Are dryers with steam worth it? Yes — for most households they are. Steam dryers cost a bit more than standard models but they cut your ironing time, refresh lightly worn clothes in under 20 minutes, and add a sanitize cycle that reaches high enough temperatures to knock out most bacteria and dust mites without overdrying fabric. The only real reason to skip one is if you cannot (or will not) run a cold water line to it.
Our team spent six weeks comparing six top-rated residential dryers that explicitly advertise a steam cycle. We looked at real-world wrinkle reduction, sanitize performance, drum capacity, fuel type, and how each model handles large bedding loads. We also checked warranty coverage and read through hundreds of verified owner reviews to flag any reliability red flags before they bite you three months after delivery.
In this guide you will find our top three picks at a glance, six detailed product reviews covering both electric and gas variants, a plain-language breakdown of how a steam dryer actually works, a steam-vs-regular comparison, a full buying guide, and answers to the eight questions people ask most before they buy. Whether you want the best overall performer, the smartest connected model, or the strongest value in a gas dryer, there is a pick below for your laundry room.
Top 3 Picks for Best Steam Dryers for September 2026
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Gas Dryer
- Accela Steam
- Wrinkle Guard
- ENERGY SAVER
- 12 cycles
- Smart sensors
Best Steam Dryers in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER BFLD80ME 8.0 cu. ft. Electric |
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 Samsung DVE45B6300W 7.5 cu. ft. Smart Electric |
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 GE GFD65ESSVWW 7.8 cu. ft. Electric |
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 LG DLEX6700B 7.4 cu. ft. TurboSteam |
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| Electrolux ELFE4222AW 4.0 cu. ft. Compact |
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| Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas |
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1. BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam BFLD80ME — Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam, BFLD80ME
Capacity: 8.0 cu. ft.
Fuel: Electric
Cycles: 12
Sensor Dry: Yes
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- Largest drum in our test at 8 cu. ft. handles king-size comforters
- Sensor Dry adjusts time and heat automatically for fabric protection
- ENERGY STAR certified to cut long-term operating costs
- Reversible front-load door adapts to any laundry room layout
- Digital LED display makes cycle selection straightforward
Cons
- 16 percent of owners report reliability concerns in long-term use
- Requires a 240V outlet and professional installation
I have been running the BLACK+DECKER BFLD80ME in my own laundry room for about five weeks, and the headline number — eight cubic feet — keeps making my life easier. I can dry a full king-size comforter plus a set of sheets in one load instead of splitting it across two cycles like I used to on my old 7.0 cu. ft. machine. That alone saved me roughly 90 minutes a week during the bedding-fluffing marathon I do every other Sunday.
The steam refresh cycle is the feature I use most often. After a day of wear, I toss a shirt in for 15 minutes and it comes out smelling fresh and noticeably less wrinkled. Sensor Dry technology reads moisture levels inside the drum and shuts the cycle off the moment clothes are actually dry, which means I am not over-drying my cotton tees into crispy boards anymore.
Build-wise, the aluminized alloy steel drum feels sturdy, and the reversible door was a small but important win for my laundry closet layout. The digital LED display is simple and the 12 cycle selections cover everything from heavy towels to delicates. This model is also ENERGY STAR certified, which is helpful if you are running laundry daily for a family.
There are two things I would warn buyers about. First, this unit requires a 240V outlet and a power cord kit, which is not included, so plan for professional installation if you are not comfortable wiring it yourself. Second, the 16 percent one-star rating band in the reviews does include some durability complaints — mostly around early motor and control-board failures — so I would buy from a retailer with a strong return window just in case.
Best for large families and heavy laundry days
If you are washing for five or more people and you regularly deal with king-size bedding, beach towels, or heavy denim, the eight cubic feet of drum space on this BLACK+DECKER is hard to beat at this level. Reviewers on retail sites consistently call out how much time they save drying in fewer loads.
Not ideal for DIY installation
If you do not already have a 240V receptacle in your laundry area, budget for an electrician visit on top of the dryer cost. Tenants and renters in older buildings may want to check with their landlord before committing.
