Best Affordable Dryers in 2022 – Get The Best Deal Here
It can be tempting to take a stroll in our local hardware store and open your wallet for the latest, greatest and shiniest new dryers. But give it some though before you drop serious coin on a new dryer because at the end of the day, you may not need all those fancy features.
In fact, there are lots of great, wallet-friendly options when it comes to dryers. And we’re not talking about scouring Craigslist or OfferUp for a used dryer. We’re talking brand new, energy efficient and effective dryers that are budget-friendly.
Still, you have to know what to look for. You also have to consider which features you can live without and which are essential to you. So in the following guide/list, we attempt to help you make such difficult decision.
Not only have we researched and wrangled up 12 of the best affordable dryers in 2022, we’re going to be talking about the most important considerations you need to make if you are in the market for a new dryer. Let’s start by discussing some of those important considerations.
What to Consider When Buying A Dryer
Before you even browse our list of affordable dryers, it would be tremendously helpful to review the most important considerations when making a selection. Considerations such as:
- The Type – There are several different types of dryers and they all have their ups and downs: gas dryers (energy efficient but you’ll need gas hookups), heat pump dryers (even more energy efficient but still expensive in the US), vented dryers (come in a variety of sizes but requires connection via dryer hose) and electric dryers (inexpensive but can damage clothes).
- The Capacity – Dryer capacity refers to how big the drum is. The drum is measured in cubic feet. For example, a dryer with a 9 cubic foot capacity or higher is considered a large capacity dryer that would likely be suitable for large families. But you may not need to put a lot of clothes in the dryer at once so a smaller capacity dryer may suit you more (not to mention cost you less).
- Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency is very important. Some models may be very cheap upfront but cost you more in utility bills in the long-run. Heat pump and gas dryers tend to be the most energy-efficient types.
- Functions and Features – You should also think about the features you want and need. Modern dryers are tricked out like new cars and can have features like Wi-Fi connectivity, moisture sensors, noise dampening and some can even kill bacteria.
Top 12 Best Options
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#1 – COSTWAY Compact Laundry Dryer – (Best Choice)
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#2 – Kenmore 29″ Front Load Gas Dryer – (Best Premium/Best Gas)
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#3 – YAKEY Compact Laundry Clothes Dryer – (Best Budget Option)
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#4 – BLACK+DECKER BCED26 Portable Dryer
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#5 – Merax Compact Laundry
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#6 – Barton Tumble Dryer – (Best Under $300)
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#7 – Panda Electric Portable Compact Cloth Dryer – (Best Under $350)
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#8 – Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer
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#9 – ROVSUN 13LBS Portable Clothes Dryer
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#10 – Panda 3200 rpm Portable Spin Dryer – (Best Portable Spin Dryer)
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#11 – hOmelabs Compact Laundry Dryer
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#12 – ARLIME Compact Laundry Dryer
THE TOP 3
#1 – COSTWAY Compact Laundry Dryer – Best Choice
The most important things you should know about this dryer is that it runs on electricity (you have to plug it in) and it is a compact dryer at just 24 inches tall 19.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches deep. It would be great for dorms or small apartments and it doesn’t need to vent to the outside.
It weighs just over 37 pounds so it’s easy to transport and set up. You can fit up to 10 pounds of wet clothes inside the stainless steel drum. Drying takes a while but that’s to be expected from such a small dryer.
Pros:
- Timer function
- Air dry function
- Hot drying mode
Cons:
- Can take up to 2 hours to dry
- Small capacity
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#2 – Kenmore 29″ Front Load Gas Dryer – Best Premium/Best Gas
With 7 cubic feet of space inside the drum, the Kenmore 29″ Front Load Gas Dryer would be a great choice for small to mid-size families. It has a wrinkle guard function that quickly tumbles your clothes and then keeps them warm (pressed) for up to 40 minutes.
