

The GE GTD58GBSVWS is the gas-powered version.

It produces consistently dry clothing. The GTD58EBSVWS had no problem drying multiple loads in our tests.

It has intuitive controls and customizable settings. The controls, consisting of a simple dial and buttons and clearly marked cycles and temperature settings, are easy to use and read. With multiple cycle options, dampness sensors, and time and temperature settings, the GTD58EBSVWS can handle a variety of drying needs. A memory setting allows you to save your favorite cycles.

It tackles heavy loads effectively. With a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet, the GTD58EBSVWS had no problem drying large loads of laundry, including a king-size comforter, in our tests.

It comes with a standard warranty. GE Appliances backs the GTD58EBSVWS with a one-year limited warranty for labor and parts.

But it isn’t Energy Star–certified or Wi-Fi–enabled. If you want Wi-Fi support, GE Appliances sells the optional SmartHQ Connect Module, which you can add to the machine for use with GE’s SmartHQ app.

You can pair the GTD58EBSVWS with any washer, but we recommend the matching GE GTW585BSVWS top-loading washer in our guide to matching washers and dryers.

If you’re looking for a classic electric dryer with simple controls and straightforward settings, the Maytag MED4500 may be for you.

It has fewer bells and whistles than pricier dryers, but it effectively tackles large loads. We’ve recommended versions of this Maytag dryer for years, and we think it will hold up for the long haul.

The Maytag MGD4500 is the gas-powered version.

It gets the job done. The MED4500 has fewer frills than other, pricier options, but in our tests it had no problem fully drying loads, including a king-size comforter and other large loads, every time.

Its controls are simple and easy to use. You can control the machine’s temperature and load settings easily with its clearly marked dials. If you dislike fiddling with multiple buttons and cycle settings, you’ll appreciate this Maytag model’s simplicity.

It lacks some useful features. Among the omissions are a time-remaining display and sensor-dry functionality. It doesn’t have a speed-dry option, either.

It’s a bit slower than our other picks and is not Energy Star–certified. The MED4500 took about 15 minutes longer than the super-speedy LG DLEX4000 to dry a full load on Normal.

It comes with a standard limited warranty. The one-year limited warranty (PDF) covers labor and parts.

The Maytag MVW4505MW is this machine’s matching top-loading washer.

Speed Queen is a time-tested brand that excels at making durable, heavy-duty machines that you can expect to last for decades. If you want a well-made dryer with a longer warranty and extra features, and you’re willing to spend about twice the price of a typical dryer, the Speed Queen DR7 is an excellent choice.

Its durability and longevity are hard to beat. Speed Queen’s machines are exceptionally durable, made to last for 25 years (10,400 wash cycles), according to the company—something that we witnessed when we visited the Speed Queen factory and saw its durability testing.

Speed Queen, a sub-brand of Alliance Laundry Systems, is primarily a commercial brand, sold to laundromats, apartment buildings, hotels, and the like, but it also produces machines for home use with the same high-quality components.

It’s an excellent dryer, and it’s easy to use. The DR7 impressed us in our drying tests and was overall a delight to use, and it lived up to its legendary track record.

With a capacity of 7 cubic feet, the DR7 had no problem drying large loads of laundry, including a king-size comforter, in our tests.

It has special settings and is especially suitable for pet owners. The DR7 has a handful of extra features you won’t find in other machines, such as anti-static safeguards and a sanitize cycle.

It also offers pet-hair settings, which in our testing removed a fair amount of golden retriever fur from T-shirts, shorts, and socks. In addition, it can reach temperatures hot enough to kill fleas, such as on pet bedding or a rug.

It has the best warranty we’ve seen. Speed Queen offers a seven-year warranty for parts and labor—a far cry from the usual one-year warranty that competitors provide.

It is Energy Star–certified. The DR7 uses an estimated 608 kWh of energy per year.

But it’s expensive. The DR7’s extra features and proven reliability come with a steep price tag—nearly two to three times that of our other picks.

If you’re looking for a dryer with an extra-large capacity and spot-on sensor-dry technology, we recommend the Electrolux ELFE7637AT. It estimates dry times accurately and handles large loads with ease.

The Electrolux ELFG7637AT is the gas-powered version.

It accurately predicted dry times every time in our tests. Sensor-dry predictions on dryers can be hit-or-miss, but the ELFE7637AT impressed us by accurately predicting dry times on every load within 90 seconds of starting a cycle.

It consistently delivered dry laundry. The ELFE7637AT handled mixed loads effectively and dried laundry thoroughly every time in our tests.

It tackles heavy loads effectively. With a capacity of 8 cubic feet, this machine offers the largest capacity of our picks, and in our tests it had no problem drying large loads of laundry, including a king-size comforter.

It is Energy Star–certified. The ELFE7637AT uses an estimated 608 kWh of energy per year.

It comes with a standard limited warranty. Electrolux backs the ELFE7637AT with a one-year limited warranty for labor and parts.

But Electrolux has a so-so reputation for customer service. Electrolux support is merely okay. If you live outside of a major metropolitan area, finding someone who can repair your machine may be harder.

We recommend the matching, stackable Electrolux ELFW7637A washer in our guide to matching washers and dryers.

If you’re looking for a dryer with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features, along with speedy performance and a robust reliability track record, we recommend the LG DLEX4000.

