At a Glance:
Gas vs Electric Dryers: The Advantages
Pros and Cons of an Electric Dryer
Choosing the right dryer can make laundry day feel like less of a chore. The question is, should you go with an electric or gas dryer? Deciding between these two options can feel overwhelming. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages. In this guide to gas vs electric dryers, we will break down everything you need to know to find the right dryer for you.
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DryersWhat are the Advantages of a Gas Dryer Over an Electric Dryer?
There is not a clear superior choice because both electric and gas dryers have their pros and cons. Bekins offers an extensive collection of both options. Whether you choose gas or electric depends on a number of factors from price to maintenance to energy efficiency. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both types of dryers, starting with electric.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Dryer
Electric dryers are the most common choice of dryer, dominating the US market. In 2014, out of 89 million residential clothes dryers in the US, approximately 75% of them were electric dryers.
Pros
✅ Less expensive: The upfront cost of an electric dryer is typically $50-100 less than a gas dryer.
✅ Easy maintenance: Electric dryers are easier to install and fix on your own.
✅ Do not require a gas line: Installation is much easier, and you may be able to do it on your own. If your home doesn’t already have a gas line, you don’t have to worry about installing one.
Cons
❌ Longer drying time: Electric components take longer to heat up and don’t run as hot, so your drying cycles will be longer with an electric dryer.
❌ Requires a 240-volt outlet: While you can plug a gas dryer into a standard outlet, electric dryers require a 240-volt outlet. However, your laundry room may already be set up for this.
❌ Less energy efficient: Electric dryers use more electricity to dry a load of laundry than gas dryers.
Our Favorite Electric Dryer
Shop Maytag's 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
This Maytag electric dryer is an excellent choice for shoppers who are looking for a powerful dryer with smart features, like remote start and cycle notifications. You can manage your loads from anywhere using the Maytag app to remotely start or stop your laundry.
The Extra Power button boosts drying power to make sure thicker items dry properly the first time. Steam-enhanced cycles keep your clothes wrinkle free, and the Quick Dry cycle saves you time. If you’re looking for a dryer that helps make life easier, this Maytag electric dryer is an excellent choice.
One verified purchaser gave five stars, saying, “I like the fact that there are many different cycles to choose from and also that the cycles are not factory defaults, you can modify them.”
Pros and Cons of a Gas Dryer
Gas dryers are the more energy efficient option that might save you money in the long-term. First, you have to make sure you have a gas dryer hookup because gas dryers require access to a natural gas pipeline. While an electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet and heavy cord, a gas dryer will plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. This is the first indicator that you have a gas hook up. Next, check for a gas connector that connects the back of the dryer to a gas supply pipe.
If you do not have natural gas, it may be a bit of a process to set it up. First, you have to contact your local natural gas utility company to see if natural gas is available in your area. If it is, analyze the cost of installation, obtain the proper permits, and schedule to have your new gas line installed.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of purchasing a gas dryer.
Pros
✅ Shorter drying time: Gas dryers can heat up more quickly and to higher temperatures, which makes for shorter drying cycles.
✅ More energy efficient: In keeping with their higher temperatures and shorter drying times, gas dryers are more energy efficient overall. This can help you save money on electricity.
✅ Less wear and tear on clothing: Gas dryers are typically gentler on clothing because clothes are dried more quickly. However, electric dryers may offer advanced control settings similar to that of gas dryers to customize cycles to specific clothing types.
Cons
❌ More expensive: The initial price tag and repair costs of a gas dryer are higher than an electric dryer. However, the operating cost is often half of an electric dryer.
❌ More difficult to maintain: Professional installation and repairs are recommended for gas dryers. They require a gas hookup, and the components are often more expensive than their electric counterparts.
❌ Potential risk: Any gas appliance presents the potential risk of a gas leak.
Our Favorite Gas Dryer
Shop LG's 7.3 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
This LG dryer is a stylish pick in either graphite steel or white. You can start or stop your load remotely with the ThinQ app. With Smart Pairing, your washer can even tell your dryer to select a compatible drying cycle.
This LG gas dryer has a list of convenient features that maximize its performance. You can save time and wear and tear on your clothing with Sensor Dry. This feature utilizes a built-in sensor to detect moisture levels and auto adjust drying time accordingly. We love the FlowSense Duct Clogging and Lint Filter Indicators, which guarantee great drying and lower utility bills. Laundry will feel like less of a chore with this LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer.
One verified purchaser gave five stars, saying, “We are very happy with our LG Dryer. The delivery and installation was smooth and our clothes come [out] fluffy and dry. It is quiet and quick!”
FAQs
How much does a gas dryer save over an electric dryer?
The upfront cost of a gas dryer is typically higher as are maintenance and repairs. However, because gas dryers are more energy efficient, you will see savings in the long-term. They typically use almost half the amount of electricity compared to electric dryers. It takes about five years for the costs of gas vs. electric to even out, but at that point, an electric dryer will probably begin to cost more overall.
Which lasts longer: a gas or electric dryer?
Gas and electric dryers have a similar expected lifespan of 13 years for gas and 14 years for an electric dryer. If it takes about five years for the costs to even out, you are still looking at almost a decade of use where a gas dryer could offer savings.
Does the government give rebates for switching to electric appliances?
Yes! The government offers rebates for switching to electric appliances. You can find information on rebates for switching to more energy efficient appliances from ENERGY STAR and DSIRE (Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency).
Is it worth switching to a gas dryer?
Ultimately, your decision will likely come down to whether you prefer an electric or gas dryer. The Maytag 7.4 Cu. Ft. Front Load Electric Dryer and LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer are both great options if you are searching for a new dryer. They are both ENERGY STAR certified and offer smart features. You’ll find a range of settings to customize drying for different load types. They are almost identical in price so, given the energy savings of a gas dryer, it may be preferable to choose the LG. However, for those who don’t have a gas line or don’t want to pay for professional installation and repairs, the Maytag may offer savings.
While electric dryers are the most common in US homes, gas offers a compelling alternative. Both types of dryers are advancing in features and energy efficiency, which makes them a comparable choice. Bekins offers top rated models in both categories. In the end, it is up to you to decide your preference and which type of dryer will suit your home’s needs.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People's Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
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Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop dryers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the right dryer for your laundry room — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Front Load vs Top Load Washers: Pros & Cons
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