Uhm... why is the dryer so much?

This was a question I heard a lot when I was selling appliances. People would come in looking for a frontload washer, fully expecting to drop anywhere from $800 to well over $1000 for a machine. But many times, the companion dryer cost $700 or more. And yet, most dryers that went with plain-jane topload washers went for $300 to $400. Is there a difference in the dryers to justify the difference in the prices? Yes and no.

Some of the more expensive dryers sold with frontload washers may offer a bit more capacity. I have read some comments from people claiming the capacity in a dryer is irrelevant. This is bunk and bad advice. A larger drum equates to less wrinkling, pilling, and usually faster drying times. If you are purchasing a large capacity washer, you need a large capacity dryer. End of story.

Most of the more expensive dryers offer a stainless steel drum. This is not really a critical factor, but stainless steel is going to automatically add to the cost.

Most of the premium dryers will also offer greater air flow. This is important. Air flow is critical to effective drying. The higher the air flow (evacuating the moisture from the drum), the shorter the dry time. Instead of just baking the clothes dry (like cheap Frigidaire dryers), premium dryers rely more heavily on airflow to do the job.

The biggest difference, though, is in the use of thermistors as opposed to thermostats. This is where the electronics come into play. Older or less expensive dryers use a thermostat to regulate the heat in the drum. (Most modern dryers also use moisture sensors, but these are not related to the actual drying temperature.) Thermistors are important because they are able to more accurately control the temperature within the drum. A thermostat will trigger the element when the air temperature drops below a certain point, and disengages it once the temperature reaches a certain point. This can result in a pretty high degree of swing within the drum.

Thermistors are able to create a much tighter tolerance in the air temperature, resulting in a much more even heat. The end result is the average temperature is more consistent, as opposed to fluctuating wildly, and that equates to a faster dry time.

Premium dryers are also able to maintain a lower temperature to help you dry delicate items safely.

So does that mean the difference in price is justified? Not necessarily, as not all "premium" dryers boast all of the above features. There is also this: most people want their laundry to match, and are willing to pay a premium to achieve this.

By the way the best dryer on the market is the GE Profile DPGT750. Check it out!