Wednesday, July 16th
2025 Dryer Reviews
Speed Queen
- Prices from $1,259 to $2,559
- 14 dryers in stock
- 7 cu. ft. capacity
- Warranty of 3-5 years
- Energy-efficient models
In 1908, Joe Barlow and John Seelig started their laundry company with hand-powered washing machines from a Kansas City company. They improved efficiency by adding high-speed gearing and then acquired manufacturing rights to produce their washers. The pair founded Barlow & Seelig Manufacturing. Initially, they manufactured a few washers named the "White Cloud” until 1928, when the pair rebranded the company as Speed Queen. Since then, the company has focused on innovating washers and now dryers for global customers.
Appliance Overview:
- Price range: $1,259 to $2,669
- Different models: 14
- Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
- Dry settings: 3-10
- Temperature settings: 3-4
- Energy efficient: Yes
- Return policy: None for dryers
- Warranty: 3-5 years
- Additional protection plans: Yes
- Financing: Yes
- Shipping: Depends on retailer
Basic model: DR3003WE
This basic dryer is one of the most expensive base models we've seen in our review. Costing $1,259, this base model is on par with the cost of the top-tier models from competitors without the boost in premium features to match the price. Here's what you can expect from the base dryer at Speed Queen: 3 preset cycles and 3 temperature selections, featuring a capacity of 7 cubic feet. This model comes with a 3-year warranty covering both parts and labor. The only "unique” feature of the base model is its capability to serve as an effective tool in killing bacteria, but compared to other dryers in the same price range, this feature is pretty basic.
Top-tier model: DF7004BG
The top-tier model from Speed Queen is even more expensive than the base option. Costing $2,669 for just the dryer, this appliance is one of the priciest in the industry. The worst part? Despite having more features than the base model, the features aren't on par with other top-level dryers, making us question the justification for such high prices. Here's what you can find with the DF7 model: 10 preset cycles and 4 temperature selections, and that's it. This model also includes features like Pet Plus, Steam, Over-Dry Protection Technology, and an Energy Star Certification, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Shipping isn't included at most retailers
Speed Queen doesn't directly sell its dryers, so to determine shipping costs, you'll need to find a dealer or retailer that carries them. Interestingly, all the suggested retailers we were directed to by Speed Queen were smaller companies rather than well-known appliance stores like Best Buy or Lowe's. Most of these stores didn't include shipping or installation when you buy your dryer, which was unexpected considering the high price of Speed Queen units.
Return policies are found at individual retailers
You'll encounter a similar issue with the return policy as you will with shipping. Since you can't purchase Speed Queen dryers directly from its website, the return policy isn't applicable. Instead, you'll need to rely on the return policies of the retailer you select. For instance, one Speed Queen retailer provided only a 1-day return policy, and waiting longer would incur restocking fees.
Mixed or highly negative reviews
Speed Queen currently maintains a "B+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, slightly lower than most companies in our review. Regarding reviews on the dryers themselves, it's challenging to find any outside of the Speed Queen website, raising questions about the authenticity of those ratings. We did find some reviews on one third-party retailer that showed a mixed score of 3.5 stars on average. Some customers loved how quiet their Speed Queen dryer was while others complained that there were no features to prevent wrinkles. Further reviews contradicted those who claimed the dryer was quiet by complaining specifically about how loud their Speed Queen dryer was. On top of that, reviews on third-party sites like ConsumerAffairs showed Speed Queen only has an average of 1.1 stars out of 5. Many customers express frustration with the lack of response from Speed Queen in resolving maintenance or broken parts issues.
Not enough value for the high cost
Despite offering a solid warranty, Speed Queen lags behind its competitors. Its dryers are notably expensive without clear justification. They often have smaller capacities and fewer features compared to other brands. With numerous complaints and a below-average BBB grade, Speed Queen receives a low rating in our assessment.
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Where Can You Find the Best Dryer?
Modern dryers offer tons of benefits that make them essential to any household. Equipped with advanced features like multiple drying cycles, adjustable heat settings, and sensor technology, today's dryers are designed to handle a wide range of fabrics and garment types with ease.
Some of the newest dryer models even utilize AI technology to sense the contents of the dryer and select the optimal drying cycle automatically, taking the guesswork out of laundry day. Whether you're drying bulky items like comforters and blankets or delicate garments like silk blouses and wool sweaters, a high-quality dryer can deliver exceptional results while protecting the integrity of your clothes.
Dryer FAQ
Continued from above...
One of the greatest advantages of a modern dryer is the peace of mind it provides. No longer do you have to worry about unpredictable weather ruining your freshly washed clothes on the line or waiting hours for laundry to air dry. With a modern dryer, you can trust that your laundry will be efficiently dried and ready to wear with just the push of a button, saving you time and effort.
Dryers play a crucial role in making sure your clothes come out clean, fresh, and ready to wear. While washers get a lot of attention for their role in cleaning clothes, dryers deserve just as much recognition for their ability to efficiently dry and fluff your laundry to perfection.
Think about the last time you pulled out your comforter from a dryer cycle on a cold winter day; you wouldn't have that warm snuggly feeling without your trusty dryer. Whether you're drying a single load of delicates or tackling a mountain of towels and bedding, a reliable dryer can streamline your laundry routine and make chores a breeze.
Upgrading to a new dryer can lead to significant savings on time, energy, and utility costs. Many modern dryers are designed to meet strict energy efficiency standards, using less electricity and gas than older models while still delivering fast and thorough drying performance. By investing in an energy-efficient dryer, you can reduce your environmental footprint and lower your monthly utility bills without sacrificing performance or reliability.
When shopping for a new dryer, you might get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Here are several factors to consider to help you find the perfect model for your needs:
- Capacity. This is an important thing to consider when you're dryer shopping. Capacity determines how much laundry you can dry in a single cycle. Whether you're drying large loads of bedding or smaller loads of delicates, choosing a dryer with the appropriate capacity for your household size and laundry habits is essential.
- Durability. Investing in a high-quality dryer from a manufacturer that you trust can help you get a dryer that offers years of performance and durability. Look for models with durable construction and lengthy warranties to protect your investment.
- Price. With a wide range of pricing options on the market, keeping your budget in mind is an important consideration. Make sure you balance cost with quality to be sure you're getting the best value for your money. Sometimes, splurging a bit more for an Energy Star Certified dryer or one with AI sensing can save you a lot of money or hassle in the long run.
To help you find the perfect dryer for your home and lifestyle, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best dryer brands and models on the market. We hope our research helps you find the perfect dryer for that blissful fluffy clean laundry experience you deserve. Whether you're upgrading your laundry room, replacing an old dryer, or shopping for your first appliance, we're here to help you make the most of your laundry experience.
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