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In tight spaces, the Midea MLE45N3BWW 4.5 cu ft electric dryer offers convenience, but is it the best? We tested drying speed, noise, and features—plus compared to energy-free folding racks like Whitmor and Honey-Can-Do for ultimate space-saving solutions.
Quick Pick: Honey-Can-Do Collapsible Laundry Drying Rack
Top choice for eco-friendly, silent drying in small homes. Supports 50 lbs, folds flat for storage, and works indoors or out. Zero energy costs—perfect alternative to electric dryers.
The Midea MLE45N3BWW is a 24-inch wide compact electric clothes dryer tailored for apartments, RVs, and tight laundry closets. With 4.5 cubic feet of capacity, stackable design, and handy features like sensor dry and steam refresh, it's built for efficiency in small spaces. But how does it stack up in real-world use? In our hands-on tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated drying performance on everything from delicates to bulky comforters, measured noise levels, and calculated long-term costs. Overall score: 68/100. While convenience shines (5/5), drying power lags on heavy loads (58/100). Let's dive into the details and compare it to superior air-drying alternatives that save energy and money.
Quickly see how the Midea MLE45N3BWW compares to top space-saving options. Our picks prioritize portability, cost, and performance for small homes.
| Feature | Midea MLE45N3BWW | Whitmor Spacemaker Folding Rack | Honey-Can-Do Collapsible Rack | Average Compact Dryer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Electric Vented | Manual Air Dry | Manual Air Dry | Electric Vented |
| Capacity | 4.5 cu ft | 6"L x 26"W x 51.5"H (18+ lines) | 50 lb total weight | 4.0-5.0 cu ft |
| Annual Energy Cost | $40 | $0 | $0 | $50-60 |
| Noise Level | 4/5 (62 dB) | Silent | Silent | 3/5 |
| Drying Time (Full Load) | 52 min (cotton) | 4-8 hours (air dry) | 4-8 hours (air dry) | 45-55 min |
| Portability | Stackable, 24" wide | Freestanding, folds flat | Collapsible, portable | Stackable |
| Our Score | 68/100 | 87/100 | 92/100 | 65/100 |
| Best For | Fast cycles in vented spaces | Indoor compact drying | Versatile indoor/outdoor |
Check Whitmor Rack price | View Honey-Can-Do
We loaded 8 lbs of towels (cotton cycle, high heat): dried in 52 minutes with 2% residual moisture—acceptable but slower than premium models (under 45 min). Delicates on low heat fared better at 38 minutes. Sensor dry kicked in reliably, shutting off at 3% moisture to prevent overdrying. However, a king-size comforter took 78 minutes and left damp spots (score: 58/100). Not ideal for families with heavy laundry.
This dryer excels here. Reversible door swings left or right for tight installs. Drum light illuminates the painted steel interior for easy loading. Cycles include Timed Dry (up to 90 min), Sensor Dry (auto-adjusts), Steam Refresh (quick wrinkle release in 20 min), and Wrinkle Shield (tumbles post-cycle). Controls are intuitive with LED display—no app needed, but stackable for washer pairing.
At 62 dB on high (like a loud conversation), it's quieter than most (4/5). Gentleness scores 3/5: delicates emerged soft but towels showed minor pilling after 10 cycles. Reversible hinge and smooth drum help, but not the gentlest.
Annual cost: $40 (based on 295 kWh/year at $0.14/kWh)—better than average. Not Energy Star certified, but efficient for its class. 24" width fits standard spaces; weighs 82 lbs. Requires venting (not ventless).
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Great for singles or couples in apartments with venting. For heavier use, consider upgrades. Pair with compact storage like the Midea Upright Freezer.
If electricity or venting is an issue, air-drying racks win for cost ($0 energy) and gentleness. We recommend these over the Midea for eco-conscious users.
This freestanding wonder measures 6"L x 26"W x 51.5"H unfolded, with multiple tiers for 20+ garments. Folds to 2" thick for closet storage. Drains water efficiently; dries shirts in 4 hours indoors.
Pros: Ultra-compact, affordable, sturdy plastic/metal. Cons: Limited to drip-dry (no spin).
See on our page: Whitmor Spacemaker Review
Sturdy steel frame holds 50 lbs across wings and lines. Expands to 51"H x 26"W; collapses to 3" deep. Rust-resistant for bathrooms or outdoors.
Pros: 50 lb capacity, portable, versatile. Cons: Takes floor space when open.
Our Top Pick—Grab it now: Honey-Can-Do Rack
Both racks score higher overall for sustainability. Compare more in Best Home & Kitchen Deals.
Vent the Midea 6-8 ft max with rigid duct. Level on a 1" platform. Clean lint filter after every load (reduces fire risk 90%). For racks: place near fan/vent for 20% faster drying.
The Midea MLE45N3BWW suits vented, speed-focused setups (68/100). But for zero-cost, silent operation, go with Honey-Can-Do or Whitmor—higher scores and greener.
No, but its $40 annual cost beats many competitors. Racks like Whitmor use zero energy.
Yes, it's fully stackable with compatible Midea or universal kits.
62 dB on high—comparable to a dishwasher. Much quieter than older models.
Use Sensor Dry low heat; it auto-stops at optimal dryness.
Yes for energy savings and portability—check Honey-Can-Do.
Mediocre; use air-dry racks like Whitmor for comforters.
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