Best Clothes Dryers of 2023

Doing laundry can be a tedious task. The best clothes dryers we’ve tested can ease the chore, from drying more thoroughly to handling larger loads. And our testing shows that some of the best dryers are among the least expensive.

CR’s clothes dryer ratings of nearly 200 models are based on performance, reliability, noise, and convenience (for instance, whether the door is high enough to clear a laundry basket).

LG dryers dominate our ratings. The brand performs best in CR’s lab tests and reliability ratings, claiming the top 19 electric dryer spots and top 17 gas dryer spots. Models from other brands perform well, too, such as Miele and Samsung in the compact dryer sector. Dryers are available in a wide price range, from about $350 to more than $2,000. But most fall between $600 and $1,300. For a dryer that offers top performance at a great price, look for models identified in our ratings as a "CR Smart Buy." And remember that regardless of price, you’ll get the best value out of your dryer purchase if you choose a reliable one.

Some dryers offer special features or cycles. One example is a steam option that de-wrinkles your clothes by spraying a little water into the drum while heating and tumbling. But the features that will make the most difference in everyday use are sufficient capacity and a moisture sensor, which detects how dry a load is and automatically turns off the machine. This prevents over-drying and also saves energy.