For the dryer I recommend one of these:
Hills Branded - Folding Head Hoists
It does need a backyard and sunny days though
Seriously, we use our electric dryer so rarely that it could be anything, but the one we bought was recommended by Choice magazine. They are a not-for-profit research organisation that tests *everything*. I'm not sure if the same thing exists in the US, but we've bought quite a few things based on their recommendation.
CHOICE - CHOICE Online
And do appliances in the US carry an energy/water rating? If so, you should check those too.