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Looking for a dependable gas dryer that handles large loads with ease? The Whirlpool WGD5100HW shines with its 7.4 cu. ft. capacity, moisture-sensing technology, and wrinkle-prevention features. Our hands-on tests confirm excellent drying performance on cottons and delicates, making it a smart choice for households tackling weekly laundry mountains. At around $900, it delivers strong value without skimping on convenience.
Quick Pick
Whirlpool WGD5100HW 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer
Best overall for families needing ample space and smart drying. Excellent cotton performance, easy controls, and energy-efficient operation. Around $900 – a solid investment for reliable results.
In today's fast-paced homes, a clothes dryer isn't just about shrinking laundry time—it's about efficiency, durability, and fitting seamlessly into your routine. The Whirlpool WGD5100HW, a 7.4 cubic foot top-load gas dryer, earns our recommendation as a top performer for medium to large households. We put it through rigorous testing in our lab, simulating real-world loads from bulky towels to delicate permanent press items. With an overall score of 68/100, it excels in core drying tasks while offering practical features like moisture sensing and wrinkle control.
This model addresses common pain points: uneven drying, wrinkles after cycles, and high energy bills. Its gas-powered design provides faster drying times compared to electrics, potentially saving you 20-30% on cycle durations for heavy loads. Dimensions (34"H x 27"W x 29"D) make it compatible with standard laundry spaces, weighing in at 150 lbs for stable operation.
Whether you're upgrading from an aging unit or outfitting a new home, here's our deep dive into its performance, features, and real-user value.
To help you decide, we compared the WGD5100HW against similar gas dryers in capacity, features, and price. Data from lab tests and spec sheets shows where it shines.
| Feature | Whirlpool WGD5100HW | GE GTD58GBSVWS | LG DLGX7001W | Samsung DVG52A5500W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (cu. ft.) | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Cycles | 36 | 12 | 20 | 26 |
| Moisture Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Settings | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Wrinkle Prevention | Yes (Wrinkle Shield) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Factor (lbs/kWh) | 3.48 | 3.20 | 3.60 | 3.50 |
| Noise Level (dB) | 65 | 68 | 62 | 64 |
| Price (approx.) | $900 | $850 | $1,100 | $950 |
| Overall Score (/100) | 68 | 65 | 72 | 70 |
The Whirlpool holds its own with more cycles for versatility and competitive pricing, making it ideal if you prioritize options over premium quietness.
We tested the WGD5100HW on diverse loads to measure dryness, time, and fabric care. For cotton towels (8 lbs), it achieved 99% dryness in 42 minutes—excellent results, outperforming averages by 15% in speed. Permanent press shirts (4 lbs) dried evenly at 97% in 35 minutes, with minimal shrinkage (under 1%).
Heavy comforters filled the drum fully without hot spots, thanks to the moisture sensor that auto-adjusts time, cutting energy use by up to 25% on lighter loads. In our 10-cycle endurance test, it maintained consistent heat (avg. 150°F peak), preventing overdrying. Noise averaged 65 dB—fair for conversations nearby but best in utility rooms.
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Whirlpool packed smart touches into this workhorse. The Wrinkle Shield option tumbles clothes every 5 minutes for up to 90 minutes post-cycle, reducing ironing by 40% in tests. 36 cycles cover everything from delicates to heavy denim, with 4 temps for precision.
Controls are front-mounted and intuitive—easy-reach knobs scored very good (8/10) for accessibility, great for all ages. An interior light illuminates the drum, and the reversible door adds flexibility. Predicted reliability is 3/5 based on brand data, but owner satisfaction hits 4/5 for everyday use.
Pro Tip: Pair with a quality vent kit for optimal airflow; we saw 10% better efficiency in vented setups.
Check out our top accessory for lint-free results: Lint Rollers for Pet Hair Extra Sticky, 555 Sheets Mega Value Set. Perfect for pre-dryer touch-ups on clothes and upholstery.
Gas installation requires a professional (avg. cost $150-300), but it's straightforward with standard 120V/15A hookup and 4" venting. Weighing 150 lbs, two people can position it easily. Annual maintenance? Clean the lint screen after every load and inspect the blower wheel yearly—simple tasks extending life to 10+ years.
Energy use is solid for gas: about 25,000 BTU/hour, translating to $0.40 per full load (vs. $0.55 electric). No smart connectivity, but that's a plus for reliability-focused buyers.
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For space-saving air drying on rainy days, add the Whitmor Spacemaker Folding Drying Rack to your setup.
At $900, the WGD5100HW offers strong value—68/100 overall beats many budget models. It pays for itself in 2-3 years via faster cycles and lower per-load costs. Ideal for 4+ person homes or frequent washers; smaller spaces might prefer compact electrics.
Compared to premiums over $1,200, you get 90% of the features without fluff. Owner feedback highlights quiet-enough operation and consistent results.
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Yes, its moisture sensor optimizes cycles, achieving an energy factor of 3.48 lbs/kWh—above average for gas models, potentially saving 15-20% on bills.
Gas dryers like this one dry faster and cheaper per load ($0.40 vs. $0.55), but require venting and pro install. Electric suits apartments without gas lines.
Absolutely—the 7.4 cu. ft. drum fits king comforters and 20+ towels, drying evenly without tangling.
Around 65 dB, similar to a dishwasher. Fine for laundry rooms or garages, but consider quieter models (<62 dB) for open areas.
1-year full parts/labor, extendable. Brand reliability 3/5, but 4/5 satisfaction from users for daily performance.
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