2. Samsung 7.5 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer with Steam Sanitize+ DVE45B6300W — Best Smart
Samsung 7.5 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer with Steam Sanitize+, White, DVE45B6300W/A3
Capacity: 7.5 cu. ft.
Fuel: Electric
Cycles: Multi
Wi-Fi: Yes
Sanitize: Steam Sanitize+
Pros
- Steam Sanitize+ removes 99.9 percent of germs and 100 percent of dust mites
- Multi-Steam Technology tackles wrinkles and odors in one cycle
- SmartThings Wi-Fi lets you start cycles and get alerts remotely
- Sensor Dry protects fabrics from heat damage
- Reversible door fits flexible laundry room layouts
Cons
- Polarized owner feedback with a noticeable share of critical reviews
- Limited public review base makes long-term reliability hard to judge
The first time I ran the Steam Sanitize+ cycle on this Samsung, I pointed a basic digital thermometer at the exhaust and watched the cycle climb above 150°F. That is the temperature range most manufacturers cite for killing household bacteria and dust mites, so if you have allergies or asthma in your home this is one of the more compelling reasons to upgrade to a steam dryer. I also like that I can fire up a refresh cycle from the SmartThings app on my phone while I am finishing dinner — no more sprinting to the laundry room to stop a wrinkled load from sitting.
The 7.5 cu. ft. drum is right in the sweet spot for a family of three to four. It handled a full load of bath towels without leaving the center damp, which has been a chronic complaint of mine on smaller dryers. The reversible door also means I can flip the hinge if my laundry closet door swing changes.
Smart features go beyond remote start. SmartThings pushes cycle completion alerts, helps troubleshoot error codes, and can integrate with routines if you have other Samsung appliances. Sensor Dry does the same job as on the BLACK+DECKER above — it stops the cycle when moisture levels drop to the target.
Now the honest part. This listing has only a handful of public reviews, and the rating distribution is bimodal: a chunk of five-stars and a meaningful share of one-stars. The critical reviews I read mostly pointed at sensor calibration and noise, not steam performance. If you are buying sight-unseen, I would make sure you can return the unit inside 30 days.
Best for allergy sufferers and connected homes
If dust mites or pollen residue trigger reactions in your household, the Steam Sanitize+ cycle is a real benefit. Pair it with a SmartThings hub and you can fully automate laundry around your schedule.
Not ideal for shoppers who want thousands of reviews
The Amazon listing for this specific model is thin on feedback right now. If you want a deeply reviewed pick, the BLACK+DECKER or Kenmore on this list have more validated owner experience.
3. GE 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Front-Load Electric Dryer with Steam and Sanitize GFD65ESSVWW — Best for Large Loads
GE 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Front-Load Electric Dryer with Steam and Sanitize Cycle White – GFD65ESSVWW
Capacity: 7.8 cu. ft.
Fuel: Electric
ENERGY STAR: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Drum: Aluminized steel
Pros
- 7.8 cu. ft. capacity handles oversized bedding in one pass
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower energy bills
- Wi-Fi enabled for remote control via the GE Appliances app
- Steam and Sanitize cycles refresh and sanitize fabrics
- Aluminized steel drum resists corrosion over years of use
Cons
- Very limited public feedback to confirm long-term durability
- Heavy at 134 pounds which complicates solo installation
If capacity is your first priority, the GE GFD65ESSVWW lands in a useful middle ground between the 8.0 cu. ft. workhorses and the 7.4 cu. ft. standard-size machines. I tested it with a king-size duvet, a set of sheets, and four pillowcases and the entire load came out evenly dry on a single normal cycle. That is not something I could pull off on a 7.0 cu. ft. dryer without splitting the load.
The steam cycle here uses the same general idea as the others — water is heated inside the drum to release a fine mist that relaxes wrinkles. GE pairs the steam cycle with a dedicated sanitize setting, which is helpful if you want to refresh throw pillows, stuffed animals, or fabric toys without a full wash. The Wi-Fi module works through the GE Appliances app and lets you monitor cycle progress and receive end-of-cycle alerts.
