Occasionally we get messages from readers longing for simpler times and simpler dryers. “I want a dryer like they used to have! None of these fancy buttons.” Look no further than the Maytag MEDC465HW (available at Interconnection for $519.00), a super-simple machine that practically bakes your clothes dry.
When we tested this 7-cu.-ft. model in our laundry labs, the Normal cycle was very hot—160°. A dryer doesn’t need to be that hot to be effective, but we don’t think that it’s accidental. This machine is engineered that way to make certain nothing comes out of the big drum even slightly damp.
Design and Features
From the moment you see this dryer, it’s clear how to use it. The controls are totally uncomplicated—four analog knobs. Wrinkle control is the only one you might not be familiar with. You can use it to keep the load tossing for 90 minutes, if you can’t get there when it’s done. You don’t need it, but you might like it if you dread ironing. For the most part, to run this washer, you just set a temperature, dial up a cycle, and push start.
As far as looks go, this white dryer has an old fashioned design. But you’re not thinking about buying this model because it’s pretty. It functions well, and it fits next to your top-load washer. On the label, Maytag touts their “Commercial Technology” which refers to the heavy duty drum. It’s well-lit, to help you spot every last sock.The lint filter is on the top right, convenient, because you don’t have to bend to clean it. Slide it out and wipe it off after you dry each load, because dryer lint is flammable.
Performance
That 160° Normal cycle took 53 minutes, and got our test laundry 100% dry. The Quick cycle took only 23 minutes, at 141°. Everything came out 99.8% dry—no complaints there. The Delicates cycle took about the same amount of time as Normal to get a load 100% dry. It ran cooler (152°), so it’s gentler on clothes. Our bulky test comforter took 67 minutes to dry 99.9% on the Heavy setting.
What the users say
Owners rate this basic dryer 4.6 out of 5 stars. They appreciate its thorough drying, the drum light, and most of all, the straightforward controls. We did see a few minor complaints about the location of the lint filter on top of the dryer, mainly from people who like to do their folding there.
The Bottom Line
Affordably priced, effective, and hot, this dryer is a good value. You don’t have to be a laundry expert to use it, and it’s very easy to make it do exactly what you want. Our main concern is with its 160° Normal cycle temperature. It works well to get everything dry, though temperatures that high put a lot of wear and tear on clothes.
Before you commit to the Maytag, take a quick look at the Whirlpool WED7500, winner of our Editors’ Choice badge. It has touch controls rather than dials, but it’s still very easy to use. Though larger and a tad more expensive than the Maytag, in our labs, it dried all our test laundry just as well, and it never got any hotter than 148°
