What size dryer is the best?

Author: Royal Simonis  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Your dryer should pair with the size of your washing machine, which is typically twice the capacity of the washer. This helps cut down on longer drying times or having to repeat a drying cycle, making laundry day more efficient.

What is the best size dryer to buy?

One easy rule of thumb is that the capacity of your dryer should be about twice the capacity of your washer. If your washer has a 3.5 cu. ft. capacity, for instance, then look for a dryer with 7.0 cu.

Can a 7.4 cu ft dryer dry a king size comforter?

Our 7.4 cu. ft. capacity is big enough to handle a king-size comforter. Dryer Rack helps minimize noise and protects special care items like sneakers, sweaters and stuffed animals.

What size dryer do I need for a family of 4?

For a family of four, a washer with a capacity of around 4.0 cubic feet and a dryer with a capacity of about 7.0 cubic feet should be sufficient to handle the weekly laundry load effectively while being mindful of energy use.

Is a bigger dryer better?

There are some advantages to consider with larger models. More powerful fans and larger drums in bigger dryers improve airflow and allow more clothes to be heated at once, which can result in more efficient heat use and less loss to the surrounding environment.

A Buying Guide for Dryers 2023

Is a 7 cubic foot dryer big?

What is considered a large capacity dryer? While there's no official definition of large capacity or extra-large capacity in a dryer, you can consider anything over 7.0 cubic feet (cu. ft.) to be large capacity.

What type of dryer is most efficient?

For even more savings, consider ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers - they use almost 30% less energy than a conventional clothes dryers. Consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates have the potential for large energy and cost savings.

What is normal size dryer?

Standard washer and dryer sizes are generally 27 inches wide, 39 inches tall and 32 to 34 inches deep for front load units. Top load washers and dryers usually measure 27 inches in width, 42 to 44 inches in height, and have a shallower depth ranging from 27 to 28 inches.

Which dryer is faster?

Condenser dryers are heavy-duty workhorses that handle large loads and dry your clothes fast with minimal noise. Heat pump dryers work more slowly (and loudly), taking around 30 minutes longer to dry the same amount of laundry. Vented dryers also dry clothes fast but generally have less settings and modern features.

What size tumble dryer for family of 5?

If you need to dry up laundry for a family of 4, then an 8 kg tumble dryer would easily be more than enough. If you need to dry laundry for a family of 5 or 6, then a 9 kg tumble dryer would be a little better. Your choice of capacity simply comes down to how many people need to make use of the tumble dryer!

What size dryer can dry a comforter?

A dryer with at least 7.0 cu. ft. capacity should provide the space your comforter needs to tumble effectively. If you have a smaller dryer, you can opt for air drying or take your comforter to a local laundromat with a commercial dryer.

How long should a dryer take to dry a large load?

How long should a dryer take to dry? A typical drying cycle takes about 45 minutes, but this time can vary depending on the cycle, heat setting and size of your load. Delicate cycles take roughly 15 minutes, while heavy cycles, like bedding, can take up to three hours to fully dry.

What size dryer for king?

Unless you plan to air-dry the comforter on a clothesline or indoor drying rack, you'll also need a large-capacity dryer of at least 7.0 cubic feet.

Which dryer has the least problems?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs.

What's the best brand of dryer to buy?

Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
  • Best Dryer. Electrolux ELFE7637AT.
  • Best Large Capacity Dryer. Maytag MED7230HW.
  • Best Compact Ventless Dryer. Beko HPD24414W.
  • Best Designed Dryer. LG DLEX6700B.
  • Best Dryer for Pet Owners.

Is a bigger tumble dryer better?

Tumble dryer capacity

Larger capacity dryers can dry more laundry in a single cycle, making them ideal for larger households, bulkier items, or large loads of drying. Small capacities may be suitable for single households, those with less laundry, or those who combine a dryer and air-drying.

Which is better, a vented or condenser dryer?

A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.

Which dryer dries quickest?

Quick Dry Tumble Dryers
  • Hotpoint ActiveCare 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Indesit 8kg Vented Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • electriQ Series 2 7kg Vented Tumble Dryer – Silver. ...
  • Indesit Push&Go 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Candy Smart 9kg Vented Tumble Dryer - White. ...
  • Bosch Series 4 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer - White.

What is the best dryer cycle to not shrink clothes?

Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage. Use delicate cycles instead, and place delicate clothes in a mesh laundry bag for added protection. When drying, consider a low-heat or air dry setting. When in doubt, always follow the instructions on your garment's care tag.

How do I choose a dryer size?

Your laundry habits, household size and type of items you clean, determine how large you need your dryer. For example, bulky doonas require a larger drying drum than an everyday load.

What is a decent size dryer?

Ranging between 3.5-cubic feet to 4.5-cubic feet, medium-size dryers can generally meet the demands of an average household that only needs to dry a few loads of laundry per week or that usually has lighter laundry loads. Large capacity dryers range from 4.6-cubic feet to 5.2-cubic feet.

What gauge should a dryer be?

In cases where you use aluminum wire, the recommended sizing is: For a 30-amp dryer, use 8 AWG aluminum wire. For a 40-amp dryer, use 6 AWG aluminum wire. For a 50-amp dryer, use 4 AWG aluminum wire.

What's better, a heat pump or a condenser dryer?

A conventional condenser dryer uses a heating element to warm the drum and dry the clothing. Drying at a lower temperature, and therefore using less energy, a heat pump tumble dryer takes slightly longer to dry the clothing but at a lower cost. This also means the drying cycle is kinder on your clothes.

Which dryer option to choose?

The less heat the gentler it is on your clothes. Normal and timed dry are probably both high heat and will dry clothes faster. Delicate cycle is low heat. Air dry is no heat and will take a very long time to dry.

Why are vented tumble dryers being phased out?

Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.

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