Excellent Performance From a Budget Figidaire Dryer
Pros:
Budget priced gas dryer for matching front load washer.
Cons:
Nothing major....but constructed of lighter gauge sheet metal.
The Bottom Line:
I'll give it an excellent rating as long as you know you're buying a budget line appliance. Cheap price, great performance.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
The Figidaire FGQ1442ES gas dryer performs well for a budget priced front load gas dryer. We purchased this dryer along with a Frigidaire front load washer for out lake cottage. We weren't planning on purchasing a new washer and dryer, but the apartment size 110 volt electric dryer that came with the cottage was running up huge electric bills. So, with a limited budget, the Frigidaire washer and dryer was our choice.
Basic features and information for this dryer are as follows:
* 5.8 Cu.Ft. Super Capacity Drum
* 7 Auto Dry Cycles
* 4 Dryness Level Selections
* 90 Minute Timed Dry
* Control Lock
* Cycle Status Lights
* Precision Dry Moisture Sensor
* Timed Dry Cycles
* Tumble Care Drying System
* Auto Press Saver Option
* 4 Temperature Options: High Heat, Medium Heat, Low Heat, No Heat
* On / Off End-of-Cycle Signal
* Interior Drum Light
* Reversible Door
* Clean Lint Filter Indicator
* Quick-Clean Lint Screen
Installation Options
* Freestanding
* Hidden (In Closet)
* Pedestal
* Stacked
* Under-Counter
Dimensions:
* Depth: 28-1/2"
* Height: 36"
* Width: 27"
Our washer and dryer were installed in a closet, with the dryer stacked on the washer. We purchased the stacking kit, which was used by the installers. With the dryer stacked on top of the washer (without a pedestal), my 5'9" wife is still able to reach the dryer controls without any problem. Since we were converting from a 110 volt dryer to natural gas, we also had to pay to have a gas line installed. Although I can't provide you with exact numbers, I can tell you that our savings in running a gas dryer rather than the 110 volt electric dryer will pay for itself within a couple of years as we spend about 6 months of the year at our cottage. Some of this savings is due to going from a very small capacity dryer to a large capacity dryer, which means fewer loads of laundry to dry.
We've owned at least three full size dryers during the past 30 years, but this is our first gas dryer. We wondered how we would like a gas dryer....would it be as good at handling various type of drying tasks. After four months of use, we are very pleased. The moisture sensor is quite effective at detecting when the load is dry. There is plenty of heat for drying heavy loads such as towels or jeans, and low enough for permanent press or delicate loads. We tend to use the programmed cycles. Permanent press/wrinkle free clothes come out pretty well, but I our electric dryer at home does a slightly better job of eliminating wrinkles. The moisture sensor can be fooled, at times, by mixed loads such as heavier jeans along with a bunch of lighter shirts or shorts. When this does happen, its easy enough just to reset the dryer to a timed cycle.
The lint trap, mounted on the lower part of the door open is very easy to access and clean. The dryer has a light, which is very helpful in making sure those odd socks don't get missed when emptying the dryer. All of the controls are easy to read and use. The dryer opening is quite large which makes loading/unloading quite easy.
What makes this a budget dryer? First of all, the controls are mechanical, and you won't see any fancy touch pads. Secondly, you can tell that the sheet metal used in constructing this dryer is a thinner gauge than what is used in higher priced dryers. Another point is that these are "plain Jane" appliances with just sheet metal painted white. You won't find any fancy design features or color choices. Aside from that, I can't tell. It would be interesting to compare motor specs and to take a look at the internal construction. Only time will tell about the durability of this unit.
I've also read that this dryer is identical to a GE model....which is also true of the matching washer. This seems to be true, and I've seen the GE appliances in stores.
I've never had to deal with Figidaire warranty service, but I'm also inclined to do my own service/repair work when it comes to replacing belts, controls, etc. If I weren't a little bit "handy", I would have considered purchasing the extended warranty. As a rule, I'm not a fan of extended warranties.....but they are appropriate for some applications and purchasers.
To summarize, the Frigididaire FGQ1442ES gas dryer performs very well at a budget price. If you want to buy a budget priced stackable front load washer/dryer combo, it's worth taking a look at the Frigidaire line.
In my opinion, front load dryers have no advantages to conventional dryers. The primary difference seems to be in location of the control, and that is why we had to purchase this dryer because it was going to be stacked on top of the washer. Front load washers do have some advantages over top load washers and these advantages may be justification for spending more. If you're considering purchasing a front load washer, please check out my review of the matching Frigidaire washer.
