The Best Gas and Electric Dryers for Your Laundry Room

Dryers are one of the hardest-working appliances in a home, balancing drying speed, energy efficiency, and gentle fabric care. Whether you’re building a new laundry appliance setup, replacing an old unit, or upgrading for convenience, knowing the differences between gas and electric dryers can help you choose the best fit. 

In this guide, we walk you through key considerations and highlight what to look for when selecting the right dryer for your household.

 

 

Why Choosing the Right Dryer Matters

Selecting the right dryer isn’t just about price, it’s about performance, efficiency, convenience, and long-term value. A well-chosen dryer will:

• Dry your clothes quickly and evenly

• Help preserve fabric quality and reduce shrinkage or wear

• Use energy efficiently to keep utility costs reasonable

• Offer features that save time and make laundry easy (like moisture sensing, large capacity, or quick-dry cycles)

• Fit properly in your laundry space and match your household’s energy setup

Understanding the differences between gas and electric dryers is the first step toward making an informed decision.

 

Gas vs. Electric Dryers: Understanding the Differences

Gas Dryers: What They Do Well

• Faster drying times: Gas dryers heat up quickly thanks to a gas burner, so loads often finish sooner, great for busy households that run multiple loads per week.

• Lower long-term operating costs: Gas can be more cost-efficient to operate per load than electricity, depending on local energy prices.

• Gentler fabric care: Because cycles are shorter, clothes are exposed to heat for less time, which can reduce wear and tear.

Considerations for Gas Dryers:

• Requires a proper gas hookup, venting to the outside, and safe installation.

• Upfront cost and installation complexity tend to be higher than electric models.

Gas dryers are often the top choice for larger households, frequent laundry users, and anyone with the required hookups who wants quick, efficient drying.

Electric Dryers: Where They Shine

• Simpler installation: Most electric dryers only require a 240-volt outlet (or a standard outlet if ventless), so they’re easier to set up in many homes.

• More model choices & features: Electric dryers tend to have a broader range of options, from budget models to high-end heat-pump or ventless designs that offer energy savings and flexible installation.

• Lower upfront cost: Often more affordable to purchase than gas dryers, making them attractive for initial budget-conscious buyers.

Considerations for Electric Dryers:

• Drying cycles usually take longer because heating is slower and depends on electricity.

• Operating costs can be higher depending on electricity rates and usage frequency.

Electric dryers are ideal for households without a gas hookup, for simpler installation needs, or for those needing flexible placement (apartments, condos, or dedicated laundry closets, etc.).

 

What to Look for in a Dryer for Your Laundry Room

Regardless of fuel type, some features make a dryer better suited for real-world home use:

• Capacity: Look for a large drum capacity if you wash bulky items (like comforters, towels, or blankets) or large loads.

• Moisture sensors / sensor-dry: These detect when clothes are dry and automatically stop the cycle, saving energy and reducing over-drying.

• Gentle/fabric care cycles: Useful for delicate fabrics or mixed loads.

• Energy-efficient rating: ENERGY STAR®-certified dryers tend to use less energy per load, which saves money over time.

• Vent and space requirements: Make sure you have proper venting for vented models (gas or electric). If venting isn’t possible, consider ventless or heat-pump electric dryers.

• Ease of installation and maintenance: Electric models are often easier to maintain; gas dryers might need professional checkups, especially for ventilation and gas line safety.

 

 

Top Gas Dryers at Mountain High Appliance

Ready to upgrade your laundry game? Let’s take a look at our top picks for electric dryers:

1. LG Ultra Large Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Gas Dryer (Model #: DLGX4201B)

Many LG dryers like this one offer an impressive combination of capacity and smart features. With its 7.4 cubic feet of space, it's perfect for large families or those who frequently wash bulky items. The wi-fi connectivity allows you to control and monitor your dryer from your smartphone, adding convenience to your laundry routine.

Key Features:

• Ultra-large capacity

• Smart ThinQ® Technology for remote control

• Sensor Dry system for optimal drying

• Multiple cycle options for various fabric types

2. Maytag Front Load Gas Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry Cycle (Model #: MGD6630HW)

Maytag dryers are powerhouses when it comes to drying efficiency. This one has 7.3 cubic foot capacity and provides plenty of space for large loads, while the Extra Power button ensures even the toughest loads come out dry.

