The 5 Most Energy-Efficient Dryers (Updated for 2022)

Save money, use less energy, and maintain the color of your clothes

A dryer is a significant investment for most families, and as the world gets more energy conscious, the biggest question that arises in the dryer buying process is Can I find an energy-efficient dryer without denting my wallet too much?

Luckily for us, most of the big players in the appliance industry have been focusing their efforts on making this question easy to answer. From anywhere between 20 cents and a dollar per laundry load, there is a huge range of efficiencies in the market. Recently, with the advancement of technology, modern dryers are undergoing a revolution in efficiency. Studies have shown that replacing the average 5+-year-old dryer with a new unit will increase efficiency by over 200%. A family of 5 will, on average, run a load through the dryer every single day. At 30 loads a month, savings with a new dryer, from the energy perspective, can be as much as 10-15 dollars a month.

We researched the top dryer brands to create a list of the 5 best bang for your buck. Our 3 most important factors were energy efficiency, price, and durability. We took over 20 brands and 100 of the top-selling into consideration, and created a list of the best for your value:

Best Small-Sized and Cost-Efficient Dryer: COSTWAY Compact Laundry Dryer, 110V Electric Portable Clothes Dryer with Stainless Steel Tub

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The weight of this clothes dryer is only 37 pounds, and the small size makes it super portable. This particular model has been a best-seller on Amazon for over 4 years, with multiple updates through the period and small tweaks to maintain top performance. Its small size is perfect for apartments and dormitories, and this particular model can be safely mounted onto the wall. This dryer is exceptionally quiet and made for places where people operate in the same room as the item. You’ll be able to easily hold a conversation right in front of this machine, something you can’t find with many other models.

Best Washer/Dryer Combination: LG WM3488HW 24" Washer/Dryer Combo with 2.3 cu. ft. Capacity, Stainless Steel Drum in White

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A smarter way to clean your clothes, this unit from LG is both a washer and dryer. Take up less space in your house and combine both appliances into 1. This unit utilizes a “sense-clean system” that automatically loads the washer with the appropriate amount of water calculated on how many clothes you put into the machine, regardless of the settings you choose. Equipped with a LoDecibel motor, this system is one of the quietest in the entire market, and pretty much can’t be beaten in terms of noise reduction. An innovative home appliance, this unit is a space saver and a time saver with settings that will clean and dry your clothes without intervention from you. The combination aspect makes this machine a customer favorite, and a long-time best seller in the market!

Best Mini Dryer and Washer Combination: COSTWAY Portable Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer

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At only $99.99, this washer/dryer combination is the cheapest you’ll find on the market. This appliance is perfect for dorms, apartments, motor homes, RVs, camping, and more. At only 12.1 pounds, this machine is as portable as it gets. This washing machine runs by simply putting in your load of clothes, filling it with water, setting the timer, and it will start washing. This machine is most commonly used by singles or couples who live on the road or need a simple washer/dryer for periodic usage. While many high-tech machines run over $1000 nowadays, this dryer is a very safe option for people not looking to risk a lot of money on their purchase.

The Highest Quality and Most Durable Washer/Dryer Combination: LG WM3998HBA 4.5 cu.ft. Front Load Washer & Dryer Combo

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One of the best in the market, this Washer/Dryer combo from LG is a premium choice. For anybody looking for perfection when washing and drying their clothes, or anyone looking for the complete package, and a machine that’s going to last a decade or more, this is for you. Equipped with LG 6Motion technology, this unit uses up to 6 different wash motions, each designed to get clothes cleaner and help them last longer. Allergen cycles, the TubClean cycle, a SmartDiagnosis feature, ColdWash technology, and more, this washer/dryer combo has all the tools you could ever want. 6 Motion technology gives you all the options you could want. The best part about this machine is it’s backed by a 10-year warranty from LG when you buy it brand new, giving you peace and comfort with the purchase.

Best Standalone, Mid-Sized Dryer: Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer 1.8 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Clothes Dryers With Exhaust Pipe, Four-Function Portable

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Our research for the best mid-sized, well-rounded standalone machine has led us to this one. Equipped with 1.8 cubic feet of capacity, this electric dryer is a perfect option for most non-commercial situations. Armed with Eco-mode, this dryer features the type of energy you’d expect with recent top efficiency techniques that have entered the market. Made with Stainless Steel, this unit has several heating levels for various drying purposes. Most ideal for 2-3 people, this dryer is a nice fit for a mid-size apartment or a dormitory. One of the best features of this unit is it’s as loud as a large fan, so perfect for small spaces where it isn’t in a separate room from a living space. It comes with a sturdy wall mount and plugs into a 110v power supply. A great option for a consumer that doesn’t have a 220v outlet. With 7 types of drying modes, this machine will give you everything you need!