Electrolux EFME527UTT Dryer Review

We've seen few that do the trick as adeptly or as gently as the Electrolux EFME527UTT dryer (available at Walmart for $1,099.00) . When we tested its predecessor, the EFME517STT, we had high praise for its performance, gorgeous design, and easy-to-use interface.

This year's model also has the excellent drying performance, stunning looks, and a similar interface and feature set. Its 18-Min Fast Dry lived up to its name. But it runs more slowly on the Bulky and Delicate cycles, and also costs a couple hundred dollars more than its predecessor. That might be a deal-breaker for you.

Design and Features

The black stainless appliance trend is here to stay, which Electrolux has branded here as "Titanium." We've got one in our laundry test lab and can attest to its beauty. If a white dryer works better for your laundry room, you can save $100 by buying the EFME527UIW.

The EFME527UTT is user-friendly. The big selector knob in the center is smooth to operate, and there are numerous choices available to customize every load. Get your tapping finger ready–it can take a bit of button pressing on the control panel to get the combination of features you want for a load.

Bright lighting in the drum makes it unlikely you'll ever miss a sock when you go to unload. The double-sided lint filter has more capacity than most. It's easy to open, even without handles.

Performance

One of my colleagues describes the performance of the 527 as "slow and low." That's not a put-down. Gentle drying is a good thing. Using the Normal cycle, which peaks at about 122°F, the load completed in slightly over an hour. There's an efficient Eco mode, which runs automatically on the Normal cycle. If you set it on any other cycle, the dryer "remembers," and will use that mode until you deselect it.

If you're in a hurry, the 18-Min. Fast Dry cycle works as quickly as promised, and it's a speedy way to get a few outfits ready to wear. There's no need to get clothes crispy dry, and a tiny bit of dampness can even be an advantage if you're going to iron immediately. Great steam features on this dryer may preclude ironing, though.

When you need to dry a big, fluffy comforter, leave yourself at least an hour.

The Delicates cycle, which we expected to take 30 minutes, took just over an hour in this dryer. Yes, a Delicate cycle needs to run at a cooler temperature (109°F for this one), but that's a long time to wait for a load of lingerie to dry. Don't plan on getting it done in the morning before work.

What the users say

Owners love this dryer, giving it an average of 4.6 stars out of 5. Several online reviews say that it's quiet and easy to use. Some people actually use the word "fun" to describe it. The steam cycles are very popular, too.

The Bottom Line

With similar features and a lower cost, the previous model, the Electrolux EFME517SIW, is still around, for less money. But if you're looking for a full-featured dryer with tons of options to match the matching 527 washer (review is coming!), go for it. Its eight drying cycles provide for every need, and its Instant Refresh feature lets you steam an outfit, then take it out of the dryer ready to wear. No ironing necessary!