LG DLEX4000W vs Whirlpool WED4950HW
Side by side comparison of two of the best dryers on the market. Same category, different priorities.
LG DLEX4000W
A solid electric dryer with smart features that punches well at its price point.
Whirlpool WED4950HW
A no-frills budget dryer that actually gets your clothes fully dry every time.
How do the LG DLEX4000W and Whirlpool WED4950HW compare, spec for spec?
| Spec | LG LG DLEX4000W | Whirlpool Whirlpool WED4950HW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 | $649 |
| Rating | 4.6 (2,900) | 4.4 (6,800) |
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Should you buy the LG DLEX4000W or the Whirlpool WED4950HW?
Both are strong picks in the dryers category. Here's how to decide:
Get the LG DLEX4000W if...
If you want a big, well equipped electric dryer without going full luxury tier, this one makes a strong case. It's a 7.4 cubic foot drum which is a good size for families. You get WiFi control, steam, a moisture sensor and extended tumble so your clothes don't sit there and wrinkle. That's a decent feature set for right around $999. Consumer Reports compares it closely to the DLEX4500B which scored well in their lab tests for drying performance and convenience. So you're essentially getting similar performance to a tested and rated model, likely at a slightly lower price or with a few fewer cycles. The stainless steel drum, duct blockage indicator and Energy Star certification are all practical wins. The duct blockage alert in particular is a nice safety touch a lot of people overlook until there's a problem. Who is this for? Honestly it's a great fit for anyone upgrading from a builder grade dryer who wants modern features but doesn't need to spend $1,200 plus. Families doing multiple loads a week will appreciate the capacity and the steam option for de-wrinkling. The WiFi control is genuinely useful if you start a load and forget about it. Where it falls short: Consumer Reports locks its full scores behind a paywall so you can't easily verify exactly how it stacks up against competitors without a membership. It also has fewer cycles than the DLEX4500B which could matter if you do a lot of specialty fabrics. And at $999 you're not exactly getting a bargain basement deal so if budget is tight there are capable dryers for less.
Get the Whirlpool WED4950HW if...
If you just want dry clothes and don't care about fancy features, this dryer makes a strong case for itself at $649. It's got a big 7 cubic foot drum, simple knob controls and a hamper style door that makes unloading pretty painless. There's no app, no steam, no sanitize cycle. Just spin and heat. And honestly for a lot of households that's totally fine. The Normal cycle runs hot though. Like, really hot. Reviewers clocked it at 166°F which is higher than you want for delicate stuff. If you're mostly drying jeans, towels and cotton basics you'll be fine. If you're throwing in silk or activewear regularly, dial it down or use a workaround cycle. Even at lower settings it only dropped to 158°F so there's not a huge range to play with. A full Normal load comes out 100% dry in about 72 minutes. That's not fast but it's thorough. You won't be re-running loads. The Heavy Dry cycle for bulky bedding actually runs cooler at 151°F and finishes around 78 minutes which is a nice surprise. Owner reviews back this up too. People consistently say clothes come out dry, the drum light is useful and the machine runs relatively quiet. The Wrinkle Shield feature is supposed to periodically tumble your load after it finishes to prevent wrinkles. Reviewers couldn't get it to work on their test unit so treat that as a maybe not a selling point. The hamper door is convenient but clothes can snag on the door lock if you're not paying attention. This is the right pick if you want a reliable basic dryer at a fair price. If you need steam or moisture sensors or smart features, spend more.