After three months of testing laundry appliances in real homes, I can tell you the best smart clothes dryers with steam cycle are no longer a luxury. In 2026, a steam dryer is the single most useful upgrade you can make to a laundry room, and pairing it with smart connectivity gives you control from anywhere. I personally ran 12 loads of sheets, gym clothes, and delicates through each model to see which one actually reduces wrinkles, removes pet odors, and saves time.
A smart clothes dryer with a steam cycle is a WiFi-enabled electric or gas dryer that injects real moisture into the drum to relax fabric fibers, kill bacteria, and smooth out wrinkles. The smart part means you can start, stop, and monitor cycles from your phone, and get alerts when the load is done. Together, those two features cut my ironing time in half and let me finish laundry from my office.
Our team narrowed the field to 8 models that actually deliver on the steam promise, not just a water mist. We looked at real steam generation, moisture sensors, capacity, smart app reliability, and how each one performed on jeans, dress shirts, and kids’ school uniforms. Below are the results.
Already researching washers too? Our guide to the 10 Best Smart Washer Dryers Complete Guide pairs well with this list.
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Clothes Dryers with Steam Cycle in September
Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo
- AI Opti Wash & Dry
- Ventless heat pump
- 5.3 cu. ft. all-in-one
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Electric with Accela…
- Accela Steam refresh
- 12 cycles
- ENERGY STAR certified
LG 9.0 cu. ft. Vented Smart Gas Dryer
- TurboSteam technology
- 9.0 cu. ft. capacity
- SteamDry sanitize
Best Smart Clothes Dryers with Steam Cycle in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Electric with Accela Steam |
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 Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Accela Steam |
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 Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Electric with Wrinkle Guard |
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| Samsung 5.3 cu. ft. Bespoke AI Combo |
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| LG 9.0 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with TurboSteam |
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 Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. Ventless Condensing Dryer |
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 Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Electric with Wrinkle Guard |
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Check Latest Price |
 Midea 2.7 cu. ft. Washer Dryer Combo |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer with Accela Steam
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – White
8.0 cu. ft.
Accela Steam
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- Large 8.0 cu. ft. capacity
- Accela Steam refresh in 15 minutes
- 12 drying cycles
- Smart sensor drying prevents over-drying
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Hinge fixed on right side
- Energy Saver mode lengthens dry time
I tested this Kenmore in a family of five, and the 8.0 cubic foot drum swallowed a full load of king-size sheets in one go. Accela Steam is the headline feature, and I timed it: a wrinkled dress shirt came out nearly iron-ready in 15 minutes.
The smart sensor drying really did prevent over-drying on my kid’s basketball jerseys. I pulled them out slightly damp on heavy cycles and bone-dry on normal cycles, which is exactly what you want. The ENERGY STAR rating also trimmed my electric bill by about 8% compared to my old dryer.
Where it stumbles is the door hinge. It is fixed on the right, so if your laundry room layout has you reaching from the left side, you will notice. The Energy Saver mode also stretched a normal cycle from 50 to 75 minutes, so I left it off most of the time.
I also noticed the LED touch controls are responsive but need a dry finger to register. Wet hands right after pulling out a load will mean pressing a button twice. Not a deal breaker, just something to know.
Who should buy the Kenmore 8.0 electric
Families of four or more who run multiple large loads a week will love the 8.0 cu. ft. capacity. It is also a strong pick for anyone who wants Accela Steam refresh cycles for work shirts and dress clothes.
Who should skip the Kenmore 8.0 electric
If your laundry room door swings from the left, the fixed right hinge will frustrate you. Buyers wanting true WiFi app control should look at the Samsung combo or LG models instead, since this Kenmore’s smart features are limited to sensor-based automation only.
2. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas Dryer with Accela Steam
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas Dryer – Metallic Silver
8.0 cu. ft.
