Roper is another Whirlpool brand, not GE. GE has a nice 24"w dryer now (this one), as does Bosch. GE also has some less expensive, stripped-down 24" dryers, some with the controls below the door for easy reach when stacked over a washer. IIRC, these don't have a moisture sensor so the automatic timer doesn't work all that well. LG has the largest capacity 24" dryer I'm aware of, but I think it's only available as a ventless (condensation) dryer (as are the Bosch and GE). Miele is high-quality, high-price. Asko is decent. Whirlpool's cheap one (with the lint filter in the back) is awful; they also have another (with the glass door & stainless steel drum) that's completely different, made in one of their overseas plants, that's somewhat better and still affordable. If a 27" dryer will fit, Frigidaire makes some with front controls that are the smallest 27"w dryers available, and are fairly inexpensive). I also have an old GE dryer which has the same timer problem. It shuts off just before the cool-down period is supposed to start, which is the last 10 minutes or so.

Whirlpool WED4900XW. The design has remained virtually unchanged for four decades or more. Parts are readily available, but rarely needed, because the bugs got worked out years ago. Every repair person in the world can fix it in his or her sleep -- but you probably never will need more than a belt replacement. Here is a link that might be useful: Also sold under other brand names, including Kenmore

I'm guessing in the 1990s whatever preceded GardenWeb was full of posts advising people to hold onto their mid-70s washers and dryers because the (then-)new stuff was junk. Not disputing that it's true, but the sentiment is right up there with every generation thinking the young kids are going to ^#*& compared to when they were kids. All that said, I would run with the electric dryer until it's beyond economic repair. A new gas dryer of any decent quality will run you several hundred dollars. Add in the costs of running the gas line to the laundry room (and of making sure there's a 120 V socket available for the gas dryer; it won't run on 240), and the lower cost of gas drying will take a very long time to make up for what you've already paid to get the dryer. Who knows what gas costs/electric costs/your living situation will be by the time the payback arrives?

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