What Size Converter for a Clothes Dryer?
Helvis Smoteks
The short answer
A clothes dryer is the toughest one to convert — and usually the clearest case to buy native. Most full-size US electric dryers are 240V, hardwired to a 30-amp circuit, drawing 5,000W or more, which is beyond a normal plug-in transformer. Buy a 220V/50Hz dryer instead. If you already own one and must run it, our rule for heat is about 3× the heating wattage — which for most electric dryers is more than a practical transformer can supply, so buying native wins. A gas dryer heats with gas, so it only needs about 1,500W.
Why a dryer is usually a "buy native" appliance
Two things make dryers the hardest appliance to bring. First, the heating element is huge — anywhere from an efficient 800W heat-pump element to a 5,000W vented coil — so any transformer has to be big and heavy. Second, a full-size US electric dryer isn't a plug-and-play 110V appliance at all: it's wired to a 240V 30A outlet with a special plug. That's beyond most step-up/step-down transformers, and the plug won't match your wall. Add the usual 50Hz/60Hz motor issue on top, and a native 220V/50Hz dryer is nearly always simpler and cheaper over time.
Gas dryers are the easy exception
A gas dryer makes heat from gas and only uses electricity for the drum motor and controls — about 300–400W. If you're bringing one, a 1,000W transformer covers it comfortably (you'll still need the right gas supply at your destination).
If you already own a US dryer, what size converter would it need?
Our rule for anything that makes heat is to size the transformer to about 3× the heating wattage. For an efficient heat-pump dryer that's workable; for a full electric dryer it quickly runs past a practical transformer size — which is the clearest sign to buy native.
| Dryer type | Peak load | Heat source | Transformer size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas dryer | 300–400 W | Gas | 1,500 W |
| Heat-pump (ventless) | 800–1,200 W | Electric, efficient | 3,000–5,000 W |
| Condenser (ventless) | 2,000–2,600 W | Electric | Buy native |
| Vented electric (compact) | 3,000–4,000 W | Electric coil | Buy native |
| Vented electric (full US 240V) | 4,500–5,500 W | Electric coil | See note ↓ |
Large US vented dryers are a special case
A full-size US electric dryer is usually hardwired to a 240V 30A circuit and can pull 5,000W+, beyond most plug-in transformers, with a plug that won't match. If you're relocating one, talk to us first — a heat-pump or condenser dryer, or a native 220V/50Hz unit, is almost always the better move.
The better move: buy a 220V/50Hz dryer
A dryer built for your destination plugs into the wall as-is — right voltage, right frequency, no 240V rewiring or oversized transformer.
Frequently asked questions
What size converter do I need for a clothes dryer?
For most dryers we recommend buying a 220V/50Hz unit rather than converting. Our sizing rule for heat is about 3× the heating wattage — which for most electric dryers exceeds a practical transformer, so buy native. A gas dryer only needs about 1,500W. A full-size US 240V vented dryer is beyond a plug-in transformer either way.
Can I run a US 240V electric dryer on a transformer?
Usually not practically. Large US vented dryers are hardwired to a 240V 30A circuit and can draw 5,000W+, beyond most plug-in transformers, and the plug is different. A 220V/50Hz dryer is almost always the better move.
Does a gas dryer need a converter?
Only a small one — a gas dryer uses electricity just for the drum motor and controls (~300–400W), so a 1,000W transformer covers it.
What about my washer?
Different loads and rules. See our washing machine converter guide.