cgkel's Full Review: General Electric DCVH680EJ Dryer
If you have not already done so, you may want to check out my review on the matching washing machine.
Why did you choose this model?
I was disappointed with our Maytag mostly because the heat settings -- in spite of what was printed on the dial -- were all hot! It also had a buzzer that was just about loud enough to wake the dead. Or at least it was plenty loud enough to wake me, after falling asleep in front of the television in the evenings.
Although I chose the GE dryer largely because it matched the washer, it also had the features that were important to me:
(1) An off switch for the signal. That was a top priority since our mud room is open to the rest of our living space. This model also has three loudness levels in addition to the off position. Nice!
(2) Varied heat settings -- for real! After drying clothes for the past six years with an overly-hot dryer, it sure is nice to be back to one with cooler cycles to maintain wrinkle-resistant clothing and some of the other modern fabrics that can be damaged from high temperatures.
(3) Large capacity. This model has a generous 7 c.f. capacity. That gives plenty of room for the clothes to tumble freely and plenty of room to dry larger things, such as blankets.
Do you like it?
Yes! So far, I am quite pleased. It has a lot of great features. Read on!
What do you like best about it?
My favorite feature is the volume level / off button for the signal. I keep that button in the off position most of the time. But the lower levels also come in handy at times. I am generally at my desk two rooms away while running the wrinkle-free laundry. The lowest volume level is perfect for that.
Another very useful feature is the Extend Tumble button. When you press this button, it will add up to an additional hour of no-heat tumbling at the end of whatever cycle you chose. The signal will sound every two minutes (if it is turned on), and your laundry will not get wrinkled.
How do you operate it?
The dryer simple to operate. You press the power button to wake up the display, choose the desired setting and any options, and then press the start button.
With the optional drawer units attached, the controls are conveniently located just below eye level. This dryer is also stackable with the matching washer, if desired. We purchased the drawer bases and have the machines side by side.
When you press the power button, the settings you used last are selected. You change your main setting via a dial on the front of the machine and then fine-tune it with the optional features.
What drying cycles are available?
The seven Sensor Cyclesare located on the left side and around the top of the dial.
Cottons: For cottons and most linens.
Mixed Load: For loads consisting of cottons and poly blends.
Easy Care: For wrinkle-free and permanent press items.
Active Wear: Clothing worn for active sports, exercise and some casual wear. This cycle is good for fabrics that include new technology finishes and stretch fibers such as spandex.
Delicates : For lingerie and special-care fabrics.
Speed Dry: For small loads that are needed in a hurry, such as sports or school uniforms. Can also be used if the previous cycle left some items damp, such as collars or waistbands.
My Cycle: Press to use, create or modify a custom dry cycle.
The Timed Cyclesare located on the right side of the dial.
Timed Dry: You can set your own drying time here. For all three timed cycles, the default is 30 minutes. You can add or subtract time in 10-minute intervals by pressing the plus or minus buttons to the right.
Air Fluff: This cycle tumbles items without heat.
Dewrinkle: This cycle is to remove wrinkles from items that are slightly damp. It is not recommended for delicate fabrics.
What other features does the dryer have?
There are two buttons on the right side of the control panel that are used to make further adjustments to your dry cycle:
(1) The Dryness Level button is used to adjust the default selection for the sensor cycles. You can choose damp, less dry, dry, or more dry.
(2) The Dry Temp button allows you to choose extra low, low, medium, high, or anti-bacterial heat settings.
How long do the different cycles take to run?
I have not paid attention to how long it takes, but the laundry is usually dry before I am ready to grab it. And it definitely dries the clothes faster than the Maytag did. I use that Extended Tumble button a lot!
I suspect that the larger capacity of this dryer is part of the reason for that. And also the GE washer spins out more of the water from the laundry than the Maytag washer did. Whatever the reason, I like the results.
When you make your cycle selections, the read-out on the front panel will show an estimate of the minutes it will take to dry your clothes. But it usually runs for less time than estimated.
More Options
Lock: You can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made, or you can lock the controls after you start a cycle. Children cannot accidentally start the dryer by touching pads with this option selected.
Damp Alert: This option causes the dryer to beep when clothes have dried to a damp level. You can then remove items that you want to hang dry.
Delayed Start: You can delay the start of the dry cycle for up to 18 hours.
Is there anything NOT to like about this dryer?
The only issue I have experienced with it is that the sensor cycle does not work well for large items, like blankets. But hey, that just might be why they put the timed cycles there.
How much did it cost?
We paid our local appliance dealer’s list price of $799.
Durability:
It appears to be well built. I used the average rating because it is too soon to know how well it will hold up.
GE: DCVH680EJMR 27'' Electric Dryer with 7.0 cu. ft. Capacity, Multiple Cycles, Moisture Sensor, ADA Compliant and Deluxe Dryer Rack: Metallic RedMore at Home Everything
GE's DCVH680EJWW 7.0 Cu.Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer features 7.0 cu. ft. super capacity rotary electronic controls with cycle countdown display...More at Abe's Of Maine
Do laundry less often with this spacious electric dryer. Multiple cycles, heat selections and the Sensor Dry Plus system ensure garments are thoroughl...More at Best Buy ®
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