The laundry room is the command center of the contemporary living space, providing your home with a steady supply of clean clothes, bedding, towels, and more. There are various types of washers to start your laundry process and you can’t get the job done without a powerful dryer.

Today’s dryers come with a host of advanced functions and innovative features that ensure your items are ready for use after each dry cycle, but finding the right dryer for your laundry room can be tough. There are two common types of dryers — gas and electric — each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which type of dryer is right for your home, we’ve gathered some helpful information on both gas dryers and electric dryers.

Gas Dryers

Gas dryers have been popular models for decades, as they offer high heat levels and fast spin speeds that provide the exact results many homeowners require.

Gas dryers use a dedicated gas line as a power source, and as a result heat up quickly and dry items faster than their electric counterparts. These fast cycles make the unit more energy efficient and help the dryer treat fabrics more gently. Generally speaking, gas dryers are also less expensive to operate than electric models, though this will ultimately depend on the cost of utilities in your area.

If strong heat and fast cycles are your top priorities, then a gas dryer is an excellent choice. However, these appliances also come with a few drawbacks. On average, gas dryers come at a higher cost than electric dryers. These units also need to be vented to the exterior for proper heat management, meaning you may have to invest in a vent kit for your appliance. Moreover, the gas connections that these units require can make them difficult to install, often requiring professional service for proper installation. If your laundry space does not have a proper gas line, then you won’t be able to add one of these units to your home.

Electric Dryers

 Electric dryers tend to be the more popular type of dryer nationwide (in California Gas Dryers are the best sellers however), with a broad range of models available from a host of premium appliance brands.

Electric dryers draw power from a 240-volt outlet, which can be found in most laundry spaces. If your space does not have the proper outlet, you can easily add a 240-volt converter to the room. As a result, these appliances are easier to install than gas models. In fact, some electric dryers do not need to be vented to the exterior, making them the ideal choice for spaces where venting is impossible. Best of all, electric models tend to be less expensive than gas units, offering a wider selection for budget-conscious homeowners.

Modern electric dryers are easy to install and offer all the dry cycles you need for a fair cost, but come with a few minor disadvantages. These models typically heat up more slowly and take slightly longer to dry items than a gas dryer, using more energy in the process. As a result, an electric dryer may cost more to operate than a gas dryer, though in the end this depends on the cost of utilities in your area.

Find The Right Dryer For Your Laundry Room Today

The modern home simply isn’t complete without its own dryer. While gas dryers and electric dryers each have their advantages and disadvantages, the best dryer for your home is ultimately the one that meets your budget, your needs and your location in the country. Armed with some basic knowledge on the two common types of dryers, you’ll be in the perfect position to make an informed decision.

Ready to find the perfect new dryer for your home? Consider beginning your search with this online collection of dryers. For additional help, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.