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At a Glance:
Gas vs. Electric Dryer: What You Need to Know
Nothing makes you appreciate your laundry appliances and fresh laundry more than when your dryer suddenly stops working. No one enjoys the sudden need to make trips to a nearby laundromat. Choosing the right dryer for your laundry room is a big task. Especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Finding a new clothes dryer can be overwhelming and time-consuming — like most home appliance shopping. That’s especially true considering most people don’t realize that their first decision in shopping for this laundry appliance is choosing the right energy source.
In this article, we’ll explore gas vs. electric dryers for a better idea of which is the right replacement for your home. We break down the differences between the two and choose our top three picks for each category. Read on to find out which is better in the gas vs. electric debate!
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Shop NowGas vs Electric Dryer: What You Need to Know
Below our experts created a chart showing the pros and cons of gas vs. electric dryers to help you get a better understanding of which laundry appliance you’d be willing to invest in.
| Product Feature | Electric Dryer | Gas Dryer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $495–$4,080 | $585–$2,050
| |
| Energy Use | Costs more based on electric rates of area | Cost less to operate since these dryers use gas
| |
| Cycles | Elements needs time to heat, resulting in longer drying times | Maximizes drying time
| |
| Installation | Quick installation | Professional installation recommended
| |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Professional
| |
Gas Dryer Review
Pros
✅Energy-efficient
✅Needs Placement Near Outdoor Vents
✅Shorter Cycles times
✅Only Requires a Standard Electrical Outlet
Cons
❌Needs Placement Near Outdoor Vents
❌Less Affordable
Gas dryers are ideal for a family looking to invest in a laundry appliance that won’t cost them more in the long run. These are perfect for those who want to reduce their energy usage without sacrificing performance, so washing and drying laundry isn’t a whole-day ordeal.
Hooking up a gas dryer requires a professional to install and fit the gas line connections (if you don’t already have one) to avoid gas leaks and a vent running outside. Once done, all you need to do is plug the dryer into a standard electrical outlet in your designated laundry room.
Electric Dryer Review
Pros
✅More Model Options
✅More Affordable
Cons
❌Requires 240-Volt Outlet
❌Longer Cycle Times
❌More Electricity Usage
Electric dryers are the best choice for a homeowner who wants to stay within their budget but still have options for model types and features. These dryers are also great for a person looking for easy maintenance and installation.
Installation for an electric dryer is simple and easy and just requires a 240-volt outlet to provide enough power to produce heat and tumble dry your clothes, bedding, and more.
Gas Dryer Top Picks:
If you've decided gas dryers are the better choice for your home, the next step is determining which brand and model works with your budget and lifestyle. Here are three top rated gas dryers our experts have reviewed ranging from budget to luxury models.
Best Overall: Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Ivory Front Load Gas Dryer (DVG50A8600E)
Experience innovative living using this advanced Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. front load gas dryer. The Smart Dial feature uses AI Power to learn and recommend some of your favorite drying cycles and displays them first for your convenience. With this smart dryer, you’ll have access to Super Speed Dry, Steam Sanitize+, and other cycles options that’ll freshen up and sanitize your clothes and removes most germs, pollen, and dust mites. And to avoid spreading germs at home, the CleanGuard uses antimicrobial technology to deliver long-lasting protection of high-contact areas, making the dryer a bacteria-free zone. Lastly, you won’t need to replace your dryer anytime soon since the drum’s surface is made of stainless steel to protect against nicks and scratches from damaging the interior.
Best Value: Whirlpool® 7.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Gas Dryer (WGD49STBW)
This budget-friendly Whirlpool 7.0 Cu. Ft. white front load gas dryer makes tackling your laundry much more manageable. You can use the large capacity dryer drum to your advantage to manage hefty loads and bulky items, like comforters and sleeping bags, with no worries. And you’ll no longer have to wait for multiple cycles to enjoy a soft and toasty comforter or towel, thanks to the AccuDry Sensor Drying System that ensures an even dry and automatically stops the cycle when the load is completely dry. But not only will your garments, bedding, and towel set dry, they’ll also be wrinkle and odor-free, tumbling in the Steam Refresh cycle, normal cycle, and several other options using this Whirlpool gas dryer.
