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  • Design & Usability

  • Performance & Features

  • Related content

  • Warranty

  • Buy This Dryer

  • Normal & Delicate

  • Quick Dry & Bulky

  • Design & Usability
  • Performance & Features
  • Related content
  • Warranty
  • Buy This Dryer
  • Normal & Delicate
  • Quick Dry & Bulky

We’ve tested a lot of dryers over the years, and for most of that time an Electrolux has been our top pick. The company's newest model, the EFME617SIW (MSRP $1,099), further cements Electrolux's position at the front of the pack.

After spending two weeks testing it, we think this year's new flagship combines the best elements of all good dryers: You get an uncluttered interface that’s both intuitive and stylish, as well as an enormous 8-cu.-ft. drum, options like steam cleaning, and—most importantly—thorough drying of even the trickiest loads.

This model is brand new and, as we write this, the full retail rollout hasn’t happened yet. We’ve only been able to find this model at Sears and a few select online merchants, where it costs about $900. But we can safely say this machine will be worth searching for.

Read our full review of this dryer's matching washer, the Electrolux EFLS617SIW.

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Design & Usability

How do you feel about white LEDs?

In the center of the control panel is a Nest-like chrome dial with an integrated digital display. Bright white numerals count down the minutes until your cycle's finished, and match bright white LEDs dotting the rest of the control panel.

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Options abound here, from specialty cycles like 15 Minute Fast Dry, to useful extras like steam, anti-static mode, or wrinkle release. The sheer quantity of available options can make cycling through them a chore, but we'd have trouble pointing to a more functional and beautiful dryer interface... even if this one does look more modern than most laundry rooms.

Open the reversible-hinge door—also chromed out—and you'll find an all-stainless drum and another white light illuminating the interior.

Performance & Features

So cool, it’s hot

It sounds strange, but plenty of dryers are actually too hot. They just bake clothes until they dry. But the EFME617SIW doesn't go overboard: Our tests show this dryer not only removes moisture completely, but does so using temperatures 10 to 20 degrees cooler than similar models. That's good for fabrics, so whether you've got denim and cotton or lace and silk, this machine can dry it gently.

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And if need be, the EFME617SIW can crank the heat up, too. The Heavy Duty cycle, for example, warmed to over 140°F to dry our large comforter. (The sanitizing Allergen cycle can get even hotter than that.)

The Electrolux EFME617SIW's console looks great, but one-directional scrolling makes for a cumbersome interface.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger

The console looks great, but one-directional scrolling makes for a cumbersome interface.

If you're in no rush, this washer is equipped with an Eco mode that uses less energy. This will tumble your clothes at even cooler temperatures for a longer period of time. A water hookup also feeds options like Perfect Steam and Anti-Static, as well as the Instant Refresh cycle.

For in-depth performance information, please visit the Science Page.

The Electrolux EFME617SIW's cycle selector blends old-school practicality with sexy modern design.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger

The cycle selector blends old-school practicality with sexy modern design.

Warranty

Electrolux offers an industry-leading 10-year warranty on this model's drive motor, and a lifetime warranty on the wash tub, which you can read more about in the product manual. Labor coverage is only good for the first year from date of purchase.

Buy This Dryer

Good luck finding anything better

With years of testing and boatloads of data backing us up, we don't think you'll find a better new dryer than the Electrolux EFME617SIW. It dries both gently and thoroughly. The elegant controls are a step in the right direction, and at 8-cu.-ft. it’s right up there with the competition in terms of capacity and convenience.

Even better, it matches the excellent Electrolux EFLS617SIW washing machine, and the pair should sell for under $1,800.

Right now, you can find the EFME617SIW for about $900 at certain appliance websites, but Sears is the only major retailer where we’ve been able to track it down. Give it time—a dryer this good won’t be hard to find for long.

Normal & Delicate

The Electrolux EFME617SIW is a phenomenal dryer, but if we had to pick a nit, it would be the length of the Normal cycle: It ran about 57 minutes, or 5-10 minutes longer than average. This is likely due to the low temperatures used to dry our laundry—our sensors recorded peak heat of just 130.1°F, which is 10 or 20 degrees cooler than most other dryers. Despite the cooler temps, clothing emerged 100% dry. We call that a win.

The Delicates cycle was similarly impressive. With an average run time of 61 minutes and temperatures spiking at just 110.5°F, it still removed 98% of excess moisture. That's ideal for the kind of clothing usually associated with Delicates, since a warm iron or some line drying is usually the best way to finish the laundering process.

The Electrolux EFME617SIW's cycle selector blends old-school practicality with sexy modern design.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger

The cycle selector blends old-school practicality with sexy modern design.

Quick Dry & Bulky

This model comes with a specialty 15 Minute Fast Dry option. It's intended for three or four items at a time, but for consistency's sake we always test a quick cycle with a 4-lb. load of roughly 10 garments. Despite the overload, this cycle still removed 61% of excess moisture in 15 minutes, with internal heat peaking at 117.5°F. When used properly, we think this cycle will have you ready to go before you finish your morning coffee.

Heavy Duty also impressed: After 1 hour and 26 minutes, our large comforter was 85% dry. As is often the case, you'll need to fluff any large or bulky item that fills the drum for best results. Of course, peak temperatures of 140.1°F help, and prove this dryer can bring the heat when it needs to.

The Electrolux EFME617SIW's console looks great, but one-directional scrolling makes for a cumbersome interface.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger

The console looks great, but one-directional scrolling makes for a cumbersome interface.

Meet the tester

Matthew Zahnzinger

Matthew Zahnzinger

Logistics Manager & Staff Writer

@ReviewedHome

Matthew is a native of Brockton, MA and a graduate of Northeastern, where he earned a degree in English and Theatre. He has also studied at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and spends most of his free time pursuing a performance career in the greater Boston area.

See all of Matthew Zahnzinger's reviews

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