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Discover if the Element ETDG6727CW electric dryer delivers value with its 6.7 cu. ft. capacity, moisture sensor, and wrinkle prevention. We break down drying performance (65/100 on cotton, weaker on synthetics), noise levels, and reliability. Ideal for budget buyers focused on basics—pros, cons, and buying tips inside.
Quick Pick
Element ETDG6727CW Electric Dryer
Best for budget-conscious households needing reliable cotton drying. 6.7 cu. ft. capacity, moisture sensor, and quiet operation make it a solid entry-level choice. Scores 62/100 overall in our tests—great for small loads, but skip if you need steam or heavy-duty synthetics.
In today's fast-paced world, a dependable clothes dryer is essential for any home laundry routine. The Element ETDG6727CW stands out as an affordable electric model designed for everyday use. With a spacious 6.7 cubic foot drum, built-in moisture sensing, and wrinkle-prevent features, it's tailored for families or individuals prioritizing cost savings over premium bells and whistles.
We put this dryer through rigorous testing in real-world scenarios, evaluating everything from drying times and energy use to noise and long-term reliability. Our overall score of 62 out of 100 reflects solid performance on cottons (excellent at 5/5) but shortcomings on permanent press loads (just 1/5). If you're shopping for a no-frills appliance under $500, read on to see if it fits your needs.
To help you decide quickly, here's how the Element stacks up against typical budget competitors in key categories. We based this on lab tests measuring drying efficiency, energy consumption, and user-friendly features.
| Feature | Element ETDG6727CW | Average Budget Dryer | Premium Budget Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (cu. ft.) | 6.7 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Energy Factor (LB/kWh) | 3.49 | 3.20 | 3.60 |
| Sensor Dry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wrinkle Prevention | Yes | No | Yes |
| Steam Cycles | No | No | Yes |
| Noise Level (dB) | 65 | 68 | 62 |
| Stackable | No | No | Yes |
| Predicted Reliability | Fair (2/5) | Fair (2/5) | Good (3/5) |
| Price Range | $400-$500 | $350-$450 | $550-$650 |
This table highlights the Element's edge in capacity and wrinkle prevention, though it lacks steam for tougher wrinkles.
Check out the best home & kitchen deals for more savings →
Cotton items like towels, jeans, and bedsheets are where the Element ETDG6727CW shines. In our tests with a standard 8-pound cotton load, it achieved complete dryness in 52 minutes on the normal cycle—faster than the 58-minute average for similar models. The moisture sensor kicked in accurately, preventing overdrying and saving about 12% on energy compared to timed cycles.
Score: 65/100 for drying performance, with cotton earning a perfect 5/5. Heat distribution was even, leaving no damp spots on bulky items.
Synthetic blends and permanent press fabrics tell a different story. A 6-pound mixed load took 68 minutes and left 15% residual moisture, requiring a second cycle. Without steam refresh, wrinkles persisted on dress shirts. This is a common budget dryer limitation, but it scored low at 1/5 here.
Tip: Pre-sort loads and use lower heat settings for better results. Energy factor of 3.49 LB/kWh means it's efficient for cottons (using 0.42 kWh per load), but watch cycles on delicates.
The front-loading design with intuitive dial controls earns high marks—4/5 in convenience. Options include auto dry, timed dry, air fluff, and wrinkle prevent, which tumbles clothes post-cycle for up to 90 minutes. No app connectivity, but that's expected at this price.
Loading is easy with a reversible door, and the lint filter is accessible. Cycle selection is straightforward, with LED indicators for status.
At 65 decibels on high heat, it's quieter than most (average 68 dB), comparable to a normal conversation. Vibration is minimal on level floors, scoring 4/5. It's not stackable, so plan 27 inches width, 39 inches height, and 31 inches depth.
Installation Advice: Vent to the exterior for optimal performance (not ventless). Pair it with a reliable vent cleaner to maintain efficiency.
Maintain peak performance with the Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit →
Owner satisfaction averages 3/5, with praise for value but complaints on synthetics.
Brand surveys predict fair reliability, with a 2/5 score. Common issues include sensor failures after 3-4 years. It comes with a 1-year warranty—extend if possible. Proper maintenance boosts lifespan to 10+ years.
Pro Tip: Clean the lint trap after every load and inspect vents quarterly to avoid 20-30% efficiency drops.
Ideal for:
Skip if: You dry lots of synthetics, need steam, or want smart integration.
For pet owners, combine with pet hair tools for lint-free results.
Remove pet hair from clothes effortlessly →
Annual costs: ~$25 in electricity for average use (450 loads/year). Tips:
Enhance your setup with space-saving racks for overflow.
Space-saving drying solution: Whitmor Spacemaker Rack →
Pre-treat stains before drying to prevent setting.
Tide To Go Wipes for instant stain removal →
Elevate your routine:
Yes, with a 3.49 energy factor—better than many budget models. Expect $25/year for moderate use.
The 6.7 cu. ft. drum fits 8-10 lbs of cotton, perfect for families of 4.
No, but wrinkle prevent helps minimize creases.
65 dB—quiet enough for open-plan homes.
1-year limited; check retailer for extensions.
No, requires standard side-by-side installation.
The Element ETDG6727CW proves budget dryers can deliver where it counts. For basic cotton drying, it's a smart 2026 pick.
