"... Keeping in mind that what we have to compare it to is a series of two ancient dryers, both of which we inherited from the houses that originally contained them and ran 'til they wouldn't run no more.
This LG is indeed unbelievably quiet; the controls are clear and easy to figure out even without reading the manual (but we did anyway), and have very sensible presets that are also easily customizable for a little faster/slower/hotter/cooler dry. We really appreciate the interior drum light, the placement of the controls on the front above the door instead of on a "backsplash" thing on top--so the whole top is clear--and the feedback from the controls as you change them so it is clear what combination of options are you choosing and how it will affect total dry time. Even my husband loves this thing, and he is both unbelievably cheap (his words, not mine) and picky about ergonomics. Example: If we take out one load and start another, and then use the top to fold the load we just took out, we end up bumping into the front controls, but since the settings can't be changed while the cycle is running (you have to stop it first), the front placement isn't a problem in that way--it just beeps cheerfully at you.
The only three =minor= caveats: (1) The front window/door feels a little rickety or light-duty when opening/closing; however, I haven't yet checked whether I can tighten it, and so far it just seems to be a "feel" thing that doesn't affect performance--it has great thermal resistance (doesn't even get warm to the touch during hot drying). (2) It's a little tricky lining up the lint screen to slide back in easily after cleaning--but I find that if I line it up, kind of gently drop it in the slot, and let it find its own way, that gets it at least halfway down, at which point it's easier to nudge the rest of the way. I just plan on going easy on it. (3) I also wish there were an option for a LOUD end-of-cycle signal: Yes, it tells you how much time the cycle will take and counts down the time left in the cycle if you look at it, but with this unit in the basement and being so quiet, we have to go all the way down to tell whether it's actually done.
I have no prior experience with LG appliances, but I will probably consider them carefully for the next appliance we will have to buy (fridge). We purchased this dryer on the basis of Consumer Reports's ratings, which have never failed us, and were true to form here too. This unit had the right combination of features and reliability we wanted for the price range. HD's price and services were also the best of any we shopped; delivery was easy to arrange for a day I could be home, and went through with no problems; they even hauled away both our deceased dryers for free. Owing to some unforeseen peculiarities of the install situation, the HD installer was not able to install the dryer, but I was easily able to (1) exchange the included parts for replacement parts at my local HD store and then (2) install it myself with a little help from the HD plumbing department associate in figuring out the parts needed to reduce from the valve to the supply line, and in finding the longest code-compliant line. Once I had all the right parts, it was a straightforward 30-minute install of both the supply and the venting, and all systems go, right out of the box--but then I happen to enjoy that kind of thing.
Whole experience was great: Great dryer, great HD service."