I remember seeing a image of a Kenmore compact/portable gas dryer awhile back in the archives, and began to wonder how well they worked compared to the electric versions. They must have a very low BTU rating, but do they work just as well as a full size gas dryer?
Whirlpool/Kenmore portable/compact gas dryers
- Thread starter maytag85
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kenmoreman
Well-known member
Gas portables
I know they sold them and they must have been great! In my 30+ years in the field
I never ran across one. I saw them in a service manual. Basically the same as the full sized ones.
I know they sold them and they must have been great! In my 30+ years in the field
I never ran across one. I saw them in a service manual. Basically the same as the full sized ones.
dustin92
Well-known member
There's been one on our local Craigslist site for months now, it looks kind of beat up but only $30. I have no use or need for it or I'd grab it.
I dont believe they were actually portable but meant to match the portable washer and like the 220v electric portable matching ones, had to be permanently installed. I do remember seeing them in Sears catalogs.
Word "Portable" Threw One Off
But yes, have seen several of those "compact" Whirlpool/Kenmore gas dryers on CL over the years. None were "portable" so to speak, but meant to match the smaller washing machine offerings. As with all gas dryers the connection was permanent and IIRC no wheels as well.
Suppose the things were being offered as an alternative to the "puny" electrical powered 120v compact dryers to those who had (or could run)a gas connection. Also in areas of the country where gas rates are cheaper than electric (think New York for a start), many households might have gone with a gas dryer instead of the 220v electric, full or compact.
But yes, have seen several of those "compact" Whirlpool/Kenmore gas dryers on CL over the years. None were "portable" so to speak, but meant to match the smaller washing machine offerings. As with all gas dryers the connection was permanent and IIRC no wheels as well.
Suppose the things were being offered as an alternative to the "puny" electrical powered 120v compact dryers to those who had (or could run)a gas connection. Also in areas of the country where gas rates are cheaper than electric (think New York for a start), many households might have gone with a gas dryer instead of the 220v electric, full or compact.
They were great in apartments known as English Basements (see link) when offering renters laundry facilities was a plus. Generally, there was a gas connection down there near the water heater so these little dryers proved very popular. I remember one that had a 12K BTU burner, but I am not sure if that was John's upgrade for a friend. 12K is just 2K less than a full size HOH Maytag gas dryer. The door from the full size 29" dryers fits these so it is possible to have a window in the door if you ever find one. Due to building code regulations, a 240 volt electric or a gas dryer must be vented, so if the dryer were not in a place where venting was a possibility, the 120 volt version had to be used. The lint screen in the rear bulkhead was accessed from inside the drum, but other than that the construction was the sturdy design of WP's 29" dryers. If I ever, chas v'sholem, had to have a 24" dryer over a Miele washer, I would pick one of these.
IIRC, these could be hung on the wall too. I saw an Amana version in gas on Sears, Lowes, or AJ Madison's website as recently as maybe 2-3 years ago.
