Difference Between a Gas and Electric Dryer
By Andrew Parker - December 27, 2022

Are you debating whether you need a gas or electric dryer? They need various outlets, have varying degrees of efficacy, and can have unique utility. However, their commonalities make them appear almost identical.

Summary Chart

GAS DRYERELECTRIC DRYER
  1. Requires standard home outlet as well as  gas supply and setup
Requires a 240-volt electric outlet
Woman uses dryer to dry laundry

Getty images/Moment/ © eleonora galli

Definition

A gas clothes dryer is a device that uses heat generated by the combustion of fuel gases to dry wet garments. Electricity is required to power the lights, controllers, drum, and fan. Nonetheless, the warming component necessitates the use of combustible gas or propane. You’ll need a conventional household outlet and a nearby gas connection.
A clothes dryer, often known as a tumble dryer or just a dryer, is an electrically powered household equipment used to evaporate moisture from a load of garments. Electric dryers employ heating coils and normally use a 240-volt current, twice as strong as a home current. This is why your laundry room has bigger electrical outlets.

Gas Dryer vs. Electric Dryer

It is vital to understand dryers before deciding between a gas and an electric dryer. Electric dryers are less efficient than gas dryers because they take longer to heat up and do not get as hot. That means that it takes some time and effort to dry clothes. This will raise your energy costs in the long run.

Electric dryers may require specific 240-volt electric outlets and consume way more electricity than Gas Dryers. However, they exist in a lot of variety. Some of which are very cheap. You’ll need an electric ventless dryer if you don’t have a vent to the outdoors or an HVAC framework and want a ventless dryer. In any event, electric ventless dryers consume substantially more electricity and take much longer to heat up.