The LG dryer that I tested was the DLE1501W.  I had it mated with the WT1501CW. The review for that washer is HERE.  This LG dryer is a near EXACT copy of the word famous (amongst us service guys) Whirlpool 27″ D.O.T.T. dryer.  Tried and true performance, easy to service.  LG spiced it up with some electronic gizmos to really bring it in to the 21’st century.  The very clever engineers at LG likely thought ” if it is’nt broke, why fix it?”

How I test them:

I physically buy these machines, take them home, and use them for at least 60 days, all the way up to 6+ months.  I have children, and they get EVERYTHING dirty. Needless to say I have a never ending supply of dirty laundry.

The grading scale

Cost

MSRP of $799, but you can typically find them for around $550 or so. It’s neither expensive nor inexpensive.

Build Quality

LG is totally respectable when it comes to quality.  They basically copied an old Whirlpool dryer that was proven, and made it a bit better with electronics and such.  The result is a more precise drying experience.

Longevity

It’s almost comical that I can basically tell my customers in advance when their LG dryer is going to break.  Weak points on LG (as with most dryers) are belt, heating element, drum supports.  You should expect to get 7 or so years before its first breakdown, and about another 7 years after that.  The key to making a dryer last a long time is to regularly clean the lint trap and the exhaust ducting.

Personal Opinion

I consider myself to be a kind of all Americn type of person.  I shop local, mostly a small businesses, and I like to buy american made products.  The only thing that is more important to me is buying a QUALITY product.  LG makes a great product and quite simply, the american companies are just playing catch up.  I would much rather buy an all American product, but until we make something better than LG, LG will continue to gain market share.