Dryer Capacity Guide: What Size Do You Really Need?

When shopping for a new dryer, size and capacity matter more than you might think. Dryer capacity isn’t just about fitting all your clothes into the drum. You need to find the perfect balance of efficiency, functionality, and convenience to meet your household’s needs.

Whether you’re replacing your current appliance or shopping for the first time, understanding dryer capacity will help you make an informed decision and create a smooth laundry routine. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about dryer capacity, including how it’s measured and how to select the right fit for your home.

How Is Dryer Capacity Measured?

When shopping for a new dryer, capacity refers to the volume of the drum, which is the space available for your clothes to tumble during a drying cycle. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much can my dryer hold?” volume is the number you need, and it’s measured in cubic feet. Whether you choose a gas or electric dryer, capacity tends to fall within three categories: compact, standard, and large.

Compact Dryer: Under 3.5 Cubic Feet

A compact dryer is designed for homes with limited space or lower laundry demands. It typically has a capacity of less than 3.5 cubic feet. Compact dryers are ideal for individuals or couples who don’t need to dry large loads of laundry frequently. You may see them in settings like dorms or small apartments.

Standard Dryer: Around 5–7 Cubic Feet

A standard dryer is the most common type of dryer found in households. It’s designed to handle the average laundry needs of families and individuals and typically has a 5.0 to 7.0 cubic feet capacity. Standard dryers can usually manage the demands of everyday laundry while accommodating occasional large or bulky loads.

Large Dryer: Usually 7+ Cubic Feet

What size is a large-capacity dryer? There isn’t a set definition, but many people consider anything over 7 cubic feet to fit the category. Large-capacity dryers are designed for households with heavy laundry demands, frequent bulky loads, or large families. They can save time and reduce energy costs by allowing you to dry more in fewer cycles.

What Is the Largest Dryer Capacity?

If you have the space and regularly deal with high laundry volumes or bulky items, you may be looking to get the largest dryer possible. The largest capacity is usually around 9 cubic feet.

Why Does Dryer Capacity Matter

The more cubic feet a dryer drum has, the more room there is for your clothes to fit and tumble around comfortably. A drum that’s too small could mean longer dry times or needing to split your load into multiple, smaller cycles. Overloading can strain the motor, drum, and belts, potentially leading to frequent repairs or a shorter lifespan.

A drum that’s too big may waste energy. You also have to worry about uneven drying or over-drying, which can damage clothes and linens.

What Size Dryer Do I Need? 5 Considerations

Your dryer’s capacity should be about twice that of your washing machine. However, several other factors should be considered when looking for a new dryer.

1. Family/Household Size

What is a good capacity for a dryer? One of the biggest considerations is how many people live in your house.

• 1–2 people: A compact dryer is often sufficient for small households not washing bulky items like bedding
• 3–4 people: A standard, full-size dryer of about 6–7 cubic feet may best fit an average household.
• 5+ people: Larger households may need a dryer larger than 7 cubic feet to handle bigger loads effectively.

2. Laundry Habits

What items you wash and how often you wash them also determines your ideal dryer capacity. If you frequently wash bulky items like comforters or blankets, you may want to consider a larger dryer in the 7 cubic feet range. A compact or standard dry should be fine for smaller, frequent loads.

3. Available Space

Even if your household size or laundry habits indicate you should have a larger capacity dryer, your available space may limit what size you can actually get. You need to ensure your dryer fits in the designated area — don’t forget to consider additional space for ventilation and door clearance!

4. Future Plans

Life is full of changes, like new additions to the family or moving into a new space. Keep these in mind as you shop for your next dryer. If your household size might grow or your laundry needs could increase, consider going slightly larger than you need now. On the flip side, if you plan to downsize soon (like moving from a house to an apartment), consider shopping for something a little smaller.

5. Energy Efficiency and Features

Larger dryers tend to be more energy-efficient when drying bulky loads since they reduce the number of cycles needed. Look for Energy Star-rated models for better efficiency. But remember, if you have a dryer bigger than you need, it could use more energy.

Also, consider other features you might want. Larger dryers usually have more features than compact models since they are meant for high-capacity and heavy-duty use. If you want features like smart tech, specialty cycles, and increased convenience (moisture sensor, drying rack), you should look at standard or larger models.

Should I Get a Washer and Dryer Set?

As you look at appliances, you may wonder if you should get a matching washer and dryer. If your budget and space allow, a washer and dryer set can come with some great benefits. For starters, washer and dryer sets are designed to work together, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility in terms of load size. They also have matching designs to give your laundry room a cohesive look, and stacking sets can help you save on space. On top of that, purchasing a washer and dryer together tends to come with package discounts or promotions, helping you save.

Find Your New Dryer at Rent-A-Center

Whether your dryer won’t heat, it’s become too expensive to repair, or you simply need a larger capacity, Rent-A-Center is here to help you find a dryer that fits your life. We carry the brands you know and trust — like Maytag and Whirlpool — and offer a convenient rent-to-own option that may make it easy to afford the appliances you need today.

Plus, our RAC Exchange* benefit gives you the flexibility to exchange your dryer for a new one within the first six months of your rental agreement. So, if you decide the dryer isn’t the right capacity for your household or you need different features, you can easily swap it for one that works for you.

Discover our top-rated large-capacity dryers designed to handle all your laundry needs with ease. Shop online now or visit your nearest Rent-A-Center location to browse in person.

*“RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.