Buying a new clothes dryer
By Fiona Wagner • Bankrate.com

While I'm thankful for having a dryer that handles my kids' never-ending stream of dirty laundry, my seven-year-old model is positively boring compared to today's machines. Today's dryers are quieter, more sophisticated and definitely more stylish.

While all models are essentially similar -- they spin clothes around and dry them with hot air -- there are a number of things to consider when picking the dryer that best suits your needs. So, read on to learn the difference between a $300 dryer and one that costs $1,300.

Aesthetics
A good place to start is the look of the dryer. "If you just want to dry your clothes, you can buy a basic dryer that doesn't have to match the washer," says Erica Schoff Admire, senior category manager at Whirlpool Canada. But there's a growing trend toward designer laundry rooms, so style is more important than ever. "Many brands today have matching washer and dryer styles and even colours. It's the difference between just drying your clothes and making the laundry space a part of the home."

Buying a washer and dryer that match is also important if you plan on stacking the units or putting them on pedestals, which raises the door opening to shoulder level.

Capacity
It's important that your dryer matches the capacity of your washer. Simply put, if your washer can clean 16 pairs of jeans, you'll need a dryer than can keep up. Consider buying a dryer with almost twice the capacity of your washer -- a 3.4 cubic foot washer would pair with a 6.7 cubic foot dryer.

Gas versus electric
The decision to use a gas or electric dryer is often made for you: it depends on what your laundry room is set up for. Electric dryers require a 240 volt outlet (the ones requiring a large, three- or four-prong plug) while gas appliances require a gas line.

In the event that you have a choice, the upfront cost of a gas dryer is often slightly higher than that of an electric, but they tend to be less expensive to operate. What's more, gas dryers contribute only 40 percent as much carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) as electric appliances.

Moisture sensors
While older and lower-end appliances use timers or thermostats, newer machines feature a sensor that stops the cycle automatically when the moisture level in the drum falls below a certain level. By reducing drying time, you save energy (and money) and protect clothing from shrinkage and other damage. Moisture sensors aren't created equal, so it's best to do your homework before selecting a model.

"Some of the cheaper dryers place the sensor in the exhaust vent, so it measures the humidity coming out," says Todd Coupal, merchandise manager for Future Shop. "The better ones will have sensors that are within the dryer drum that detect when the clothes rub against them."

Temperature controls
Different fabrics require different drying temperatures. While standard dryers offer at least three temperature controls -- delicate, normal/permanent press and cotton -- higher-end appliances offer a greater number of heat settings to match a wider variety of fabrics.