Clothes Dryers

[sciphi]

Is there any reason to get an expensive clothes dryer? I fail to see the reason behind spending more than about $500 on a dryer when a $250 dryer will do the same job. I don't need any fancy cycles or anything. Unless they really are the new sliced bread!

 

[greenaccord02]

I don't even get spending $250. I'd rather buy a good washer (where the money is put to good use) and a no-frills, old, gas dryer. It's a pretty simple machine, after all.

Does it blow hot air? Does the barrel rotate? Is there a lint filter? If the answer to these questions is yes, you've got a good dryer, IMO.

One of the features that I do like on dryers now is the ability to check the humidity of the air exiting the unit. This way, they shut off when the clothes are as exactly as dry as you want them. Our dryer has that feature and it's pretty handy and efficient.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
I don't even get spending $250. I'd rather buy a good washer (where the money is put to good use) and a no-frills, old, gas dryer. It's a pretty simple machine, after all.

Does it blow hot air? Does the barrel rotate? Is there a lint filter? If the answer to these questions is yes, you've got a good dryer, IMO.

One of the features that I do like on dryers now is the ability to check the humidity of the air exiting the unit. This way, they shut off when the clothes are as exactly as dry as you want them. Our dryer has that feature and it's pretty handy and efficient.


That's how we picked our dryer 8 years ago. I does also have 3 temperatures which is useful.

The one before that we had for 30 years with 3 DIY repairs. It didn't even have an automatic shutoff. That lack was an inconvenience. It was still working so we used moving as an excuse to get a new dryer with the luxury of a humidity sensing shutoff and a bigger capacity.

 

[Bill in Utah]

With a electric powered unit the sensor is worth it. I could use a gas unit but decided on electric as they are cheaper to get up front and since we use the dryer exhaust for heat/humidity during the winter, no chance of CO poisoning.

 

[saberz]

Even the expensive washers are questionable. Do I need my washing machine to have 12 points of articulation while tumbling my clothing. Combined spend no more than 500-600 dollars. As stated a dryer that can tumble, has a lint filter and blows hot air is fine. My parents spent 750 for a combo unit(stacked) and its been in use for like 15+ years with no issues.

 

[sciphi]

Nice to find like-minded folks on here, and that I'm not totally whacky for wanting to get a good, expensive washer and a cheap dryer!

Besides, color-matching the dryer can be done with a can of custom auto spray paint and a few hours drying time.

 

[Burt]

Lots of nearly new used washers and dryers out there from people who are combining households. Win-win for both sides.

 

[IndyIan]

If you want to look around a bit you can find a used dryer that is getting tossed simply because the washer broke and folks are replacing the washer and dryer as a matching set. I got an electric dryer for $80, it was about 5 years old. It works fine so far.

 

[jstutz]

Some of the newer dryers also have an anti wrinkle function that turn the drum every so often so if you cant get your cloths out right away, they wont get all wrinkled up. We just bought a new Samsung washer and dryer front loading setup and they are very nice but i wouldnt pay the money for the dryer. My wife insisted they match but if you dont care about that, i say spend the money on the washer.

 

[saberz]

You can find 2 month old dryers people put up on craigslist because they are remodeling and it doesn't go with their house.

My in-laws ditched a 3 month old dishwasher we bought them for mother's day(for my wife's mum). It was a gift from 5 of us we chipped in for it. Some girl came by and asked if she could have it and got it for FREE. Same with a buddy who wanted a fridge, less than a year old and got it for like 50 bucks.

 

[saberz]

Originally Posted By: jstutz
Some of the newer dryers also have an anti wrinkle function that turn the drum every so often so if you cant get your cloths out right away, they wont get all wrinkled up. We just bought a new Samsung washer and dryer front loading setup and they are very nice but i wouldnt pay the money for the dryer. My wife insisted they match but if you dont care about that, i say spend the money on the washer.


