Are these new Roper or new Whirlpool dryers any good? Which is better?

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I'm considering the below Roper or Whirlpool, the cheapest ones available at Lowes:

Whirlpool 7-cu ft Electric Dryer (White) - While Supplies Last
Item #670009Model #WED4815EW or

Roper 6.5-cu ft Vented Electric Dryer with Automatic Dryness Control - White
Item #794809 Model #RED4516FW

Is any one of these worth buying or should I look for an older used vintage dryer? Are these new HE dryers like their new washing machine counterparts, and just not very good, or are the new dryers closer to their, presumably, higher quality older versions?
 
 
Those are the same dryer with different control panels/features.  Top-filter design that Whirlpool has been producing since the mid 1960s.

Both have thermostatic auto-dry, which determines dryness level via the exhaust air temperature.  The timer does not advance on the auto-cycles when the heating element is on, does advance when it cycles off.  Evaporating moisture keeps the air temperature down when the load is wetter at the start so the heater runs more to reach and maintain the temperature, the timer runs less.  The heat runs less and the timer more as the load progresses toward dryness.  Thus the cycle time automatically varies per the heating characteristics of a given load.

Timed dry is also an option.

The Roper has two temperature choice integrated into the timer.  Low heat is available only on the Automatic Dry Low Heat cycle, not on Timed Dry.  It has an extended tumble function on the Automatic Dry High Heat cycle (which continues tumbling in cool air for a period of time to avoid wrinkles from the load sitting stationary in the drum).  Does not have an end-of-cycle buzzer.

The Whirlpool has a separate temperature selector for Low, Med, and High ... which allows any temperature to be used on any timer cycle.  One Automatic Dry cycle, one Timed Dry cycle, and timed Air Fluff.  The Automatic Dry cycle has extended tumble.  End-of-cycle buzzer that can be turned on or off.

A better choice is a model with moisture-sensing auto-dry.  A low-voltage electric circuit on the Automatic Dry cycle(s) operates via a pair of metal bars in the drum.  Wet/damp clothes brushing against the bars repeatedly stall and run the timer until the cycle advances to off, thus sensing the moisture of the load directly instead of indirectly via the air temperature curve.
 
I’ve owned and been using a BOL Maytag electric dryer that I bought new at Lowes 5 years ago.  It is pretty much the same as the Whirlpool dryer that you are considering.  This dryer is great!  Dries fast and accurately, I almost never have found any damp spots when the load is complete and most full loads dry in about 35 mins on high.

 

I know I may be in the minority here on this site, but I personally prefer the thermostatic auto dry system in an electric dryer over the moisture sensor controlled auto dry systems.  I’ve owned and used several of each type and have never been satisfied with moisture sensor auto dry,  I’ve found that they usually cycle off prematurely before everything is completely dry, are slower to cycle off and result is frustration, wasted time and electricity.  So I’ll never purchase one of this type again, as long as the thermostatic auto dry models are being sold.

 

If you are a no nonsense type of user that doesn’t require med temp. I’d go with the Roper, but I’m sure you’ll be happy with either of the options you’re considering.

 

Eddie
 
 
Thermostatic auto-dry works reliably and consistently when the machine is in an indoor environment not subject to wide seasonal temperature swings.  Ours installed an an unheated/uncooled garage suffered a wide disparity in performance between summer underdrying and winter overdrying due to cold input air causing longer heating times and faster cooling between heat cycles (during which time moisture is still evaporating from the load).[this post was last edited: 11/16/2020-14:41]
 
Since they are basically the same dryer, I'd go with the Whirlpool because it's 7.0 cu. ft. and has more flexibility, particularly with regards to temp choice as well as being auto dry cycle. 6.5 cu. ft. is too small for any of today's dryers. That capacity was best suited for standard Whirlpool and Kenmore washers from the mid 1960s until the large capacity models became mainstream in 1976. I have a 26 y/o Maytag that's the same 6.5 capacity, if not 6.2 cu. ft., It's noticeably smaller than the 6.7 cu. ft. 1986 Lady Kenmore dryer it replaced. And I've had the Maytag for 26 years. A full load in my 1986 Lady Kenmore driect drive washer was pushing the capacity of the Maytag. especially when dealing with stuff you want few wrinkles. I need a 7 cu. ft. dryer, if not 7.4 cu. ft., but I won't get rid of the Maytag until it croaks. I have to split very large loads of towels into 2 ryer loads. Drives me nuts.

The 3 dryers I've had since 1978 have all featured electronic moisture sensors in the drum and it's all I will have. My partner has the Amana version of the Roper dryer you are considering and it just doesn't possess the accuracy I'm accustomed to all these years. He also notices the difference in the performance between my dryer and his dryer when laundry is done at my house.
 
look for an older used vintage dryer?

The new 29 inch top filter Whirlpool built dryers are flimsy.

They work fine but a friend of mind bought one and had an expensive repair soon after, then it died again a year or two later and she had to buy another one. Probably spent over a $1000 when you add everything up.

I'd look for a close match to your used DD washer. There are usually lot of them on Craigslist in my area as they last a long time.
 
Unfortunately, there are almost no used dryers near me on craig's list. Look everyday, and nothing comparable to my Kenmore washer. It looks like buying a new Whirlpool Dryer is likely to be the only option. Per Good-Shepard's post, maybe with the one-year factory warranty and the one year Visa Card extension there would be some protection against failure. Anyone know if the Lowe's extension warranties are any good?
 
Thanks for the links...but I'm in Athens...it does seem as if a lot of washer dryers are available just south of Atlanta.....I saw the old Kenmore, and if it was closer, would have looked at it....or if I had a truck or van.....
 
Would it be large enough for two person household? Could it do blankets? Someone is
giving it away.....assuming it's still there.....Can you tell the age from the picture, or an estimate?
 
Early to mid-1970. Could handle a queen size blanket. The matching washer was the standard capacity whirlpool belt-drive. Holds at most a set of king size sheets. Fine for 1-2 person household.
 
My family had a Whirlpool dryer this size, only about 10 years older.  We dried everything in it, blankets included, because it was the only game in town.

 

 Incidentally,  that dryer sat out on the back porch, exposed to the weather on three sides and served us for 20 years with only a belt replacement and a new element after about the first 10 years of use.  And for about a year, when my stepfathers family lived with us it dried the laundry for a household of TEN people.

 

 I’m sure that if it works you can make do with it for at least a little while, and maybe for quite some time.  The price is right, so I’d go for it.

 

Eddie
 
Seems a bit old.....would something that old be worth getting even if free? I imagine parts may not be available. Here's another one. It is a Kenmore but owner doesn't know year. Asking $125.00...looks like
it might be ancient too.

ct-2020111714130908701_1.jpg
 
I saw that ad on Craigslist for your area. It's a Whirlpool, not Kenmore. Larger capacity. Pats are still available as this is the classic Whirlpool dryer design. Oldest this dryer would be would be late 1980s. Probably early to mid 1990s too.
 

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