My dryer has the filter at the left inside the drum. Automatically scrapes the lint into a collection bucket. I dump the bucket contents into the trash when it's full (multiple loads). The filter screen essentially is always clean. :-)

Interesting. thank you for your input. I wonder which one dries better. I grew up with a Kenmore (Whirlpool) dryer which was a top lint trap. But then I moved to an apartment that had a GE dryer which had the lint trap in the front. I now own a home and have a Whirlpool dryer that has the lint trap on top. To me it seemed that the GE model dryer I had, dried better. But maybe other factors were at play that I'm missing.

Anyone else care to comment? I always enjoy your input.

My dryer has the lint trap on top. I suppose that might be easier to clean (you don't have to reach inside the drum) but I guess it's just a matter of personal preference.

Totally understandable.

dadoes - what kind of dryer has the filter inside the drum? Interesting!

Maytag dryers (Halo-of-Heat design) up to approx 1977 when they redesigned had the filter at the back of the drum ... but that's not what I have.

Mine is a Fisher & Paykel SmartLoad, which is a toploading design on the market from approx 2004 to 2010. The drum axis is horizontal with heat input at the right, exhaust airflow out the left. The filter is a ring attached to the drum and rotates with it. A scraper cleans lint off the filter as it accumulates, drops it into the collection bucket ... keeping the filter clean throughout the drying cycle to maintain maximum airflow efficiency.

Vinmarks, I have a top side lint filter. I always turn the dryer on & remove the lint filter while the dryer is operating to prevent lint settling on the top of the dryer.

When I dry something that I know is going to shed a lot of lint (like a couple of throw rugs that I have), I clean the filter mid cycle.

I've had only top filter machines so can't comment on front filter design.

Speed Queen dryer, lint screen is easily accessed on the interior rim of the door. previously, I had a Whirlpool dryer with a top filter. Cleaning that one sent lint flying. Plus the top of the dryer had a plastic flap on it which was it’s own cleaning issue.

Plus the top of the dryer had a plastic flap on it which was it’s own cleaning issue.

Was the felt gasket on the lint screen worn?

I replaced mine a few years ago. Balked at the price of a whole new screen assembly. Around $30 IIRC...all for the want of 10 cents worth of felt. I was able to disassemble it and replace the gasket with felt that I already had. Glued it back together with Shoe Goo which I also had on hand.