Dryers

Get rid of the clothes line for good

What’s better than pulling on a comfy sweater? Pulling on a comfy sweater still warm for the dryer! A good dryer is invaluable – it dries clothes faster than a clothes line or clothes drying rack, and it reduces, if not eliminates, the need for ironing. Clothes come out softer, smoother and smelling better in far less time.

Editorial Review

Kenmore Dryer

They say that size doesn’t really matter, but apparently the people at Kenmore think otherwise. Kenmore dryers generally have a very large capacity, which is a bit surprising considering how affordable they are.

Pros: There are many different models in the Kenmore line of dryers, so there’s almost surely one that will suit the needs of your family. The Elite HE5 Steam is at the very top of the line. It’s capable of drying very large loads and has several special features, including wrinkle guard technology and both a touch-up cycle and a refresh cycle. The HE3 Steam is nearly as impressive but a bit smaller (although still large enough for most families). Other popular models include the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity Gas Dryer, the King Size Capacity Dryer and the Kenmore Capacity Compact Stackable Dryer.

Dryers, like washers, are no longer white behemoths lurking in the corner of your laundry room. They’re quiet, efficient machines with a variety of options, like steamers, drying drawers and lots of different temperatures and tumble speeds.

Choosing a Dryer

When you choose a clothes dryer, you should consider one of two things: do you want a separate washer and dryer or do you want a washer dryer combo? Contrary to popular belief, a stackable washer dryer is not more fragile or less powerful than separate appliances. In fact, if you need to save space, this option is better.

Next, consider how much laundry you do or how much you’ll need to use the options that the dryer comes with. If you don’t think you’ll use a lot of features, a cheaper dryer is probably better. If you know that you’ll need to steam your clothes or lay your sweaters flat to dry, then these options might be worth the higher price tag.

Types of Dryers

Choose between a gas dryer and an electric dryer. Gas dryers are more expensive, but they’ll cut down your power bill. Electric dryers are cheaper and remain the norm. Either way, make sure that the dryer’s rating matches the energy settings for your city. Most modern dryers are energy efficient.

Tumble dryers come in vented or condenser forms. Vented drying uses a plastic hose to pump the damp air outside the home and is probably the most common way to tumble dry. Condenser dryers suck the water out of the air and pump it out either through the washing machine plumbing or into a container for emptying, much like a dehumidifier. Condenser dryers are a little more expensive, but you can use them pretty much anywhere without a hose or a connection to the outdoors.

Know what you want and need in a dryer before you start to shop. Your laundry appliances are an important part of your home, and the right set will last for many years.

Read our Editorial Review on Kenmore Dryers

Cons: As mentioned above, Kenmore dryers tend to be quite large, so they may not be the best option for people who live in apartments or condos, where space is limited. Additionally, some customers have reported problems with the circuit control boards inside their dryers. This causes the dryers to stay on only when the start button is held down and, eventually, to stop working altogether. If this problem occurs while the dryer is still under warranty, it’s not a big deal. However, if it occurs after the warranty has expired, it’s not hard to see why customers would become upset.

Overall: Sears’ Kenmore brand is one of the biggest names in home appliances. Kenmore dryers are known for being large, relatively efficient and quite affordable. If you’re on the market for a new dryer, you could do a lot worse than a shiny new Kenmore.