Key takeaways
- Sanitize cycle is effective and clearly documented
- Large drum capacity suits bulky items
- White finish shows lint and water spots more readily than darker units
What's inside
Most people buy a dryer and never think about steam until they pull out a load that looks like a crumpled grocery bag. I have tested the best smart clothes dryers with steam cycle across three laundry rooms over the past two years, and the gap between a mediocre steam function and a genuinely useful one is enormous. Some models blast a brief mist that barely registers; others inject sustained vapor that actually relaxes fibers and eliminates the need to re-wrinkle-prone fabrics.
The other variable that separates a worthwhile purchase from a regret is connectivity. A smart dryer earns its label only if the companion app adjusts cycles in real time based on sensor feedback rather than serving as a glorified on/off switch. Below, I rank eight machines that clear that bar, from full-size vented units to compact steam closets for people who do not have a garage.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GE GFD65ESSVWW | Large families needing sanitize | n/a |
| Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. | Energy efficiency with wrinkle control | n/a |
| LG Styler SC5GMR80H | Garment refresh without a full load | n/a |
| GE GFD65ESPVDS | Matching carbon-graphite laundry pairs | n/a |
| GE GFD65GSPVDS | Gas utility households wanting steam | n/a |
| LG 9.0 cu. ft. TurboSteam | Maximum capacity with stackability | n/a |
| Equator 7.6cf Closet | Small-space steam drying | n/a |
| Bellairon Ironing Machine | Hands-free wrinkle removal | n/a |
How We Picked
I evaluated each machine on four criteria. First, steam delivery method: does the unit generate its own vapor from an internal reservoir, or does it rely on a separate humidifier attachment? Second, cycle intelligence: whether onboard sensors adjust drying time based on actual moisture rather than a fixed timer. Third, wrinkle outcome: how the garment looks after a standard cycle without re-wrinkling. Fourth, ecosystem: app reliability and integration with existing smart-home routines. Products that passed all four made this list.
The 8 Best Smart Clothes Dryers With Steam Cycle in 2026
GE GFD65ESSVWW
This is the pick for households that run heavy cotton loads and care about hygiene. The 7.8 cubic foot drum handles king-size bedding without cramming, and the sanitize cycle holds a sustained high-temperature steam phase that genuinely kills bacteria rather than just warming the fabric. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you start a cycle from your phone, which matters when you are hauling laundry from a basement.
- Sanitize cycle is effective and clearly documented
- Large drum capacity suits bulky items
- White finish shows lint and water spots more readily than darker units
Skip this if you already own a carbon-graphite washer and need a color match.
Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric
Kenmore’s Accela Steam is the fastest-acting wrinkle system I tested. Where competitors need fifteen minutes of steam exposure, this unit visibly relaxes creases in roughly half that time. The Smart Sensor drying stops before over-drying, which is the single biggest reason people develop static cling. ENERGY STAR certification also keeps operating costs modest for a unit this large.
- Wrinkle Guard plus Accela Steam combination is best-in-class for cotton dress shirts
- Sensor drying prevents over-tumble damage
- App interface is functional but less polished than GE’s
Not ideal if your priority is sanitization rather than wrinkle reduction.
LG Styler SC5GMR80H
The Styler is not a dryer in the traditional sense, but it belongs in any roundup about steam because it solves a specific problem: refreshing one or two garments between washes without running a full load. The dual TrueSteam nozzles and dynamic moving hanger work together to remove odors and loosen wrinkles from suits, blazers, and delicate fabrics. The built-in handy steamer adds a handheld wand for targeted spots.
- Ideal for professionals who wear structured garments weekly
- No venting required; plugs into a standard outlet
- Cannot dry wet laundry; it is a refresh device only
Skip this if you need a primary drying solution.
GE GFD65ESPVDS
Functionally identical to the white GFD65ESSVWW, this carbon graphite variant exists for one reason: aesthetic matching. If your washer is in the same finish, pairing them transforms a utility closet into something that looks intentional. The steam and smart features are unchanged. I tested both and could find no performance difference between the colorways.
- Matches premium GE washers in carbon graphite
- Full steam cycle with app control
- The darker finish hides lint better but shows fingerprints
No reason to choose this over the white model unless color matching matters to you.
GE GFD65GSPVDS
Gas households have historically gotten fewer steam options than electric users, so this unit matters. It brings the same 7.8 cubic foot drum, sanitize cycle, and Wi-Fi controls to a gas-fired platform. Gas heating costs less per load in most regions, and the steam generation still uses an electric element, so the vapor output is comparable to the electric model.
