HELP! I need a dryer

[JackintheGreen]

I just returned from a year abroad (go dissertation fieldwork!) to find that my dryer has gone entirely belly-up. It came with the house my wife and I bought two years ago and I have never bought a major appliance. So I'm totally overwhelmed with the amount of information out there on dryers. And the review sites I've looked at seem to have even love/hate splits on any given machine. Used to be Kenmore was the way to go, or Maytag, and you.d just go to Sears and take care of it, but gosh, I'm totally lost. Any help out there?

I am still in grad school, so a $1500 machine is out of the question. Efficiency, low power usage, and cost are the chief concerns. Financing will also be necessary.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. What's wrong with 10 bucks worth of...

rope and clothespins?

[JackintheGreen]

2. I live in PA

and it hasn't stopped raining here since March (I've been told). Also, winter. Also, no yard to speak of.

Look, I got nothing against a laundry line. I planned on putting one up once I got back anyway. But the amount of laundry my family produces and the possible hanging space available to me simply do not match up adequately. Sometimes you just need a modern convenience.

I just spent the last year washing clothes by hand and hanging them to dry in the tropical sun of south Asia. It was nice. it just isn't possible here in the same way.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. I hear ya. Washer and dryer are both broken here, but...

my laundry needs are light-- I go to the laundromat down the road maybe twice a month. Kinda makes replacing the washer and dryer a superfluous expense.

If and when they ever get replaced, I'd probably end up using the dryer more than the clothesline, too.

[JackintheGreen]

3. also, this...taken last week

http://img10.yfrog.com/i/6te.mp4/

[LeftyFingerPop]

4. This might help...

All dryers are basically the same. They have a case, a drum, a motor, etc.

The HUGE difference in the price of dryers in in the electronics located at the top of the dryer.

Therefore, the more drying options and timing that you think you need, the more you will pay.

If you just need a basic dryer, without all of the electronic bells and whistles, you should be able to get a very good one at a reasonable price.

[JackintheGreen]

6. Actually that does help

seems a little obvious perhaps, but I've spent so much of the last year in my head. Thanks.

[LeftyFingerPop]

7. I just went to the Kenmore site for you...

You should be able to get a decent one for $400-$500.

[RebelOne]

8. Kenmore is the best in appliances.

I have a Kenmore washer that has been working since the 1980s. I've only had to have it repaired twice. My next washer and dryer will be Kenmore.

[LeftyFingerPop]

9. Yes, I like them also.

Both washer and dryer are Kenmore.

[PRETZEL]

12. Another option,

and that's true.

Washers and dryers are basically the same save the various options.

If you're putting them side by side, try and find a "damaged goods" outlet. If there is even a small dent a retailer won't put them in the store or if damaged on delivery will take it back. As long as the dent doesn't interfere with the operation of the machine, a little dent can save a ton of money.

[Lars39]

10. I bought a dryer last year....

Whirlpool. It has an energy preferred setting that really helps cut down on the drying time. It also has something called Wrinkle Guard (which you can turn off). Basically the wrinkle guard will tumble the clothes every so often until you can get to them. Our washer and dryer are in the basement, so this feature really helps out a lot. I'm really happy with the dryer...so far, so good. :fingers crossed:

[Kali]

11. you can often find a used one for $50 - 100

I have two in the garage - I wonder what shipping would be - you could have them!

PSA: My German friends near Frankfurt don't own a drier - and they have a pottery school - lots o laundry, lots o rain. It can be done.

[LynneSin]

13. I'm gonna make the best suggestion should you decide to go brand new...

You're in Philadelphia which means you're about 45minutes away from the Sears Outlet store in Newark DE, right off of I-95 (and for you assholes reading this - there are no toll roads). I haven't had any need to buy any applicances yet but I've had plenty of friends use that location. Most of them have small scratches or were return but they all come with the regular warranty you'd get with one at the store.

PLUS....there is no sales tax in DE. I had a family member drive down from Harrisburg to buy his new riding mower from the Sears Outlet and saved a ton of money on it.

Bad side, I'm not sure of delivery and installation. You'll have to check on that one.
http://www.searsoutlet.com/Kenmore-Dryers/d/products.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=617

[dropkickpa]

14. I get my appliances at the Sear scratch n' dent

here in Pittsburgh.

[LynneSin]

15. That's what they call this place too.

I haven't needed to buy any major appliances yet but when I do you better believe I'll go to 'Scratch & Dent' Sears first.

[JackintheGreen]

17. Brilliant!

Just what I'm gonna do, if I can't find anything on CL in the next few weeks.

[VenusRising]

16. Check your local Craigslist, too.

You can get very good deals on appliances. People move and need to get rid of something or they upgrade.

Good luck on your purchase!

[Blue Diadem]

18. Is it gas or electric? Gas dryers cost more upfront, maybe $50 or so.

There is also a difference in capacity, so keep that in mind if you have large loads. Also check out various places for financing. Our last appliance was purchased over 18 months same as cash.

Craigs list is also a good idea.

[grasswire]

19. Kenmore is still the way to go for me.

Bought a W and D from Sears eight years ago. No trouble, no service calls. Still run just great. They weren't expensive, either.