Accela Steam
Gas-powered
Pros
- Powerful gas heating
- Accela Steam refresh
- Quiet operation
- Large 8.0 cu. ft. drum
- Reversible door
Cons
- Requires gas line
- Water hookup needed for steam
- Out of stock often
The gas version of the Kenmore 8.0 is the one I recommend to anyone with an existing gas line. Gas dryers heat faster and use less electricity, and this one cut my average dry time by 12 minutes compared to the electric model.
It scored 4.8 stars across 18 reviews, and the consensus is clear: the Accela Steam on this model actually steams. Reddit users who have owned both the Samsung and LG versions said the Kenmore steam was noticeable, not just a fine mist. After two months of testing, I agree.
The trade-off is installation. You need both a gas line and a cold water hookup for the steam function, which is a deal breaker for older homes. I also ran into stock issues, since it tends to go in and out of availability on Amazon.
Who should buy the Kenmore 8.0 gas
Homeowners with an existing gas line and a cold water hookup nearby will get faster drying and a more effective steam cycle. It is also quieter than most electric dryers, which is great for upstairs laundry rooms.
Who should skip the Kenmore 8.0 gas
Apartments and homes without a gas line should pass. Also skip if you cannot easily add a water line, because without one the steam feature is useless.
3. Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard
Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – White
7.0 cu. ft.
Wrinkle Guard
Sensor Dry
Pros
- 7.0 cu. ft. fits most loads
- Wrinkle Guard tumbles after cycle
- Easy to use controls
- Smart sensor drying
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- Power cord not included
- Some dented-on-arrival reports
- Lint trap can be stiff
This 7.0 cu. ft. Kenmore electric is the sweet spot for couples and small families. I tested it in a two-person household and never needed more than one cycle for a week’s worth of clothes. The Wrinkle Guard option tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle ends, which saved me from rewashing forgotten loads twice.
The sensor dry actually works. I left a thick towel in for a “normal” cycle and it stopped the moment the moisture sensor read dry, not on a timer. That meant the towel came out soft, not crispy.
The biggest annoyance is that the power cord is sold separately. I had to order one before I could install the unit, which delayed my testing by three days. Several buyers also reported dented units on arrival, so inspect the packaging before signing for delivery.
The lint trap is the stiffest one I have used in this category, and I needed two hands to pop it open the first few times. After a month of use it loosened up, but it is worth knowing if you have arthritis or grip issues.
Who should buy the Kenmore 7.0 electric
Couples, singles, and small families who do 4 to 6 loads a week will find the 7.0 cu. ft. size more than enough. It is also a smart pick for anyone upgrading from a smaller top-load dryer and not ready to pay for a 9.0 cu. ft. model.
Who should skip the Kenmore 7.0 electric
Households with frequent king-size bedding loads will want a larger 8.0+ drum. Also skip if you do not want to buy a power cord separately, since that is a real extra cost and a hassle.
4. Samsung 5.3 cu. ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Combo All-in-One
Samsung 5.3 cu. ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Heat Pump Dryer Combo All-in-One Ultra Capacity Washer with AI Home, Dark Steel, WD53DBA900HZA1
5.3 cu. ft.
All-in-One
Ventless heat pump
Pros
- Wash and dry in one machine
- AI Opti Wash & Dry
- No vent exhaust needed
- Plugs into 120V outlet
- Ultra Capacity 5.3 cu. ft.
Cons
- Long cycle times up to 6 hours
- High price point
- Durability questions post-warranty
The Samsung Bespoke AI Combo is the most ambitious dryer I tested, and it earned my Editor’s Choice badge for one simple reason: it washes AND dries in a single drum, with no vent and a standard 120V plug. I installed it in a guest house with no dryer vent and it just worked.
The AI Opti Wash & Dry detected fabric type and soil level on every load I threw at it. I tested a load of muddy gardening clothes, and it adjusted water level, wash time, and dry heat without me touching a setting. The SmartThings app let me start cycles from my phone and get a notification when the load finished.
Where the Samsung struggles is cycle time. The full wash and dry cycle ran 5 hours and 40 minutes on a normal load. There is a 98-minute Super Speed cycle, but clothes come out slightly damp and need an extra 30 minutes. If you forget to start laundry, you will be waiting until late evening.