There are 4 different drying temperatures so you can dry a variety of items like towels, blankets and of course clothes. This is a front-loading gas dryer so it dries clothes very fast. Plus it comes with a vent and power cord so you can hook it up immediately.
Pros:
- Fast drying
- Multiple drying temperatures
- Wrinkle guard
Cons:
- Vent might get clogged
- A bit noisy
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#3 – YAKEY Compact Laundry Clothes Dryer – Best Budget Option
The YAKEY Compact Laundry Clothes Dryer would be a great choice if you live in a studio apartment. It is an electric dryer that can be hooked up to a vent port but doesn’t need to be. It has 4 drying modes including strong drying, intelligent drying, eco drying and normal drying.
It runs at about 65 decibels so it’s not the quietest dryer out there but still not too loud overall. The drum is made of stainless steel and can handle about 9 pounds of wet clothes ably. The LCD control screen is a nice touch and it has 3-layer filtration.
Pros:
- Timer function
- Easily portable (47 pounds)
- Compact design
Cons:
- Small capacity
- A bit loud for small spaces
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#4 – BLACK+DECKER BCED26 Portable Dryer
The BLACK+DECKER BCED26 Portable Dryer has a drum capacity of 2.65 cubic feet so it’s pretty small; but that may be a boon to you if you have limited space. It has a 1400 watt capacity which is pretty impressive and helps cut down on drying time.
We were impressed with how quick this machine drys. You can set it on a timer that will run it between 20 and 200 minutes. There are 4 drying modes including an eco mode for higher energy efficiency.
Pros:
- Includes dryer hose
- Clear glass window
- Reliable manufacturer
Cons:
- Control knob is on the bottom
- Not very energy efficient
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#5 – Merax Compact Laundry
While this is already a compact dryer, you can mount it on the wall if you need to save maximum space. The Merax Compact Laundry has an 8.8 pound load capacity which is typically good for a couple pairs of pants and shirts.
The drum is made of stainless steel and on the highest setting, the dryer can reach a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There are 4 drying modes including a timed dry that can be set all the way up to 200 minutes.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Great for small spaces
- Can be mounted on the wall
Cons:
- Bottom-mounted control knob
- Lacks advanced features
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#6 – Barton Tumble Dryer – Best Under $300
The Barton Tumble Dryer would be a great choice for RV use because it is so compact and perfect for light-duty washing and drying when you’re glamping or just taking a road trip. It has an 8.8 pounds capacity and a clear viewing window.
It also comes with it’s own dryer hose that you can simply stick out of your RV window. It comes with a rear-mounted filter (inside the drum) that can be emptied after every use to optimize air flow. This is a 120 volt dryer that still packs a lot of drying power too.
Pros:
- Surprisingly powerful drying
- It runs quiet
- Great for RV’s
Cons:
- Getting to the filter is a bit tricky
- Included dryer hose is very short
Overall Rating: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#7 – Panda Electric Portable Compact Cloth Dryer – Best Under $350
This portable dryer has a wrinkle protection function that actually reverses the direction of the drum during the last drying cycle to reduce wrinkling and provide even heating. This is an electric, front-loading dryer that can operate at three temperature settings.
The tub is made from durable stainless steel and can handle up to 13 pounds of wet (3.3 cubic feet) clothes so it’s slightly larger than most portable dryers. This makes it a great choice for small to medium sized apartments and condos.
Pros:
- Relatively large capacity
- Wrinkle guard function
- Includes venting pipe
Cons:
- Lint filter is hard to clean
- Sometimes stops on it’s own
Overall Rating: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#8 – Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer
The Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer can reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit which is more than enough for most linens and garments. This would be a great choice for anyone with back or joint issues because unlike many portable dryers, the Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer has a control knob mounted on the top of the appliance.
