At a Glance:
What Are the Benefits of Electric Dryers?
In the 20th century, Americans relied on gas hookups to power their appliances. Fast-forward to today, and many houses still have these gas connections and continue to use them to this day. However, with green initiatives more prominent than ever, there are some calls to switch to electric appliances, which experts claim to be better for the environment and the health.
If you have a gas dryer, you might be weighing your options on whether you should switch to an electric model. Is this even possible? What do you need to complete this project? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a gas vs electric dryer and a few models you can potentially switch to.
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Shop NowWhy Are Gas Dryers Popular?
Despite recent findings related to the gas vs electric dryer debate, many people who grew up with gas dryers or use them in their current homes are reluctant to switch. There are many benefits of drying clothes with gas, including:
✅ Speed: Gas dryers run hotter than electric models, which enables them to dry clothes faster.
✅ Efficiency: Clothes that dry faster require less energy for each cycle. For that reason, many users believe gas dryers are more efficient.
✅ Savings: On average, it costs 50% less to run a gas dryer than an electric one, which means this option helps your monthly utility costs.
Switching to an electric model might give you more brand and model options, but you might notice an increase in your monthly home costs once you make the change.
Top Gas Dryers
If you have a gas dryer hookup, you might want to stick to gas models to do your laundry. Here are a few top-performing gas dryers on the market and several reasons why customers love them.
LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Gas Dryer
Shop This LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
Who says you can’t have a gas dryer that is fashionable as well as functional? This LG gas dryer offers powerful cycles to dry clothes quickly along with delicate refresh options to keep clothes feeling clean in between washes. And if you’re looking to stick to tradition while keeping up with tech, you’ll be glad to know this smart dryer features LG ThinQ compatibility that converts any synced smart device into a remote control.
More than 91% of buyers would recommend this model to others. One happy user writes, “LG makes great appliances. Love the details all the way down to the easy-to-access and clean lint trap. A solid unit with a nice variety of cycle types to choose from based on what you are drying.”
Samsung 5100 Series 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Gas Dryer
Shop This Samsung 5100 Series Gas Dryer
You can also bring home a Samsung gas dryer if you want to embrace the latest technology when cleaning your clothes. This appliance will dry your laundry quickly without damaging your delicate garments. This is a large-capacity gas dryer, which is ideal for families that produce a lot of laundry.
In terms of tech, the Sensor Dry system evaluates how moist the clothes are and can extend or shorten each cycle to optimize its functionality. You won’t have to rerun cycles or over-dry clothes with this model. Despite having the more traditional look, Samsung delivers style with this dryer, even getting buyer reviews to say, “I highly recommend this Samsung dryer! This dryer is as great as it is beautiful!”
GE Profile™ 7.3 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Front Load Gas Dryer
Shop This GE Profile 7.3 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
This GE Profile gas dryer rounds out the list of top gas appliances on the market. It comes in diamond gray or sapphire blue—whichever color matches your home’s design style.
One top feature of this GE dryer is the sanitizing cycle, which heats up your clothes and eliminates 99.8% of bacteria found in laundry. This is an essential cycle if you have small children or are employed in a germ-prone workplace like a hospital or school.
According to buyer reviews, this is a must-see if you like style, function, and reliability. We’re with verified reviewer Kruss949, who says, “Not only is it pretty but it holds a lot of clothes! It took some time to get used to all the settings, replaced an old dryer that was very basic.”
What Are the Benefits of Electric Dryers?
While gas might be more efficient, there are multiple reasons why electric dryer models might be the better option than their gas counterparts. Here are a few reasons why people choose electric vs gas dryer models.
✅ Cost: Electric dryers are usually more affordable than gas models, so you can save money on your upfront costs.
✅ Product flexibility: Electric appliances are more common, so you can find different options based on your size, brand, and feature preferences. You can also find more pairings with electric washers.
✅ Future planning: More builders and government groups plan to phase out gas appliances in the future. Switching to an electric model now can save you stress in the coming years.
Additionally, more people are familiar with electric dryers. For example, if your first apartment had an electric dryer, you are more likely to seek out this option when you look to buy your first house or move homes.
Top Electric Dryers
If you are ready to switch sides and opt for an electric dryer vs gas dryer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few customer favorites that are currently popular in households across the country.
Samsung Bespoke 8900 Series 7.6 Cu. Ft. Silver Steel Front Load Electric Dryer
Shop This Samsung Bespoke Electric Dryer
This Samsung electric dryer comes with an ultra-capacity drum for families who need to do a lot of laundry at once. It is also a smart dryer that incorporates multiple AI systems to optimize the drying process. You don’t have to figure out a dozen different settings—your dryer will set them for you based on humidity and heat levels it picks up on throughout the cycle.
More than 98% of buyers say they would recommend this appliance. One of our favorite reviews reads: “AI technology takes the decision-making away and does a fantastic job of cleaning my laundry while knowing just how much detergent to use and for how long. So far I am very pleased with the results.”
LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Shop This LG 7.3 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
You can’t go wrong with adding this LG electric dryer to your home. It is another ultra-capacity clothes dryer designed for large families. It comes with FlowSense™ duct clogging and lint filter indicators so you don’t have to worry about build-up in your appliance. Aside from being an ENERGY STAR dryer, we also love the innovative EasyLoad door that opens by either flipping down or out, meaning this pick fits in more spaces than the ordinary dryer.
Over 160 customer reviews give this LG dryer 5/5 stars. But when users are saying “I just love my new Dryer. The large capacity is really helping to save money. It has cut down on my laundry duties by half,” that’s not a surprise.
Electrolux 8.0 Cu. Ft. White Electric Dryer
Shop This Electrolux 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
Rounding out the list of top laundry appliances is this Electrolux dryer, which comes in white or titanium. This model comes with LuxCare® Dry, which uses moisture sensing to prevent your clothes from under-drying or being exposed to damaging heat for too long. Electrolux also has a Balanced Dry™ system to prevent temperature spikes that could potentially harm your clothes.
If you are in a hurry, turn on the 15-minute fast dry, which can quickly dry your most important items. You can enjoy a clean shirt for a job interview or wear a fresh dress for special occasions.
This Electrolux electric dryer has more than 2,600 customer reviews, and 93% of buyers would recommend this model to others. One person writes, “Have had my washer for approximately one month and I absolutely love it!! The clothes come out extremely clean and not soaking wet when the cycle is finished.”
Change isn’t always easy, but knowing the facts when it comes to gas vs electric dryers can help you make the best decision for your needs. The good news is that manufacturers continue to work at creating appliances that are efficient and safe to use, so whichever fuel source you choose, you’re on track for a model that’s better than even a decade ago. There are plenty of questions that come with the debate, and we at East Coast Appliance are glad to help you answer any questions and find a dryer that suits your home. Browse in-stock dryers online or visit one of our Virginia appliance stores today to see our selection and have our helpful experts guide you in your search.
FAQs
Here are a few bonus nuggets of wisdom we’ve gathered—just in case you still wondering!
Can you switch a gas appliance to run on electricity?
While it is technically possible to switch your gas dryer so it runs on an electric current, this process isn’t easy and should be handled by a certified electrician. This is because gas appliances require different electric currents to run, which makes the switching process more complex.
Are gas dryers more expensive than electric dryers?
Typically, gas dryers are more expensive than electric dryers, with roughly a $100 difference in price on the same model. However, the cost to run gas is usually cheaper than electricity, although, that also depends on where you live.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Dryers at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop dryers online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you choose between a gas vs. electric dryer for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: East Coast Appliance's Guide to Buying Laundry Appliances Online