Best Splurge: LG Signature 9.0 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Front Load Gas Dryer (DLGX9501K)
Experience the luxury of exceptional living using this state-of-the-art LG Signature 9.0 Cu. Ft. black stainless steel front load gas dryer is more than worth the cost. This innovative LG gas dryer is a mega capacity model that can handle a full set of king-size bedding in a single load with the touch of a finger utilizing the LG SmartThinQ technology for remote management. And if you are ever in a hurry and need a wrinkleless shirt, the innovative TurboSteam feature will have your shirt, blouse, or dress shirt in tip-top shape in just 10 minutes. Additionally, the dryer door is ergonomically angled for easier loading and putting less strain on your back and has a full-touch on-door control panel for intuitive functionality.
Electric Dryer Top Picks:
For most households, an electric dryer will be the go-to choice, so narrowing down the right model is essential—not to mention time-consuming. There's a wide range of options to consider, but these top rated electric dryers are some of our appliance experts' favorite picks on the market.
Best Overall: Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Ivory Front Load Electric Dryer (DVE50A8600E)
Enjoy stunning and innovative designs and features from this Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. front load electric dryer. Your laundry has gotten smarter with the AI-powered Smart Dial for recommended drying options and customized cycle lists. This feature also allows for dryer operation from the washer control panel when the units are stacked. You can also control this Samsung electric dryer right from your smartphone with the SmartThings App that’ll send you end-of-cycle alerts, allow you to start and stop your loads remotely, and schedule cycles on your time too. Lastly, you can make your dryer last as long as possible with a stainless steel drum that prevents interior damage from nicks and scratches, as well as the vent sensor that continuously monitors the dryer’s air duct condition to ensure safe and optimum performance.
Best Value: GE® Front Load Electric Dryer-White (GTD33EASKWW)
You deserve good things for an even better price, like this front load electric dryer from GE that offers three heat selections for a choice of drying temperatures for personalized fabric care. You can dry large loads in this 7.2 Cu. Ft. capacity GE electric dryer featuring an aluminized alloy drum for corrosion resistance, so your dryer will last longer. Additionally, your clothing will come out feeling and looking great after drying on the Auto Dry feature that monitors air temperature to set the optimal drying time, easily managed by the rotary electromechanical controls.
Featured GE GTD33EASKWW review:"I have two properties to maintain. This is the second time we have purchased this dryer. We loved this dryer so much at the first house, that we just bought a second one, during the July 4th sale ! It is an incredible value and very reliable."
Best Splurge: Miele 4.59 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Front Load Electric Dryer (PDR 908HPSS)
Splurge a little on this high-quality stainless steel front load electric dryer from Miele that combines performance and convenience to offer the most innovative features. The PerfectDry cycle prevents under and overdrying, and the heat-pump system that uses 50-percent less energy and reduces drying time will cut down on your utility bill and energy usage. And no matter if you are multilingual or only speak a single language, this dryer provides flag symbols for you to choose from to select from as many as 31 languages, preventing operation errors for different language speakers.
| Dryer Model | Fuel Type | Capacity (cu. ft.) | Smart Compatibility | Stackable | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miele 4.59 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Front Load Electric Dryer-PDR 908HPSS | Electric | Under $4999 | 4.5 | No | Yes | Limited parts and labor |
| LG Signature 9.0 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Front Load Gas Dryer-DLGX9501K | Natural Gas | Under $1999 | 9.0 | Yes | Yes |
1 Year Parts & Labor
|
| GE® Front Load Electric Dryer-White-GTD33EASKWW | Electric | Under $599 | 7.2 | No | No | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
| Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Ivory Front Load Gas Dryer-DVG50A8600E | Natural Gas | Under $1999 | 7.5 | Yes | Yes | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
Neither gas nor electric dryers are better than the other; it mostly comes down to what you need and prefer, as well as your circumstances when it comes to dryers. If you want a dryer that is efficient, costs less to run, and dries your clothes quickly, a gas dryer is your perfect choice. In comparison, an electric dryer is better if you are looking for inexpensive dryers with a broad variety of models.
FAQs
How long do dryers last?
The average lifespan of a dryer is around 10 to 13 years.
What is better: gas or electric dryers?
If your home already has a gas hookup in the laundry room, you can go with a gas dryer for a slightly smaller utility bill. However, gas dryers are more expensive up front. Virtually every laundry room has a dryer outlet , so even if you have a gas connection, you most can most likely still buy an electric dryer. Unlike gas drying, heat created from an electric source tends to be more even and gentler on clothes.
Do electric dryers need a vent?
There are ventless dryers available on the market which don't need a dryer hose. Keep in mind these dryers typically take longer to complete a load and are generally more expensive.
Why Trust Us?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Dryers at Don’s Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dryers online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you answer all the questions you might have about gas vs electric dryer models models— whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Is a Top-Load or Front-Load Washing Machine Better?