The Best Dryers of 2011
Cleaning clothes is a necessity of life, but drying them presents us with problems: shrinking, wrinkles, heat levels, and energy usage are just a few. Shopping for a dryer can seem overwhelming with all of the choices on the market; use the list of the top 5 dryers of 2011 to narrow your search.
Samsung DV410SEW/XAA
Long name aside, this high-performance machine is sleek, large and filled to the brim with 11 dryer cycles and countless accessories. Hailed as the best dryer of 2011, it has the elusive yet prized steam cycle for your delicates, a 90-minute non-wrinkle feature, kills 99.9% of germs and is extremely energy efficient. It holds up to 7.4 cubic feet, which means that pile in the laundry room can grow to great heights before you have to do a load; much more energy friendly than doing a few small loads. Whisper-quiet and equipped with a drying rack included and LED display, this dryer is a masterpiece of functionality.
Whirlpool WED7400XW
Ranked number 2, this unit does not have the sanitizer function of the Samsung but is lower priced and larger capacity. Once again the steam feature is included (with super easy installation) and the wrinkle-free accessory adds up to 120 minutes of tumbling. An eco monitor shows you how much energy you have saved compared to other cycles. Its design is more traditional compared to the space-age Samsung, but you can choose which side to have the door. The Whirlpool makes an excellent choice for a large household.
Frigidaire FAQE7073KN
Unlike the previous two this does not have a steam feature, but that lowers the price considerably. It does have a Shrink Guard feature and wrinkle prevention, with fewer cycle options and a sanitizer function. With 7 cubic feet of space, it is great for the average household. An extra little function it has is saving the last settings you used. Available in many colors with an LED display, this is a good choice for those more concerned with durable items but still want a little pampering.
Bosch WTVC3300US
Lower in price, this does not have the steam or sanitize features (you have to go to a higher price point for that). What you do get is an environmentally friendly dryer, as Bosch is a Partner of the Year with the EPA. It is controlled by a moisture sensor that stops the load when it is dry even if the time is not up yet, heat sensors to prevent overheating and ECO Action for cotton and permanent press that reduces heat and adds drying time to reduce energy usage by up to 10%. Silent with a few delicate cycle selections, this unit will satisfy the smaller household (6.7 cubic feet) with energy conservation in mind.
LG DLE2050W
Lacking a steam feature but containing a wrinkle prevention function, this unit has a lint blockage indicator, child lock, LED display, drum light, moisture sensing system, 7.1 cubic feet and plenty of standard cycle options. Unfussy and unpretentious, this is a solid machine at a good price point. If you ever have problems with it, LG is known for its excellent customer service and 3 year warranty.
