At a Glance
Why Aren’t There a Lot of Top Load Dryer Options?
Best Top Load Dryer Models for Your Home
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
There are countless debates about the benefits of top-loading vs. front-loading washers – but what about dryers? Why is almost every dryer front-loading? Do they even make top-load dryers?
These are questions that customers frequently ask when they visit Spencer’s TV & Appliance. They want to find a matching set of washers and dryers but discover that the only dryers available are front-loading.
To find your answers, dig into the science of these appliances and how dryers work to remove moisture from your clothes. You can also look at a few top models that provide an excellent drying experience. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a top-load dryer for your home.
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Shop Dryers TodayWhy Aren’t There a Lot of Top Load Dryer Options?
Customers looking to buy a top-load dryer might be out of luck. These appliances are difficult to find and are usually unpopular with customers. Even if a company designs a high-performing top-load dryer, low customer demand might reduce the number of appliances produced. Why are these dryer models so uncommon?
Top-load dryers aren’t considered efficient. Consider how a front-load dryer works and compare it to a top-load model. The horizontal drum of a top load model flips the laundry as it turns.
Momentum pushes laundry around the drum while gravity makes it fall once it reaches the top. During this time, air gets in between the clothes while dry heat causes any water to evaporate – leaving your clothes ready to wear once the cycle is over.
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With a top-load model, clothes are pushed around a vertical drum. The clothes automatically fall to the bottom and there’s nothing to push them up. These appliances have to find ways to break up clothes to dry them without causing any damage to the garments. The technology to do this requires more parts and creates design challenges, which drives up the costs of top-load dryer models.
Companies might be more inclined to design if more customers demanded top-load dryers. However, most people seem to be happy with their front-load appliances, and it’s easy for companies to produce these designs on a large scale so they can be sold at low prices.
Best Top Load Dryer Models for Your Home
If you are in the market for a new dryer, there are plenty of options to choose from—even if none of them have top-loading dryer capabilities. Here are a few leading brands in dryer manufacturing and the best models they make.
Amana 6.5 Cu. Ft. White Front-Load Electric Dryer
Shop Amana 6.5 Cu. Ft. Front-Load Electric Dryer
Amana creates affordable laundry appliances without sacrificing the quality of the design. This Amana top load dryer comes with 11 different dry cycles, ranging from heavy-duty drying to energy-efficient cycles.
You can also turn on the Wrinkle Prevent Option to save time drying your clothes without ironing them afterward. Amana designs its dryers with Automatic Dryness Control, which uses temperature sensors at the end of each cycle.
This prevents over drying and cools down your clothes so you feel comfortable handling them. By running your laundry for the perfect amount of time, you can reduce your energy consumption and protect your favorite garments.
⭐Featured Amana Dryer #NED4655EW Review:
"I have had Amana machines before and my mom had her Amana machines for about 10 years. I'll take machines with no bells and whistles that are easy for my kids to operate that will last me a long time over any fancy machine any day."
GE 7.2 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Shop GE 7.2 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
GE is another reliable brand worth considering if you're in the market for a GE front load dryer replacement. This model boasts a large capacity, ideal for comfortably fitting and effectively drying a king-size duvet. A large-capacity dryer is a must for larger families with significant laundry demands. It reduces the required loads, saving you time and allowing you to spend more of it enjoying life in your favorite clothes.
Additionally, this model offers some impressive features. A 120-foot venting capacity is perfect for setups where the dryer isn’t positioned directly next to the vent. You also get four heating options, allowing you to customize the temperature based on the fabric and drying needs. Overall, GE has designed a versatile and highly efficient appliance.
⭐Featured GE Dryer #GTD48EASWWB Review:
"This dryer replaced my too-old-to-repair machine. Love it! Dries each load the first time. Lots of features including a light in the barrel."
LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Gas Dryer
Shop LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Front Load Gas Dryer
If you already have a gas hookup in your house, you may want to buy a gas dryer instead. Gas dryers are typically more expensive than their electric counterparts.
This is because gas models come with more components and technology to keep the appliance safe. However, once the appliance is hooked up in your home, you will love it.
This top load LG gas dryer is considered ultra-large capacity, which is ideal for messy families. The TurboSteam™ technology immediately generates steam, which reduces wrinkles and eliminates odors in your clothes.
If you have a dirty shirt but want to wear it, use this cycle to clean it in just 10 minutes. You can also connect this appliance to LG’s proprietary ThinQ app, which alerts you when your laundry is done.
