Our top pick, the Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer, has a 9-pound capacity and utilizes reverse tumble action to keep your clothing fluffy and wrinkle-free. Below are the best portable dryers for an easy laundry day. This dryer is meant to simplify things. The LCD display makes it easy to operate, the sturdy handle makes it a breeze to move, and the wide-angle door opening makes loading and unloading clothes a simple process. And in addition to saving you time and sanity, this portable dryer saves space. This front load dryer comes with a wall mounting kit so you can hang the machine and free up coveted floor space. If you like what the Euhomy drying machine has to offer but need it to handle larger loads, there is a 3.5-cubic foot model that holds 13 pounds of laundry. The manufacturers note that the machine has a lower energy input than standard dryers, which means it’ll take longer to dry your laundry. This, however, is typical for compact dryers and results in lower electricity bills, furthering the Panda’s budget-friendly aspect. Many customers were shocked by the amount of laundry the dryer can handle: Panda says its machine can tackle up to 6.6 pounds of clothing, though some users suggest limiting your load to 5.5 pounds to get the driest clothes each time. Measuring 3.4 cubic feet, this machine may be larger than other models on the list, but there are plenty of space-saving options to store it. You can purchase machine-specific wall and floor mounts to hang your dryer out of the way or add casters so you can roll the dryer in and out of a closet when it’s not in use. In addition to making the machine work with your space, you can make it work for your height by adjusting the feet. The flexible placement options—freestanding, stacked, rack-mounted, or wall-mounted—make it easy for the machine to work within your space. And if you prefer to have it out only when in use, the built-in handle makes it easy to move the dryer to and from a closet. When using the machine, former customers say it’s best to crank slowly at the start of a load. This helps you build a consistent rhythm and keeps the machine steady. Once you’ve drained enough water, you’ll have the energy and speed to go faster. Because of the dryer’s size and manual operation, it works best on small loads of lighter fabrics. Most customers report that each load holds three shirts and shorts, two sweaters, or one to two pairs of jeans. The Magic Chef can handle larger, thicker items, like blankets and sweaters. But, as some customers note, it will take longer and require a higher temperature. If you have room for a slightly larger drying machine, Magic Chef has a 2.6-cubic-foot model that holds 9 pounds of laundry and a 3.5-cubic-foot model that holds 13 pounds of laundry. Though the Nekithia dryer measures 43.5 x 20.8 inches, it is packed into an 11 x 6-inch bag that can be thrown into a closet, drawer, or even stowed beneath a seat. Made of stainless steel tubes and stents, the machine uses heat and rotation to dry up to 13 pounds of laundry in one load. Just be sure not to overload the machine, as that will result in a much longer drying time. The Nekithia only offers one cycle and temperature, so you will have to adjust the time of each load depending on the material and size. And if you’re not around when the time is up, the machine will automatically shut off. But a quiet operation isn’t the machine’s only pro. The easy-to-use control panel offers five cycles and three drying temperatures to ensure the proper care for your clothes. The stainless steel drum also maintains clothing quality and reduces wrinkles thanks to its two-way rotation system. Meanwhile, the multi-filtration system removes lint, dog hair, and more from clothes without releasing excess pollution into the air. The filters, however, must be cleaned often to maintain effectiveness. Several customers noted that they required overnight cleaning for best results.
Vent Type
Your portable dryer will either be vented or ventless. A vented model draws in air, heats it to effectively dry clothes, then releases it through an exterior vent (usually in the rear). These models tend to cost less and dry items faster. However, they require a proper ventilation system, which may not be accessible in some apartments or condos. A ventless dryer also draws air in from the outside, but instead of releasing the air, it stores and repurposes the air for future use. Ventless models use less energy which means longer drying times, but also lower electric bills.
Cycles
A cycle is a pre-set heat level and time, often based on the size and fabric of your laundry load. Full-sized dryers have anywhere from 9 to 14 cycles, but portable dryers offer significantly less. Those that operate like a traditional dryer will have 3 to 4 cycles, while spin or tumble models won’t offer any cycles since they don’t use heat. Instead, they use centrifugal force to remove excess water from the laundry. Because of this, you will likely have to line dry your clothes afterward to get them completely dry.
Standout Features
Delay Start Function
Delay start functions allow you to start a pre-selected cycle without standing in front of the machine. They often work by pressing the Delay Dry / Start button to set the time in one-hour increments. This is helpful if you don’t want the machine to run while a partner or child naps. But there is another, lesser-known benefit of this function: According to Sears, energy rates may be lower in your area during certain times of the day. So by using Delay Dry/Start to run your dryer during these hours, you might pay less to use the same amount of energy.
Stackable Design
As the name suggests, a stackable dryer can be placed atop or below a washer. Stackable washer and dryer sets are ideal for households with limited space, like dormitories, apartments, and RVs. Although the washer and dryer do not need to be the same brand in order to be stacked, they have to be compatible size-wise. Additionally, both or one machine must be front-loading in order to be stacked.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a writer who has spent years covering home care for various publications, including The Spruce, Insider, and Bustle. To better understand how portable dryers operate, Leah spoke with Stephanie Dickson, an online merchant for Home Depot. Using this expert knowledge, she looked into the capacity, cycle options, and controls of the market’s most popular portable dryers. Leah prioritized affordable options that could handle larger laundry loads without leaving clothes moist or wrinkled. If you have a vented dryer, you will need to connect the exhaust hose to the exhaust base on the machine. When in use, you’ll want to run the hose through the window. Doing this will prevent the room from becoming humid when the machine is in use. That said, every model is different, so it’s important to follow your machine’s manual.
