About Kenmore Dryers

Kenmore Dryers – the Choices

There are many dryers to choose from. Essentially all clothes dryers use the basic heat spin cycle to dry your clothes. Dryers also are heated from either gas or electricity and you pay about $50 more for a gas model.

A gas dryer can also cost more to run in a gas line where an electric model can simply plug in to local power outlet. The higher gas costs should be recouped in time with lower utility costs.

Kenmore-Dryers – the controls

Kenmore-dryers generally look similar to any other unit. The control panel consists of a timer, a start switch, in some cases a set of cycle selection switches, although sometimes these may be incorporated in the timer.

The cycle selector switches. These allow programming of the clothes dryer for a clothes specific cycle. As soon as you press the start button the dryer will start running the selected cycle.

If you open the front door the drum and heating will stop automatically. Some units will start again as soon as the door closes again.

Most Kenmore dryers have at least three different cycle selections. These are delicate, normal and permanent press. The top line dryers also offer cycle options that include wrinkle saver protection, ultra low temperature, express cycle, and the energy saver.

Kenmore dryers – the features and prices

A new clothes dryer can set your budget back anywhere from $200 up to $1,400, and most midrange unit will cost in the range $450 and $600. So what is the price difference between a $600 and a $1200 dryer all about. It’s about the various options that you can get that offer saving in energy and time,

1. Moisture Sensors. The moisture sensor will stop the dryer automatically when it detects that your clothes are dry. This is a great option as it will save you time and of course money.

2. Energy Rating. Good dryers have the Energy Star attached. This mans that your machine will use less energy, and that means money savings.

3. Drying Rack. The drying rack is a flat platform that you can put clothes on that you do not want tumble dried.

4. Interior Light. The interior light will help you find socks and underwear still lodged in the drum, instead of feeling you way around the inside.

5. Touchpad Controls. This makes dryer control easier to program.

6. Cycle Signal Modes. The basic signal is a simple buzzer, some play a tune, or beep. Some have a silence option. Kenmore dryers – Size Really Does Matter

Always check that your dryer will fit in it’s intended location. A full-size dryer measures twenty-seven to twenty-nine inches (27” x 29”) wide. The compact Kenmore dryers measure twenty-four inches wide (24”)

Kenmore dryers – when you want the best

Consumer Reports (CR) named two Kenmore dryers as one it’s Quick Picks, and each of these dryers is priced at under $650.

The Kenmore Elite HE4, is companion dryer to the Kenmore Elite HE4t washing machine. At around $950, this model is ranked among the quietest of all dryers in Consumer Reports (CR) tests. Several other Kenmore models dry as well and are just about as quiet. Unless you already own or planning to purchase the matching washing machine, there's probably little reason to invest in the Kenmore Elite HE4 dryers.

The Kenmore 66922 (*est. $500) is a mid-priced Kenmore dryers model, and it has dried well in Consumer Reports (CR) performance tests. The drying drum is large enough to handle oversized items (7.5 cubic feet). It has a rotary dial, along with a moisture sensor, an end-of-cycle buzzer and a removable drying rack. One bit of feedback is that it’s setting is a tad too warm. The similar Kenmore Elite 66972 (around $640) also has a large capacity drum, a drop-down door, moisture sensor, drying rack and also dial controls.

If you are on a budget and don't really require electronic controls there are many cheaper options. Mid-priced Kenmore-dryers are frequently commended in appliance reviews. The mid-priced models (ranging from around ($350 to $450) probably have the best combination of both features and performance. The trade-offs are noise. The regular Kenmore-dryers tend to be a lot noisier than their more upmarket cousins, the Kenmore Elite dryers. Not all models have the optional drying rack, however they all have the basic features that include a moisture sensor and an end-of-cycle signal. These budget range Kenmore models also reduce costs with simple rotary-knob type controls. Most also feature at least 9 drying cycles including specific settings for both heavy-duty drying loads and delicates.

Kenmore-dryers – when you want the best

Click to head back to Dryer Repair All about Dryer Repair and Troubleshooting.

Kenmore dryers – Reliability Really Does Matter