Clothes Dryer Buying Guide: Picking What's Best for Your Household

Shopping for a clothes dryer can be draining. With so many options for styles and different features, shoppers often leave stores more confused than when they arrived. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you shop.

This clothes dryer buying guide breaks down all of the options so you can make the perfect choice for your home and budget. Ready to pick the best clothes dryer for your household? Here are the factors you need to consider.

Power Source

When choosing a clothes dryer, one of the first decisions is selecting the power source. Clothes dryers can be powered by electricity, natural gas/propane, or heat pump technology. Each option requires different hookups and home infrastructure. Let’s explore their differences below:

Electric Clothes Dryer

Electric dryers run on standard 240V outlets—the same as your range, air conditioner, or water heater. These machines use an electrical heating element to warm air. Then, a fan circulates the heated air through tumbling clothes before venting outdoors. They’re budget-friendly options perfect for homes without gas lines.

• Gas Dryers

• If your laundry room is hooked up to a gas line, getting a gas dryer is often the better option. Gas dryers use natural gas or propane to create heat, with a standard 120V connection powering the controls and drum. They’re the go-to option for families with frequent laundry needs.

Heat Pump Dryers

• A heat pump dryer is the best option for eco-conscious homeowners and tenants. It’s the most energy-efficient among the three, using refrigerant technology to extract moisture from clothes while recycling heat. These types of dryers operate on standard 120V power (no external venting required), perfect for apartments and spaces without ductwork.

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• Tip: Heat pump dryers cost more upfront but deliver big savings. If you’d like to purchase one but are concerned about costs, ask your retailer about financing options. Many offer layaway programs and in-store financing with no interest. Ask about current promotions before buying.

Loading Style

• Front Load	Top Load
  Can be stacked with washers to save laundry space Easy-reach controls at the front Wide door for simple loading Higher price point	Budget-friendly choice Can't be stacked Needs overhead space More reaching required when loading
  ✅Buy if you prioritize stacking options and better ergonomics	✅Buy if budget is a priority and you have enough space

• Ventilation Type

• Dryers generate a lot of hot, moist air during the drying process. When choosing a clothes dryer, you can pick between a vented or ventless (condenser) dryer. Let’s compare the two below:

• Vented Dryers	Ventless Dryers
  Uses a straight airflow system that pulls in fresh air, heats it, passes it through clothes, and exhausts moisture outdoors through a duct	Uses a closed-loop heat exchanger system that condenses moisture from the heated air into water, which collects in a tank or drains away
  External wall access required Powerful drying performance Shorter cycle times	Works anywhere with power—no ductwork required Longer drying cycles More energy-efficient
  Ideal for: Homes with exterior wall access and standard laundry setups	Ideal for: Apartments, condos, closets, and interior rooms where outside venting isn't possible

Capacity

• No dryer buying guide is complete without discussing capacity. Dryer capacities are measured in cubic feet, ranging from compact models to large-capacity options. 
• When choosing your new clothes dryer, consider the amount of laundry you do weekly. Clothes need enough space to tumble freely, but oversized dryers can waste energy. The basic rule of thumb is to buy one with a capacity that is double the size of your washer.
• → Learn more: Types of Washing Machines: Pros & Cons
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• Energy-Efficiency

• Modern dryers are more energy-efficient than ever, but some choices can further reduce your environmental footprint. Here’s your clothes dryer buying guide for selecting the most efficient unit:
• Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models
• Consider heat pump technology 
• Choose models with sensor drying technology that automatically stops the cycle when clothes are dry to save energy
• Look for energy-saving features like ECO modes, variable heat settings, auto shut-off, and quick dry options

• Warranty & Service

• Choosing a clothes dryer for your home doesn’t end at specifications or features. Warranty and service are just as important. Before purchasing, check the warranty coverage, service availability in your area, and the retailer’s customer support quality.  

  When in doubt, ask your sales associate the following:

  • How long does the warranty last? Does it cover both parts and labour?
  • Are there extended warranty options for major components like the motor?
  • Is there a local service centre near my home?
  • Do you offer in-home repair services?
  • What’s the average response time for repairs?
  • What is your return or exchange policy?
  • How do you handle delivery and installation issues?
  • What’s the process for filing a warranty claim?
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  • Save Big on the Best Clothes Dryers at Surplus Furniture

• Is your laundry room sending SOS signals? Time for an upgrade! Visit the nearest Surplus Furniture showroom or order online for warehouse prices on top brands. As Canada’s trusted furniture supplier, we offer:

  • Same-day delivery
  • Factory-direct prices and weekly promotions
  • Flexible payment options (no interest for up to 18 months!)
  • 5% price match guarantee

  Planning to get a new clothes dryer in the future? Bookmark this clothes dryer buying guide and stop by when you're ready for a smarter way to dry. Contact us if you have any questions!