Getting started

While washers have become more efficient in the past decade, dryers have changed relatively little. Clothes dryers are relatively simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (using gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). Gas models typically cost about $50 to $150 more than electric ones, but they're usually cheaper to operate. Full-sized electric dryers require a heavy-duty, 240-volt line.

Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor tend to recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than machines that use a traditional thermostat. Because they don't subject clothing to unnecessary heat, moisture-sensor models are easier on fabrics. And since they shut themselves off when laundry is dry, they use less energy. Sensors are now offered on many dryers, including some relatively low-priced ones. Thermostat-only dryers are generally the most basic models. This clothes dryer guide will help you choose.

Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 to $150 more than comparable electric models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet, a gas dryer a gas hookup. If you have both, don't rule out the gas model simply because it costs more. (Consumer Reports now tests only electric dryers, which account for about 80 percent of the models sold, but equivalent gas models are listed in the

Ratings, which are available to subscribers.)

, which are available to subscribers.)

Overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are on most of the dryers we've tested. Whether a specific model has a sensor or thermostat might not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.

Manufacturers describe dryer capacity (as they do washer capacity) with terms such as extra large, super, and super plus. The differences aren't meaningful for everyday use. Most full-sized dryers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings.

When using an automatic setting (which we generally recommend) rather than a timed one, set the control to the midpoint and raise or lower it as needed. Using the More Dry setting routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use the Less Dry setting leave clothing damp for ironing. Don't worry about knowing when an automatic cycle is done: If you don't hear the buzzer, an optional extended-tumble setting without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.

Higher-priced dryers might offer a dozen or so choices, including specialty cycles such as ¿speed dry" (15 minutes of high heat, for example). These can usually be replicated with standard settings. A choice of heat level, timed and auto-dry, and a few fabric types (regular/cotton and permanent press/delicate) is usually plenty. Touchpads look impressive and might allow you to save custom settings but don't improve performance. Nor do stainless-steel tubs, unlike in washers.

If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise.

Types

Dryers are pretty basic and differ mostly in size and features. Your space constraints will probably dictate the types of clothes dryers you can consider.

Most full-sized dryers are 27 to 29 inches wide. Manufacturers often describe them with superlatives such as ¿extra large," ¿super," and ¿super-plus," but don't get hung up on capacity. Most full-sized models can manage a typical wash load¿about 6 to 7½ cubic feet. If you want to dry comforters and other bulky items, check our Ratings for models that scored excellent for capacity.

These compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less.

These combine the dryer and washer in one unit. They may be full-sized or compact, gas or electric.

Features

Look for the clothes dryer features that increase convenience and improve performance and efficiency, and avoid the pricey frills.

This device is more accurate than a thermostat in determining when laundry is dry. Moisture-sensor dryers are easier on fabrics because they don't subject them to unnecessary heat. And they use less energy by shutting themselves off as soon as laundry is dry.

Full-sized machines often offer three or more cycles, which shut off the unit when the clothes reach the desired dryness. Each cycle may have a complete-dry setting, a less-dry setting for damp ironing, and gradations in between. A separate temperature control in most dryers lets you choose lower heat for delicate fabrics. These features increase flexibility.

This setting keeps tumbling the clothes after they're dry. Some models tumble without heat; others cycle on and off. It reduces wrinkling if you aren't able to remove clothing immediately after it's dry.

It might be easier to clean than one inside the drum. Many models have a warning light that tells you it's time to clean the filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and could be a fire hazard.

Attached inside the drum, it keeps items from tumbling. It's especially useful for sneakers and other solid objects.

Choose according to personal preference. As you're removing laundry from the dryer, a drop-down door can serve as a convenient shelf for folding. But reaching items inside might be easier with a side-opening door.

Many models have electronic dials that allow you to select fabric and push buttons for selecting other settings such as temperature and level of dryness. Whether a dryer has electronic controls or not, the controls should be legible, logically arranged, and easy to operate.

Vent-blockage indicator is designed to sense when a vent is blocked. Lint-filled dryer ducts increase drying time and energy costs, problems this feature addresses, according to manufacturers. Makers do not call the indicator a safety feature, even though lint-filled ducts can cause dryer fires. Our tests found the indicators were too inconsistent to count on.