A clothes dryer is a machine designed to remove excess moisture from clothing and just about all other types of textiles. It consists of a compartment with a rotating drum inside, called the tumbler, through which hot air is circulated. Place wet clothes into the dryer, and the hot air will evaporate the moisture. Before you know it, your clothes are dry.

There are top loading clothes dryers and front loading designs. The front loading clothes dryer is starting to become more popular as these models dry clothes more efficiently and are typically larger capacity.

Buying Guide

Here are some things you should know about clothes dryers:

• Save on your energy bill by looking for a model that is energy efficient.
• The vented clothes dryer is by far the most popular model. These are cheaper and almost always better-looking than other models, but looks alone don’t make them a good choice. A vented clothes dryer makes a great choice if it’s your time buying a clothes dryer.
• Condenser dryers are not as good. Condenser dryers cost more and therefore are less popular. Why pay more for less, right? Most condenser dryer units are also heavier and bulkier. This model’s only saving grace is that it is safer for the environment than the vented dryer. Convenience for you, convenience for the environment" take your pick.
• Auto sensing dryers are the latest models to come out on the market. Like their name says, auto sensing dryers are fitted with sensors that monitor the amount of moisture on the clothes. When the clothes are dry, the unit shuts down to save energy. This feature is good for the environment, plus it can save you money on your electricity bills.

A clothes dryer is an indispensable thing to have at home when it’s raining and you can’t use your clothesline, or when you live in an apartment that doesn’t have space for a drying rack. All models have their own sets of pros and cons, so compare prices, features, and warranties before making a purchase.