One day, while doing research on washing machines, I was wondering if washing machines need gas. I also saw many people asking similar questions on forums but not getting any concrete answers.
Washing machines don’t need gas. Modern washing machines or washers use electricity as a source of energy. You will not find any washing machine in the market that needs or runs on gas. Also, washers that have build-in dryers usually don’t need gas.
In this article, I am going to explain if washers and dryers in the market need gas or not and how much electricity washers actually use. Also, explain which one would be more environmentally friendly, a washer that runs on gas or electricity? So, keep reading
Does Your Washing Machine Use Gas?
All the commercially made washing machines in the market right now use electricity to run. No one manufacturers make gas washers or washing machine that uses any sort of gas either to run or function.
Here’s a list of several popular washers with their type to help you understand:
| Product Name | Electric/Gas? |
| BLACK DECKER Portable Washer | Electric |
| hOmeLabs Portable Washing Machine | Electric |
| Kenmore 27″ Top-Load Washer | Electric |
| COMFEE 1.6 Cu.ft Washing Machine | Electric |
| Giantex Portable Mini Compact | Electric |
| BANGSON Portable Washing Machine | Electric |
| Kenmore 28″ Top Load Washer | Electric |
| Samsung 2.2 Front Load Washer | Electric |
| Ke Automatic Washing Machine | Electric |
| HomeSweety Mini Washing Machine | Electric |
| Garatic Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine | Electric |
| Krib Bling Full-Automatic Washing Machine | Electric |
All the above-mentioned washing machines are electric, and these machines are the most popular ones in the market as well.
Yes, you might find gas dryers in the market. But finding a gas washer is nearly impossible; that’s what my experience says. Also, a gas washer would be less environment friendly than an electric washer anyways, and electric washers are very efficient as well. Maybe that’s why manufacturer, there is no point in having a gas washer.
Some of the above washing machines come with a washer and dryer combo. Those are electric as well.
How do I know if my Washer Is Gas or Electric?
100% of washers that are available in the market right now are electric. I have searched for a gas washing machine literally everywhere but couldn’t find one.
So, if you have a washer, it’s most likely going to be electric. If you are not convinced, and you need proof of everything just like me, check if there is an electric cord behind your washer to plugin right into a normal electric outlet.
If yes, then your washer uses electricity as its source of energy, and it’s definitely not gas-powered.
Similarly, you can determine if your dryer is gas or electric. If your dryer has no gas line in the back but only an electric plug, then it’s electric.
But if you notice a gas line in the back of your dryer, then it’s definitely a gas dryer.
Does a Washing Machine Use A Lot of Electricity?
Washing machines don’t consume a lot of electricity in comparison to other home electric appliances like AC, Refrigerator, TV, etc.
Generally, a TV consumes 6-7 times more electricity than any washing machine. So, compared with other electric appliances washing machine uses less electricity.
Let me present you with a table to show the electricity consumption of different household components.
| Electric Household Appliances | Electricity Consumption (Approx.) |
| Electric Oven | 45 kWh (per month) |
| Refrigerator | 150-160 kWh (per month) |
| Fan | 100-120 kWh (per month) |
| AC | 1000+ kWh (per month) |
| TV | 220 kWh (per month) |
| Washing Machine | 31.5 kWh (per Month) |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 43 kWh (per month) |
| Light | 300 kWh (per month) |
Related Questions:
Do You Need Gas For Laundry?
You will need gas for laundry only if you have a gas dryer; otherwise not. The gas dryer needs a gas hookup, and it needs ventilation as gas dryers use propane as fuel.
The bottom line is that if you have a gas dryer, you will need gas to dry your laundry as the dryer won’t run unless it’s connected with a gas hookup.
Do The Washer & Dryer Use Electricity or Gas?
All the washers and dryers out there use electricity. However, gas dryers use both gas and electricity (Electricity to spark the burner and gas to dry the clothes).
What’s The Difference Between a Gas And An Electric Dryer?
The differences between a gas and an electric dryer are shown in the table below:
| Gas Dryer | Electric Dryer |
| Needs both Gas and Electricity | Needs only Electricity |
| Gas Hookup is essential | Gas Hookup is not needed |
| Dries clothes faster | Usually, it takes longer to dry clothes |
| Generates More heat | Generates less heat |
| Usually More Expensive & Bulky | Usually more compact and cheaper |
Why are washing machines cold fill only?
Washing machines contain the following enzymes:
- Proteases
- Amylases
- Cellulases
- Mannanases
- Lipases
The main reason most of the modern washing machines are cold fill only is that the enzymes present in detergents work 10-20% more efficiently in cold temperatures also, these enzymes degenerate at high temperatures.
Cold fill allows the detergent to work more efficiently to dissolve stains and remove dirt from clothes.
Can I Use An Electric Dryer Instead of Gas?
Yes, you can definitely use an electric dryer instead of a gas one. In fact, electric dryers are easier to use and generate less heat. For this reason, more people are shifting towards electric dryers instead of gas.
However, if you want to use a dryer commercially, then a gas dryer will be more beneficial for your business as it works faster. But for personal use, I think you can use an electric dryer instead of a gas one.
Final Thoughts:
There you have it! I think by now it’s clear to you that washing machines don’t need gas, either as an input energy source or to run any sort of function.
Don’t get confused with this, as all washers are electric. However, it gets confusing when it comes to dryers.
Both electric and gas dryers use electricity. So, people often get confused when they see a gas dryer as a gas dryer needs to be connected with electricity and gas hookup as well.
