Moisture sensor
This device is more accurate than a thermostat in determining when laundry is dry. Moisture-sensor dryers are easier on fabrics because they don't subject your laundry to unnecessary heat. And the dryers use less energy by shutting themselves off as soon as laundry is dry.
Auto-dry cycles
Full-sized machines often offer three or more cycles, which shut off the unit when the clothes reach the desired dryness. Each cycle may have a complete-dry setting, a less-dry setting for damp ironing, and gradations in between. A separate temperature control in most dryers lets you choose lower heat for delicate fabrics. These features increase flexibility.
Extended tumble
This setting keeps tumbling the clothes after they're dry. Some models tumble without heat; others cycle on and off. It reduces wrinkling if you aren't able to remove clothing immediately after it's dry.
Top-mounted lint filter
It might be easier to clean than one inside the drum. Many models have a warning light that reminds you to clean the filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and could be a fire hazard.
Drum rack
Attached inside the drum, it helps dry items without tumbling.
Drop-down vs. side-opening front door
Choose according to personal preference. As you're removing laundry from the dryer, a drop-down door can serve as a convenient shelf for folding. But reaching items inside might be easier with a side-opening door.
Electronic controls and menus
Many models have electronic dials that allow you to select fabric and push buttons for selecting other settings such as temperature and level of dryness. Whether a dryer has electronic controls or not, the controls should be legible, logically arranged, and easy to operate.
Steam setting
A growing number of dryers include a steam setting that promises to reduce wrinkles, remove odors, or both. Our tests have found mixed results, however, with better odor removal than conventional models but visibly wrinkled shirts.
Vent-blockage indicator
The vent-blockage indicator is designed to sense when a vent is blocked. Lint-filled dryer ducts increase drying time and energy costs, problems this feature addresses, according to manufacturers. Makers do not call the indicator a safety feature, even though lint-filled ducts can cause dryer fires. Our past tests found the indicators were too inconsistent to count on. But our latest tests found the Airflow Alert and Check Vent indicators on Maytag and Whirlpool dryers, LG's FlowSense, and Samsung's VentSensor detect fully blocked vents more reliably. LG's sensor even stopped the dryer in our tests, and a Whirlpool dryer app can send you an e-mail or text if there's a problem. But they weren't as good at detecting partially blocked vents.
