Portable washing machine vs. compact dryer: running cost
A portable washing machine is cheaper to run: about $7 a year versus $95 for a compact dryer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $88 difference.
| Portable washing machine | Compact dryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 300 W | 1,800 W |
| Watt range | 100–500 W | 800–4,000 W |
| Typical use | 5 loads a week | 5 loads a week |
| Energy per year | 39 kWh | 531 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.7¢ | 36¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.9¢ | 26¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.59 | $7.95 |
| Cost per year | $7 | $95 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $17 | $231 |
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What drives the difference
- Portable washing machine: Portable and twin-tub washers draw 100-500 W and fill from a faucet; energy per load is low unless filled with hot water from an electric water heater.
- Compact dryer: Compact and ventless condenser dryers dry smaller loads with 1,300-3,600 W elements over longer cycles, using about 1.5-2.5 kWh per load.
Ways to cut either cost
Pairs with a portable washer to avoid using a dryer.
See options on AmazonVentless like a condenser dryer but uses about half the energy.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a portable washing machine or a compact dryer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a compact dryer costs about $95 a year versus $7 for a portable washing machine. That's $88 more, or 13.6× as much.
How many watts do portable washing machine and compact dryer use?
A portable washing machine typically draws 300 W (range 100–500 W). A compact dryer draws 1,800 W (range 800–4,000 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.