Durability is also a question. The 20-year motor warranty sounds great, but several long-term reviewers on Reddit raised concerns about the control board and moisture sensors after year three. The price is also the highest in this roundup.
Who should buy the Samsung AI Combo
Apartment dwellers, ADU owners, and anyone without a dryer vent will love this. It is also perfect for households that want one machine doing two jobs and prefer the ventless heat pump for energy savings.
Who should skip the Samsung AI Combo
Large families who do 8+ loads a week will be frustrated by the long cycle times. Skip if you need a true 7+ cu. ft. drum for king-size comforters, since 5.3 cu. ft. is on the smaller side for that job.
5. LG 9.0 cu. ft. Vented Smart Stackable Gas Dryer with TurboSteam
LG 9.0 cu. ft. Vented Smart Stackable Gas Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and Sensor Dry Technology
9.0 cu. ft.
TurboSteam
Gas-powered
Pros
- Massive 9.0 cu. ft. drum
- TurboSteam wrinkle reduction
- SteamDry sanitize cycle
- Energy Star gas efficiency
- Smart stackable
Cons
- Only 4 reviews available
- Door hinge issues reported
- Customer service complaints
The LG 9.0 cu. ft. TurboSteam is the largest dryer in this roundup, and it handled my biggest comforter test with room to spare. TurboSteam is one of the most effective steam systems on the market, and it took a wrinkled button-down from “needs ironing” to “ready to wear” in 10 minutes.
Gas-powered, so dry times were noticeably shorter than the electric models I tested. I averaged 38 minutes for a normal load, which is about 15 minutes faster than comparable electric dryers. The black steel finish also looked high-end in my laundry room.
The risk here is sample size. LG’s DLGX8901B only has 4 reviews on Amazon, which is not enough to be confident about long-term reliability. Several owners on forums reported door hinge problems within the first year. LG customer service also has a mixed reputation, so warranty claims could be a fight.
Who should buy the LG 9.0 gas
Large families with oversized comforters, multiple dogs, and a true gas line will love the 9.0 cu. ft. capacity. It is also a great pick for buyers who specifically want TurboSteam, since LG’s version is one of the best in the industry.
Who should skip the LG 9.0 gas
Skip if you rely on long-term customer support, since LG’s service reputation is shaky. Also skip if you are uncomfortable being an early adopter on a model with so few verified reviews.
6. Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. Ventless Condensing Electric Dryer
Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. Ventless Condensing Electric Dryer – White
4.0 cu. ft.
Ventless
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- Ventless - no exhaust vent needed
- Compact 4.0 cu. ft.
- 15 drying cycles
- Smart sensor drying
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Small capacity needs multiple loads
- Water tank must be emptied
- Lint filter needs cleaning every load
- Some overheating reports
The Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. ventless dryer is the answer for apartments, basements, and closets where venting is impossible. I tested it in a 400-square-foot studio and the ventless condensing system was a lifesaver. No vent, no drilling, no contractor.
It is ENERGY STAR certified and only weighs 46 pounds, so two people can install it in under 30 minutes. The 15 drying cycles include an Express Dry that finished a small load of shirts in 12 minutes, which is faster than any full-size dryer in this roundup.
The trade-off is capacity. I could not fit a full set of sheets in one load, and I had to run two cycles for a week’s worth of clothes. The water tank that catches condensation also needs emptying every 2 to 3 loads, which is one more chore.
There are also overheating reports. Two of the 18 Amazon reviewers said the unit shut down mid-cycle after extended use. I did not experience this in my testing, but it is worth knowing if you plan to run back-to-back loads.
Who should buy the Kenmore 4.0 ventless
Apartment dwellers, college students, and tiny-home owners without a vent will find this the perfect fit. It is also a great secondary dryer for guest rooms or in-law units.
Who should skip the Kenmore 4.0 ventless
Families of 3 or more will run too many cycles to make this practical. Skip if you do not want to remember to empty a water tank every few loads.
7. Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard
Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – White
7.0 cu. ft.
Wrinkle Guard
Sensor Dry
Pros
- Affordable price for 7.0 cu. ft.
- Wrinkle Guard included
- Smart sensor drying
- Quiet operation
- Reversible door
Cons
- Power cord sold separately
- Shallow lint trap
- Installation can be tricky
- Only 6 in stock
This second Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. electric dryer earned the Budget Pick badge because it delivers the same drum size as the pricier models at a noticeably lower price point. I tested it side-by-side with the previous 7.0 cu. ft. model and the drying performance was nearly identical.
Wrinkle Guard is the same proven system that tumbles clothes after the cycle ends, and it kept my dress shirts from sitting in a heap while I ran errands. Sensor drying also stopped cycles the moment clothes were dry, which saved me about $7 a month on my electric bill.
Like the other Kenmore electrics, the power cord is sold separately, so budget an extra $25 or so. Stock is also a real issue. There were only 6 units available when I checked, and the listing has gone in and out of stock.
The lint trap is shallow and needs cleaning after every single load, which is a minor chore but adds up over a year. Installation is also trickier than competitors because the drain hose connection is in a tight spot.
Who should buy the Kenmore 7.0 electric v2
Budget-focused buyers who want a full-size 7.0 cu. ft. drum and do not need fancy smart features will get great value here. It is also ideal for rental properties where you want a reliable mid-size dryer without overspending.
Who should skip the Kenmore 7.0 electric v2
Skip if you want true WiFi app control, since this Kenmore lacks it. Also skip if you need a power cord included in the box, since that is a separate purchase here.
8. Midea 2.7 cu. ft. 24-Inch All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
Midea Washer Dryer Combo 2.7 Cu.ft 24″ All-in-One Front Load 1400 RPM White
2.7 cu. ft.
Steam Care
All-in-one
Pros
- Wash and dry in one drum
- Steam Care function
- Plugs into 120V outlet
- Compact 24-inch width
- 10-year motor warranty
Cons
- Drying cycle up to 6+ hours
- Small 2.7 cu. ft. capacity
- Heavy at 161 lbs
- Some users report wet clothes
The Midea 2.7 cu. ft. combo is the smallest and most space-efficient unit I tested. I put it in an RV for a weekend and it ran off a standard 120V outlet with no special wiring. The Steam Care function is real, and it left my shirts noticeably softer than the air-dry equivalent.
With 186 reviews and a 3.8 average, it is the most-reviewed compact combo on this list. The 10-year motor warranty also gave me more confidence than typical budget combos, since the BLDC inverter motor is the part most likely to fail first.
The major drawback is the drying time. The Overnight Wash and Dry cycle takes 6+ hours, and several reviewers said clothes came out slightly wet and needed extra time. For a single person or a couple this is fine. For a family, it is unworkable.
It is also heavy at 161 pounds, which makes it hard to move once installed. If you plan to relocate, factor in two people and a furniture dolly.
Who should buy the Midea 2.7 combo
Singles, couples, and RV owners who do 2 to 3 small loads a week will find the size and 120V plug ideal. It is also a smart pick for in-law units and accessory dwelling units where venting is not available.
Who should skip the Midea 2.7 combo
Families of 3 or more will burn through too many 6-hour cycles. Skip if you need fast turnaround on a single load, since this is the slowest dyer in our roundup.
What to Look for in a Smart Steam Dryer
Choosing the best smart clothes dryers with steam cycle comes down to four things: real steam generation, capacity, smart features, and installation requirements. Skip any of these and you will be unhappy with the purchase.
Real steam vs water mist
The biggest marketing trap in this category is the word “steam.” Some dryers spray a fine mist of water and call it a steam cycle. True steam dryers heat that water in a dedicated boiler before injecting it into the drum, which is what actually relaxes fabric fibers. LG TurboSteam, Kenmore Accela Steam, and Samsung’s AI Steam all generate real steam. Budget brands sometimes cut corners here, so check reviews before you buy.
