General Information

Operation: Automatic clothes dryers work by tumbling clothing iside a large drum while a continuous flow of heated air is passed over and through the load to stimulate evaporation. use a thermostat to regulate the temperature and controls determine the type of cycle or cycles. The simplest dryers are timed-only cycles while more advanced units can tailor the cycle to the fabric type. Today's dryers are state-of-the-art. One manufacturer even has a data connection from the washer to the dryer to automatically adjust the dryer settings to match the washer's load. Some dryers also provide steam to aid in freshening and de-wrinkling clothing. The better dryers also have a cool-down cycle to help reduce wrinkling after clothes have dried.

Gas vs. Electric: Electric dryers are more affordable than gas dryers, but gas dryers are less expensive to operate in the long run. Electric dryers require a properly sized 240 volt outlet, thypically 30 amps. Electric dryers can undergo faster wear and tear when compared to gas dryers. Gas dryers require piping and a supply of gas either in a pressure tank or gas main which must be piped to the dryer to provide fuel for heat. An individual who doesn't have the proper infrastructure to operate a gas dryer has to have it installed, which can be expensive. This extra expense can cancel out the less expensive operating costs of gas dryers. Properly maintaining and repairing a gas dryer also calls for a specialized technician.

Specific features: such as moisture sensors, noise reduction and automatic cool-down are often desirable no matter if the dryer is electric or gas. Steam cycle is another desirable dryer option, but can be expensive. The usual choice of heating source for a clothes dryer dryer is gas or electricity. All dryers use at least one motor to turn a large drum that tumbles the clothes inside. At the same time, a flow of warm air is blown over and through the tumbling laundry to speed drying by distributing the heated air. For most of us, the basic choice of how to dry clothes comes down to gas or electricity.

Temperature: Load size and dampness can have an impact on the internal temperature. These factors can change the way the air flows through the dryer drum. Room temperature is also a factor because the dryer pulls air in from the room. Restricted air flow can affect the temperature too. Excessive lint build-up or long vents can restrict the air flow, causing the temperature to rise. When that happens,the internal thermostat turns the heat source off until the dryer temperature is at a safe temperature again.

Buyer's Guide

Aside from the decision of whether to use gas or electicity, there are various size and venting options to consider as well. If the dryer is to be located next to a washer, it is recommended to allow 1" of additonal space between them as well as at least 6" behind the machines to allow for power and venting connections to be made. Capacity is a significant consideration. For example, if you can estimate the number of towels in a given load, an approximation of how large the drum needs to be can be made. There needs to be enough room not only to tumble the clothes but to flow adequate air through the load to efficently dry it. Below is a sampling of available electric dryers.

Electric Dryer Specifications

Brand	Model	Type	Dimensions	Capacity	Vented	Sensor-Dry	End-of-Cycle	Steam	Stackable	Price	Warranty
Maytag	MHW5100DW	Electric	30x30x45"	4.5 cu ft.	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	$999	1-yr
Bosch	WTG86401UC	Electric	23.6x25x34"	4.0 cu ft.	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	$1199	1-yr
Samsung	DV48H7400EW	Electric	27x29.25x43"	7.4 cu ft.	Vented	Yes	Yes	No	No	$799	1-yr/2-yr
Frigidaire	FFQE5000QW	Electric	30x30x45"	7.0 cu ft.	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	no	$729	1-yr
GE	GTDP220EFWW	Electric	30x30x45"	7.0 cu ft.	Vented	No	Yes	No	No	$368	1-yr
LG	DLEX4270V	Electric	27x29-3/4x38-11/16"	7.4 cu ft.	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	$1075	1-yr
GE	GFDR485EFRR	Electric	47x28x34-3/8"	8.3 cu ft.	Vented	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	$1400	1-yr
Whirlpool	WED4815EW	Electric	29x28.2x43"	7.0 cu ft.	Vented	Yes	No	Yes	no	$499.99	1-yr