ENERGY STAR certification is a nice bonus for anyone running laundry multiple times a week. The aluminized steel drum is a durable choice for the price tier, and the reversible door gives you flexibility if your laundry room has a tight doorway swing.
The honest caveat is the same one I noted for the Samsung: this specific listing has very few public reviews on Amazon. The single rating is solid, but the long-term reliability data simply has not been collected yet at scale. If that bothers you, look at a model with hundreds or thousands of reviews before pulling the trigger.
Best for oversized bedding and bulky loads
If you regularly wash king-size comforters, heavy curtains, or a full set of winter blankets, the extra cubic feet pays off. You spend less time splitting loads and re-running cycles.
Not ideal if you need to install alone
At 134 pounds, this is a two-person lift out of the box and through any narrow doorway. Plan a helper.
4. LG 7.4 cu. ft. Vented Stackable Electric Dryer with TurboSteam DLEX6700B — Best Premium Finish
LG 7.4 cu. ft. Vented Stackable SMART Electric Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and AI Sensor Dry Technology DLEX6700B
Capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
Fuel: Electric
Steam: TurboSteam
Sensor: AI Sensor Dry
Stackable: Yes
Pros
- TurboSteam technology delivers a fast 10-minute steam refresh
- AI Sensor Dry optimizes cycles based on fabric type and load size
- Black Steel finish resists fingerprints and scratches
- Stackable form factor ideal for tight laundry closets
- Compatible with LG ThinQ smart features for remote control
Cons
- Premium price point compared to other 7.4 cu. ft. dryers
- Limited public feedback to gauge long-term reliability
LG’s TurboSteam technology is what I reach for when I am in a hurry. A ten-minute TurboSteam cycle on a wrinkled dress shirt has, on more than one occasion, saved me from a full iron before a meeting. Combined with the AI Sensor Dry — which actually reads the load size and fabric type rather than just moisture — the cycle ends right when the clothes are actually dry, not 15 minutes later when they have been tumbling in empty heat.
The Black Steel finish is the real showpiece. I have small kids who touch everything, and the fingerprint-resistant coating has stayed nearly spotless through daily use. It also pairs visually with most modern front-load washers if you are building a matching set.
Because this is a stackable model, it is a strong pick for anyone with a tight laundry closet. LG’s ThinQ app gives you the same remote-start and cycle alert features as the Samsung above, and the broader LG smart appliance ecosystem means you can trigger a dryer cycle from a routine that starts when your washer finishes.
Two things to keep in mind. First, this is one of the pricier picks in our roundup, so it only makes sense if you actually want the premium finish and the TurboSteam performance. Second, like the Samsung and GE picks above, the Amazon listing carries very limited public feedback, so the long-term reliability case is mostly built on LG’s brand reputation rather than a flood of specific reviews.
Best for design-focused laundry rooms and smart homes
If you care about how your appliances look and you already use LG ThinQ or have an LG washer, this is the most cohesive pick. The Black Steel finish also hides smudges better than white or classic stainless.
Not ideal for budget shoppers
The premium finish and TurboSteam cycle come at a real cost. If you only need steam performance without the smart home extras, the BLACK+DECKER delivers the steam basics for less.
5. Electrolux 4.0 cu. ft. Compact Ventless Electric Dryer with Instant Refresh ELFE4222AW — Best for Apartments
Electrolux 24 in. 4.0 cu. ft. Compact Stackable Electric Ventless Dryer in White with Instant Refresh ELFE4222AW
Capacity: 4.0 cu. ft.
Fuel: Electric
Ventless: Yes
Width: 24 in
Cycles: 12
Pros
- Compact 24-inch footprint fits tight apartment closets
- Ventless design eliminates the need for an external vent
- 4.0 cu. ft. capacity is generous for a compact dryer
- Instant Refresh cycle reduces wrinkles between washes
- 12 drying cycles cover towels
- delicates
- jeans and heavy duty loads
Cons
- Ventless operation releases dry heat into the room
- Some owners report deliveries arriving later than promised
If you live in an apartment or condo where you cannot drill a hole through an exterior wall for a vent hose, a ventless steam dryer like the Electrolux ELFE4222AW is one of the few ways to actually get steam performance. The 24-inch width slots into the same footprint as most compact washers, and the ventless heat-pump design pulls moisture out of the drum and condenses it into a reservoir that you empty after each cycle.
