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Did you know there are alternatives to electric dryers? Gas dryers get their heat from burning propane or natural gas. Most major dryer brands make and sell them with the same styles and features as their electric counterparts. Sometimes the only difference between a certain dryer model is whether it runs only on electricity or on natural gas (with electricity to run the drum motor). Gas dryers have a reputation for being able to dry clothes more quickly than electric dryers. The shorter drying time makes them a little gentler on clothes, and they generate less static cling.
Gas dryers do have some drawbacks. You need natural gas service and a convenient hookup to use one of these dryers. Installing a gas line in your home is not for the inexperienced and is best left to professionals. Many gas dryers can run on a liquid propane (LP) tank with a special adapter, but double-check before purchasing. Natural gas also comes with concerns about indoor air quality and environmental effects. Some U.S. cities and states have taken action to ban natural gas hookups in new buildings. Natural gas remains cheaper than electricity, but the prices have risen. That said, if your laundry area already has a gas line and you’re comfortable with the pros and cons, a gas dryer might be a good choice for your home.
After researching gas dryers from leading brands, we narrowed our list down to the list below for your consideration. Our top pick is the feature-packed LG 7.4-Cubic-Foot Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front-Load Gas Dryer, while our more value-packed option is the Samsung 7.4-Cubic-Foot Smart Gas Dryer with Steam Sanitize+. Many of our picks can be adapted to work with LP tanks.
Editors' Favorite
Dimensions: 27” W x 39” H x 30” D | Capacity: 7.4 cu ft | Stackable: Yes | Energy Star Rated: Yes
For a full-featured and stackable solution, the LG 7.4 -Cubic-Foot Ultra-Large-Capacity Smart Front-Load Gas Dryer is ideal for anyone short on laundry space who still needs to wash big loads.
The capacity of 7.4 cubic feet is large enough to dry a king-size comforter. A sensor detects moisture levels in the drum and automatically adjusts the cycle time for best results, regardless of the load size.
A special feature adds up to three hours of extra tumble time to help fight wrinkles, while the SpeedDry cycle can finish a smaller load in as little as 15 minutes. The dimensions (27 inches wide and 30 inches deep) help it fit in closets and other areas where a stackable washer and dryer combo is practical. The ThinQ app lets you monitor your laundry's progress from anywhere, and the dryer is Energy Star certified.
Great Value
Dimensions: 27" W X 45.8" H X 30.2" D | Capacity: 7.4 cu ft | Stackable: No | Energy Star Rated: No
The Samsung DVG55CG7100WA3 Smart Front-Load Gas Dryer stands out with its generous 7.4-cubic-foot capacity and a range of innovative features designed for optimal fabric care. The inclusion of a steam cycle not only efficiently eliminates wrinkles and odors but also goes the extra mile by removing 95% of pollen from fabrics, contributing to a thorough and hygienic laundry experience.
The Wi-Fi Connectivity with the SmartThings app enhances convenience, allowing users to remotely start, schedule, and receive end-of-cycle alerts on their smartphone or tablet. The Sensor Dry technology prevents over-drying, ensuring that fabrics are treated with care. The control panel, complete with audio assistance and braille, makes this dryer accessible to a wide range of users, and the internal drum light provides clear visibility of the contents so you never leave a sock behind.
Rounding out the Samsung’s features set are five temperature levels and 12 cycles, providing versatility for various laundry needs. Overall, the Samsung DVG55CG7100WA3 combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design elements to deliver reliability and efficiency.
Best Design
Dimensions: 27” W x 38.75” H x 31.43” D | Capacity: 7.6 cu ft | Stackable: Yes | Energy Star Rated: Yes
Samsung pulled out all of the stops with the Samsung Bespoke 7.6-Cubic-Foot Ultra Capacity Gas Dryer that’s spacious, stackable, feature-rich and energy-efficient. Built with families in mind, it’s able to handle large loads, so you can get a lot done in one wash.
It pairs with the SmartThings app so you can control it with your phone. Featuring cycles to fit all types of laundry needs and a super speed dry function, it helps simplify the work of laundry day. What’s more, built-in AI technology takes the guesswork out of drying each load.
If you’re limited on space, you’ll love that you can stack this dryer. While it’s designed to maximize loads, the sleek shallow-depth build is perfect for maximizing your laundry space. The trim design is stylish, too, with modern looks and finishes. It even comes in brushed navy that has a high-end appearance.
This capable dryer saves energy too. Not only is it Energy Star certified, but it also allows you to monitor your energy usage on the app to give you better control of the power you use. When you activate AI Energy Mode, the dryer will automatically sense drying needs and save as much as 30% energy without compromising results.
Best Oversized Dryer
Dimensions: 29” W x 40.75” H x 32.123” D | Capacity: 9 cu ft | Stackable: Yes | Energy Star Rated: Yes
The LG 9-Cubic-Foot Mega-Capacity Smart Wi-Fi-Enabled Front-Load Gas Dryer is both large and versatile, making it a great choice for big families with limited space. With an impressive 9-cubic-foot capacity, it’s perfect for drying large amounts of laundry in fewer loads. We also love that it has the proprietary Turbo Steam function that keeps clothes fresh and wrinkle-free.
