Before You Buy a Dryer - Dryer Buying Tips

Gas dryers do save on electricity costs, but require an installed gas line to the home and special installation. If gas is available, the outlay for a gas model may be a good option if your dryer usage is high. An electric model costs less, also requires installation and varies in energy costs depending on use. Both require proper venting to the outside. Always follow manufacturer's installation recommendations.

There are two capacity styles - 25" to 29" wide full, regular or oversize size dryers with around 7 cu.ft. drums, and 24" compact models with around 3 cu.ft. of drying capacity. Two things influence which style is best for you - space to install the dryer, and your drying needs. For a large family with sufficient laundry room space - choose an oversize dryer to dry large loads quickly. For a couple in a small home, a compact set may be sufficient.

Performance deals with how well and how quickly the dryer will dry your clothes. Efficiency is great performance at low operating cost. Choose a high performance and efficient model by selecting a dryer with moisture or dryness sensors, wrinkle-free options for less ironing, temperature options, and the lowest possible Energy Guide Rating.

Moisture or dryness sensors that adjust the drying time required, or allows you to custom select Regular, More or Less Dry, have similar benefits - reducing drying time and energy use. Temperature controls can allow for High Quick Dry for some fabrics, and Low or Fluff for delicates. A perma press or press care setting provides a cool-down period at the end of the cycle - this reduces wrinkles, saving you ironing time. A drum light is also a must, and is not always a standard feature.

Lint filter position - on the top or inside the door? Choose by preference for easy maintenance. Quiet Package - how important is it to you. This will depend on where the dryer will be located? Extra options and cycles like Preset, Speed Dry, More, Less, are nice to have. A dryer rack is handy if you lay out items to dry like sweaters or sneakers. Porcelain or Stainless Steel drum - no difference in performance, but stainless eliminates risk of rusting and looks very stylish.

Dryers range from $300 to over $1000, and one with only the must-have features will generally cost around $400 - $600. High tech stylish models with glass doors, stainless steel drums, enhanced control panel and additional cycles will be in the highest range. If cost is a consideration - choose features based on what matters to you, then add more features from there to fit your budget.

New innovations in dryer features have driven the appliance cost considerably, but warranties have generally stayed the same at 1 - 2 years, depending on the manufacturer. If you are buying a higher priced model, you may want to consider an extended warranty from the dealer. However, you should ensure that servicing will be available in your area, and that technicians are qualified for your particular make and model.