How to Determine Whether You Have a Gas or Electric Dryer

November 1, 2017 by Kenmore

gas or electric dryer

Did your old dryer finally conk out after all that holiday-season activity? Or maybe you’re just ready for a newer, more efficient one with a better feature set? Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

If it’s been a good while since you last shopped for a dryer, you will undoubtedly have plenty of questions to ask. But first things first: you need to determine which type of dryer you need to get, gas or electric.

Determine the Type You Currently Have

Before you buy your new dryer, you’ll want to confirm that you’ve selected the correct fuel type. Because there’s nothing more upsetting than having to send the delivery driver back with your new appliance because it’s the wrong fuel type!

Most of the time, when people buy a new dryer, it will be one that uses the same fuel type (gas or electric) as the model they are replacing. And that makes perfect sense; if you’ve already made that judgment once before, you’ll most likely decide the same way again now!

Not sure how to tell whether your dryer is gas or electric? These handy tips will help you out…

Tip #1: Check the Plug

One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have a gas or electric dryer is to look at the power plug and outlet. An electric dryer will have a grounded 240-volt electrical outlet that will look like one of the ones pictured in the graphic above. This plug will be larger than a standard household 110v plug and will include either three- or four-prongs. That’s because an electric dryer requires higher voltage to create the heat and power the drum, control panel and light, etc.

And, while you’re back there, it’s never a bad time to check and make sure your inside and outside venting is clear. Remember, a clear vent makes your dryer safer and more energy-efficient!

A gas dryer, on the other hand, will plug into a standard 110-volt 3-prong outlet and will also have a connection to a gas valve. The gas connection provides the energy to heat the dryer while the electric connection powers the drum, control panel and light.

Tip #2: How Many Connections?

Of course, many dryers are placed in tight spaces where you may not be able to see the outlet clearly. Another method for checking whether you have a gas or electric dryer is to pull the machine out a few inches from the wall – just far enough so that you can shine a flashlight behind it. If you just see one cord attached to the dryer, it’s electric. If you see a power cord plus a thin stainless steel gas connector, your dryer is using gas.

Tip #3: Does Your Home Have Gas Service?

Some homes are simply not equipped with gas service in the first place. If you have an electric range and furnace, you likely have an electric dryer. But if you have a gas range and/or furnace, your dryer may be gas as well. And if you’re the one paying the household bills, you already know if you’re paying a gas utility bill or not, right?

The Pros & Cons of Each Type

If your home’s laundry area is equipped with both a 240-volt outlet and a gas connection, then the choice is all yours! You can get either a gas or electric model, no worries. But which one should you get?

The answer to that question is completely up to you. Here are a few basic points to consider when making your purchase decision…

Gas Dryer Advantages

  • Higher max temperature for faster drying times
  • More energy-efficient to operate, for long-term savings
  • Produces less static electricity

Electric Dryer Advantages

  • Lower up-front purchase cost
  • Location of installation is more flexible
  • Easier and faster to install

Gas Dryer Cons

  • Higher up-front purchase cost
  • Installation requires a gas line and connection
  • Limited installation locations
  • Rare but possible risk of gas leak

Electric Dryer Cons

  • Less energy-efficient; potentially costlier over time
  • Lower max temperature means longer drying time
  • Requires a 240-volt outlet

Does Kenmore Offer Both Types of Dryer?

gas or electric dryer

We’re so glad you asked. Of course we do!

Our NEW 7.0 cu. ft. dryer (available in gas or electric models) uses a Smart Sensor Drying system to take the guesswork out of your drying cycle, so fabrics never come out overdried. And its Energy Saver option helps you save on your utility bills.

And if you need super-size capacity, Kenmore’s roomy NEW 8.0 cu. ft. steam dryer easily accommodates large loads and bulky items, and it also offers a smart sensor and Sanitize Dry cycle. It also looks pretty sleek and spiffy in your laundry room, too!

The full lineup of Kenmore electric and gas dryers are offered in a range of capacities and feature sets, available at Amazon and at Wayfair.

It’s a new year, a new you, and there’s never been a better time to upgrade your laundry day experience with an energy-efficient dryer that dries quickly and gently, and makes your life a little easier. And Kenmore is ready to help!

Kenmore

The Kenmore brand represents 100 years of trusted performance, backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring to the table. We’re always evolving to ensure day-to-day tasks are taken care of with faster cooking, better cleaning and more living throughout the home.