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Amana is a part of the Whirlpool family, so it rides on its parent’s reputation of reliability. Known for making inexpensive appliances, Amana targets price-conscious customers. If this is you, then Amana’s dryers are worth considering.
Sadly, however, you won’t have a lot of dryer options in the company’s lineup; Amana only sells two dryer models with gas and electric variants. There’s one front-load and one with a top-load style. As you’ll see in this Amana dryer model guide, these dryer models are worth their price, as past customers attest.Â
Below, I’ve broken down the things to think about when shopping for an Amana dryer as well as the features to look out for in the different models. There’s also a bonus list of alternative dryer models from other brands, just to give you a couple more options to consider. Go ahead and read to the end to find out all you need to know.
What to Consider When Buying an Amana Dryer
Type of Dryer
You’ll need to consider whether you want a dryer to match with a front-load washer or one to match with a top-load washer. Of course, all dryers are loaded from the front, but their design difference is to allow users to pair the dryer with a washer the has a similar style for a uniform look.
Amana has just two dryer models, a front-load style and a top-load style.Â
Which one should you choose?
If you’re only replacing your dryer, then consider one with a similar style as your current washer. However, if you’re replacing both units, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each dryer style.Â
Front-load-style dryers are best for those who want to stack the washer and dryer to save on space. You won’t be able to stack a top-load-style dryer and washer. Also, front-loaders can be placed on pedestals to raise their height and reduce the need to bend to access the tub. Top-load models aren’t designed for pedestals, so you’ll have to do a lot more bending.
Amana’s top-load-style dryers are more affordable than the front-loaders, making them the best option for those on a tight budget. In fact, you’ll spend about $150 less if you opt for a top-load design. More on the prices later.
Fuel Type
You can get either a gas or electric dryer in Amana’s lineup. If you have a gas hookup in your laundry space, then a gas dryer would be a good choice. However, go for an electric dryer if you don’t have a gas line in your home, as getting one connected would be quite expensive.Â
Electric dryers require a 240V outlet to work, so ensure that this is available if you’re opting for an electric model. Gas models also require an electric connection to power the tub and controls, but they use a standard 120V outlet.Â
If you have both a gas hookup and a high-voltage electric outlet in your home, then you’ll need to decide which one to choose. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of both fuel types to help you decide.
Electric Dryers
Pros & Cons
Electric dryers are cheaper to buy than gas dryers. Although their initial cost is lower, the monthly cost of running an electric dryer is higher than that of a gas dryer. These dryers don’t require professional installation. They take longer to heat than gas dryers.
They are easier to maintain; you can even do it yourself. The peak temperature of electric dryers is lower than that of gas dryers. There’s no risk of gas leaks. Since they don’t get as hot as gas dryers, electric dryers take longer to complete a cycle.
You can get ventless electric dryers. Electric dryers are less efficient than gas dryers.
Gas Dryers
Pros & Cons
Gas dryers heat up faster than electric dryers. Gas dryers have a higher purchase cost than electric dryers. These dryers also get hotter than their electric counterparts. They are harder to maintain – you need a professional to do this.
They have shorter cycles. You also need a professional to install them properly to prevent gas leaks. Electric dryers are more energy-efficient. Gas dryers produce carbon monoxide, which is likely to leak into the house. These models only require a standard 120V electric outlet. Â
Gas prices are generally lower than electric prices, so you’ll save some money on the monthly cost. Â
Gas dryers generally perform better than their electric counterparts, but you’ll have to spend more on maintenance. If you don’t mind this extra cost, then consider a gas model. However, ensure that you have safety devices, like a carbon monoxide detector, to mitigate the risk of leaks.Â
Electric dryers are great for those who prefer to maintain their appliances themselves. However, you’ll have to contend with higher utility costs. Consider models that are are Energy Star certified to lower this expense.
Sizes and Capacities
The ideal capacity of a dryer should be twice that of the washer. Amana has 6.5-cubic-foot and 7.4-cubic-foot models. These can be paired with a 3.2-cubic-foot and a 3.7-cubic-foot washer, respectively, give or take an extra one or two cubic feet.Â
The company’s front-load-style dryer model has a width of 27 inches and a height of 39 inches, while the top-load-style model has a width of 29 inches and a height of 44 inches. Find out more about picking the right dryer size and capacity in this article.
