GE and Whirlpool are two brands that hail from America and dominate the local home appliance sector and the global consumer market. So, it’s not easy to pick a side when pitting the GE vs Whirlpool dryer.
However, the difference is that GE dryers are fancier (more modern), capacious, innovative, and affordable. In contrast, Whirlpool dryers are more traditional, reliable, energy-efficient, beginner-friendly, and slightly costly.
So, ideally, you can choose between the two dryer brands based on appearance, capacity, smart features, reliability, energy efficiency, usability, and cost. I’ll break down the comparison later in this post.
We’ll also look at the commonness of the two dryer brands. But first, let’s look at the brand’s brief history.
In a rush? Check out the seven key differences between GE and Whirlpool dryers in the table below:
GE Vs Whirlpool Dryer Quick Comparison
| – | Differentiating Factor | GE Dryer | Whirlpool Dryer |
| 1. | Appearance | Fancier (more modern) | More minimalistic (traditional) |
| 2. | Capacity | Slightly more capacious | Slightly less capacious |
| 3. | Smart Features | More smart features | Fewer smart features |
| 4. | Reliability | Slightly less reliable | More reliable |
| 5. | Energy Efficiency | Slightly less energy efficient than Whirlpool | More energy efficient |
| 6. | Usability | Slightly less beginner friendly (due to so many features) | More beginner-friendly (due to fewer and simple specs) |
| 7. | Costs | More affordable | Slightly costly |
About GE
GE, also known as General Appliance, is a US home appliance manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company was started in 1905 to cater to the local home appliance market but is now one of the world’s most popular brands.
GE makes home appliances under its name (GE) and brands like GE Profile, GE Cafe, Monogram, Hotpoint, and Haier.
There are, however, issues about the ownership of Haier, where a Chinese multinational enjoys the right to use the brand name ‘Haier’ until 2056 – even though the manufacturer is technically GE.
Nevertheless, for the sake of this comparison, we’ll base our argument on only GE-branded dryers and not the other brands associated with the appliance maker.
Are GE Dryers Good?
GE dryers are the perfect blend of modern style and innovation. These dryers look modern and run the contemporary way, attributed to their Smart HQ technology, which allows you to monitor and run the dryer remotely.
GE Appliance, the manufacturer behind GE dryers, also enjoy a sound reputation that dates back decades, owing to their energy-efficient, capacious, and reliable dryers.
Speaking of reliability;
GE dryers have a reasonably lower service rate. Though the rate is higher than Whirlpool’s, it’s reasonably low and shows that these dryers don’t break down that often.
Moreover, GE dryers are affordable; you can get a GE dryer for under $500. With what you are paying compared to what you are getting, it’s undeniable that GE dryers are good.
About Whirlpool
Whirlpool Corporation, or simply Whirlpool, is also a US appliance manufacturer headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan. The appliance maker was founded in 1911 and is arguably the leading home appliance brand in the United States.
Like GE, Whirlpool Corporation makes appliances under its name Whirlpool and many others under different brand names. Such brand names include KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Maytag, Roper, Amana, Consul, and Hotpoint.
Remember, GE also makes Hotpoint appliances, which is another thing they’ve in common, with the first similarity being that they are both US appliance makers.
Are Whirlpool Dryers Good?
Several things make Whirlpool dryers good. For starters, the manufacturer is reputable. Whirlpool Corporation has been making quality home appliances for decades and is now recognized as one of the leading dryer brands in the US and beyond.
Secondly, Whirlpool dryers enjoy a lower service rate, which according to one study, is 0.4%. That makes Whirlpool the most reliable full-size dryer brand globally, as the breakdown or repair rate is low.
It’s also hard to overlook that Whirlpool dryers are energy efficient, user-friendly, spacious, and simple in specs. All that makes them attractive to consumers.
What’s more, Whirlpool offers a variety of dryer options to match different users’ needs and budgets. So, Yes, Whirlpool dryers are good.
Is GE or Whirlpool Dryer Better?
GE and Whirlpool are two of the most trusted dryer brands, so deciding between them is difficult. However, you can choose depending on these factors:
1. Appearance
GE dryers are fancier. They employ the most modern designs, which give them a sleeker and fancier look. These dryers are available in stylish finishes like diamond gray, carbon graphite, sapphire blue, and satin nickel, among many others. There are just so many elegant options to choose from.
Whirlpool dryers, on the other side, are minimalist. They are more traditional in appearance, enjoying some of the simplest color choices like chrome, shadow black, and white.
Who Wins?
There’s no peculiar winner as the two brands attract two different markets. GE targets the more modern consumers, while Whirlpool goes after the more laid-back users.
2. Capacity
These two dryer brands are among the most capacious brands in the market. They, however, differ slightly. GE dryers, for example, have a capacity of 2.4 – 7.8 cubic feet.
On the other hand, Whirlpool dryers have a capacity of 3.4 – 7.4 cubic feet. That means that GE has the most compact dryers and some of the most capacious options.
Who Wins?
GE wins for having slightly more spacious dryers.
3. Smart Features
Both GE and Whirlpool have mobile applications which allow you remote access to the dryers’ most basic specs and performance.
