A used dryer typically costs $100-$700, with many standard household models selling for about $250 before delivery and hookup. The final price depends on age, condition, electric or gas fuel, capacity, included warranty, and whether the seller handles installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used dryer purchase | $100 | $250 | $700 | Working basic models through professionally tested or premium units |
| Delivery | $0 | $60 | $150 | May be included locally or priced by distance and stairs |
| Standard hookup | $0 | $75 | $175 | Assumes compatible existing outlet, vent, or gas connection |
| Typical installed total | $150 | $385 | $1,000 | Higher total may include a warranty or vent and connection upgrades |
Used dryer prices for common household models
Most buyers pay $150-$400 for a working used electric dryer from a private seller or local appliance shop. A basic older model may cost $75-$150, while a clean, tested unit with a short parts warranty commonly runs $300-$550. High-end or recently refurbished machines can reach $700 or more.
Gas dryers often list for $150-$500 used. Their purchase price may be similar to an electric model, but fewer homes have a compatible gas connection, and installation can add expense. A washer-and-dryer pair may cost $300-$900, depending on age, brand, condition, and whether both appliances are tested.
For a standard, working dryer, budgeting about $250 for the appliance and $100-$200 for delivery and setup is a practical starting point. Prices here assume a conventional 7- to 7.5-cubic-foot dryer with ordinary cosmetic wear, no major repair, and a local purchase. Assumptions: typical U.S. market, standard access, and no extensive vent or utility work.
What delivery, dryer hookups, and parts add to the bill
A low advertised price may not include moving the dryer, connecting it, or supplying a compatible vent. Ask for an itemized quote that identifies the appliance price, delivery, installation, parts, and any removal charge. These added costs can make a seemingly cheap seller’s price comparable to a more complete offer from a shop.
| Quote item | Typical range | What changes the charge | Common pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery | $40-$150 | Distance, stairs, tight turns, and old-unit removal | $40-$100 local; more for difficult access |
| Basic installation | $50-$125 | Existing connections must be safe and compatible | $75-$125 per hour or flat fee |
| Vent hose or duct parts | $10-$80 | Hose length, material, and replacement needs | $10-$30 for a basic hose; $30-$80 for sturdier parts |
| Gas connector | $25-$75 | Connector condition and local code requirements | Parts only; labor may be additional |
| Old dryer removal | $0-$75 | Seller policy, disposal access, and haul distance | Sometimes included with delivery |
| Sales tax | Varies | State and local tax rules | Applied to taxable purchase and services as required |
Basic installation usually means positioning the unit and connecting it to existing, suitable utilities. It does not necessarily include changing a gas line, adding an outlet, rerouting a vent, or correcting unsafe wiring. A technician charging $75-$125 per hour may bill a minimum visit even when the connection takes less than an hour.
Delivery and connection commonly add $100-$250 when the route and existing hookups are straightforward. A second-floor carry, long drive, new vent route, or gas connection work can push the added bill higher.
How dryer age, capacity, and fuel type change the quote
Age is one of the most useful clues when comparing used dryers, but it is not a guarantee of remaining life. A unit under five years old that has been tested and cleaned may sell for $300-$600; a 6- to 10-year-old model often falls around $150-$350. Appliances more than 10 years old may be priced at $75-$200, especially if the seller offers no warranty.
Capacity also affects the market. A compact dryer around 3-4 cubic feet may cost $100-$300 used and can suit apartments or limited laundry loads. Standard 7- to 7.5-cubic-foot machines commonly cost $150-$400. Large-capacity models above 8 cubic feet may command $250-$600 when relatively recent, but a bulky unit can be harder to deliver through narrow doorways.
Electric and gas models need different hookups. Electric dryers generally require a suitable 240-volt outlet; a standard household outlet is not a substitute. A gas model needs a compatible gas connection and an electrical outlet for controls. If either connection is missing or unsuitable, installation changes can exceed the savings from buying a cheaper machine. Confirm fuel type and model number before paying.
Condition matters as much as age. A seller who demonstrates a full heat cycle, checks the drum and controls, and provides a written 30- to 90-day parts warranty may reasonably charge more than a private seller offering an untested appliance. Ask whether the price includes cleaning, repairs, and a return period.
A capacity above 8 cubic feet, an age beyond 10 years, or a fuel-type mismatch can shift the quote by $50-$200 or create larger setup costs. Compare the model’s condition and connection needs, not just its purchase price.
Where local used dryer prices run higher or lower
Local supply, housing density, delivery distance, and contractor rates all affect the total. In large metropolitan areas, a wider selection can make it easier to compare private listings, but delivery and labor often cost more. A used dryer’s purchase price may be 5%-15% above a national-style baseline in high-cost urban markets, while delivery or installation can run 10%-25% higher.
In smaller towns and rural areas, private sellers may list dryers 5%-15% below typical prices, but fewer sellers can limit choice. A long delivery route may add $50-$150, wiping out some of that difference. In regions where gas appliances are common, gas models may be easier to find; in other areas, electric dryers dominate and gas installation may require extra service.
