LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer
The LG DLEX6500V earns its top spot with a 7.4 cubic foot drum, a sensor dry system that genuinely stops when clothes are done, and a steam refresh cycle that smooths wrinkles without rewashing. The door swings wide and the lint filter is easy to reach, two small details that add up over years of daily use.
Check price on Amazon →Find the best electric dryer for your laundry room. We compare top models on drying performance, energy efficiency, capacity, and value to help you choose.
Choosing the right electric dryer comes down to drum size, heat technology, and how many features you actually need. The market in 2026 spans basic coil-element models all the way to heat-pump dryers pushing. This guide cuts through the noise and identifies the five models that consistently earn strong scores across independent testing for performance, reliability, and value.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| LG DLEX6500V | Large families | 4.8/5 |
| Samsung DVE55CG7100W | Smart home users | 4.7/5 |
| Whirlpool WED5000DW | Budget shoppers | 4.5/5 |
| Electrolux EFME627UTT | Perfect-dry performance | 4.7/5 |
| GE Profile PTD90EBPTRS | Energy savings | 4.6/5 |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer | Check price | ||
| Samsung DVE55CG7100W -- Best for Smart Home Integration | Check price | ||
| Whirlpool WED5000DW -- Best Budget Electric Dryer | Check price | ||
| Electrolux EFME627UTT -- Best for Gentle Fabric Care | Check price | ||
| GE Profile PTD90EBPTRS -- Best Heat Pump Electric Dryer | Check price |
The full reviews
LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer
The LG DLEX6500V earns its top spot with a 7.4 cubic foot drum, a sensor dry system that genuinely stops when clothes are done, and a steam refresh cycle that smooths wrinkles without rewashing. The door swings wide and the lint filter is easy to reach, two small details that add up over years of daily use.
Samsung DVE55CG7100W -- Best for Smart Home Integration
Samsung's DVE55CG7100W pairs a 7.5 cubic foot drum with SmartThings integration and a moisture sensor that prevents over-drying. The AI Smart Dry function learns your laundry habits over time and adjusts cycle settings accordingly, which sounds gimmicky but does reduce repeat runs on thick towels.
Whirlpool WED5000DW -- Best Budget Electric Dryer
The Whirlpool WED5000DW strips back the extras and delivers reliable, consistent drying for. The 7.0 cubic foot drum handles most family loads, and the AccuDry sensor prevents over-drying on delicate fabrics. The control panel is basic by design, with a simple dial and a handful of cycle options.
Electrolux EFME627UTT -- Best for Gentle Fabric Care
The Electrolux EFME627UTT centers its pitch on Perfect Steam technology and a LuxCare drum design that tumbles clothes more gently than most competitors. The drum vanes are angled to reduce tangling, and the steam sanitize cycle reaches temperatures that eliminate common household allergens from bedding.
GE Profile PTD90EBPTRS -- Best Heat Pump Electric Dryer
GE's Profile PTD90EBPTRS is the sole heat-pump model on this list and the right choice if long-term energy savings are the priority. Heat-pump dryers recirculate hot air rather than exhausting it, cutting energy consumption by up to 50 percent compared to standard coil-element dryers. The trade-off is longer cycle times, typically 20 to 30 minutes more per load.
What matters most
What to consider
Start with drum capacity: match or slightly exceed your washer's drum size. For most households with a 4.5 to 5.0 cubic foot washer, a 7.0 to 7.5 cubic foot dryer is the right pairing. Next, decide on heat technology. Standard heating elements are cheaper upfront; heat-pump models cost more but save money over time.
What to consider
Consider your laundry room layout before buying. If the room is compact, look for models with a reversible door or a front-control panel. Steam features are useful for refreshing lightly worn clothes without a full wash cycle. Sensor dry is worth paying for at any budget level since it protects fabrics and prevents wasted energy. Skip features you genuinely will not use -- smart connectivity only adds value if you actually check your phone for laundry alerts.
What to consider
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What to consider
Looking for more appliance guidance? See our picks for the [best electric ranges](/articles/best-consumer-reports-electric-range) and the [best electric skillets](/articles/best-consumer-reports-electric-skillet) to round out your kitchen setup.
What to consider
For a deeper look at how we rank and evaluate products, visit our [methodology page](/methodology).
Frequently asked
A family of four typically needs at least 7.0 cubic feet of drum capacity. This lets you dry a full washer load in a single cycle without overcrowding. Overcrowding a dryer extends drying time and causes more wrinkling, so sizing up is worth the extra cost if your washer holds 4.5 cu ft or more.
Modern heat-pump electric dryers are significantly more efficient than both standard electric and gas models, using up to 50 percent less energy per cycle. Standard electric dryers cost slightly more to run than gas per cycle in most regions, but heat-pump models flip that equation entirely, paying for their premium price over two to three years of regular use.