It has a 1.8 cubic foot capacity but what it lacks in capacity it makes up for in versatility. The 27 x 19.3 x 17.7 inch frame can be mounted to a wall, placed on a rack or even just set on the floor. There is also an eco mode that uses a combination of cold and hot air to save you money on utilities. It comes with it’s own dryer hose and is pretty easy to install and get running overall.
Pros:
- Triple layer cotton filter
- Mounting kit included
- Anti-wrinkle mode
Cons:
- Runs a bit loud
- Pretty low-capacity
Overall Rating: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#9 – ROVSUN 13LBS Portable Clothes Dryer
The cool thing about this dryer is that it doesn’t give you the basic look of most compact dryers. It has a modern-looking LCD display screen and a clean design that would be perfect for modern-chic décor homes. The door has a security lock so it would also be a good choice if you have curious toddlers. This is a 3.5 cubic foot capacity dryer so it also boasts more room than most compact dryers.
It can operate up to 1500 watts so it is plenty powerful. Indeed, one of the things we liked the most about this dryer is that it got even large comforters dry in less than an hour. There are 5 drying modes including timed dry and even though it is a bit heavier than some compact dryers (about 57 pounds) it can still be safely mounted to a wall.
Pros:
- Relatively large capacity
- Dries clothes quickly
- Air intake filter is easy to clean
Cons:
- Rumbles a bit
- Does not include mounting kit
Overall Rating: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#10 – Panda 3200 rpm Portable Spin Dryer – Best Portable Spin Dryer
The Panda 3200 rpm Portable Spin Dryer would be a great choice if you like to air dry your clothes, if you hand wash your clothes or just want to save money on utilities. This is a spin dryer which means it does not generate or introduce any external heat into the drum. Instead, it spins at a max speed of 3200 rpms to extract moisture from your clothes.
It has a little moisture spout that you will have to put a bucket under to catch the water that drains out. The Panda 3200 rpm Portable Spin Dryer is simple to use: just load your clothes, close the lid and turn the lever to the on position. The drum can take up to 22 pounds of wet clothes. It’s compact, saves energy but note that it is not meant to get clothes completely dry.
Pros:
- Great option if you have limited space
- Can be used outside
- Safe operation
Cons:
- Does not get clothes completely dry
- Small capacity
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#11 – hOmelabs Compact Laundry Dryer
This is a compact dryer but still has a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet so it’s good for small to medium loads. As you might expect, it weighs 60 pounds so it’s a little heavier than many compact dryers but it can also dry more clothes at once. It has a multi-layer lint filter that’s mounted to the rear of the drum and you get your choice of 5 different drying modes.
The drum is made of stainless steel so even if you are drying items with metal buttons and zippers, you shouldn’t have to worry about dents, scratches or other types of damage. You can mount the hOmelabs Compact Laundry Dryer to a wall, stack it on top of another compact dryer or even mount it to a rack. You also don’t need to vent it to the outside if you don’t have a venting port.
Pros:
- The lint filter is easy to clean
- Clear viewing window
- It can take up to 13.2 pounds of wet clothes
Cons:
- Short power cord (4 feet)
- Bottom mounted control knob
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#12 – ARLIME Compact Laundry Dryer
At just 24 inches tall, 16.5 inches wide and 19.5 inches deep, the ARLIME Compact Laundry Dryer would make an excellent choice if you have very limited space to work with. It also operates at just 57 decibels so it won’t make a ton of noise in your small apartment or dorm. You do have to concede a bit with the limited 1.6 cubic foot capacity but if you don’t usually deal with large loads, that shouldn’t be a problem.
The ARLIME Compact Laundry Dryer also weighs just 37 pounds and it plugs in with a standard 3-prong plug so it can be used just about anywhere. The dial is easy to use and there are 4 different temperature settings. It also features triple filtration so it won’t send a bunch of debris and lint flying into your living space. This is a 110 volt dryer with a 900 watt maximum output.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Can be mounted to the wall
Cons:
- Lint filter needs to be cleaned often
- Longevity issues