Electric dryers have become a standard laundry appliance, found in about 75 percent of homes across the U.S. But, while popular, are they the only option for buyers? And how does electric compare to gas dryers? Learn more in this article as we go over the benefits of going electric along with the takeaways, plus our personal list of recommended electric dryers for every kind of shopper on the market.
At a Glance:
Best Overall: GE® 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer-GFD85ESSNWW
Best Budget: Samsung 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer-DVE50R5200W
Best Luxury: Speed Queen® 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Electric Dryer-DF7000SE
Large Capacity: LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer-DLEX4200W
Best Space Saver: GE® Spacemaker® Front Load Electric Dryer-White-DSKS333ECWW
Why Electric?
It’s no surprise that electric dryers are far more common than gas dryers considering every home is powered by electricity. Add in the perk of costing up to $100 less than gas models, and electric dryers are the easy and affordable choice for shoppers.
Keep in mind, many electric dryers ship without a cord since households built after 2000 come with a different dryer socket than those built before 2000. Regardless of whether you plan to purchase and ship your new laundry appliance to your home, or buy in-store, make sure to verify which socket type your home uses.
That being said, there’s a camp of believers who feel gas is still superior to electric when it comes to dryers. Consider these pros and cons in order to see if an electric dryer suits your needs:
Pros:
✓ Lower up front cost
✓ Easier installation
✓ More options to choose from
✓ Same average lifespan as gas (around 13 years)
Cons:
✗ Higher operation costs than gas
✗ Longer drying times
✗ Electric drying tends to be rougher on fabrics
✗ You need to know the proper electric outlet
✗ May require professional installation
Learn More: The Best Washers & Dryers
Our Top Electric Dryer Picks
Is your interest sparked? For even more intrigue, we’ve reviewed the best electric dryers from our catalog, compiling a complete list for every kind of shopper. From budget to performance, these electric dryers aim to impress with a collection of features and exclusives to make your laundry regimen simpler.
Best Overall: GE® 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
Loads of laundry stand no chance up against this large-capacity electric dryer that also comes with WiFi-compatible controls to make your laundry routine easier than ever. Experience the definition of a smart dryer with washer linking that’s able to customize a dry cycle based off info sent from the washing machine. With a roomy, 7.8 cubic-foot interior, comforters, jeans, and multiple towels dry faster and more efficiently, saving you time and costs, all with essential fabric care like wrinkle guard and damp alert for delicates.
Why we like it:
✓ State-of-the-art programming
✓ Sleek, modern look
✓ Steam power
✓ Anti-static technology
✓ Sanitization cycle
We recommend this dryer for…
Households up-to-date with how to use smart appliances will make the most out of the modern features found on this dryer, which may be too advanced for users who prefer traditional electric dryers. For those ready to learn, this is a great and spacious smart electric dryer that cares for clothes on another level.
Best Budget: Samsung 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
Sensor Dry technology, the standout feature of this Samsung electric dryer, is the remedy to heat damage that can ruin your favorite garments. Intelligent receptors analyze moisture to determine if the cycle needs more or less time, and in doing so, ensure when a cycle is truly finished, whereas timed cycles keep going despite clothes reaching optimum dryness. Additionally, J.D. Power has ranked Samsung dryers at the top of their class for 2021 for categories including reliability, ease of use, and performance, making this electric dryer under $850 a major bargain.
Why we like it:
✓ Low-profile design
✓ Easy touch controls and intuitive rotary dial
✓ Large capacity
✓ The reversible door is a great hack for tricky laundry spaces
✓ Affordable
We recommend this dryer for…
If reliability is at the top of your dryer shopping list, this Samsung dryer is one of the best options with a moderate price point that competes with lower-end dryer models. Though not many features come with this pick, all the basics are included, making this an especially great choice for users who prefer a more straightforward dryer experience.
Best Luxury: Speed Queen® 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Electric Dryer
Installing a Speed Queen electric dryer in your laundry room might require a high-end budget, but with a lifespan of at least 25 years, the cost of one of these units more than pays off over its lifetime. What’s more, the commercial-grade performance from a Speed Queen dryer means clothes receive the best treatment, so you can enjoy them even longer. This model comes with top-of-the-line Moisture Sensors, plus Moisture Level Selection, so not only will a cycle stop once clothes are dry, but you can choose how dry they are — a great option for fabrics that require ironing or steaming.
Why we like it:
✓ Unparalleled durability and performance
✓ Simple features and controls
✓ Eco Cycle saves money and reduces carbon footprint
✓ Reversible door allows for flexible installation
We recommend this dryer for…
Speed Queen is devoted to traditional performance, meaning shoppers interested in a connected electric dryer might not be satisfied with the usability of this model. Nevertheless, that’s a small tradeoff considering its unbeatable performance and reliability. All in all, if your budget allows for it, this Speed Queen dryer is a winner that will care for your clothes for decades.
Large Capacity: LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
We admit it — this LG electric dryer doesn’t outdo our overall pick in terms of capacity, but it’s the features inside that let you do more with that capacity (which is still large at 7.4 cubic feet) that makes this a winner. Case in point, LG exclusives like TurboSteam with innovative, upward venting that penetrates fibers better, plus Smart Pairing that works with AI Fabric Sensors on compatible LG washers to automatically decide an optimized dry cycle. This electric dryer model also carries an Energy Star certified badge that indicates cost and energy-efficient performance without compromise.
Why we like it:
✓ Great smart dryer features
✓ Powerful performance
✓ Quiet operation
✓ Large capacity
✓ Reversible door
We recommend this dryer for…
Households with high laundry demands and this electric dryer were made for one another. Wi-Fi managing works brilliantly for multitaskers, allowing users to start, stop, and monitor dryer settings without stopping the task at hand. It’s the perfect balance of technology and performance to meet the needs of old-school and next-generation laundry shoppers alike.
Best Space Saver: GE® Spacemaker® Front Load Electric Dryer-White
Small laundry spaces require a little creativity, which is the idea behind this GE electric dryer. Ultimately, this dryer is designed to pair with a compact washer using a stackable washer dryer kit, but can also be used solo, ideally on a countertop. (For a better visual, make sure to check for the best price in the link below.) A 24-inch profile allows this unit to squeeze into more spaces, and with a 4-way exhaust option, this dryer model accommodates your living situation — not the other way around.
Also Read: More Space-Saving Laundry Solutions
Why we like it:
✓ Space-saving design
✓ Great capacity for households of up to 2
✓ Flexible installation
✓ Includes essential dryer features
We recommend this dryer for…
Whether you’re an apartment dweller or simply cannot fit a full-size electric dryer in your laundry room, this compact electric can be a suitable solution. It’s also a great addition in dorms and even RVs (always check the manual for manufacturer dos and don’ts), with just enough features to fulfill lighter laundry demands.
Shop Electric Dryers at East Coast Appliance
The simple installation and large number of electric dryers on the market make these laundry appliances a prime choice for homes with an electrical outlet. Installed in your laundry room, you can count on reliable performance to keep clothes looking and feeling fresh and clean.
Looking for an electric dryer in Virginia? Choose East Coast Appliance! We’re Virginia’s largest independent appliance retailer, and with over 30 years of experience, our professionals can set you up with the right appliance. Shop online, by phone at 757-963-9733, or at an appliance showroom near you, including locations in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Richmond.