The difference is that Whirlpool’s mobile app (the Whirlpool App) is a bit basic. It does what you expect, like integrating with Google Assistance or Alexa, permitting voice control, and assigning tasks.
In contrast, GE’s Smart HQ app lets you get performance notifications and real-time feedback, download specialty cycles remotely, start the dryer (though on select models), and extend your dryer’s drying cycle.
Who Wins?
GE for having a more feature-rich mobile app (smart HQ)
4. Reliability
One recent survey by Yelp shows that Whirlpool is the most reliable brand in the full-size dryer category. According to the study, Whirlpool dryers have a 0.4% service rate compared to GE’s 5.2%.
That shows that Whirlpool dryers break down less often than GE dryers. Here’s how the two dryer brands and others compare according to the review.
| Dryer Brand | Service Rate |
| Whirlpool | 0.4% |
| LG | 2% |
| GE | 5.2% |
| Maytag | 6.0% |
Who Wins?
Whirlpool wins the reliability battle for having a lower service rate.
5. Energy Efficiency
Let’s clarify;
Both GE and Whirlpool dryers are energy efficient. They come with an energy star certification to prove that. The difference is that Whirlpool employs slightly better energy-saving technologies like Eco Boost and Smart Grid.
Remember, however, that a dryer’s energy consumption doesn’t just depend on its energy-saving technology and usage. The higher the usage rate, the more energy consumption.
Who Wins?
Whirlpool edges GE slightly as its dryers are marginally more energy-efficient.
6. Usability
Though it’s cool to have a dryer with so many features, cycles, and settings, the more they are, the more confusing they can become. Indeed, that’s what you get from GE.
GE dryers have many options for choosing a dryer level or cycle, and there’s so much you can do with Smart HQ. The learning curve can, however, be too long, making GE dryers less beginner friendly.
In contrast, Whirlpool dryers are simple, featuring fewer specs and features that beginners can easily understand.
Who Wins?
Whirlpool wins the usability battle for having more beginner-friendly dryers.
7. Cost of The Dryer
Generally, you can get a GE dryer for under $500, given that most compact options start from $444.60. However, you need at least $649 to get a Whirlpool dryer.
So, even though some GE dryers cost more than some Whirlpool dryers, GE offers you more affordable options.
Who Wins?
GE wins here for having more affordable dryers.
GE and Whirlpool Dryer Similarities
As much as GE and Whirlpool dryers differ, they have some similarities, which is why most people can’t choose between them. These similarities include the following:
- Origin – Both brands originate and are based in the United States. GE is based in Louisville, Kentucky, while Whirlpool is based in Benton Charter Township, Michigan.
- Dryer type – Both Whirlpool and GE make top loaders, font loaders, and stackable dryers. What’s more, they have electric and gas options.
- Wi-Fi integration and smart application – Both dryer brands offer Wi-Fi options. These dryers allow you to install their remote app and operate them remotely once you connect them to the internet.
- Warranty – Both dryer brands offer a 1-year limited liability coverage which kicks in at the time of purchase.
- Energy certification – Both dryer brands have the energy certification mark to show they are energy efficient.
- Dryer technology – Both dryer brands employ moisture sensing technology (for tracking the moisture level), reverse door (for convenient washer-to-dryer load transfer), sanitization cycle (for killing up to 99.9% household microbe), and wrinkle reduction (for preventing wrinkling).
GE Vs Whirlpool Gas Dryer
GE and Whirlpool gas dryers are among the most energy-efficient and affordable gas dryers on the market. The difference is that Whirlpool dryers have a lower service rate and are thus more reliable.
In contrast, GE dryers have more innovative specs, which makes them ideal for smart homes. The numerous specs, however, can also be a downside as they give the dryers a longer learning curve. That’s unlike Whirlpool dryers, whose simplicity makes them beginner-friendly.
Whirlpool Vs GE Washer And Dryer
GE and Whirlpool washer-dryer combos have a lot in common. Both laundry centers are high-capacity, energy-saving, and easy to use.
They are also reliable, even though Whirlpool enjoys a lower service rate. You can, however, split them according to their innovative features and learning curve.
GE’s Smart HQ offers many options in terms of remote dryer access than the Whirlpool app, making GE slightly better. But given their numerous specs, GE dryers have a longer learning curve than Whirlpool dryers.
GE Vs Whirlpool Stackable Washer Dryer
Generally, if you want a stackable washer and dryer, GE and Whirlpool rarely disappoint. These two brands offer easy-to-stack washer and dryer sets that are pretty energy efficient and reliable.
The stackable units are also quite spacious and allow easy load transfers. The difference is that the breakdown rate is lower in Whirlpool than in GE, which gives Whirlpool a slight edge on reliability.
And given its spec simplicity, Whirlpool stackable units are more beginner-friendly. GE stackable units are, however, more affordable and fancier.
Closing Remarks
Hopefully, you now know how a GE vs Whirlpool dryer compares. Consider GE for a more affordable dryer with a compact or roomier capacity.
Also, consider GE if you want a smart home-ready and fancier dryer. However, go for Whirlpool for a more minimalistic, beginner-friendly, reliable, and energy-efficient dryer.
But overall, both dryer brands prove value for money, which means you can’t go wrong with either.
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