The LG DLGX4001 is the gas-powered version.

It has smart features. The DLEX4000 connects to LG’s ThinQ app, which we downloaded and connected to easily. The app allows you to monitor cycles, save frequent drying settings, receive maintenance alerts, and start the machine remotely. The app also monitors load balance; an unbalanced drum, which often goes unnoticed, can eventually strain the machine and lead to major damage and expensive repairs.

It consistently delivered dry laundry in our tests. The DLEX4000 handled mixed laundry loads effectively, left sheets untangled, and dried laundry sufficiently.

It tackles heavy loads effectively. With a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet, this machine had no problem drying large loads of laundry in our tests, including a king-size comforter and an 8-pound load of sheets.

It’s durable and reliable. Product engineers and repair technicians we’ve spoken with have had favorable things to say about LG machines in general, though some technicians have noted that they find them a bit more difficult to repair than those from other brands. We’ve also received positive long-term feedback from owners of this machine.

It’s Energy Star–certified. The DLEX4000 uses an estimated 607 kWh of energy per year.

It comes with a standard limited warranty. LG’s coverage for the DLEX4000 includes a one-year limited warranty for labor and parts and a three-year warranty for the drum.

We recommend the matching, stackable LG WM4000H washer in our guide to matching washers and dryers.

Dryers are supposed to last about 12 years, but a lot of them break down sooner because of improper care, according to the experts we spoke with.

To maximize the lifespan and minimize the need for a technician, take the following steps:

Sort your laundry. Dryer moisture sensors work best with sorted loads—that is, sorted by fabric weight and type and by garment care. With a mixed load—for example, heavy, wet items like jeans and towels mixed with lightweight garments that dry quickly—the sensor may end the cycle early. And the faster-drying items will end up overdrying if heavier, slower-drying items prevent the sensor from ending the cycle.

Don’t overload the drum. Fill the dryer drum only halfway. Wet laundry is heavy, and it expands as it dries. Overloading the dryer stresses the suspension system and can shorten the lifespan of the dryer.

Put only clean laundry in the dryer. Soiled clothes or fabrics can spread dirt and grime throughout the interior of the machine, which can end up clogging the vents or corroding the hardware. We’ve heard several stories about crayons melting onto dryer drums, so be sure to check pockets, too.

Clean the lint filter after every cycle. Dryers rely on airflow to work properly, and a lint filter that’s clogged with lint, fabric softener, or dryer-sheet residue can extend drying times—in addition to being a fire hazard. You can vacuum the lint out of and around the filter, as well as any lint or dust around or under the dryer. If the lint filter seems especially dirty, wash it with warm water, and make sure it dries thoroughly before you use it again.

Clean your dryer’s exhaust hose every year. Use a wire brush to get the lint out. A leaf blower can help you clear it out, too. It’s best to go about this task from the exterior, as this Today’s Homeowner how-to video demonstrates. Smooth metal hoses are safer than plastic accordion hoses because lint can’t get trapped between ridges.

Lint buildup in a dryer’s exhaust hose is a tremendous fire hazard. Pick one day each year to clean your vent—Labor Day, the first day of spring, the beginning or the end of daylight saving time, whatever.

Provide at least 6 inches of space behind the dryer. This is another venting issue. A dryer draws in air from the area around it, usually through the back, and if there isn’t enough space, it may have trouble performing its duties. Also, the vent typically requires enough space to exit the dryer and perform a 90-degree turn on its way outside; you need enough room to prevent the vent hose from kinking.

Heat-pump dryers don’t require a vent and are much more efficient than standard vented dryers.

They work a bit like an air conditioner in reverse, using a compressor and a refrigerant-filled coil to cyclically heat and then dehydrate the air inside the dryer. Since they don’t blow heated air out of a hole in your house, heat-pump dryers use about half the energy of a vented dryer per cycle.

On average, that can save you about $75 per year—or much more in places where electricity is expensive. Heat-pump models also don’t get as hot as vented dryers, so they’re gentler on your clothes, especially delicates.

But they also have plenty of downsides. The average cycle time of a heat-pump dryer is about double that of a regular vented dryer. Full-size heat-pump dryers are expensive, too, costing $1,200 to $1,600. And that’s assuming you don’t need repairs. The models that are available in the US have been around for only a few years, so we have no clue how they hold up.

That said, for some people a heat-pump dryer could be the right choice. Electricity is expensive in some parts of the country, and a heat-pump dryer could pay for itself in energy savings relatively quickly. Our guide to compact washers and dryers features one heat-pump dryer.

Connecting any device to the internet carries security and privacy risks, so if you do so, it should be because the connected washer or dryer offers some feature that you would benefit from using—otherwise, it’s not worth taking such risks. If you’re not interested in an appliance’s smart features, you don’t have to put it online.

Having Wi-Fi features in a washer or dryer also means that you have to think of it as you would any computer, which includes awareness of the data that the company behind it collects and shares, the software and security update cycle, and your responsibilities in setting up the appliance securely. Be sure to use a unique password for any accounts you need to create, enable two-factor authentication if it’s offered, and always update the appliance’s software when prompted to do so.

Tyler Wells Lynch wrote a previous version of this guide, which first published in 2018. This guide was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.