Best Clothes Dryers to Choose From

Before purchasing a clothes dryer consider what type of installation is available for gas vs. electric dryers in your home along with how often you do laundry. You’ll also need to think about clothing capacity, your existing laundry room set-up and your overall budget.

No matter your choice, a good clothes dryer should be able to handle everything from socks to comforters while keeping your clothes looking sharp and wrinkle-free cycle after cycle.

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Gas vs. Electric Clothes Dryers: Which is Best?

There are two types of dryers, gas and electric. Generally, most dryers work a similar way – there’s an electric motor that powers the drum in which clothes tumble, an electric fan to circulate the heated air. Where they differ is how they create heat. Which one you choose depends primarily on where you plan to place the unit and what type of hookups are available. When making a choice between gas vs. electric dryers consider energy usage and your overall budget.

Tip: For your new dryer installations, remember to pick up a dryer vent kit in-store. The best practice is to replace the vent when you replace the unit.

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Gas Dryer Benefits

Gas dryers require you to have a gas hookup nearby. You always need a professional installer when working with gas. Gas units tend to require a higher upfront investment than their electric counterparts but use less energy and on average costs less to operate per load. Over time, this can present a sizable savings. Weigh the higher initial cost against long-term savings to determine if this is the right solution for you.

Generates heat from a gas burner
Requires a professionally installed gas hookup
Highly efficient operation provides long-term cost savings

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Electric Dryer Benefits

Electric dryers require a dedicated outlet with a 240 V current for operation. You'll need to determine if your current laundry space already has an existing power source before purchasing an electric dryer. If there isn't one available, consult an electrician to install a new outlet. Electric units are generally less expensive than comparable gas units and deliver the same options and quality of drying. Depending on the rates you pay for electricity, these dryers may be somewhat less efficient than gas dryers.

Generates heat using electrical coils
Requires a dedicated 240 V outlet
Lower initial purchase price

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Best Dryer Options for Condos and Small Apartments

When you've got little space available and need to make the most of it, there are a few dryer options to look at including compact dryers, combination washer/dryers and stackable washer and dryers.

Compact Dryers

Compact washer and dryer models are 24 inches wide - a few inches narrower than full-sized units - enabling you to fit them into tighter spaces. Most compacts are electric, and because they have less capacity, they use less energy while still retaining the same array of features offered by larger models.

Compact dryers can be vented or vent-less, vent-less has a condenser or heat pump
Compact units can be stacked on top of each other

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All-in-one Washer Dryers

An all-in-one or combination washer/dryer might be the answer if you’re low on space and looking for one machine to do it all. You also won’t have to worry about transferring clothing from a washer to a dryer.

Don’t require external venting, making them perfect for apartments and condos

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Unitized Washers & Dryers

Unitized washer/dryers are sold as one unit where the dryer is attached to a top-load washer.

Unitized laundry centres come in 24-inch and 27-inch widths
Unitized washer/dryers can be either gas or electric

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Stackable Dryers

Stackable washer and dryers are front-loading and can be stacked on top of each other with a stacking kit to save space.

Helps free up floor space for other appliances and tools
Great for smaller spaces such as condominiums and/or apartments

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Dryer Type	Benefits	Points to Consider
Gas Dryer	Gas dryers are more energy efficient which can significantly reduce electricity costs Available in different drying capacities	Requires a gas hookup for installation Higher initial investment
Electric Dryer	Generally less expensive than comparable gas models Available in different drying capacities	Requires 240 V outlet for installation Can be less energy efficient than gas models
Compact Dryer	Fits into smaller spaces for more placement options Provides the same features that larger models do	Only available with electric connection Smaller drying capacity than standard units

Dryer Maintenance Tips
Implement these helpful hints for a more energy efficient dryer: Choose a dryer with twice the capacity of your washer to maximize effectiveness Avoid placing the unit in cold, damp areas, which reduces efficiency Drying full loads and multiple loads back-to-back increases energy efficiency Clean the lint filter after every load to ensure proper air circulation Noise-reducing features are helpful when placing unit in or near living areas

Dryer Maintenance Tips

Implement these helpful hints for a more energy efficient dryer:

Choose a dryer with twice the capacity of your washer to maximize effectiveness
Avoid placing the unit in cold, damp areas, which reduces efficiency
Drying full loads and multiple loads back-to-back increases energy efficiency
Clean the lint filter after every load to ensure proper air circulation
Noise-reducing features are helpful when placing unit in or near living areas

Best Clothes Dryer Features

Moisture Sensor	Many dryers now incorporate sensors that measure moisture levels in clothes and automatically shut the unit down when the load is dry, saving energy and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on clothing.
Extended Tumble	With an extended tumble feature, clothes continue to circulate on a no-heat setting once the cycle is finished, ensuring that clothes won't wrinkle if you can't take them out right away.
Speed-Dry, Less-Dry and Auto-Dry Settings	Speed-dry provides extra-high heat to complete loads quickly. A less-dry setting leaves clothes damp and easier to iron. Auto-dry senses when clothes are dry and then automatically shuts off to prevent overheating.
Electronic Touchpad Controls	Electronic touch-sensitive controls with digital displays make it easy to select different settings and set precise heat levels.
Lint Filter Warning Light	This feature lets you know when the lint filter needs to be cleaned in order to maintain efficient operation and minimize the chances of creating a fire hazard.
Drum Light	Socks inevitably get lost in the wash, but having a drum light will reduce the chance of missing a stray sock at the back of the dryer. It will also help spot items that may have fallen out of a pocket during drying.
Quiet Operation	If you plan to store your dryer near a bedroom, family room or any other room in which people spend a considerable amount of time, look for a model that features insulation and sound-dampening pads and barriers to keep noise to a minimum.
Dryer Rack Accessory	When you're drying a pair of shoes or your little one's favourite stuffed animal, you don't want them tumbling around. Units that include a dryer rack keep delicate items firmly in place to ensure they dry thoroughly without getting damaged.
Smart Dryer: Wi-Fi Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to check the progress of your load by starting, stopping or extending dryer cycles right from an app on your smartphone. You’ll even get alerts when your cycle is done, so no more forgetting clothing in the dryer.
Vented vs. Ventless Dryers	Vented dryers are more common, usually cost less than ventless dryers, have a larger capacity and dry clothes faster. The downside is they require a ventilation system which might not be available in some condos or apartments. Ventless dryers on the other hand are easier to install and save energy over time but take longer to dry clothing than vented dryers.