Are you looking to buy a new dryer for your home?
If so, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the options out there. And, you don’t want to rush into buying the first dryer you come across.
Buying a dryer is a big investment that can cost you thousands of dollars. The last thing you want to do is buy a dryer that you don’t like or that breaks after a year.
So, what should you look for when buying a new dryer?
Check out this guide to learn the top things to know before buying a dryer.
1. Gas vs Electric
First things first, you need to figure out whether you want a gas dryer or an electric dryer.
If you don’t already have a natural glass supply to your house, then the choice is simple- you go with an electric one. But, if you do, we say you should go with a gas dryer.
Depending on your local utility rates, natural gas is usually cheaper than electricity. Plus, gas dryers heat up faster than electric dryers, which means they can get the job done in less time.
However, an electric dryer is usually more affordable to install.
2. Size
Once you’ve decided between gas and electric, it’s time to think about the size of the dryer.
To figure out what size to get, you need to measure your space. For proper circulation, you need to make sure that the dryer has one inch of space on both sides of it. Also, make sure you add in 6 inches of depth for door space, hookups, and dryer vents.
And, make sure you have enough space in your home to support the installation of a dryer exhaust system.
3. Capacity
Another thing you need to consider is the capacity of the dryer.
The capacity you need will depend on two factors: how much space you have in your home and what your drying needs are.
If you have a large family and sufficient space, then you need should go with an oversized dryer. If, on the other hand, you live in a small home, then we suggest buying a compact dryer.
4. Performance
When we say dryer performance, we’re referring to how quickly and how well your dryer dries your clothes.
Here’s what you should look for in a dryer with high-performance:
- Excellent Energy Star rating
- Moisture and dryness sensors
- Temperature options
- Wrinkle-free options
5. Door Mount
Choosing between a top-down door and a side-mount really comes down to personal preference.
The great thing about a top-down model is that it gives you a handy shelf for folding. However, side-mounts can be easier to reach. Some side-mount models are even reversible, which means you can install the dryer anywhere you want in your home as you’ll be able to adjust the door’s swing.
6. Cycles
When shopping for dryers, all of the cycle options can be a bit confusing. Here are some good cycle options to consider:
Express Dry
This cycle is great for when you want to dry your laundry fast, as it uses large blowers for increased airflow.
Eco-Cycle
For those wanting to look out for the environment, a dryer with an eco-cycle setting is a great option. This cycle works to significantly decrease energy use by constantly monitoring the dryness of your clothes.
Some models even come with a monitor on their console that displays the efficiency of the drying cycles as well as the overall energy use. You can also pair your eco-cycle dryer with a matching washer to save even more energy.
Delicate
This type of cycle uses an extremely low temperature so that you can safely and gently wash your delicate garments.
This will help your clothes to retain their color longer and last longer.
Sensor Dry
This cycle uses a moisture sensor to gauge how wet your laundry is and then adjust the drying time accordingly.
This can help save time as well as money on energy costs. And, it will also help prevent overdrying, which will extend the life of your clothes.
Steam
The steam cycle is great for when you’re looking to refresh an outfit. This cycle removes wrinkles as well as odors.
Sanitation
Lastly, there’s the sanitation cycle, which works to remove bacteria and germs from fabrics. If someone in your family suffers from allergies, this is a great cycle to have.
7. Features
In addition to all of the above, there are certain features that you should look for when buying a dryer.
While it’s not necessary to have all of these features, here are some to consider:
- Drum Light: This illuminates the interior of the dryer so you don’t miss any loose socks when unloading
- Drum Rack: This allows for heat-aided drying without any tumble
- Vent-Blocking Indicator: This feature lets you know when it’s time to clean out the dryer vent
- NSF Rating: This is a rating given by the National Sanitary Foundation and looks at a dryer’s ability to kill bacteria and allergens on fabric
- Digital Displays: This offers an updated, sleek and stylish appearance to your dryer. Usually, this also includes child locks as well as cycle countdowns
- Extended Tumble: This feature means that your clothes will get tumbled at regular intervals, which will help keep your load fresh and wrinkle-free and prevent dryer problems
- Silent Operation: If you want to be able to mute the end-of-cycle ring, this is a great feature to have
- Dual Dryer: This feature means you’ll have two separate drying compartments for more efficient drying
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: This allows you to sync your dryer to your phone so your dryer can alert you when a cycle is complete
Are You Ready to Buy a New Dryer?
Now that you know what to look for when buying a new dryer, it’s time to start shopping.
And, if you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more appliance-related tips and tricks.
