Gas Vs Electric Dryer: What's The Real Difference? (& Which One Is Best For You)

When the time comes for a new clothes dryer, the first decision you have to make is between a gas or electric dryer. You may be wondering: Other than their power source, what's the difference? There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of dryer. For example, gas dryers can be more expensive to buy and install upfront, but electric dryers typically cost more to operate over time. Gas dryers dry clothes faster, which results in less wear on your clothing, but electric dryers are easier to install, especially if your home is not equipped with a gas line.

Before you buy a new dryer, consider whether you want gas or electric. To make the best choice for your home, think about your own personal preferences, your family's laundry needs, and whether your home already has a gas line installed. Learning the differences between each type of dryer can help you make an informed decision. 

Gas dryers generate heat through a gas burner, which can be fueled by either natural gas or propane. If natural gas is not available in your area, natural gas dryers can be converted to run on propane, though you'll likely need help from a professional. A gas dryer gets hot faster because the flames generated by the burning fuel produce heat instantaneously. In contrast, electric dryers take longer to get to high drying temperatures because their heating element needs more time to warm up. Faster drying times are gentler on your clothes. And, between the shorter drying times and the fact that gas generally costs less than electricity, you should be able to save money on utility bills over time. On average, it costs just over $50 per year to operate a gas dryer.

The drawbacks of gas dryers include a higher upfront cost and more maintenance requirements. The device itself costs about $950 on average, with budget models starting at $600 and their premium counterparts topping out at $2,000. Meanwhile, you can find an electric dryer for as little as $300. On top of the higher purchase cost, you'll need to install a new gas line if you don't already have one. One of the biggest downsides to installing a gas line is the need to get a permit from the building department and must hire a professional to handle the job. All of this can set you back another $500 to $2,000. Once the gas dryer is up and running, you'll occasionally have to get a technician to service the the appliance and make sure that there are no gas leaks and that the exhaust fumes are being released outdoors. These maintenance costs will keep on piling up.

Electric dryers use an electrical heating element to generate heat to dry clothing. This type of dryer is less expensive, with an average price of $850. An electric dryer is also easier to install because it only requires a 240-volt electrical outlet — no gas line is needed. To make things even easier, electric dryers typically demand less maintenance compared to gas dryers. Since they're not connected to a gas line and don't combust fuel to operate, they don't need to be inspected for gas or carbon monoxide leaks, and faulty internal components are easier to replace.  

The major downside of electric dryers is that they take longer to heat up and dry clothes. As a result, this type of dryer is less energy efficient than one that runs on gas (in fact, an electric dryer may be one reason your electric bill is through the roof). So, although electric dryers cost less to purchase and install, running them typically costs more — $100 per year on average, or twice as much as it costs to operate a gas dryer. To reduce the running costs, look for an energy efficient model — ideally one with an Energy Star rating.

If you have a large family with a lot of laundry, want your clothes dried as quickly as possible, and have a gas line installed in your home, a gas dryer may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want to save money on the upfront costs, don't have a gas line, or natural gas is not available in your area, an electric dryer could be right for your household.