How many watts does a Clothes dryer (electric) use?

About 5000 watts while running, with a start-up surge of roughly 6000 watts. Actual draw varies by model — check the nameplate on your unit.

What size generator do I need to run a Clothes dryer (electric)?

Plan on at least 6250 running watts with 6000 watts of surge capacity, which includes 25% headroom.

Calculator › Wattage chart › Clothes dryer (electric)

What size generator to run a Clothes dryer (electric)?

Typical draw: 5000W running / 6000W starting. 240V heavy load — generally not worth generator fuel. Gas dryers only need ~700W for the drum motor.

SIZING PLATE1 LOADS · +25% HEADROOM

Total running watts

5,000 W

Peak (largest start)

6,000 W

Buy at least

6,250 W rated

Look for ~6,250W running / 6,000W surge or better.

Right size: Mid-size portable (6,500W / 8,100W surge)

Typical price $700-1,200 · e.g. Westinghouse WGen6500, Champion 6250, Generac GP6500

Storm essentials with margin: fridge, freezer, sump pump, furnace fan, well pump (240V models), lights and electronics together. Louder open-frame design; electronics prefer models with THD under 5% or an inverter.

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One size up: Large portable (9,500W / 12,500W surge)

Typical price $1,000-1,800 · e.g. Westinghouse WGen9500DF, DuroMax XP13000EH, Champion 12.5kW tri-fuel

Most of a house through an interlock kit: well pump, multiple large appliances, even a smaller central AC with a soft-starter. Heavy (200+ lbs), thirsty, and loud — this is serious-outage equipment, not camping gear.

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Add more appliances

Real outages aren't one appliance. Adjust the full load below — your Clothes dryer (electric) is pre-checked.

This site earns commissions from qualifying purchases made through links to Amazon and other retailers, at no extra cost to you. Wattage figures are typical estimates — actual draw varies by model. Always verify against your appliance's nameplate, and consult a licensed electrician for any panel or hardwired connections.