These percentages are planning estimates, not fixed regional averages. Local appliance stores may charge more than online listings because they test, clean, deliver, and sometimes warranty the machine. Compare the out-the-door total across at least two sources, and check whether each quote covers the same services.
Use local price differences as a comparison aid, then verify the actual delivery and hookup quote for the home. A lower listing price is less useful if the seller is far away or the machine cannot connect to the existing utilities.
Three used dryer quotes with realistic installed totals
These examples illustrate how the advertised price can turn into a delivered, usable dryer. Totals exclude unusual electrical work, gas-line changes, and taxes because local requirements and rates differ.
| Example | Appliance and condition | Added charges | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private-sale electric | 7-cubic-foot, 8-year-old unit at $150 | $60 delivery; $25 vent hose; $0 hookup with buyer installation | $235 before tax |
| Tested shop model | 7.4-cubic-foot electric dryer at $325, 60-day parts warranty | $80 delivery; $90 hookup; $35 removal | $530 before tax |
| Refurbished gas dryer | 7.5-cubic-foot model at $475, repaired and tested | $100 delivery; $125 installation; $45 connector | $745 before tax |
The first example saves money if the buyer can safely move and connect the appliance. The shop model costs more but includes a brief warranty and delivery. The gas example assumes a compatible, functioning gas connection is already present; new gas-line work would increase the total.
Compare the included services and protections line by line before treating one quote as the cheapest. A tested dryer with a return window may be worth the difference if the alternative is an untested machine with no recourse.
How long delivery and dryer installation usually take
Moving a dryer into a home and connecting it to existing hookups often takes one worker 30-90 minutes, once the appliance has arrived. A delivery crew may spend another 15-45 minutes carrying it inside, depending on stairs, distance from the truck, and doorway clearance. A simple appointment can therefore take less than two hours on site.
More involved work takes longer. Replacing a damaged vent section may add 30-90 minutes; moving a dryer to a new location or arranging a new utility connection can require a separate technician visit. Gas work should be handled by a qualified professional, and a new electrical circuit may require an electrician and, where applicable, a permit.
Some stores offer a single flat delivery and setup price; others separate the labor charge from parts. Ask whether the crew will test heat and airflow after connection and whether they disconnect the old appliance. A delivery window or minimum service fee may still apply even if the physical work is brief.
Budget $50-$125 for straightforward hookup labor, with additional charges for vent changes, difficult access, or utility work. Confirm the appointment scope in writing so that “installation” does not mean delivery alone.
Used, refurbished, or repaired dryer price comparison
An as-is used dryer is usually the least expensive option at $75-$250, but buyers assume more risk. A professionally refurbished model commonly costs $300-$700, depending on parts replaced, cleaning, testing, and warranty length. A repair to an existing dryer may cost $100-$400 for a common part and labor, though motor, control-board, or drum work can run $300-$600.
Repair can make sense when the current dryer is relatively recent, the repair is diagnosed clearly, and the estimate is well below the cost of a dependable replacement. For an older machine with repeated failures, a repair quote near $300-$400 may approach the price of a tested used unit before delivery. Ask the technician to identify the failed part and whether the quote includes a diagnostic fee.
A refurbished dryer is not automatically equivalent to a new one. Confirm what was replaced, whether the seller tested the heat cycle and safety features, and how long the warranty lasts. Warranty coverage may apply only to parts, exclude labor, or require the buyer to return the machine to the shop.
Price the repair and the delivered replacement together rather than comparing repair labor with the dryer’s sticker price alone. A $200 used listing may become a $400 purchase after delivery and a needed vent or repair, while a tested model may include those services.
How to lower the price of a used dryer purchase
Set a maximum total budget that includes delivery, hookup, parts, tax, and possible removal. Then filter listings by fuel type, width, depth, and door clearance. A low-priced dryer that cannot pass through a doorway or connect to the home’s outlet is not a practical bargain.
Ask for the model number, age, repair history, and a demonstration of the dryer running with heat. Check the drum for scraping, listen for unusual noise, inspect the power cord and vent outlet, and ask whether the machine has been cleaned. For a private sale, arrange a test before loading it and avoid assuming that “works” means the unit was checked through a full cycle.
Consider a basic model without premium cycles, steam features, or smart controls if those functions are not needed. Compare a private seller’s price with local shop quotes after adding transport and a realistic allowance for repair. If buying from a store, ask whether delivery, removal, and a short warranty can be included rather than negotiated as separate charges.
Timing can help when sellers are clearing space after a move or replacing a matched laundry set, but waiting is not useful if an urgent replacement forces a rushed purchase. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic upgrades while overlooking a damaged vent, worn drum rollers, or an incompatible connection.
The most dependable savings come from matching the dryer to existing hookups and comparing complete quotes, not simply choosing the lowest listing. A suitable used electric or gas model with verified operation and clear return terms can keep the total near $300-$500 in many straightforward purchases.