Price
This should probably be the first thing that you consider when looking for a new dryer since your budget might narrow down your options. Amana’s dryers start at $580 for a top-load-style electric model. The gas variant of this model costs about $120 more, selling at $700.Â
If you’re looking for a front-load-style dryer, you’ll have to budget for $850 if you go for the electric model. Its gas counterpart costs $950. Sadly, if you’re looking for a dryer with smart features, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Consider Samsung, which sells smart dryers at the same price range as Amana’s front-load-style model.
Main Features of Amana Dryers
Drying Cycles
Below is a table with the main cycles found in Amana’s dryers.
Cycle Details
Normal Use:
- This cycle is for a regular load that doesn’t require special settings.Â
Delicates:
- This cycle is used for delicate fabrics like rayon or silk.
Bulky Items:
- This cycle is meant for blankets or comforters and other bulky items.
Heavy-Duty:
- You can use this cycle to dry heavy fabrics like jeans or corduroy.
Sanitize:
- This cycle uses high heat to kill bacteria in clothes.
Timed Dry:
- Here, you choose the length of time the cycle should run.
Quick Use:
- This cycle is when you have a small load to dry.
Automatic Dry:
- This cycle uses moisture sensors to determine how damp the load is and how long the cycle should be.
Air Dry:
- This cycle doesn’t use heat – it draws in air and tosses the load in the dryer to dry the items.Â
Sensor Drying
All of Amana’s dryers have moisture sensors that are able to determine the dampness level of a load and adjust the drying settings based on this. The Automatic Dry cycles use the sensors, sparing you the need to set the cycle time yourself.Â
Sensor Drying helps to avoid over-drying since the dryer will automatically end the cycle as soon as the load is dry. This also helps to save on energy.Â
Eco Dry Option
Found in Amana’s front-load dryer model, Eco Dry is a feature that lowers the amount of energy used by the dryer. When you activate this option, the dryer will use less heat and extend the drying cycle so that the load is properly dry at the end of the cycle.Â
Wrinkle Prevent Option
Wrinkle Prevent, as the name suggests, keeps your clothes from getting wrinkled when they’re left in the dryer long after the cycle ends. The dryer intermittently tumbles the load to achieve this. If you plan on running a cycle at night or when you’re away from home, then you’ll find this option to be quite useful.
Recommended Amana Dryer Models
Selection Criteria
Amana currently has only two dryer models, both of which have gas and electric variants. For the purposes of this article, I’ve featured both models here to highlight the company’s options.Â
For more variety, I’ve selected four alternative brands that you may consider if you can’t find what you need in Amana’s lineup.
To choose the alternative dryer models, I considered:
- Value for money
- Performance
- Reliability
- Customer feedback and reviews
Amana NED4655EW 6.5 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
This Amana dryer is designed for the budget-minded buyer, costing just under $600. It is a no-frills dryer with a rather spartan design that underscores its inexpensive price point. The controls are only made up of a knob and a button, nothing more.
And the dryer door is as simple as it can be, with exposed hinges that give it a slightly rugged look. If you’re looking for a fancy dryer, this one isn’t it. However, Amana didn’t build this appliance for aesthetic value; it’s designed to be a performer.Â
This model has an okay capacity of 6.5 cubic feet. Granted, you can get larger dryers at this price, but if you have a small household, then this will do just fine. It has Automatic Dryness Control that uses moisture sensors to control the length of a cycle.
This feature makes this Amana dryer one of the best performers in its class. In fact, most customers praise the value for money that this dryer offers as it does everything you’d want a dryer to do at an affordable price. Plus, its no-frills quality makes it easy to use, so you won’t take ages poring through the user guide when you first get it.Â
This is the electric version, but you can get the gas model, which is similar to this one in everything else other than the fuel type.
Main Features
- The Amana NED4655EW has a capacity of 6.5 cubic feet.
- Its width is 29 inches, height is 44 inches, and depth is 28 inches.
- This dryer has 11 drying cycles that include Automatic Dry, Timed Dry, and Air Dry cycles.
- This model has Automatic Dryness Control.