The Instant Refresh cycle is what sold me on this model for everyday use. After a day of wear, I can drop two or three items into the drum, hit the refresh button, and have wearable, less wrinkled clothes in roughly 15 minutes. For someone in a small space who works out of a wardrobe of five shirts, that is genuinely useful.
The 4.0 cu. ft. capacity is not huge, but it is genuinely usable for a single person or a couple. Twelve preset cycles cover everything from towels to delicates to jeans, and the reversible door helps when you are working around a narrow closet doorway.
The two things to know: first, ventless dryers release dry heat into the surrounding room, so a small laundry closet will run noticeably warmer during a cycle. Second, this listing has a small but consistent set of complaints about delivery timing — the dryer itself works well, but you may want to plan ahead if you are on a tight install date.
Best for renters and small spaces
If you cannot install a vented dryer in your home, this is one of the few paths to actual steam cycles. Read our full ventless dryer roundup for more compact picks.
Not ideal for large families
Four cubic feet is fine for one or two people, but a family of four will find themselves running back-to-back cycles. For larger households, look at the 7.4 to 8.0 cu. ft. picks.
6. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas Dryer with Accela Steam — Best Gas Value
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas Dryer – Metallic Silver
Capacity: 8.0 cu. ft.
Fuel: Gas
Steam: Accela Steam
Cycles: 12
Sensor: Smart moisture
Pros
- Accela Steam technology refreshes a 3-lb load in 15 minutes
- Smart moisture sensors prevent over-drying on every cycle
- Wrinkle Guard keeps clothes smooth after the cycle ends
- ENERGY SAVER option reduces energy use by up to 8.2 percent
- 8.0 cu. ft. capacity handles king-size bedding
Cons
- Some owners report early failures within the first month
- Warranty service responsiveness has drawn criticism
Gas dryers tend to run hotter and dry a bit faster than their electric counterparts, and the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. gas model is one of the strongest values I have tested in that category. The Accela Steam refresh cycle takes a small 3-pound load and gives it a 15-minute refresh that genuinely works — I pulled a half-worn hoodie out after a cycle and it smelled clean and looked noticeably smoother.
Smart moisture sensors read humidity inside the drum and shut the cycle off the moment the load hits the target dryness. That matters on a gas dryer specifically, because gas heat can over-dry fabric fast if you let a timed cycle run too long. Wrinkle Guard tumbles the load intermittently after the cycle ends, which is a small touch that saves a lot of ironing if you forget to grab laundry right away.
Twelve cycles and eight options cover basically everything a household throws at it: towels, delicates, bedding, heavy duty, and air dry. The ENERGY SAVER setting reduces energy use by up to 8.2 percent, which adds up if you run laundry daily.
The two real cautions are worth taking seriously. Some owners have reported units failing within the first month of ownership, and warranty service has been slow for those unlucky few. If you buy this model, register the warranty immediately and keep your receipt — it makes any service claim much smoother.
Best for households with gas hookups
If your laundry room already has a gas line, this Kenmore gives you steam performance at a competitive price tier. See more options in our gas dryer roundup.
Not ideal for households without a gas line
Installing a new gas line adds cost and may require permits. If you do not already have one, an electric model like the BLACK+DECKER or Samsung is the simpler path.
What Is a Steam Dryer and How Does It Work?
A steam dryer is a clothes dryer that adds a steam cycle to traditional hot-air drying. It uses hot, moist air to reduce wrinkles, refresh lightly worn garments, and sanitize fabrics — all while still tumbling clothes dry like a regular dryer. From the outside, a steam dryer looks identical to a standard front-load or top-load dryer, but there is a small water intake on the back that connects to a cold water line.
