Unlike electric dryers, which use electricity to produce the heat that dries clothes, gas dryers burn natural gas or propane to produce heat, and use electricity only to power the drum, fan, lights, and controls. Because they require less electrical power, they can be plugged into a 120-volt outlet, rather than the 240-volt outlet that most electric dryers require. However, gas dryers also require a gas supply line, as well as a vent to exhaust combustion gases outside the home.
Major brands, including GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool, offer both gas and electric dryers. LG and Samsung are market leaders for gas dryers, according to OpenBrand. Before choosing a gas dryer, ensure your laundry area has both a working gas line and a 120-volt outlet available. If not, you will need to have those installed. As always, measure the space you have for your new dryer and your doorways to ensure easy delivery and installation. Perhaps for obvious reasons, most people keep their current hookup—be it gas or electric—when purchasing a new dryer.