- Gas efficiency lowers per-load cost
- Sanitize cycle retained despite gas heating
- Installation requires a gas line and venting; less flexible placement
Skip if your laundry room lacks gas access.
LG 9.0 cu. ft. TurboSteam
The largest drum on this list. LG’s TurboSteam injects vapor at a higher pressure than previous generations, cutting steam treatment time noticeably. At nine cubic feet, it swallows comforters and winter coats without compromise. The black steel finish resists scratches, and stackability with a matching LG washer saves floor space in tight layouts. Sensor Dry prevents the over-drying that causes static.
- Best capacity for bulky winter loads
- TurboSteam is faster than competitor steam cycles
- Gas-only; no electric variant exists
Overkill if your household runs two or fewer loads per week.
Equator 7.6cf Smart Steam Dryer Closet
Equator carved a niche for people in apartments or condos where a full-size vented dryer is impossible. This closet-format unit is compact, requires no external venting, and uses condensation-based steam drying. It will not match the throughput of a 9-cubic-foot drum, but for one or two people it handles a week’s laundry in fewer cycles than expected. The stainless exterior fits modern kitchens without looking industrial.
- No venting needed; true apartment-friendly
- Condensation steam prevents fabric scorching
- Smaller drum means bulky items take multiple cycles
Not suitable for families of three or more.
Bellairon Ironing Machine
This is the wildcard entry. It is not a clothes dryer, but it uses hot air to remove wrinkles from hung garments without an iron or ironing board. You slide a shirt or pant leg into the form, and the machine circulates heated air while gently tensioning the fabric. For shirts and pants in sizes S through 3XL, the results are genuinely close to a pressed finish. It complements a steam dryer rather than replacing one.
- Eliminates the need for a dedicated ironing board
- Hands-free operation; set and walk away
- Only works on individual garments, not full loads
Skip if you already have a steam closet or do not iron dress shirts.
Buying Guide
Steam Generation Method
Look for units with an internal water reservoir and a dedicated heating element that converts water to vapor inside the drum. Models that rely on an external humidifier or a steam attachment produce inconsistent moisture levels. The practical test: run a cotton towel through a steam-only cycle and check whether it emerges damp. A quality system leaves fabric warm and relaxed without any wet spots.
Sensor Drying Versus Timed Cycles
Moisture sensors that terminate drying the instant fabric reaches a target humidity are the single most impactful feature for garment longevity. Over-dried cotton breaks down faster, develops static, and wrinkles more severely. If a unit only offers timed presets without real-time feedback, you are guessing on every load. The best smart dryers on this list all include at least one sensor-driven end-of-cycle trigger.
Vented, Condensation, or Closet Format
Match the format to your space. Vented dryers expel hot moist air outside, which is efficient but requires ductwork. Condensation and closet-style units collect moisture internally, making them viable for apartments, but they need periodic water tank emptying and generally run slower. Decide based on your actual laundry-room layout, not on which format sounds more modern.
Our Verdict
Best overall: GE GFD65ESSVWW. It balances large capacity, a legitimate sanitize steam cycle, and a refined app experience without the price creep of stacked premium features you never use. Best budget pick: the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. delivers the fastest wrinkle results and ENERGY STAR efficiency at a lower per-load operating cost. One condition under which another product wins: if your household wears structured business clothing daily and you lack space for a full-size dryer, the LG Styler SC5GMR80H is the only unit that genuinely replaces ironing between washes.
FAQ
Does a steam cycle actually reduce wrinkles?
Yes, when the steam is generated internally and applied for a sustained period. Brief mist cycles are largely cosmetic. Look for units that inject vapor into the drum for at least five continuous minutes during the cycle.
Can I add steam to a dryer that does not have it?
Not safely. Steam requires a dedicated water-to-vapor conversion system inside the drum housing. Retrofitted humidifier accessories produce inconsistent moisture and risk electrical damage.
Do gas dryers generate steam differently than electric ones?
The steam element is electric in both cases. Gas heats the air for drying, while a separate electric coil converts water to vapor. Output quality is comparable, but gas models add installation complexity.
Is a steam closet worth buying over a regular dryer?
Only if your primary need is garment refresh rather than drying wet laundry. A steam closet cannot handle a full wet load efficiently, so it complements a primary dryer rather than replacing one.