- It has Wrinkle Prevent Option.
- Its door is reversible.
Pros
- This Amana dryer is affordable.
- Its moisture sensors help to prevent over-drying.
- It’s easy to use.
Cons
- This dryer isn’t Energy Star certified.
- You don’t get an option to manually set the drying temperature.
Amana NED5800HW 7.4 cu. ft. Front-Load Dryer with Sensor Drying
If you’re looking for a front-load dryer, then this is the option to consider in Amana’s lineup. It has a more stylish look than the model above, but it’s also about $200 more expensive. Sadly, this model only comes in white, but this isn’t much of an issue since it still looks fancy. T
he dryer door has a window, so you can monitor the load as the cycle progresses. This door is also reversible, enabling you to shift the side it swings based on the layout of your laundry space.Â
Looks aside, this Amana dryer is also built to do its job well. Its standout feature is Sensor Drying, which accurately senses the amount of moisture in the load and adjusts the cycle time and temperature accordingly. Still, you can select the temperature yourself as this dryer has four temperature settings. It also has dryness settings, allowing you to select the dryness level you need for a load.
Unfortunately, there’s no WiFi connectivity in this model, yet other brands offer this feature at this price point. Still, if smart features aren’t your top priority, this Amana dryer is a great option to consider.Â
Main Features
- The Amana NED5800HW has a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet.
- Its width is 27 inches, height is 39 inches, and depth is 31 inches.
- It has Sensor Drying.
- This model has temperature controls with four temperature settings.
- There’s a Sanitize Cycle.
- There’s also an Eco Dry option.
- This dryer is stackable with a washer.
Pros
- It is Energy Star certified.
- It has a large capacity.
- You can choose between electricity or gas.
Cons
- There’s no WiFi connectivity.
- It doesn’t have an interior light.
Alternative Dryer Models
Frigidaire FFRE4120SW 6.7 Cu. Ft. Free Standing Dryer
This Frigidaire dryer costs more than what you would spend on an Amana model, but it’s still a great alternative if you’re looking for a top-load-style model. With 6.7 cubic feet, it’s meant for a small to a medium household. There are ten drying cycles, among them being Quick Dry as well as Sanitize Cycle. Other common cycles like Bulky, Delicates, and Heavy Duty are also found here.
The controls in this model seem more advanced than what you get in Amana’s options; this also means that it isn’t as easy to use as the Amana dryers. Don’t get me wrong; this dryer isn’t complicated; it just has a lot more options, which may confuse some users.Â
It has a classic door area: no window, exposed hinges, pocket handle. Thankfully, this door is reversible, so you can shift it to swing either left or right, depending on your preference.Â
Main Features
- This Frigidaire dryer has a capacity of 6.7 cubic feet.
- It has a width of 27 inches, a height of 43 inches, and a depth of 30 inches.
- The drum is made of stainless steel.
- There are ten drying cycles.
- It also has five dryness levels.
- It has moisture sensors.
- This model has an Anti-Wrinkle option.
Pros
- It has a durable stainless steel tub.
Cons
- This Frigidaire dryer is more expensive than Amana’s options.
Check out our Frigidaire dryer model guide to learn more about this brand’s options.
Whirlpool WED5620HW 7.4 cu. ft. Front-Load Electric Dryer with Intuitive Touch Controls
Whirlpool is Amana’s parent company, and this dryer is a testament to the connection between these two brands. It looks similar to Amana’s NED5800HW model. In fact, it actually is the same dryer with a different badge. So, if you’re drawn to the Amana model, then this will offer you the same features at about the same price. You get a large 7.4-cubic-foot capacity, 11 drying cycles, and Advanced Moisture Sensing. This model also has Wrinkle Shield, similar to Amana’s Wrinkle Prevent feature.Â
This dryer is Energy Star certified, thanks to the EcoBoost feature that ensure the dryer uses significantly less energy in a cycle.Â
Main Features
- The Whirlpool WED5620HW has a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet.
- It has a width of 27 inches, a height of 39 inches, and a depth of 31 inches.
- Its door is reversible.
- There is Advanced Moisture Sensing.
- The dryer has 11 drying cycles.Â
- It has a Sanitize Cycle.
- There’s the Wrinkle Shield option.
