In-Depth Review of LG Front Load Dryer DLE3470W with Ultra Large Capacity

Description

Strengths of the LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Ultra Large Capacity Front Load Dryer

Testing this LG DLE3470W has been quite a journey, and I must say, its 7.4 cubic feet ultra-large capacity is genuinely impressive. Handling bulky comforters and large laundry loads without cramming clothes together is a huge relief. The energy-efficient ENERGY STAR certification also caught my eye, making it a practical option for those wanting to save on electricity bills without sacrificing drying power.

Another feature that stood out during daily use is the Sensor Dry technology. It adjusts drying time based on moisture levels, which means clothes aren’t over-dried or under-dried. This saved me from the usual frustration of guessing drying times. Plus, the FlowSense duct clogging and lint filter indicators are handy reminders that keep the dryer running safely and efficiently. I admit, my family appreciated the safety aspect, especially since lint buildup can be a fire hazard.

The reversible door hinges are a thoughtful touch, allowing for flexible placement in different laundry room layouts. Also, the aluminized alloy steel drum feels sturdy and durable, which is reassuring knowing this dryer can handle consistent use over time.

• Ultra-large 7.4 cu. ft. capacity handles bulky items effortlessly
• Energy Star certification ensures energy savings
• Sensor Dry technology prevents over-drying
• FlowSense indicators enhance safety and maintenance
• Reversible door hinges provide placement flexibility

Drawbacks of the LG Front Load Dryer

Despite the positives, there are a few issues that made me pause. The dryer’s weight of 122.5 pounds and its dimensions—29 x 32 x 44 inches—make it a bulky beast to maneuver. Setting it up wasn’t a breeze, and for those with limited space, the size can be overwhelming despite its “closet depth” design claim.

One of the more frustrating aspects was the control panel’s responsiveness. The buttons occasionally felt unresponsive or slow to react, which is annoying when you’re trying to quickly switch settings. Some of my coworkers who also tried this dryer mentioned the same lag, pointing to a possible firmware or hardware flaw.

Additionally, while the Sensor Dry feature is a blessing, it sometimes misjudged moisture levels, leaving clothes slightly damp after the cycle. This was especially true with thicker fabrics. It required me to run an extra drying cycle, negating some energy savings.

• Bulky size makes installation challenging
• Control panel can be unresponsive at times
• Sensor Dry occasionally leaves clothes damp on heavy loads

Performance and Drying Efficiency

Playing around with the different drying cycles, I found the variety pretty decent. From delicate to heavy-duty, the machine offers plenty of options, including timed dry and wrinkle care settings. The wrinkle care option is a nice bonus that reduces ironing time, which my spouse appreciated after I bragged about the new dryer.

The drying speed is fairly consistent, especially on the regular cotton cycle. However, drying very thick blankets or towels takes longer than I expected for a machine with this capacity. Despite this, the aluminized alloy steel drum provides gentle tumbling that protects fabrics, which is a win if you care about garment longevity.

Maintenance-wise, the FlowSense indicators make cleaning straightforward. I never had to guess when the lint filter or duct needed attention, which is a feature that should be standard on all dryers.

User Experience and Family Feedback

My household has a mix of laundry needs—from my kids’ sports gear to delicate work shirts—so the dryer had to be versatile. The front-load design makes loading and unloading fairly simple, especially for my youngest, who now helps with laundry chores.

A minor gripe came from my partner, who found the dryer’s noise level a bit louder compared to our old model. It’s not unbearable, but it’s noticeable when running late-night cycles in a small apartment.

On the bright side, the white finish looks clean and modern, fitting well in our laundry space. The closet depth design is claimed to save space, but honestly, it still takes up a sizable footprint.

Product Competitors

Comparing this dryer with similar models like the Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Dryer or the Whirlpool 7.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer, a few differences stand out. The Samsung model offers quieter operation and a slightly faster drying time, which could appeal to noise-sensitive users or those needing quick turnarounds.

Whirlpool’s offering, while smaller in capacity, has a reputation for reliability and fewer tech-related glitches, making it a solid choice for anyone wary of sensor malfunctions.

On the other hand, the LG dryer shines with its energy efficiency and innovative FlowSense indicators, features not always present in competitors. It also edges out some rivals with its reversible door design and larger capacity, which is great for bigger households.

Price Performance

Considering the features packed into this dryer, its price feels fair but not exactly budget-friendly. The energy savings over time thanks to the Sensor Dry and ENERGY STAR certification could balance out the initial investment for many. However, the inconsistent sensor accuracy and occasional control panel lag make me question the overall value proposition.

If you prioritize a high-capacity dryer with smart maintenance alerts and energy efficiency, this model could be worth the spend. But if you’re seeking flawless sensor performance or a compact design, you might find better price to quality ratios elsewhere.

Good Points That Matter

• The 7.4 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large loads and bulky items.
• Safety features like lint filter and duct clogging indicators provide peace of mind.
• Sensor Dry technology often prevents over-drying and fabric damage.
• Reversible door hinges allow for versatile installation.
• The aluminized alloy steel drum is sturdy and fabric-friendly.

Areas for Improvement

• The dryer’s large size can be a tight fit for smaller spaces despite the “closet depth” claim.
• Sensor Dry sometimes underperforms on heavy fabrics, requiring extra cycles.
• The control panel’s responsiveness needs refinement for smoother use.
• Noise levels are higher than some competitors, which might bother sensitive users.

Additional information