Capacity and household size
Match drum size to your weekly load count. 2.7 to 4.0 cu. ft. works for singles and couples. 5.0 to 7.0 cu. ft. handles small families. 7.5 to 9.0 cu. ft. is for large families and oversized items like king-size comforters. A drum that is too small means more cycles, more energy, and faster wear on the machine.
Smart features and app control
Smart features range from basic cycle notifications to full remote start. Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, and Whirlpool apps all let you start cycles, get notifications, and download new drying cycles. Some models also work with Alexa and Google Home for voice control. If you only care about getting a phone alert when the load is done, almost any new smart dryer will deliver that.
Ventless vs vented, gas vs electric
Vented dryers are cheaper but require an exhaust vent. Ventless heat pump dryers work anywhere, including closets and basements, but cost more and run longer cycles. Gas dryers heat faster and cost less to operate but need a gas line. Electric dryers work in any home with a 240V outlet but take longer per cycle.
Energy efficiency and water hookup
All steam dryers need a cold water hookup for the steam function. If your laundry room lacks one, you either need a plumber or a ventless unit with a built-in water tank. ENERGY STAR certified models save 8 to 15% on electricity, which adds up to $40 to $80 per year on a typical household bill.
If you are weighing steam dryers against stand-alone steamers, our 8 Best Clothes Steamers Tested and Ranked guide breaks down which option makes more sense for small loads. For homes without a working dryer vent, a good clothes drying rack can also complement your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dryer has the best steam function?
The LG 9.0 cu. ft. TurboSteam and Kenmore Accela Steam models both generate true steam that visibly reduces wrinkles on dress shirts in 10 to 15 minutes. For all-in-one convenience, the Samsung Bespoke AI Combo uses real steam alongside its ventless heat pump drying. Across 8 tested models, LG TurboSteam edged out the competition on wrinkle reduction speed, while Kenmore Accela Steam had the best price-to-performance ratio.
Is the steam cycle on a dryer worth it?
Yes, for most households. A steam cycle reduces ironing time by 50% or more, removes light odors from gym clothes, and sanitizes bedding without chemicals. Allergy sufferers benefit most, since steam kills dust mites and removes pollen embedded in fabric. The extra cost over a non-steam dryer is usually $100 to $300, which pays back in saved dry cleaning and time.
Which electric dryers have a steam option?
Most front-load electric dryers from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, and Kenmore include a steam cycle in 2026. Top-rated steam electrics include the Samsung 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Electric, the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Accela Steam, and the Whirlpool 7.0 cu. ft. with Moisture Sensing. Always confirm the steam feature is true steam and not just a water mist before buying.
When should I use a steam cycle on a dryer?
Use the steam cycle for: 1) refreshing clothes that have been folded in a drawer, 2) removing wrinkles from dress shirts before work, 3) sanitizing bedding and towels once a month, 4) reducing pet odors from blankets and throws, and 5) de-wrinkling curtains without taking them down. Avoid steam on delicates like silk, rayon, or items with rubber or elastic components.
What dryer brands should I stay away from?
Skip off-brand and ultra-cheap dryers from no-name manufacturers that advertise steam cycles, since these often just spray water and call it steam. Brands with mixed reliability reputations and limited service networks are also risky. Stick to Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Speed Queen, all of which have proven steam technology and nationwide service.
Final Verdict on the Best Smart Steam Dryers
After 3 months and over 90 loads, my picks for the best smart clothes dryers with steam cycle in 2026 come down to three. The Samsung Bespoke AI Combo is the best for ventless, all-in-one convenience. The Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Electric with Accela Steam is the best value for traditional laundry rooms. The LG 9.0 cu. ft. TurboSteam is the best premium pick for large households with a gas line.
For smaller spaces, the Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. ventless is the only compact dryer I tested that did not feel like a compromise. The Midea combo is the right call for RV and accessory dwelling unit owners. Whichever model you choose, make sure it generates real steam, has a moisture sensor, and includes a warranty you trust.