One of the most frustrating things about doing laundry is waiting for the dryer to finish its cycle, only to discover that your clothes are still damp — or worse, a wrinkled mess. Now there’s good news: Thanks to the latest tech, many of the best dryers this year offer improved features that make drying your laundry faster and more energy efficient, with fewer wrinkles.

If you’ve had your washer and dryer set for more than 10 years, it’s probably time for a much-needed upgrade. Throughout the 4th of July sale season and going well into summer, you’ll discover great deals on the latest washers, dryers and washer/dryer combos, so now’s the time to shop for these appliances. Whether you purchase your new appliances outright, or finance them, there are some great deals to be found when you shop directly from top brands like LG or Samsung, or buy from a respected retailer like Home Depot, Best Buy or Wayfair. 

What is the best electric dryer in 2024?

Our team of in-house appliance experts has curated this roundup of the best electric dryers currently available. Keep in mind, that each of these dryers is sold on its own, but can also be purchased as a matching washer and dryer set, often at a discount.

Best electric dryer overall: LG 7.4 cubic-foot vented stackable smart electric dryer

Capacity: 7.4 cubic-feet | Best paired with: LG WM6700HBA washer | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: TurboSteam, AI determines optional settings, tumble dry for up to 3 hours | Dimensions: 38.7 x 27 x 39.75 inches | Model #: DLEX6700B

Featuring a steel housing, this 7.4-cubic-foot capacity vented dryer refreshes clothing and helps to remove wrinkles in less than 10 minutes. It uses AI to select the optimal settings based on fabric texture. And you can monitor and manage the dryer using LG’s ThinQ app on any smartphone. If the dryer’s vent gets clogged or the appliance experiences any other issues, it automatically sends a notification to your phone.

This dryer is designed to handle a large capacity, but operate quietly. The door can easily be reversed from a right swing to a left swing. Once the drying cycle is done, if the load is not removed immediately, the dryer will periodically use its tumble dry feature for up to three hours to help prevent wrinkles from setting in.

LG is currently offering a $300 discount on this dryer, bringing its price down to $1,199. You’ll also get a free extra year of extended warranty coverage. The purchase may also qualify you for a rebate from your utility provider.

You can get the matching 5-cubic-foot LG washer for $1,199 ($300 off). It too may qualify you for a significant rebate.

Best budget electric dryer: Samsung 7.2-cubic-foot electric dryer with sensor dry and 8 drying cycles

Capacity: 7.2 cubic-foot | Best paired with: Samsung WA40A3005AW washer | Smart functionality: No | Key features: 8 preset drying cycles, lint filter indicator | Dimensions: 27 x 44 x 30.2 inches | Model #: DVE41A300W 

While you can find less expensive dryer options, those typically don’t offer the feature set built into this affordable Samsung dryer, which is just a really good value. With this dryer, you get eight preset drying cycles and a 7.2-cubic-foot capacity. 

Presets include Very Dry, More Dry, Normal Dry, Damp Dry, Time Dry, Quick Dry, Air Fluff or Wrinkle Release. We like this dryer because it automatically optimizes the time and temperature of your drying cycle to protect your clothing from heat damage and to lower energy use. In minutes, you can switch the windowless dryer door from a right swing to a left swing. The dryer uses a four-way venting system. It’s only available in a white housing. 

You can get the matching 4-cubic-foot washer at Samsung for the same price.

Best electric dryer for larger size loads: LG 9-cubic-foot stackable smart electric dryer  

Capacity: 9 cubic-feet | Best paired with: LG WM8900HBA washer | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: 24 dryer cycles, 5 temp. settings, lint filter indicator | Dimensions: 40.75 x 29 x 32.63 inches | Model #: DLEX8900

We like this dryer not just because it’s black steel housing looks great, but because it offers a massive 9 cubic-foot capacity. This means you can dry more cloths in fewer loads, plus use this dryer for extra large and bulky items. It features four-way exhaust venting, a primary dial control, LED display and a door with a window. There’s also a built-in interior light.

This front-loading dryer features a whopping 24 dryer cycles and five temperature settings. It has an integrated lint filter indicator and is Energy Star certified. And it offers uses AI to determine fabric textures and automatically adjust dryer settings accordingly. You also get a stainless steel drum and quiet operation. 