LG made this spacious dryer to fit most laundry spaces. It’s stackable to save space, plus has a reversible door to accommodate almost any room’s layout. The built-in Wi-Fi also makes laundry tasks easier, as this dryer can be paired with popular smart home hubs for smartphone or voice control. Although it has many practical features, this model also wins over those who love appliances with high-end looks thanks to its contemporary design.
In addition to drying fast and fitting large households and most laundry areas, this dryer is also efficient. Not only does it reduce drying sessions with its large capacity, but it also comes with certification by Energy Star, so you can feel confident that you are saving electricity every time you dry a load of laundry.
A dryer should have around twice the capacity of your washing machine, since clothes, towels and bedding take up more room when dry. For example, if your washer measures 4 cubic feet, you need a dryer with at least 8 cubic feet of capacity. Compact gas dryers large enough for the use of one or two people measure around 3.4 cubic feet, while full-size dryers range from 7.3 to 8.3 cubic feet. With a smaller dryer, you’ll have to do loads more frequently.
Also, check the outer dimensions of the dryer to make sure it will fit in your laundry area. Gas dryers need at least an inch of space on all sides and more at the back for the vent duct, power cord and gas line.
Gas dryer drums are typically either all metal or ceramic coated. All-metal drums made of stainless steel or aluminized alloy are less likely to rust, and they won’t suffer the scratches from metal zippers or buttons that coated drums can. Whichever drum type you choose, try to find a model with a light inside the drum, making it easier to see stray socks.
The controls on gas dryers range from basic rotary knobs to digital panels. High-end gas dryers offer touchpads and dials to navigate through their array of cycles and options. Whichever control option you choose, make sure it’s convenient to reach, especially on a stackable model that sits on top of a washing machine. A lighted control panel is useful if your laundry area is dimly lit.
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re waiting for a load to dry, but you want to remove items as quickly as possible to prevent wrinkling. Look for a gas dryer with a signal that alerts you when your laundry is dry.
A dryer’s different cycles are suited to different fabric types and may help protect fabrics, reduce power use or shorten cycle duration.
Sensor-based automatic mode: For the most efficient drying, choose a model with a sensor-based mode that automatically adjusts the drying time according to the amount of moisture detected in the load.
Extended tumble: If you’re tired of having to iron clothes, opt for a gas dryer that continues to tumble the load periodically after the cycle ends. This keeps wrinkles and creases from setting in the fabric if you aren’t able to remove the items from the dryer right away.
Automatic cool down: Gas dryers can get very hot, so it’s a good idea to choose a model that automatically cools down. It works by gradually lowering the heat at the end of a cycle until the load is eventually being tumbled without any heat at all. It can help protect heat-sensitive synthetic fabrics and prevent wrinkles from forming.
Other cycles to look for include the following:
Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program that tells you that a product has been independently certified to meet energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Buying an Energy Star-certified gas dryer is a quick way to ensure you’re making the most energy-conscious choice.
If you’re concerned about germs, look for a model that’s rated by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Certified gas dryers can remove 99.9% of the bacteria, germs and other microorganisms that might be found in your laundry.
Some gas dryers are equipped with extras such as the following to make drying your laundry even easier.
Drying rack: A rack keeps items like tennis shoes or delicate hats from getting banged around and possibly damaged in the dryer.
Wi-Fi: Dryers that support Wi-Fi can connect to a smartphone app or smart home network, allowing you to set cycles, receive alerts and monitor the status of your clothes no matter where you are.
A. Gas dryer prices range from just below $600 to over $2,000. Compact gas dryers that offer a capacity of no more than 6.5 cubic feet and basic cycle options cost about $600. Full-size gas dryers that offer 7.3 to 8.3 cubic feet, a variety of cycle options and extra conveniences can cost $800 to $1,000. High-tech dryers with plenty of extra features, including WiFi and steam, or those larger than 8.3 cubic feet can cost up to $2,000.
A. Because a gas dryer must be connected to a dedicated gas line, you shouldn’t attempt to install it yourself unless you’re a professional plumber. There is the potential for gas leaks, which can put your home and family at great risk. A gas dryer should always be installed by a licensed plumber or other qualified heating contractor.
A. Gas dryers have a couple of health concerns that electric dryers don’t. A leaky gas dryer or gas line hookup can vent natural gas into your home, creating a fire and health hazard. Also, gas dryers vent deadly carbon monoxide (CO). Make sure your gas dryer vent doesn’t leak into your home but only vents outside where the carbon monoxide can dissipate.
A. The average home dryer, whether gas or electric, should last around a decade. However, it’s important to use the dryer properly and follow the routine maintenance procedures laid out in the owner’s manual to keep the appliance in proper working order.
