How Much Does a Dryer Cost in 2025?

A dryer is no longer a luxury, but buying the wrong one is a luxury your utility bill can't afford. The ideal purchase range is between $600 and $900 for standard electric or gas models.

As a technician who cleans lint filters and repairs heating elements daily, I'll tell you the truth: cheap dryers end up being expensive. A $400 machine might cost you an extra $1,000 in electricity over its lifetime compared to an efficient one.

1. Price by Technology: The Secret to Efficiency

Unlike washing machines, where the motor changes consumption little, in dryers technology is everything. There are three main types in the US market, and their prices (purchase and operating) are worlds apart.

1. Vented Dryers (Electric/Gas) ($400 - $700): The Old Standard

These are the traditional ones with a hose that vents outside. They take air, heat it with a heating element (electric) or flame (gas), and blow it out.

• Brands: Amana, Hotpoint, basic GE.
• The Problem: They waste a lot of energy. They can be harsh on clothes due to excess heat. You strictly need an external vent.
• Verdict: Buy only if the budget is tight and you already have the venting duct installed.

2. Gas Dryers ($700 - $1,100): Efficient if You Have the Hookup

They dry faster and are usually cheaper to run than standard electric vented dryers, but they cost about $100 more upfront.

• Brands: Maytag, Whirlpool, LG.
• Advantage: Faster drying times, less static electricity.
• Disadvantage: Requires a gas line hookup and professional installation.

3. Heat Pump (Electric) ($900 - $1,600+): The Smart Investment

Ventless technology. They work like a reverse air conditioner, recycling heat in a closed loop. They dry at lower temperatures (protecting clothes) and consume very little energy.

• Recommended Brands: Miele, Bosch, Samsung, and LG (high end).
• Real Savings: They use up to 50% less energy than conventional dryers.
• Verdict: Ideal for apartments without vents or if you want to save on the bill long-term. It's the future standard.

2. The Hidden Cost: The Utility Bill

Here I prove why buying cheap is expensive. Estimated annual cost for an average family:

*Estimated calculation based on avg US energy rates. Heat pump saves heavily over time.

3. Buying Guide: Brands and Budgets

Budget Friendly ($450 - $600)

If the budget rules, look for brands like Amana or basic GE models. These are usually classic electric vented dryers. They are simple, mechanical, and dry fast, but aren't energy efficient.

Quality-Price ($650 - $900)

The safe zone. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool offer great steam features, smart sensors (so you don't overdry clothes), and better build quality in this range.

Premium (>$1,000)

If you want the best for your clothes, Speed Queen (for durability) and Miele (for fabric care) are unbeatable. Also, the new LG WashTower or heat pump models fall here.

4. Key Factors Before Paying

• Capacity: The golden rule is twice the capacity of your washer. Wet clothes fluff up and need space to tumble. If your washer is 4.5 cu. ft., look for a 7.0+ cu. ft. dryer.
• Moisture Sensor: Essential. The machine detects when clothes are dry and stops automatically. Prevents shrinking from overheating.
• Steam: Great for refreshing clothes and removing wrinkles without washing.

5. When to buy cheaper?

Like washing machines, Black Friday is the best time. Also look out for Memorial Day and Labor Day sales, which are big for appliances in the US.

Second Hand? I don't recommend it for dryers. Internal lint buildup over years is a fire hazard and reduces efficiency significantly. Better a new basic dryer than an old clogged one.