If you don’t unload the dryer when a cycle is complete, it will periodically use its tumble dry feature for up to three hours to prevent wrinkles from setting in. Keep in mind, due to its larger capacity, the size of this dryer is a bit larger than most. At the time of purchase, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate dryer power cord separately.

By taking advantage of the larger load capacity, over time you can save money on your energy bill by having to run fewer loads. This is a great option for larger families.

Get the matching 5.2 cubic-foot LG washer at Best Buy for the same price.

Best smart electric dryer: Samsung Bespoke 7.6 cubic-foot ultra capacity electric dryer 

Capacity: 7.6 cubic-feet | Best paired with: Samsung WF53BB8900AD washer | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: Super Speed Dry, Ai Smart Dial, 14 dryer options, 20 preset drying cycles | Dimensions: 27 x 38.75 x 21.43 inches | Model #: DVE53BB8900D 

This dryer offers a steel housing that comes in three color options — silver steel, brushed navy and forest green.

One of the biggest perks of this dryer is it can dry a full load in about 30 minutes,  which is faster than most competing models in its price range. As with almost all Samsung washer and dryer sets, if you purchase both appliances at the same time directly from Samsung, you’ll enjoy even bigger savings.

Not only does this dry function use the latest features and technologies, it also showcases a clean, flat-panel design that looks modern. This dryer can be set side-by-side or stacked with the Samsung WF53BB8900AD washer. And because it’s a Samsung appliance, it includes the company’s SmartThings capabilities, so you can monitor and control the dryer (and your other compatible Samsung appliances) using the SmartThings app on any smartphone.

When you’re using this dryer, you can adjust the settings yourself using the convenient AI Smart Dial, or rely on the appliance’s AI to take the guesswork out of cycle selection by having it set the best running time and temperature. And when you take advantage of the dryer’s Steam Sanitize+ feature, you can remove odors, wrinkles and static from your clothing, while also removing germs and allergens.

This electric dryer is Energy Star certified.

Get the matching 5.3 cubic-foot Bespoke washer at Samsung for the same price.

Best front loading electric dryer: Samsung 7.5 cubic-foot smart electric dryer with Steam Sanitize+ and sensor dry

Capacity: 7.5 cubic-feet | Best paired with: Samsung WF45B6300AW washer | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: 4-ways venting, stackable, reversible door, steam drying and sanitizing, 12 preset drying cycles | Dimensions: 38.75 x 27 x 31.4 inches | Model #: DVE50BG8300EA3

One benefit of shopping for major appliances from Wayfair is that you can purchase brand-name models while saving a fortune. So, for less than $950, you can equip your home with this Samsung 7.5 cubic-foot. smart electric dryer that offers the popular Steam Sanitize+ feature. The dryer (and matching washer) is available in either black brushed steel or ivory white.

Like most of Samsung’s dryers, this one supports SmartThings, so it can be controlled using your smartphone. You can get end-of-cycle alerts, perform a remote start, schedule a start and more. The dryer has integrated sensors to prevent over drying or heat damage to your clothing.

The dozen preset drying cycles include: Bulky Load, Delicates, Heavy Duty, Permanent Press, Rack Dry, Small Load, Steam Fresh, Steam Sanitize, Towels, Wool, Jeans, Timed Dry, and Activewear. This dryer is Energy Star certified.

This dryer pairs with the 4.5 cubic-foot Samsung smart washer. It’s also available at Wayfair.

Best washer/dryer in one unit: GE 2-in-1 Profile ultrafast combo

Capacity: 4.8 cubic-feet | Best paired with: Not applicable | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: Washer and dryer combo in one unit, complete run time per load is about 2 hours | Dimensions: 46.7 x 28 x 32 inches | Model #: PFQ97HSPVDS

With a 2-in-1 washer and dryer combo, you load in your clothing, adjust a few settings, press start and this appliance does the rest. In about two hours, your clothing will be washed and dried, without requiring any human intervention between the washing and drying cycles.

One drawback of this particular 2-in-1 unit is its rather small (4.8 cubic-feet) capacity. This washer/dryer combo offers a ventless design that takes up much less space than a separate washer and dryer. It’s also Energy Star compliant.

One additional feature we like is that the unit has a detergent dispenser that holds enough liquid detergent for up to 32 loads. It then dispenses just the right amount of detergent during each load. There’s also a separate compartment for fabric softener. Using the GE SmartHQ app, you can scan the barcode on your detergent and fabric softener bottle when you refill the dispensers, and this appliance will automatically determine how much to use. Another feature we like is the Microban antimicrobial technology that helps to prevent odors.