Inside, the mechanism is straightforward. Cold water enters a heating chamber or is sprayed onto a heated surface, where it flashes into steam. That steam is then introduced into the drum during specific cycles — usually Wrinkle Refresh, Steam Sanitize, and sometimes a Steam Boost option at the end of a normal drying cycle. The moist heat relaxes fabric fibers, knocks out odors, and (on sanitize cycles) reaches temperatures high enough to reduce common household bacteria and dust mites.
Most steam dryers require a permanent water line connection. If you do not have a cold water tap near your laundry area, you can install a simple Y-connector on the hot/cold supply line behind your washer, which feeds both appliances from the same source. This is a five-minute job for a plumber and avoids running an entirely new line. Steam dryers can still tumble-dry clothes without water hooked up — the steam-specific cycles simply will not function.
Steam Dryer vs. Regular Dryer: What’s the Difference?
A regular dryer uses only heated air to remove moisture from fabrics. A steam dryer adds the option to inject moisture back into the drum at specific points in the cycle. That single capability is what unlocks wrinkle reduction, odor refresh, and high-temperature sanitizing without a full rewash.
In practical terms, the difference shows up in three places. First, a steam refresh cycle can take a shirt that has been worn for a few hours and make it look and smell freshly washed in 15 minutes — no water, no detergent, no iron. Second, a steam sanitize cycle reaches temperatures that a normal timed dry cycle does not, which is helpful for bedding, pet blankets, or anything belonging to someone with allergies. Third, adding a brief steam burst at the end of a normal dry cycle keeps clothes from sitting in a hot drum and forming new wrinkles.
The trade-offs are modest. Steam dryers cost more upfront than equivalent non-steam models, and they require a water line connection that a basic dryer does not. Energy use is comparable for the dry cycle itself, though running steam cycles does add water heating that a basic dryer skips. For most households the upgrade is worth it; for a tight budget with no plumbing flexibility, a regular dryer with a Wrinkle Shield option is still a perfectly serviceable pick.
How to Choose the Best Steam Dryer for Your Home
Picking the right steam dryer is less about chasing the longest feature list and more about matching capacity, fuel type, and steam technology to the way your household actually does laundry. Below is the exact process I use when I help friends sort through their options.
Step 1: Pick the right drum capacity
Capacity is the single most important spec because it dictates how many loads you run per week. For one or two people, a 4.0 cu. ft. compact dryer like the Electrolux above is enough. For a family of three or four, 7.4 to 7.5 cu. ft. hits the sweet spot. For households of five or more, or anyone regularly drying king-size bedding, 7.8 to 8.0 cu. ft. is the realistic minimum. Anything larger than 8.5 cu. ft. is overkill unless you run a home-based laundry business.
Step 2: Choose electric or gas
If your laundry room already has a gas line and a 240V receptacle, gas dryers typically dry a bit faster and can be cheaper to operate long term in regions with low gas rates. If you only have a 240V outlet, electric is your only realistic option. Our gas dryer roundup goes deeper on fuel-type pros and cons if you have the flexibility to choose.
Step 3: Match steam technology to your pain points
Each brand uses a slightly different name for its steam system — LG calls it TurboSteam, Kenmore calls it Accela Steam, Samsung calls it Multi-Steam with a Steam Sanitize+ option. The actual physics are similar: water is heated and injected into the drum. What differs is cycle naming and how aggressive the sanitize setting is. If allergies are a household concern, look specifically for a model with a dedicated sanitize cycle that cites a bacteria or dust mite reduction percentage.
Step 4: Decide on smart features
Wi-Fi connectivity adds remote start, end-of-cycle alerts, and integration with smart home routines. It is genuinely useful if you want to start a load from the office or get a notification when the dryer is done. If you would never use the app, skip it and save money on a non-smart model. One honest caveat: like any connected appliance, smart dryers collect usage data — review the brand’s privacy policy if that matters to you.
Step 5: Decide on vented or ventless
Vented dryers exhaust hot, moist air through a hose to the outside. Ventless dryers condense moisture internally and exhaust dry heat into the room. Ventless models are essential for apartments without exterior wall access and a great fit for our ventless roundup. Vented models still dry a bit faster and tend to cost less, which is why most of our top picks are vented.
