At a Glance:
Identifying a Front Load Dryer
What to Expect for a $1,000 Dryer
Budgets are tighter than ever, so the last thing anyone wants is to have to replace a dryer. But hanging on to an outdated clothes dryer that takes forever to finish drying — or worse, a dryer that’s notorious for damaging your garments — can be costing you more than you think. And for what it’s worth, if you’re feeling really noble, you can do laundry with peace of mind knowing each load inside the latest dryer models is better for the environment than models that are 10 years or older.
What goes without question is that every appliance shopper wants to save money. Whether your agenda is to replace an older model on a budget or to search for better drying performance without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of affordable dryers. To make sure you make the best choice, our experts have also rounded up the buyer info you’ll want to know before making your next decision. Check it out!
Shop In-Stock Dryers
DryersIdentifying a Front Load Dryer
First, we need to bust a myth. There is no difference between a front load dryer and a regular dryer. While both terms are used readily in the industry, all dryers operate the same way with front-door access. In most cases, when a dryer is referred to as “front load,” it’s meant to indicate that the model has a look that’s compatible with a front load washing machine.
Often, this means these dryers have glass doors, which complement the see-through doors on front loaders, but not always. The bottom line is that the term is used mainly for aesthetic purposes, and purchasing a dryer that is not labeled a front-loader will not impact the performance of your washer and dryer set.
There are exceptions to the rule, though, such as LG dryers with the EasyLoad Door feature. These dryers look more like a traditional model with a back control panel, but their doors open two ways: swinging side to side like a conventional dryer and dropping down.
How Much Does a Dryer Cost?
Overall, the standard price of a dryer is between $200 to $1,750, which means models under $1,000 either qualify as entry-level or mid-end dryers. On rare occasions, you might be able to track down a bargain on a luxury dryer, but for the most part, selections from this price range are designed to meet the needs of regular households.
Good to know:
☑ If your laundry room is gas-powered, expect to pay $50 to $100 more for a gas dryer.
☑ In general, the more capacity a dryer has, the higher its price.
☑ Additional dryer features increase the price of a dryer.
☑ Shopping for scratch and dent dryers is a smart way to save on top clothes dryer brands over $1,000.
What to Expect for a $1,000 Dryer
The good news: you can get a lot of value from a dryer around the $1,000 price range, but it helps to know how to spot a good deal. Keep the following factors in mind, and you’ll increase the chances of purchasing a dryer that meets your demands.
Capacity
With the exclusion of compact dryers, full-size dryers $1,000 and under provide a decent amount of capacity suited for full households. You can expect anywhere between 5 and 7.5 cubic feet of drum volume, which translates to enough space for a family of three to five.
Additionally, be aware that European brands like Bosch and Miele cater to different buyers. While these brands are considered luxury, they serve Euro-style homes, which are smaller, and thus, they have smaller capacities than other major dryer brands.
✅ Did You Know? For optimum laundry efficiency, a dryer should be twice the capacity of a washer.
Performance
The more money you spend, the more features a dryer will provide (in most cases). Common upgrades include Wi-Fi compatibility, steam drying, and advanced dryer sensors. Fortunately, many of these add-ons can be found on dryers $1,000 and under — just make sure to read the specs carefully to get the best bang for your buck.
Brands
A $1,000 dryer budget grants you a wide range of dryer brands to select from. You can save a lot by shopping for Amana, Midea, and Hotpoint dryers, or you can shop for bigger names such as LG, Maytag, and Samsung if you want a little more reliability. Brands like Bosch, ASKO, and Speed Queen make up the high-end sector, so if you have your eyes set on one of these models, plan to spend up to twice as much.
4 Top Front Load Dryer Picks
Saving you money on the best appliances is what we do at Don’s Appliances. That’s why we carry the best affordable dryers Pittsburgh shoppers will find, like these four models that are top-rated by buyers and our experts.
Whirlpool® 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
First, you’ll save on the purchase with the great price on this Whirlpool front load dryer. Then, you’ll continue to save with its ENERGY STAR-certified performance and the EcoBoost Option that provides results comparable to standard dryer settings at a fraction of the toll of energy. You’ll also do fewer loads overall with its huge 7.4 cubic foot interior, which means less cha-ching. We also give high ratings to features like Wrinkle Shield and advanced moisture sensors that protect your wardrobe and keep it looking just off-the-rack.
Top Whirlpool WED5605MW dryer review: “Bought this as a set with Whirlpool washer. Quiet and very efficient.”
Maytag® 7.3 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
Invest in one of the most recognized dryer brands with this Maytag front load dryer. This model beautifully matches modern front load washers, and with 7.3 cubic feet of capacity, this looker is also a hard worker. Our favorite features are moisture sensing, which gauges humidity levels better than traditional dryer sensors. That means clothes are less prone to heat damage from extended cycles.
Of course, the Extra Power button is the signature on this model. Press it for an extra boost of heat for heavy-duty loads, all while maintaining ENERGY STAR standards.
Top Maytag MED5630HW dryer review: “This dryer is very efficient and quiet which is very nice!”
Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
Embracing a smart home is easier than ever with the addition of this top-rated front load Samsung dryer with built-in Wi-Fi syncing. Pair it with your smart device to run your laundry wherever you are, whether you’re on your way to work and forgot to press start or you’re too comfortable to get up from the couch. This dryer isn’t ENERGY STAR-rated, but smart sensors provide precise drying times that cut down on utility costs, and the Steam Sanitize+ option and one of the biggest capacities on our list are a nice tradeoff.
Top Samsung DVE45R6100W dryer review: “This dryer has lots of features and does a great job.”
LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
With a 91 percent buyer recommendation, it’s safe to say this LG front load dryer is a hot ticket item and an extreme value. It’s easy to see why with upgrades like TurboSteam Technology for clothes that turn out with dry cleaner results and LG’s Sensor Dry system that uses AI to dry clothes only as much as needed. Plus, this front load dryer comes with Wi-Fi syncing, just in case you’re interested in an affordable smart dryer from a trusted brand.
Top LG DLEX3700W dryer review: “Love this dryer. The steam setting works well for wrinkles.”
There you have it — proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a dryer to get the value you want and deserve. As long as you keep in mind the major factors (capacity, features, brands), you’ll be more than ready to shop for a front load dryer that you’ll love to use. We might have a preference for the models featured on our list, but don’t stop your search there. At Don’s Appliances, we have plenty more front load dryer models under $1,000 for you to explore online or in-store!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Dryers at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dryers online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find a reliable front load dryer — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Electric vs. Gas Dryers