How Much Does a Clothes Dryer Cost?

While many of us love the freshness of line-dried clothes, there's no question that a dryer is an essential part of most homes. When it's time to replace yours, knowing how much a clothes dryer costs (and what you get for your money) can help take the stress out of budgeting.

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In this guide, we'll compare the cost of basic, mid-range and premium dryers and explain what features to expect at every price point. We'll also break down dryer installation costs, including labor and modifications to your system.

How Much Does a Clothes Dryer Cost?

According to HomeGuide, a clothes dryer costs $800 to $1,200 (CAD 1,106 to CAD 1,659) on average, excluding installation. The amount you'll pay depends on the manufacturer and what features your new dryer includes. Let's look at the three main clothes dryer price points and what features you'll get.

Good

A basic dryer from a reputable appliance brand typically costs $400 to $800 (CAD 553 to CAD 1,106). At that price, you'll likely get a machine with a standard capacity of around five to eight cubic feet. This capacity meets the needs of most families, but might be insufficient if you have a larger household or need to wash clothes more often than average.

Dryer features are usually relatively basic below the $800 (CAD 1,106) mark. Most models will have manual controls and may offer fewer temperature settings than more expensive options. They're also unlikely to offer smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bear in mind that you'll also have fewer Energy Star-rated options at this price point. Energy Star certification demonstrates that an appliance runs efficiently, reducing your energy use while protecting the environment. This means that your dryer will likely cost more to run than a more expensive, Energy Star-rated model, so it's worth weighing up the initial cost against the potential long-term savings to ensure you're making the right choice for your budget.

Better

Mid-range clothes dryer prices range from around $800 to $1,200 (CAD 1,106 to CAD 1,659). While some dryers at this price point have standard capacities, others will hold larger loads, making them good options for larger families.

Most models will come with pre-set cycles, which are automated drying programs designed to suit specific fabric types or load sizes. For example, a mid-range dryer may have pre-set cycles for delicates, wool and heavily soiled clothes. These functions prevent you from wasting energy on over-drying loads and can help reduce the risk of damage. They may also include steaming and sanitizing functions.

Many clothes dryers at this price point will be Energy Star-certified and may include basic smart functions. Smart functionality enables you to connect your dryer to your home's Wi-Fi, letting you perform tasks like starting and stopping the machine from your smartphone.

Best

The most advanced clothes dryers cost between $1,200 and $2,300 (CAD 1,659 and CAD 3,180). For this price, you can expect a large capacity, with some models holding 8.3 cubic feet or more. Like their mid-range counterparts, premium dryers come with pre-set, steam and sanitizing functions. More expensive models often have a wider range of pre-set cycles, which could be of benefit if you need to launder multiple fabric types.

Some models include a periodic tumble function. Selecting this function instructs your dryer to continue tumbling your laundry after the drying cycle finishes, preventing creases and keeping clothes fresh.

Although most premium dryers have a manual touch panel, many can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. You're also far more likely to find advanced smart features in this price range. For example, your dryer may be able to sense the fabric type and suggest the most appropriate cycle for your load.

Most of the models in this price range will be Energy Star-rated, and many will have high Combined Energy Factor ratings. The higher the CEF rating, the less it will cost to run.

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How Is Dryer Installation on Average?

On average, dryer installation costs $100 to $300 (CAD 138 to CAD 415) if you have existing hookups ready to use, like an outlet and vent. These figures are for labor only and don't include the cost of the dryer itself. Many retailers offer appliance installation for an additional fee when you purchase a new dryer. These services can be handy for straightforward installations because you'll know your costs upfront.

Installing a dryer without existing infrastructure costs more at $650 to $2,000 (CAD 899 to CAD 2,765). That's because you'll need to create new hookups to accommodate the appliance. Hiring an electrician to install circuitry and other electrical features typically costs $50 to $130 (CAD 69 to CAD 180) per hour, while plumbers usually charge $45 to $150 (CAD 62 to CAD 207) per hour.

Common additional dryer installation costs include:

• New outlet: $150 to $800 (CAD 207 to CAD 1,106)

• Dedicated electrical circuit: $250 to $900 (CAD 346 to CAD 1,244)

• New pipework: $450 to $1,700 (CAD 622 to CAD 2,350)

• New drainpipe: $300 to $800 (CAD 415 to CAD 1,106)

• Gas line installation: $150 to $1,000 (CAD 207 to CAD 1,383)

Most installers charge an additional fee to remove your existing appliance. Old dryer removal usually costs $50 to $150 (CAD 69 to CAD 207).

Configurations for your laundry room layout could also increase your costs. For example, you may require a pedestal to support your new appliance, adding an additional $180 to $500 (CAD 249 to CAD 691). Alternatively, you may decide to build a cabinet to conceal your clothes dryer. Pre-made laundry cabinets start from around $300 (CAD 415), with costs increasing to $2,000 (CAD 2,765) for custom-built units.

Gas Vs. Electric Dryer Cost

As a rule of thumb, a gas dryer costs $50 to $100 more than an electric dryer of a similar quality. Gas dryer components tend to cost manufacturers more to produce, and they pass these costs onto the consumer in the form of higher prices.

Installation costs also tend to be higher for gas dryers. That's because you'll need to hire a professional to install your appliance for you, while electric dryer installation is DIY-friendly. Installing a gas dryer yourself could cause a gas leak, so this is a job best left to the pros unless you're licensed to work with gas pipes and appliances.

However, these figures don't reveal the full picture. While electric dryer installation is almost always cheaper upfront, gas dryers often cost less to run over time. Pensacola Energy estimates that natural gas dryers are roughly $67 (CAD 93) cheaper to run per year than a comparable electric model, based on average energy prices and usage. Exact running costs depend on energy rates where you live, so it's worth researching typical rates to help you make the most cost-effective choice for your household.