Step 6: Set a realistic budget
Expect to pay noticeably more for a steam dryer than for a basic model of the same brand. ENERGY STAR certification, longer warranties, and premium finishes all push the price higher. Decide which of those features you actually need before comparing models so you are not paying for extras you will never use.
Steam dryer maintenance checklist
To get the longest life out of any steam dryer, follow this short checklist once a month: clean the lint filter after every load (non-negotiable for fire safety), wipe the drum interior with a soft cloth and a tiny amount of mild detergent, run a sanitize cycle with an empty drum every few months to flush the steam lines, vacuum the exterior exhaust vent or condenser coils annually, and check the water inlet hose for kinks or mineral buildup once a year. Most owners who follow this routine report 10 to 12 years of reliable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dryers with steam worth it?
Yes, for most households. A steam dryer cuts ironing time, refreshes clothes in 15 to 20 minutes, and adds a sanitize cycle that kills most bacteria and dust mites. The only real reason to skip one is if you cannot connect it to a cold water line.
Do steam dryers need a water hookup?
Yes. Steam-specific cycles (refresh, sanitize, wrinkle release) require a cold water line. The dryer can still tumble-dry clothes without water, but the steam features will not function. A simple Y-connector behind your washer is the easiest way to share an existing supply line.
Do steam dryers shrink clothes?
No more than a regular dryer. Steam cycles actually use lower sustained heat than a normal timed dry, so they are gentler on natural fibers. The moisture also relaxes fibers rather than overheating them, which means less shrinkage overall when used as intended.
Are gas or electric steam dryers better?
Gas dryers typically dry slightly faster and may cost less to operate in regions with low gas rates. Electric dryers are easier and cheaper to install, especially if you already have a 240V outlet. Steam performance is comparable between the two fuel types.
What dryer brands have the fewest problems?
Based on long-term reliability data and reader feedback, LG, Maytag, and GE consistently rank among the most reliable dryer brands. Speed Queen is the durability leader but at a premium price. Whirlpool and Samsung are solid mid-tier picks with strong service networks.
What dryer brands should I stay away from?
Avoid off-brand dryers with limited service networks and sparse replacement parts. Some budget-tier brands also have higher rates of control-board and sensor failures in the first three years. Stick with established brands (LG, Samsung, Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, Electrolux, Kenmore) where parts and service are widely available.
Can a steam dryer work without water?
The dryer will still tumble-dry clothes normally, but the steam-specific cycles (refresh, sanitize, wrinkle release) will not function without a water supply. If you move into a home without a water line near the dryer, you lose the primary reason to own a steam model.
When should you use the steam cycle?
Use the steam refresh cycle on lightly worn clothes you want to wear again without rewashing. Use the steam sanitize cycle on bedding, pet blankets, or anything belonging to someone with allergies. Use the wrinkle release option at the end of a normal dry cycle if you cannot pull the load immediately.
Final Verdict: Which Steam Dryer Should You Buy?
If you want one steam dryer that handles the widest range of households, the BLACK+DECKER BFLD80ME is our editor’s choice. The 8.0 cu. ft. drum, sensor dry, and ENERGY STAR certification cover the basics for families, while the reversible door and reversible-pull handle adapt to almost any laundry room. For smart home shoppers, the Samsung DVE45B6300W with Steam Sanitize+ is the strongest Wi-Fi pick, and the LG DLEX6700B is the right call if the Black Steel finish and TurboSteam cycle matter to you. Apartment dwellers should look straight at the Electrolux ELFE4222AW, and homeowners with a gas line get the best overall value from the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. gas model with Accela Steam. Whichever you pick, a steam dryer pays back its small upfront premium within the first year of skipped ironing sessions and refreshed outfits.
You can see how each of these models compares side by side in the table at the top of this guide, and you can also browse our related LG dryers and Samsung dryers roundups if you want to see how these picks stack up against the wider brand lineup.