What To Know About A Whirlpool Dryer Before Investing

When you are shopping for a major appliance like a gas or electric dryer for your home, you want to be confident that you are receiving a good deal. After all, the cost of a new dryer can be as high as $1,750. Sticking with the best brands for this type of laundry appliance can help you feel good about receiving your money's worth in the purchase, and Whirlpool is one of the most well-known dryer brands with more than 100 years in business. The company actually introduced the first automatic washing machine in 1948.

Before you settle on a Whirlpool dryer, though, what are some things you should know about the brand and its laundry appliances? You can select between either electric or gas dryers when you stick with the Whirlpool brand. To check whether you have a natural gas or electrical connection in your laundry room, look for the presence of a gas hookup. When selecting a new Whirlpool dryer, you must match what you have already in place, or you'll have to pay an electrician or plumber to install new fixtures, which can cost up to $800 for a gas line and $250 for a 240-volt electrical outlet.

Whirlpool also offers both top-load and front-load machines. Front-load appliances cost more, but they have a larger minimum capacity, starting at 4.3 cubic feet versus 3.4 feet for the top-load design. Whirlpool dryers have a maximum capacity of 7.4 cubic feet, regardless of the design.

Whirlpool is considered a value brand in the market, meaning you should be able to find some of its models that carry a lower-than-average price, although you'll also find some costlier options, too. As a budget brand, these appliances aren't going to have as long of an expected lifespan as some others. Expect to receive an average of 10 years of performance from a Whirlpool dryer. Higher-quality brands may last 15 years.

Whirlpool dryers are available at a variety of price points, which is helpful in finding a model that matches your budget. Typically, a top-load machine will have a lower price than the front-load options. Expect to pay around $500 to $750 for a top-load electric model and $900 to $1,200 for a top-load gas model. For a front-load electric dryer, expect to pay $750 to $1,100, and $950 to $1,900 for a front-load gas appliance.

Among the key features found with Whirlpool dryers is AccuDry Sensor Technology. This includes two sensors inside the machine that measure both temperature and humidity to ensure the clothing dries at just the right level to avoid damage. The EcoBoost feature is a cycle made to run using as little power as possible for an eco-friendly option. Color options are another feature to consider. Most Whirlpool dryers are available in a white color, although you can also select black and chrome.

Even though it's a value brand, Whirlpool dryers tend to be pretty reliable. In a survey of repair technicians performed a few years ago, Whirlpool and Maytag received the top results in terms of the reliability they provide. Considering Whirlpool purchased Maytag almost 20 years ago, it might not be surprising that both brands made the list. The two brands operate separately from a financial perspective, but the same company makes their products.

One of the most common problems reported with a Whirlpool dryer is that it won't dry and won't heat up properly. Sometimes, this problem is easy enough to fix on your own, possibly by cleaning the lint screen, by checking the vent for obstructions, by reducing the size of the load, or by resetting a blown fuse for the outlet that serves the appliance.

Should your Whirlpool dryer experience some operational problems, you may be able to fix them by resetting the machine. Each model has a slightly different process for resetting, although most people can accomplish the reset by simply unplugging either the gas or electric dryer for several minutes. Then plug it back in and try again. If this resets the machine, you can avoid having to call a repairperson. Having the ability to fix your Whirlpool dryer's minor issues yourself is a key component of the brand's reliability for homeowners.