⭐Featured LG Dryer #DLGX7801VE Review:
"With many varying features I am able to dry all types of clothing/bedding. I especially enjoy the sanitizing feature I use when I change my bedding. I sanitize pillows and comforter eliminating any mites, sloughed off skin, etc. making my bedding fresh!"
→ Learn More: 10 Best Electric Dryers with the Most Cycle Options
Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. White Gas Dryer
Shop Speed Queen DC5 7.0 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
This Speed Queen dryer is another top contender if you want to add a gas dryer to your home or replace a broken one. Speed Queen appliances are made in the United States and complex extensive endurance testing. The company says that customers can enjoy commercial-grade components in residential homes by purchasing through Speed Queen.
There are certainly multiple features that make this appliance worth it. The interior light illuminates your laundry while the end-of-cycle indicator light tells you when your load is complete. You can also enjoy the benefits of a reversible door, so you don’t block traffic in your house with a door that opens the wrong way.
⭐Featured Speed Queen Dryer #DC5003WG Review:
"So quiet! My last dryer did not capture all of the lint...I was constantly having to dust/wipe down my walls, washer, dryer, etc....the Speed Queen does an exceptional job of keeping the lint in the trap."
Frigidaire 6.7 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
Shop Frigidaire 6.7 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
If you're looking for an efficient and reliable electric dryer, the Frigidaire front load electric dryer is a great option to consider. With its 6.7 cu. ft. capacity, it’s perfect for handling medium to large laundry loads, making it ideal for families.
One of the standout features of this model is its precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust the heat settings to protect delicate fabrics while still ensuring thorough drying. The Frigidaire dryer also includes a wrinkle-release function, which helps to reduce the need for ironing by relaxing fabrics and minimizing wrinkles.
In addition, this electric dryer offers a variety of drying cycles, making it flexible enough to handle everything from heavy towels to delicate garments.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Dryer #FFRE4120SW Review:
"I love this dryer. It works fast and it is so easy to lean out the lint tray. It is just enough space for me and my daughter to wash our clothes, towels, and bedding. Highly recommend."
Maytag 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
Shop Maytag 7.4 Cu. Ft. Front Load Electric Dryer
The Maytag front load electric dryer is a top choice for those seeking a powerful and reliable dryer. With its 7.4 cu. Ft. capacity, this model is designed to handle larger loads, making it perfect for families with significant laundry needs.
This Maytag dryer is built with advanced features, such as the Extra Power button, which boosts drying performance on tough loads that contain heavy fabrics, like towels or jeans. Its moisture sensing technology also helps ensure that clothes are dried to perfection without over-drying, protecting your garments and saving energy in the process.
Additionally, this dryer comes equipped with a Wrinkle Prevent option that tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle ends to help prevent creases from setting in.
⭐Featured Maytag Dryer #MED7230HW Review:
"I am very happy with my dryer! After a few issues with the original install, we got it set up and working great. My clothes come out beautifully, and I couldn't be happier with it's performance. I tried the steam setting this morning for the first time, and the results were amazing!"
Find the Perfect Dryer for Your Home at Spencers
While top load dryers have their benefits, such as easy access and shorter cycle times, they can sometimes be less energy-efficient compared to their front-load counterparts. However, advancements in technology have helped improve their overall efficiency. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your household’s needs and preferences.
If you're in the market for a new dryer or want to explore your options, head over to Spencers for a wide selection of top-load and front-load dryers from trusted brands. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect appliance to suit your lifestyle and budget. Visit Spencers today and make laundry day a breeze!
→ Learn More: Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Clothes Dryer
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about top load dryers:
Do top-load dryers exist?
Yes. A few appliance brands design both front-load and top-load dryer models. However, the majority of dryers on the market are front-loading. You can expect to pay more for top-load dryers and they might not have all of the functionalities you expect. For example, you might not be able to find one that offers Wi-Fi connectivity.
Are top-load dryers more efficient?
Top-load dryers are not more efficient than their front-load counterparts. These appliances have to do more to push air between clothes and have to fight against gravity. Front-load dryers, meanwhile, use gravity to break apart clothes as they tumble through the drum. This allows hot air to flow through.
Which is better gas or electric dryer?
The best dryer is the one that hooks up to your home. If you don’t have a gas hookup, then it will be more expensive and more work to install a gas dryer. However, if you can choose between both, a gas dryer is more efficient and costs less to run per load. A gas dryer will cost more upfront to purchase.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Washers and Dryers at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop for washers and dryers online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the perfect appliance, even if it’s not a top-load dryer. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
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