What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Washer And Dryer?

Doing laundry during an extended power outage is possible with a generator, but the right size depends almost entirely on your dryer. A washer alone runs on a modest inverter generator; an electric dryer requires 240V and 5,000W+ of capacity. Gas dryers are easy to run. This guide explains what size generator you need for a washer, a dryer, or both, and how to plan laundry to avoid overloads and wasted fuel.

Generator size by laundry setup

The electric dryer challenge

Standard electric dryers run on 240V with a 30A breaker and draw 4,000–5,500W while heating. That means your generator must provide 240V through an L14-30 or 14-50 outlet to a transfer switch or interlock covering the dryer circuit. A 30A, 240V connection provides up to 7,200W, so running the dryer leaves only about 1,500–2,000W for everything else. Plan to run the dryer only when other large loads are off.

Compact 120V and heat pump dryers

Compact 120V electric dryers draw about 1,300–1,500W, and heat pump dryers around 600–1,000W. Both can run on a 2,500–3,500W inverter, making them far more generator-friendly, though drying takes longer.

Sizing method

1. Identify dryer type and wattage from the rating plate.
2. Add washer running watts if both will run simultaneously, plus the largest motor surge.
3. Add running watts for refrigerator, lights and other essentials.
4. Add 20% headroom and confirm voltage compatibility.

Worked example

Electric dryer 5,000W, washer 500W (surge 1,500W), fridge 200W, lights 200W, furnace blower 600W. Running both machines: 5,000 + 500 + 1,000 = 6,500W running; with the washer’s surge, peak ≈ 7,500W. Add 20% → about 9,000W. A 9,000–10,000W generator with a 50A outlet handles it. If you run the washer and dryer at different times, a 7,500W unit may suffice.

Fuel use for laundry

Each electric dryer load can cost half a gallon of gasoline. During fuel shortages, line-drying or waiting for grid power may be wiser.

Practical laundry strategy during outages

• Wash in cold water; avoid using the electric water heater simultaneously.
• Run the washer during the day when the generator is already running essentials.
• Line-dry or use drying racks near a heat source when practical.
• If using an electric dryer, run full loads, clean the lint filter, and dry back-to-back loads to use residual heat.
• Turn off the dryer’s wrinkle-guard feature to avoid extra tumbling.

Power quality for modern machines

Modern washers and dryers use electronic control boards that prefer clean power. Inverter generators or conventional units with low THD reduce the risk of control errors or resets. If a machine shows error codes on generator power, try a cleaner power source or reduce other loads to stabilize voltage.

Transfer switch circuit planning

If you are installing a manual transfer switch, decide in advance whether to include the dryer circuit. Including a 30A, 240V dryer circuit uses one double-pole slot and allows electric drying when the generator can support it, but it also creates the risk of overloading the generator if someone starts the dryer while other big loads run. Many homeowners with 7,000–9,000W portables leave the electric dryer off the transfer switch and include the washer’s 120V circuit instead. With an interlock kit that feeds the whole panel, the decision is made breaker by breaker during the outage, so label the dryer breaker clearly and keep it off unless you are deliberately running a load.

FAQ

Can a 5,000W generator run a washer and dryer?

It can run a washer and a gas dryer easily. Running a standard 240V electric dryer requires a 240V outlet and ideally 7,500W+, since the dryer alone draws around 5,000W.

Can I run a washing machine on an inverter generator?

Yes. Most washers run on a 2,000–3,000W inverter generator, which also provides clean power for electronic controls.

Bottom line

A washer needs only a 2,000–3,000W inverter; a gas dryer adds little. A standard electric dryer requires 240V and 7,500W+ to run comfortably, and 10,000W+ if you also want the washer and home essentials at the same time. Plan laundry around your generator’s capacity and fuel supply.