Our pick
This electric-powered Maytag is well-built, affordable, and backed by one of the best reputations for long-term reliability and performance.
The is the same dryer as our main pick, but gas-powered, if that’s what you need or prefer.
As a Maytag dryer, the MEDX655DW (or the MGDX655DW gas version) has a good reputation for reliability. The warranty is a little bit better than that of most others brands, too (10 years for the drum and motor, in addition to the standard one year of parts and labor). The hardware that actually dries your clothes is essentially the same as in any other dryer, and it has all the extra features that are actually useful, including a moisture sensor (for the auto cycle), a drum light, and a wrinkle-prevent setting. It leaves out the pointless extras like a steam cycle, Wi-Fi, and touch-sensitive controls, so you’ll save some money.
Runner-up
If our main pick is unavailable, this Whirlpool is a very similar machine. It has a hamper-style door, which is slightly more convenient if you have a top-loading washer.
This is the gas-powered version of our runner-up. Otherwise it’s essentially the same machine.
If the Maytag is unavailable, or if you want a hamper-style door, we recommend the Whirlpool WED5000DW electric dryer (or the WGD5000DW gas version). It usually costs a little less and has a slightly, if insignificantly, cheaper feel to the controls. Apart from the hamper-style door, which some people prefer for the extra folding surface and the convenience of moving laundry over from a top-load washer, the WED5000DW has all the same features and cycles as the Maytag. We also like Whirlpool as a brand, as it consistently ranks among the best for long-term reliability and satisfaction. Maytag and Whirlpool are owned by the same parent company, Whirlpool Corporation, so it’s very likely that our main pick and runner-up are essentially the same dryer.
Also great
If you prefer front-mounted controls or something that’s a tad bigger, this dryer has the same great balance of build quality, reputation, and affordability.
This is the gas-powered version of our favorite dryer for people who prefer front-mounted controls.
Our main pick and runner-up have their control panel mounted on the top rear of the body. But some people prefer the look of front-mounted controls (especially if they own a front-loading washer). In that case, we recommend the Whirlpool WED75HEFW electric dryer (or WGD75HEFW gas version). Like our top picks, it offers one of the best balances of build quality, design, and brand reputation for the cost. It has all of the most important features—an end-of-cycle alert, moisture sensor, temperature control, drum light, wrinkle-prevent mode—and little more. As a straightforward Whirlpool model there’s a good chance it will last longer than others without need for repair.
