CALL US TODAY
Open M-F, 9-5 CST
How Many Watts Does a Dryer Use? Electric vs Gas, Amps, and Generator Size
An electric dryer uses about 5,400 to 6,000 watts and draws about 25 amps at 240 volts. A gas dryer uses far less electricity, under 1,000 watts at 120 volts, because the gas burner does the heating. That difference decides what generator, power station, or battery can run your dryer.
Electric vs gas dryer wattage (real specs)
Here is what Electrolux lists on the spec sheets for its matching 8.0 cu. ft. electric and gas dryers:
| Model | Type | Volts | Amps | Watts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolux EFME527U | Electric | 240V, 30A circuit | 25 A | 5,400 W heating element, 6.0 kW connected load |
| Electrolux EFMG427U | Gas (20,000 BTU/hr burner) | 120V | 9.0 A | 835 W connected load |
Source: Electrolux product spec sheets. "Connected load" is the most the dryer is rated to draw with everything on: the heating element (electric models), the drum motor, the controls, and the light.
The heating element is almost all of an electric dryer's load. It cycles on and off to hold the temperature, so the dryer does not pull 6,000 watts for the whole cycle. But it does pull that much every time the element is on, so size your breaker, generator, or battery for the full connected load.
Find your own number: look at the rating plate inside the door or on the back of the dryer. It lists volts and amps, and often a kW rating. Multiply volts x amps if only amps are shown (240V x 25 A = 6,000 W).
How many amps does a dryer use?
- Electric dryer: about 25 amps at 240 volts. It runs on a 30 amp double-pole breaker with a 10-30 or 14-30 receptacle. Electrolux calls for a separate circuit and says not to share it with the washer.
- Gas dryer: about 9 amps at 120 volts. It plugs into a regular 120V outlet, because only the motor, igniter, and controls run on electricity.
How much electricity does a dryer use per load?
ENERGY STAR requires a standard-size electric dryer to dry at least 3.93 pounds of laundry per kWh on the Department of Energy's 8.45 pound test load. That works out to no more than about 2.15 kWh for that load (8.45 / 3.93), or about 37 cents at 17 cents per kWh.
Real loads vary. Bigger, wetter loads, high heat settings, and older dryers use more. A gas dryer uses only a small fraction of that in electricity, plus the gas.
What size generator do you need to run a dryer?
Electric dryer: you need a generator with a 240V outlet and enough running watts to carry the 6,000 watt load, plus whatever else is running. The dryer circuit is fed from your panel, so connect the generator through a generator transfer switch or an interlock kit, never by backfeeding an outlet.
Gas dryer: almost any home backup generator runs it. At 835 watts, it fits easily alongside a refrigerator and lights.
In-stock portable generators, by the dryer they can run (running watts on gasoline):
- DuroMax XP5500HX: 4,500 running watts, L14-30 outlet, CO alert shutoff. Runs a gas dryer with room for a fridge and lights. Too small for an electric dryer's 6,000 watts. $629
- DuroMax XP8500EH: 7,000 running watts, L14-30 outlet. Can carry an electric dryer by itself, with about 1,000 watts to spare. That is above the common 80% rule for continuous load, so run the dryer when other big loads are off. $1,075.99
- DuroMax XP13000HX: 10,500 running watts, L14-30 and 14-50 outlets, CO sensor shutdown. Runs an electric dryer plus a fridge, furnace blower, and lights at the same time. $1,399
For whole-house sizing, see What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a House? Running the washer too? See How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use?
Can a power station or battery run a dryer?
Electric dryer: not a portable power station. Power stations like the Jackery models below put out 120V, and an electric dryer needs 240V and about 6,000 watts. It takes a whole-home battery system with 240V output and enough continuous power, and even then a dryer drains a battery fast.
Gas dryer: yes. At an 835 watt connected load, a 1,500 watt power station can run it:
| Power station | Capacity / output | Drying time on one charge (835 W) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh / 1,500 W | About 1 hour | From $499 |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 2,042 Wh / 2,200 W | About 2 hours | From $899 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / 835 W. These use the full connected load, so real drying time is usually a little longer. Capacity and output are from each product page.
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Send us the volts and amps from your dryer's rating plate and we will match you to a generator or power station.
Dryer wattage FAQ
How many watts does a dryer use? A full-size electric dryer uses about 5,400 to 6,000 watts while heating (Electrolux EFME527U: 5,400 W element, 6.0 kW connected load). A gas dryer uses under 1,000 watts (Electrolux EFMG427U: 835 W).
How many amps does a dryer use? About 25 amps at 240V for an electric dryer on a 30 amp breaker, and about 9 amps at 120V for a gas dryer.
Can a 7,000 watt generator run a dryer? It can run an electric dryer by itself, with little left over, and it needs a 240V outlet. It runs a gas dryer easily.
Can I run a dryer on a portable power station? A gas dryer, yes. An electric dryer, no, because it needs 240V and about 6,000 watts.
Does a dryer use more electricity than a washer? Yes, by a wide margin. Electrolux rates its EFME527U electric dryer at 6.0 kW and its EFLS627U front-load washer at 1.2 kW.