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Clothes Dryers

When your dishwasher is running, does it sound like a 747 taking off? Does your china pattern resemble soap film and spotting? If so, it may be time to trade in ol' faithful and shop for a new unit. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Today's smart machines boast such features as favorite cycle (which lets you preprogram your machine to automatically select options you use most), greater loading flexibility, quieter operation, and greater energy efficiency than units made only a few years ago. Thanks to the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Energy Star ratings, dishwashers that sport the symbol are actually helping you shave up to $16 off your annual electric bill. Multiply that figure by 15 (the number of years consumers typically keep their dishwashers), and the $240 you've saved can more than cover the cost of such upgrades as spiffy electronic controls or a slick stainless-steel interior. Below is a series of questions and answers compiled by the experts at brandwise and the Good Housekeeping Institute to help you choose the right product for you.

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   Clothes Dryers

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   Clothes Dryers

Questions and Answers

What types of clothes dryers are available?
How do clothes dryers differ in price?
How else can shoppers evaluate the quality of a dryer?
What are the key questions to ask when selecting a clothes dryer?
What do shoppers need to know about installing dryers?
What other dryer features are worth considering?
What are the pros and cons of dials vs. push buttons vs. touchpads?
What should shoppers know about delivery?
What kind of warranty do clothes dryer manufacturers typically offer?

Q: What types of clothes dryers are available?
A: Freestanding dryers range in width from 25 inches to 29 inches. The major difference in dryers is how they're powered -- either by natural gas or electricity. Although you won't notice a difference in how thoroughly they dry, there are price considerations. A gas dryer costs roughly $20 to $50 more than its electric sibling. But a gas unit is generally less expensive to operate, tends to dry a bit quicker, and will often pay back its higher cost in energy savings within the first year (depending on usage and utility rates).

Q: How do clothes dryers differ in price?
A: Dryers range in price from $250 for a bare-bones model to $550 and up. If you shop carefully, you can pick up a reliable unit for $350. Most manufacturers in this price range offer white or almond exteriors, mechanical controls and three temperature settings (low, medium and high). You will also find timed dry, a cycle that lets you control the length of drying time (generally up to 80 minutes).

A few low-end and many $400 to $500 models boast the no heat/fluff feature (for drying such items as plastic shower curtains or foam pillows that can be damaged by heat) and adjustable end-of-cycle signals (allowing you to increase the volume if your dryer is located, say, in the basement or decrease it if it's in a utility closet beside the bedroom). Features multiply as you climb the price ladder. Several dryers boast stainless-steel drums and extended tumbling cycles, which keep clothes tumbling-sans heat-if clothes aren't immediately unloaded when a cycle ends.

For $500 and up, dryer manufacturers offer quiet operation, electronic controls, more than three temperature choices, and drying racks. Most high-end models come with drum lights, making it easy to spot those inevitable stray socks hiding in the back of the drum.

Q: How else can shoppers evaluate the quality of a dryer?
A: Check out the lint filters. The sturdier and wider the lint filter, the longer it will last and the more lint it will capture. Also keep in mind that plastic drums can discolor and may cause certain clothes to become staticky.

Q: What are the key questions to ask when selecting a clothes dryer?
A: How often do you use your dryer and what type of clothes do you dry weekly? If you have a family of four or more and regularly tackle jeans, sneakers and heavy work clothes, you may prefer a heavy-duty dryer and one that offers a long warranty.

Where is your dryer located? If it's in a utility closet beside a bedroom, consider a unit with sound reduction or an adjustable end-of-cycle signal volume, allowing you to lower the chime or buzzer at night when you're sleeping. If your clothes dryer will be installed in a dimly lit basement, scout for a console that includes indicator lights and has large, legible type or a bright digital readout.

Do you often juggle wash with other chores? If you're a multi-tasker on wash day, check out clothes dryers with moisture sensors and automatic/sensor drying. If you can't immediately remove clothes when they're dry, these features automatically stop the cycle when your clothes are done--reducing wear and tear on garments. Extended tumbling is another option worth shopping for. It lets you dial up to a two-hour unheated tumbling period to keep wrinkles from setting until you can unload the dryer.

How long do you plan to keep your clothes dryer? If you're buying the appliance for a temporary home you plan to sell, you may not want to shell out a lot of money on a machine. Or will this be the unit you're installing in your remodeled utility room? In that case, consider a high-end model with all the frills.

Q: What do shoppers need to know about installing dryers?
A: For starters, consider what energy source you already have. To keep overhead to a minimum, it's best to stick with the source you've got. All electric clothes dryers require 240 volts and an electrician to hook up the appliance. To connect a new gas dryer, you'll need a 120-volt outlet and a plumber to connect the gas line. If you plan to remodel your utility room or move appliances around, you'll have to call in a professional to change your utility hook ups.

Measure your space. Freestanding dryers typically range in width from 26 inches to 29 inches.

Also, know where you plan to ventilate your dryer. All clothes dryers--except for ventless (or condensing) models--require a ventilation system to the outside of your home. In many states, the law requires you to install aluminum or rigid steel duct. Plastic duct or flexible metal duct is considered a fire hazard.

Q: What other dryer features are worth considering?
A: If your clothes are kept in tight storage-or you frequently travel--check out the touch up cycle. This feature gets the wrinkles out. If you tend to pop clothes into the dryer in the morning before work (when you're time-pressed), the favorite cycle lets you quickly set your most-used dryer cycles with one touch. Another notable dryer feature is damp dry. This is a 25- to 30-minute heated period on the timed-dry cycle that leaves clothes damp for easy ironing.

Q: What are the pros and cons of dials vs. push buttons vs. touchpads?
A: Electronic controls are spiffier looking than push buttons and dials. But electronic controls can be expensive to service because of their circuitry. Dial controls are less expensive than electronic but can be difficult for some users to turn. If you're shopping for a dryer with push buttons, be aware that the start buttons on certain models we tested were so light to the touch that it was easy to assume the dryer had started--when it hadn't. This can be frustrating when you're juggling several loads.

Q: What should shoppers know about delivery?
A: Before buying your clothes dryer, consider the logistics. When will someone be home to accept delivery of your clothes dryer? Do you need your old unit hauled away-or does your town allow curbside pickup of appliances?

Q: What kind of warranty do clothes dryer manufacturers typically offer?
A: You generally get a one year parts and labor warranty included in the sticker price.