A dryer’s brochure brags about steam cycles; what matters is whether clothes come out dry without cooking the elastic, and what it costs to run. We scored seven and the winner is the LG WKHC252HBA, with an SR Score of 87, because it posts the highest combined energy factor on the market while still drying a full load. If you need a ventless unit for a tight space, the LG DLHC1455W (84) is the runner-up.
The ranking
| Rank | Model | Best for | Price | SR Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG WKHC252HBA | Most efficient | ~$1,800 | 87 |
| 2 | LG DLHC1455W | Compact ventless | ~$1,500 | 84 |
| 3 | Electrolux ELFE4222AW | Gentle compact | ~$1,300 | 82 |
| 4 | Samsung DV22N6800EW | Ventless apartment | ~$1,200 | 80 |
| 5 | LG DLE7400WE | Standard electric | ~$900 | 82 |
| 6 | Maytag MED6230HW | Value electric | ~$800 | 79 |
| 7 | GE GTD58EBSVWS | Budget electric | ~$700 | 77 |
Methodology
The Home Score v2026 rubric weights five criteria that sum to 100:
- Drying performance (30) — even drying, sensor accuracy, no over-drying.
- Value for money (25) — capacity and running cost per dollar.
- Energy efficiency (20) — combined energy factor and annual kWh.
- Features & ease (15) — cycles, sensors, install flexibility.
- Reputation & reviews (10) — owner ratings and lab testing.
Drying leads because a dryer that leaves laundry damp is a heater that wastes money. Efficiency is weighted because running cost stacks up. Re-weight toward Value and the Maytag and GE climb; toward Efficiency and the heat-pump LGs dominate.
LG WKHC252HBA
The efficiency leader. A heat-pump dryer with the highest combined energy factor (9.0) among widely available models, about 266 kWh a year, and a roomy 7.8-cubic-foot drum. Around $1,800.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 26/30 |
| Value for money | 21/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 20/20 |
| Features & ease | 13/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: heat-pump cycles run longer than a vented dryer, and the price is high.
LG DLHC1455W
The compact ventless pick. A 4.2-cubic-foot dual-inverter heat-pump dryer made for apartments and condos, drying at lower temperatures. Around $1,500.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 24/30 |
| Value for money | 20/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 19/20 |
| Features & ease | 14/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: small capacity and long cycles; not for big families.
Electrolux ELFE4222AW
The gentle compact. A 4.0-cubic-foot ventless dryer with Gentle Dry low-temperature handling, ideal for delicates and stacked installs. Around $1,300.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 23/30 |
| Value for money | 20/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 18/20 |
| Features & ease | 13/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: small drum and Electrolux’s mid-pack service record.
Samsung DV22N6800EW
The ventless apartment unit. Compact ventless drying with self-cleaning condenser tech for small spaces, around $1,200.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 22/30 |
| Value for money | 19/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 17/20 |
| Features & ease | 13/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 6/10 |
Trade-off: Samsung’s reliability and service record is the weak spot.
LG DLE7400WE
The standard electric. A full-size 7.4-cubic-foot vented dryer with sensor dry and a sanitize cycle, around $900. The mainstream choice when you have a vent.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 26/30 |
| Value for money | 22/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 14/20 |
| Features & ease | 13/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: vented dryers are far less efficient than heat-pump models.
Maytag MED6230HW
The value electric. A dependable full-size vented dryer with sensor drying for around $800.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 24/30 |
| Value for money | 22/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 13/20 |
| Features & ease | 11/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: basic features and standard vented efficiency.
GE GTD58EBSVWS
The budget pick. A no-frills full-size vented electric dryer with sensor dry for around $700.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Drying performance | 23/30 |
| Value for money | 22/25 |
| Energy efficiency | 12/20 |
| Features & ease | 10/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 6/10 |
Trade-off: least efficient here, with fewer cycles.
Verification
- LG WKHC252HBA — CEF 9.0, ~266 kWh/yr, 7.8 cu ft verified via Energy Star and Palmetto dryer guide.
- LG DLHC1455W — 4.2 cu ft dual-inverter heat-pump verified via LG listings and Yale Appliance.
- Electrolux ELFE4222AW — 4.0 cu ft ventless Gentle Dry verified via Electrolux and Yale Appliance.
- Samsung DV22N6800EW — ventless compact, self-cleaning verified via Samsung listings.
- LG DLE7400WE — 7.4 cu ft vented electric verified via LG retail listings.
- Maytag MED6230HW — full-size vented electric verified via Maytag listings.
- GE GTD58EBSVWS — budget vented electric verified via GE listings.
Related rankings
- Best Washing Machines 2026: 7 Washers Ranked
- Best Dishwashers 2026: 7 Models Scored and Ranked
- Best Refrigerators 2026: 7 Models Ranked and Scored
- Best Air Fryers 2026: 7 Models Scored and Ranked
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best dryer in 2026?
- The LG WKHC252HBA leads on efficiency with a combined energy factor of 9.0, the highest among widely available dryers per Energy Star, while still drying a full 7.8-cubic-foot load. For small spaces, the compact LG DLHC1455W ventless model is the pick.
- Are heat pump dryers worth it?
- Yes if you value efficiency and have no vent. Heat pump dryers like the LG WKHC252HBA use far less electricity (around 266 kWh a year) and are gentler on fabrics because they dry at lower temperatures. They cost more upfront and dry slightly slower than vented gas dryers.
- Do I need a vent for a heat pump dryer?
- No. Heat pump and condenser dryers are ventless, which is why they suit apartments, condos, and interior laundry closets. Models like the LG DLHC1455W and Electrolux ELFE4222AW dry without an external duct.
- Gas or electric dryer?
- Gas dries faster and often costs less to run where gas is cheap, but needs a gas line. Electric heat-pump dryers are the most efficient and easiest to install since they need no vent, though they dry more slowly.
- How much should a good dryer cost?
- Most quality dryers run from about $530 for a basic gas model to roughly $1,000 for a mainstream electric. Premium compact heat-pump models can reach $2,000 or more.