The secret to a wrinkled shirt, is to not let it wrinkle. Throw it in the dryer as soon as the wash is done and dont let it get baked 100%. if at the end its still wrinkled, do the ol' college trick and run the shirt under water so it gets moist, and re-dry it. Un-wrinkles 100%.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
One of the features that I do like on dryers now is the ability to check the humidity of the air exiting the unit. This way, they shut off when the clothes are as exactly as dry as you want them.

I'd argue that this is the most important "advanced feature" (if you even want to call it that) for a dryer. It'll help prevent from over-drying clothes and will save you on energy costs.

Originally Posted By: Anies
Even the expensive washers are questionable. Do I need my washing machine to have 12 points of articulation while tumbling my clothing. Combined spend no more than 500-600 dollars.

No, you probably don't need 10-12 cycles, etc. But for $500 - $600, you'll never be able to get a good energy-efficient set. For that amount you might be able to get a descent front-load washer. Front-load washers use less water and spin the clothes more dry, so the dryer doesn't have to run as long to get them completely dry. The result is energy savings which over time will pay for itself.

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
If you want to look around a bit you can find a used dryer that is getting tossed simply because the washer broke and folks are replacing the washer and dryer as a matching set.

This is exactly what I'm about to do. I'm going to list our used, but in perfect working condition, GE electric dryer on Craigslist and see if I can $100 which will help subsidize the cost of a new set.

 

[JHZR2]

nothing wrong with an old tech dryer - there is no real benefit in terms of energy in terms of the heating cycles.

That said, the one beneficial thing is if there is a moisture sensor. This lets the thing turn off automatically, preventing overheating of clothing or excess use of gas/electric.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I got a basic dryer - I prefer having a large door opening - some folks like to have a light. It has auto sense. Think about $265 -. I dont like the doors that drop down as my w&d are in a "galley". A couple years ago I got a front loader washer on sale (frigidair) for $550-. The 1000rpm spin cycle drys the clothes so well, that a med load is in the dryer for 20mins. Only prob is you cant add detergent or clothes after you start without shutting the unit off (comp to a top loader); also the dispensers are touchy and can accidentally dispense (bleach!) if slightly overfilled as they use a siphon principal.

 

[timish]

Sears Outlet.

I bought top of the line brand new Electrolux washer and dryer with steam on both ($3200 worth of gear) for less than half considering all the rebates going on.

They had small scratches on the side.

Um, yeah I will take some of the best equipment on the market for half off due to some 6 inch scratch you can't see when they are side by side.

Full mfr's warranty too.

 

[saberz]

Gotta love "cosmetic defects". Big WHOOP. It's going to get scratched up anyway.

 

[rjundi]

I actually have a 1982 vintage Maytag electric dryer with no real timed cycle. There is more dry and less dry. It actually uses a moisture sensor that works okay. It simply spins without heat once dry enough.

The biggest energy savings has been buying a front loading washer. They are absolutely superior in drying and make your drying time nearly cut in half vs top loader. Also the water usage is about 1/4 of a top loader.

I have had incredible luck with a used appliance place. They give a 6 month warranty and delivery of a dryer for $100. According to the owner they get their stuff from other new appliance places hauling old ones and fix them a bit if need be or junk them for scrap or parts.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The washer usually does not lasted more than 10-15 years, but cloth dryer is different it can lasted more than 15 years. As everybody said, you don't need fancy/expensive dryer, you may want to buy the largest that you can afford and have space for it.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: jstutz
My wife insisted they match but if you dont care about that, i say spend the money on the washer.


My wife brought that up once, and I told her we're not even replacing the washer, so they'll match.

 

[jstutz]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Originally Posted By: jstutz
My wife insisted they match but if you dont care about that, i say spend the money on the washer.


My wife brought that up once, and I told her we're not even replacing the washer, so they'll match.


Very good,I actually laughed out loud when i read that. Unfortionally for me, i got tired of replacing parts on the old one. It has served us well. We bought the washer and dryer set when we got our first house in 1998 and we bought the set used for 200 bucks. They have served us well. I hope the new "fancy" ones last this long but im guessing they probably wont.