So you’re in the market for a dryer? Before you peruse the best dryers out there, you have one big decision to make: gas vs. electric. For most people, this decision hinges on your existing hookup. Because, let’s be honest, unless you’re building a new home or embarking on a huge reno, you’re probably not going to invest in a new hookup.
Still, you might have some questions about which is the better choice — a gas dryer vs. an electric dryer — plus whether or not you can make the switch down the road. In this guide, you’ll find all of the answers to your most pressing questions about the different types of dryers.
Gas Dryers Overview
Pros
✔️ Lower operating costs
✔️ May dry faster
Cons
✔️ Higher initial cost
✔️ More complicated to install
Gas dryers use natural gas as a heat source. “When you start a gas dryer, gas flows to the burner where it’s ignited by an electric glow bar or spark ignitor,” explains Asif Bux, the owner of Comfort Union Heating and Cooling, an HVAC company in Alberta, Canada. “This flame heats air drawn into the dryer by a fan. The hot air circulates through the drum, drying the clothes.” After passing through the drum, the air travels through the lint filter and out of the dryer via the vent.
In our testing, we haven’t seen a measurable difference in the drying time of gas dryers vs. electric dryers, but Bux says gas dryers do tend to heat up more quickly than their electric counterparts. “The burners of gas dryers reach maximum heating capacity instantly compared to an electric dryer’s heating element,” he explains. Not to mention, gas is generally cheaper than electricity in most areas, making gas dryers less expensive to operate. On the downside, gas dryers are more expensive to purchase. They also require a gas line and proper venting, which may not be feasible in all homes.
Electric Dryers Overview
Pros
✔️ Easier and cheaper to install
✔️ Most homes already have the proper hookup
Cons
✔️ Higher operating costs
✔️ May have slower drying times
Electric dryers use a heating element to heat the air inside the drum. “When the dryer is turned on, electrical current flows through the heating element, making it hot,” explains Bux. “The internal fan then pulls air through the heating element, heats it up and pushes it into the drum.” Like in a gas dryer, the hot air circulates through the drum, is filtered by the lint filter and exits through the vent.
One of the big conveniences of an electric dryer is that most homes are already equipped with the necessary electrical requirements, simplifying installation and lowering any associated costs. Just note: Gas dryers require a 240V outlet, not the usual 120V that the washing machine uses, so that may have to be added. Unfortunately, electricity is typically more expensive than gas, so you’ll likely notice higher running costs over the lifespan of the appliance. The mechanical components in electric dryers also don’t heat up as quickly as those in gas dryers, which may affect drying times, though this remains unproven in our Lab tests.
Which is better for the environment: gas vs. electric dryers
Energy guide labels now come with all dryers. This label will help you better understand how efficient any model you’re considering is, plus will help you approximate the cost per year to run the appliance. Energy Star-certified dryers are especially efficient and cost less to run than traditional models.
Which is more expensive: gas vs. electric dryers
When doing a cost analysis on dryers, you have to consider both upfront and long-term costs. Electric dryers are cheaper to buy than gas dryers. The average gas dryer typically retails for about $100 more than the average electric dryer. However, gas dryers usually have lower operating costs (experts say electric dryers are three times more expensive to run!), which can make them cheaper in the long run, depending on local gas and electricity prices. Overall, Energy Star-certified models cost less to run, since they’re more efficient.
Which is safer: gas vs. electric dryers
Like any appliance, especially one that uses heat, both types of dryers come with safety considerations. Gas dryers, if improperly installed or maintained, can pose risks such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, says Bux. Electric dryers generally have fewer safety concerns but still require proper installation and maintenance. In general, though, when installed and maintained properly, both gas and electric dryers have very minimal risk, experts say. The big caveat here is lint buildup. In both gas and electric models, it’s imperative to clean lint regularly in order to prevent dryer fires.
Which should you choose: gas vs. electric dryers
As noted, the choice between a gas and an electric dryer often depends on your home’s existing hookups and your household’s utilities. The best choice comes down to installing the type of machine you already have. If you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, a gas dryer may be the more economical choice over time, provided you can run gas lines in your area.
Our Lab pros also recommend new heat pump dryers, which have performed exceptionally well in tests, are especially efficient and don’t require any outside venting. They work by removing the moisture and recycling the heat back into the dryer instead of sending it outside. And unlike traditional electric appliances, these machines only require a 120V circuit, so you don’t need any special installation.
Can you replace a gas dryer with an electric one?
It is possible to replace a gas dryer with an electric model. You just need the appropriate electrical outlet and, possibly, additional circuitry. According to our Lab pros, electric dryers generally need a dedicated 240V line and a 30-amp circuit.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the home and cleaning spaces. She’s no stranger to laundry day, either — she runs clothes for a family of six through her gas dryer nearly every day. She put together this explainer on gas vs. electric dryers under the guidance of our Lab pros, including the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab’s Executive Director Carolyn Forté, and outside experts.
Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits. She also researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all testing done for the Cleaning Lab’s product guides.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