- This model is Energy Star certified.
Pros
- This dryer is energy efficient.
- It is ADA Compliant.
Cons
- There’s no interior light.
Learn about Whirlpool’s dryer models in this article.
Samsung DVE45T6000P/A3 7.5 cu. ft. Front-Load Electric Dryer with Sensor Dry
Samsung makes sleek dryers, and this model carries on this reputation. In fact, this is probably the best-looking dryer on this list. If style is important to you, then this is a model to consider. However, it doesn’t just look good; it also performs exceptionally.Â
This dryer model has Sensor Dry, which should go without saying at its price point. Speaking of the price, the model costs about $900 but you can still get it at a further discount. Incidentally, at the time of writing this piece, the dryer cost just $680, thanks to the holiday discounts. Inside, there’s a 7.5-cubic-foot tub, and, thankfully, you also get a drum light – this is missing in all of Amana’s options. There’s also a lint filter indicator that alerts you when the filter is full.Â
Maintaining this Samsung dryer is easy, thanks to Smart Care, which allows you to use the Smart Washer/Dryer App to troubleshoot any issues from your smartphone.
Main Features
- The Samsung DVE45T6000P/A3 has a capacity of 7.5 cubic feet.
- It has a width of 27 inches, a height of 39 inches, and a depth of 31.5 inches.
- The dryer has Sensor Dry.
- There are ten drying cycles.
- There are five temperature levels.
- This model has a reversible door.
- It has a lint filter indicator.
- The dryer has Samsung’s Smart Care.
Pros
- This Samsung dryer is affordable.
- It has a drum light.
- It is ADA Compliant.
Cons
- There are no advanced smart features.
Find out more about Samsung’s dryer models here.
Kenmore 65132 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer w/ SmartDry Plus Technology
This Kenmore dryer is an alternative for those looking for a top-load-style dryer that’s affordable. Costing about $740, it’s more expensive than what Amana offers, but it also offers more features that make it worth the price. For starters, this model has a 7.0-cubic-foot capacity, larger than Amana’s top-loader. As you’d expect, there are moisture sensors here; Kenmore calls this Smart Dry Plus. The feature is made up of two moisture sensors as well as a temperature sensor to ensure that clothes come out perfectly dry at the end of each cycle.Â
There’s also Wrinkle Guard in this Kenmore model, which works in the same way as Amana’s Wrinkle Prevent option.Â
Kenmore gave this dryer a drop-down door as opposed to a side-swing one. Whether one door design is better than the other depends on personal preference, and it doesn’t affect the dryer’s performance. I’ll leave that to you to decide.
Main Features
- This Kenmore dryer has a capacity of 7.0 cubic feet.
- It has a width of 29 inches.
- The dryer has Smart Dry Plus.
- It has Wrinkle Guard.
- There’s an Air Only cycle.
- This model also has Timed Dry cycles.
Pros
- This Kenmore dryer is affordable.
- It has both moisture and temperature sensors.
Cons
- The dryer isn’t Energy Star certified.
Learn about Kenmore’s dryers in this guide.
FAQs
Question:Â How long do Amana dryers last?
Answer:Â Dryers are expected to last an average of 12 years. Since Amana is a reliable brand, you should expect their dryers to last at least ten years if well maintained.
Question:Â When should I replace my dryer?
Answer: Consider replacing your dryer when it’s about ten years old as it’s approaching the end of its life. You can also replace your dryer if it breaks, and the cost of repairing it comes to almost as much as buying a new one.
Question:Â Who makes Amana dryers?
Answer: Amana’s dryers are made by Whirlpool, which owns the Amana brand.
Bottom Line
Amana is a budget-focused brand that sells affordable dryers. The company doesn’t have any dryer model selling at more than $1000, making this an ideal brand for those interested in affordability. However, you’ll have to contend with a limited variety of dryers: currently, Amana has only two dryer models that come in either gas or electric versions.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive top-load-style dryer, then their cheapest model is a good choice. It is, however, a no-frills dryer with a spartan design. If you prefer a front-load model, Amana’s offering has some excellent features at a reasonable price tag.Â
For more variety, consider one of the alternatives listed above and check out our other dryer model guides to find the right one for your needs.