Key Features:

• Extra Power button for stubborn loads

• Quick Dry cycle for small loads

• Advanced Moisture Sensing for precise drying

• Wrinkle Control option

3. Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam™ Gas Dryer (Model #: ELFG7537AW)

For those who prioritize fabric care, Electrolux dryers are an excellent choice. This model offers Perfect Steam™ technology to help reduce wrinkles and refresh clothes, while the Instant Refresh cycle is ideal for quickly freshening up lightly worn items.

Key Features:

• Perfect Steam™ technology for wrinkle reduction

• Instant Refresh cycle

• LuxCare® Dry System for even drying

• 8 cu. ft. capacity

 

Top Electric Dryers at Mountain High Appliance

Looking for an electric dryer instead of gas? We have you covered. Let’s take a look at our top picks:

1. Whirlpool 7.0 Cu. Ft Top Load Electric Dryer (Model #: WED4950HW)

Whirlpool dryers are known for their reliability. This model offers great performance at an affordable price point. The AutoDry™ system helps prevent overdrying, which can damage clothes and waste energy.

Key Features:

• AutoDry™ Drying System

• Wrinkle Shield™ option

• Three temperature settings

• Timed Dry option

2. Maytag Smart Top Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power (Model #: MED6230HC)

This dryer combines smart technology with powerful drying performance. Its 7.4 cubic foot capacity can handle large loads, while the Extra Power button ensures thorough drying for even the heaviest fabrics.

Key Features:

• Extra Power button for tough loads

• Smart capable for remote control

• Advanced Moisture Sensing

• Wrinkle Control option

3. Whirlpool Front Load Electric Dryer (Model #: WED8620HW)

This Whirlpool model offers a spacious drum and user-friendly controls. The intuitive touch controls make it easy to select the perfect cycle for your laundry needs.

Key Features:

• 7.4 cu. ft. capacity

• Intuitive touch controls

• Multiple drying and steam cycles

• Wrinkle Shield™ option

 

When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Dryer

Your current dryer might still be running, but that doesn’t always mean it’s serving you well. Here are signs it’s time to consider upgrading:

• Drying performance lags: Clothes take longer than usual to dry, or cycles need multiple runs to finish.

• High energy bills or inefficiency: Older dryers may be less efficient, especially if they’re not ENERGY STAR certified.

• Frequent repairs or parts failure: Repeated breakdowns, broken sensors, worn-out parts, or failing heating elements add up.

• Need for larger capacity: You’re doing larger loads (bedding, towels, bulky fabrics) more often, a high-capacity dryer can save time.

• Improved convenience or features: Modern dryers offer moisture sensors, gentle cycles, steam refresh, smart controls, and quieter operation.

• Space or installation changes: If you move, renovate, or gain a gas hookup, switching from electric to gas (or vice versa) might make sense.

Upgrading can lead to time savings, lower energy costs, and a more efficient laundry routine for years to come.

 

Upgrade Your Dryer with Confidence at Mountain High Appliance

Ready to find the right dryer for your laundry room? Explore the full selection of dryers at Mountain High Appliance, and let our experts help you match capacity, fuel type, and features to your home’s setup and laundry habits.

Whether you choose gas or electric,  we’ll help you get the right fit for your lifestyle, laundry load, and budget. We also offer many other appliances, including dishwashers, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washing machines, and more.

Visit us today at one of our appliance showrooms in Colorado: Denver, Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Littleton, and Louisville to see washer and dryer options from top appliance brands in the appliance industry.

Related readings from our blog:

• Best Washer and Dryer Sets for Large Families

• How Does the Steam Cycle Work in Laundry?

• Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

 

FAQs: The Best Gas and Electric Dryers for Your Laundry Room

Do gas dryers really dry clothes faster than electric dryers?

Yes, gas dryers typically heat up quicker and can complete drying cycles faster because of their instant gas-generated heat.

What if I don’t have a gas hookup, is electric a good choice?

Absolutely. Electric dryers are simpler to install, often have lower upfront cost, and work well if you have a 240-volt outlet in your laundry space.

Are modern dryers energy efficient?

Yes. Many new gas and electric dryers are ENERGY STAR-certified and use significantly less energy per load than older models.

What features should I prioritize if I want to save energy and protect clothes?

Look for moisture-sensor cycles, gentle or fabric-care settings, large capacity to reduce loads, and ENERGY STAR certification.

Can I install a dryer anywhere in my home?

It depends, electric dryers need a 240-volt outlet (or be ventless), gas dryers need a gas line and proper ventilation. Always check your space and ventilation options before buying.