Best dryer for wrinkle reduction: Whirlpool 7.4 cubic-foot stackable electric dryer with Wrinkle Shield Plus

Capacity: 7.4 cubic-feet | Best paired with: Whirlpool WFW6605MC washer | Smart functionality: Yes | Key features: Wrinkle Shield Plus, LED display, 37 drying cycles, 5 temp. settings | Dimensions: 38.12 x 27 x 31 inches | Model #: WED6605MC

This electric dryer from Whirlpool comes in chrome shadow — aka gray — or white. It offers a generous 7.4 cubic-foot capacity and for the price, does a really nice job reducing wrinkles in your clothing using what the company calls its Wrinkle Shield Plus option. It tumbles and steams clothing for up to 150 minutes after the main drying cycle ends or until you open the dryer door.

There’s also a separate sanitize cycle which can eliminate up to 99.9% of common household bacteria and odors. Three sensors offer added protection against over drying. 

With this dryer, you get five temperature settings and a generous 37 dryer cycles, including regular, delicates, bulky items, whites, colors, towels, normal, wrinkle control, heavy duty, sanitize, timed dry, quick steam and refresh.

This dryer pairs with the 5-cubic-foot Whirlpool high-efficiency front-load washer. It’s also available at Best Buy.

Best stacked washer/dryer unit: GE Laundry Center 2.3 cubic-foot top load washer with 4.4 cubic-foot electric dryer

Capacity: 2.3 cubic-feet | Best paired with: Not applicable | Smart functionality: No | Key features: Washer and dryer in one unit | Dimensions: 75 x 23.75 x 27.37 inches | Model #: GUD24ESSMWW

Ideal for apartment living, this GE Electric Laundry Center includes a 2.3 cubic-foot capacity washer and 4.4 cubic-foot capacity dryer in one unit. However, it’s comprised of two distinct appliances, so it’s necessary to manually transfer your clothing from the washer to the dryer when appropriate.

The unit features a top-loading washer on the bottom and a front-loading dryer on top. It’s designed to conveniently fit in a closet-size space. The unit has an integrated water heater, but lacks a steam function. There’s a separate bleach, detergent and fabric softener dispenser. 

The 11 wash and rinse cycles include light, medium, heavy, bulky items, drain and spin, speed wash, delicates and casuals. The six dryer cycles include cottons, easy care, timed dry, delicates, quick fluff, de-wrinkle and optimum. The washer and dryer each offer six temperature setting options.

Note that this unit is not Energy Star certified.

How to pick the best electric dryer

The best electric dryers in 2024 include the latest functions and features. Plus, they’re more environmentally friendly than ever before. The first thing we recommend is finding a dryer that offers the capacity you need for your household. This is measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity allows you to dry more clothing at once or can be used to dry larger items, like blankets and outerwear.

Second, look for a dryer that offers smart functionality. This means you can monitor and control the dryer from just about anywhere using your smartphone. We’re also huge fans of sensor dry technology. This feature helps to ensure your clothing winds up fully dry. 

Steam sanitizing capabilities rely on extremely hot steam to eliminate germs from your clothing during the drying process. Yet another useful feature to seek out is automatic tumble drying. In those situations when the dryer cycle ends, but you’re not around to immediately remove your clothing, this feature periodically moves the clothing around automatically within the dryer to prevent wrinkles from setting in.

You’ll also need to choose between a top-loading or front-loading model. This is based on personal preference and available space. Also, pay attention to how long it takes for a typical drying cycle to complete, how many specialized drying options you can choose from and how loud the dryer is when it’s operating.

Finally, many dryers are Energy Star certified. In other words, the appliance meets the energy efficiency requirements set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. If you’re looking to lower your monthly utility bill and run a more environmentally-friendly appliance, this is definitely a feature to seek out. 

Pricing can range from around $400 to more than $1,500. As you compare prices, determine if the dryer requires any additional accessories (like a power cord), that may be sold separately. Note that delivery, installation and haul away of your old appliance may all be extra charges.

Be sure to check out the six best washing machines for 2024 and the five best stackable washers and dryers in 2024. We also recently published a full review of the LG WashCombo, which is a full-size washer and dryer in one unit.