5 Best Compact Washer-Dryers (2023 Guide)

Compact washer-dryers are a great choice for customers who live in apartments, small homes, or just have a small laundry room without space for a full-sized washer and dryer set. Though compact units don’t always have the same bells and whistles as a full-sized set, they can still clean your clothes quickly and effectively.

We researched the best compact-washer dryers to help you find the right set for your needs. Here are our top picks.

Top 5 Compact Washer-Dryers

• Best Compact Washer-Dryer Overall: Electrolux Stackable Washer and Dryer
• Most Versatile Compact Washer-Dryer: GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
• Best Smart Compact Washer-Dryer: LG Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer
• Best Portable Washer-Dryer: Costway Portable Compact Washer-Dryer Combo
• Best Compact Washer-Dryer for Stain Removal: Samsung Compact Front-Load Washer and Dryer

Best Compact Washer-Dryer Overall: Electrolux Stackable Washer and Dryer

Pros and Cons

Good for: Homeowners looking for a stylish washer-dryer set that saves space. 

What Customers Are Saying

Our team read more than 100 verified buyer reviews of this stackable washer-dryer set. Our research found that customers liked that the washer operated quietly and had various wash cycles. However, we also learned that others had issues with clothes getting stuck in the seal while a load was running.

Most Versatile Compact Washer-Dryer: GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer

Pros and Cons

Good for: Homeowners who want to customize their spin cycle without wasting space. 

What Customers Are Saying

During our research, we found that customers liked that this washer had a large capacity for its size and allowed for complete customization. Some felt that it vibrated a lot on fast spin cycles. Reviewers liked that the dryer was easy to program, and many were impressed with its ventless feature. However, we also learned that some buyers had issues with the unit shutting off on its own. 

Best Smart Compact Washer-Dryer: LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer

Pros and Cons

Good for: Customers who want all of the most up-to-date features without needing to buy a large unit. 

What Customers Are Saying

According to our Review Team’s findings, customers were impressed with the washer’s high efficiency, functionality, and smart features. However, others felt it was too loud. When looking at reviews of the dryer, we learned that many reviewers were partial to the unit because of its looks and ease of installation. However, some felt it took significantly longer to dry clothes than a vented dryer. 

Best Portable Washer-Dryer: Costway Portable Compact Washer-Dryer Combo

Pros and Cons

Good for: Customers looking for a portable washing machine that can wash one to two people’s clothes on the go. 

What Customers Are Saying

Our research into buyer reviews revealed that customers enjoyed this washer’s compact size, low noise level, and easy hookup. On the other hand, we encountered some critical reviews in which a handful of buyers said they experienced issues with the agitator or spinner. 

Best Compact Washer-Dryer for Stain Removal: Samsung Front-Load Washer and Dryer

Pros and Cons

Good for: Customers who want a well-built compact washer and dryer that’s great for stains and reducing energy usage. 

What Customers Are Saying

According to the dozens of reviews we read for this compact washer-dryer set, customers were pleased with the washer’s design, adjustable spin speeds, and quiet operation. However, some felt it leaked easily. Reviews that focused on the dryer praised its preset cycles and quick operation; nevertheless, some buyers indicated they had issues with the dryer’s heating element. 

Buying Guide for Compact Washer-Dryers

Compact washer-dryers can provide an optimal washing experience without the bulk of traditional washer-dryer units. However, there are some critical factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. 

Capacity

Your washer and dryer’s capacity determines how many clothes you can fit in at once. Compact washers often have a smaller capacity than regular ones. Most compact washers max out at around 5 cubic feet of space, while compact dryers will have up to 8 cubic feet. 

Portability 

Portable, all-in-one washer-dryers are ideal for tiny spaces that don’t have a proper washer-dryer hookup or for living spaces that don’t have convenient laundry machines on-site. They can also be useful if you need to wash clothes while traveling. 

However, if you’re buying a washer-dryer for your home that you plan on using as your primary unit, portable models likely won’t provide enough capacity or a high enough power level to fulfill your washing needs. 

Front-Load vs. Top-Load 

Most compact washer-dryers are front-loader models since this allows you to stack the units on top of each other. Top-load washers aren’t generally considered compact unless they’re portable. If you want a top-load washer-dryer but need to save space, look for models with a minimal width. 

Cycles

Both washers and dryers typically come with several preset wash or drying cycles. Most units include five to 15 preset cycles. The more that are included, the more convenient it will be to wash various items. Some standard wash cycles include cotton, permanent press, towels, delicates, extra-large, blankets, or rinse and spin. 

Smart Features

Modern washer-dryers sometimes include smart features such as app control, push notifications, Wi-Fi capability, smart settings, and voice commands.

The downside is that these features typically increase the unit’s price, so you’ll need to determine if they’re worth paying more.

Compact Washer-Dryer Brands

Numerous brands make compact washer-dryers, but here are some of the most well-respected:

• Amana
• Bosch
• Costway
• Electrolux
• GE
• Insignia
• LG 
• Maytag
• Miele
• Samsung
• Speed Queen
• Whirlpool

Things To Remember Before Buying a Compact Washer-Dryer

Once you’ve found the best compact washer-dryer combo for you, there are a few other important steps to take before buying, especially if you’re dealing with a small space. 

Measure the Size

Knowing how much space you have before purchasing a new washing machine and dryer is essential. Measure the width, height, and depth of the area where you plan to install the unit and compare that to the measurements of the product you want to buy. Leave a few additional inches on each side to minimize noise output. 

Check the Installation 

Small spaces may not have the proper hookup for a washer-dryer. While that doesn’t mean you can’t get one, you should call a professional and ensure the unit can be installed properly. 

Stackable vs. Side-by-Side

One great way to save space is to use a stackable washer and dryer unit rather than installing them side-by-side. Of course, this is only possible if you’re using front-load washers. If you have your heart set on a top-load washing machine, you’ll need to ensure you have enough room to put the units next to each other. 

FAQ About Compact Washer-Dryers

What’s the difference between a compact washer-dryer and a standard washer-dryer?

Compact washer-dryers are smaller than standard washer-dryers and typically have a width of 27 inches or less. However, washer-dryers can also be compact in other ways, such as being portable, stackable, or an all-in-one unit.

Do compact washers take longer?

Compact washers take longer to complete a full load of laundry than larger units because they have less capacity. Cleaning cycles with compact washers typically take at least an hour, with heavy-duty cycles taking multiple hours. Drying times are also longer for a compact unit. 

Are compact washers less expensive than traditional washers?

Compact washer prices vary by unit and brand, but you shouldn’t expect compact models to be significantly cheaper than regular-sized models. This is because manufacturers try to fit as many features as possible into a smaller unit to ensure it works as well as a larger device. Compact washer-dryers are a good choice if you have limited space to work with, but they shouldn’t be something you shop for if you’re only looking to get a washer on a budget. 

Buying a portable washing machine such as the Costway Portable Compact Washer-Dryer Combo can save you money, but performance won’t be comparable to a standard washer-dryer.  

Who This Compact Washer-Dryer Guide Is For

Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, renovator, or somewhere in between, a quality washer-dryer can level up any laundry room. Our Reviews Team considered a variety of compact washer-dryers, including a large-capacity compact model, a portable model, and more. 

Our Rating Methodology 

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account. 

We chose the laundry appliances in this review and then rated them on a 100-point system across seven key factors:

• Capacity (up to 30 points): Compact washers with a capacity of 2.4 cubic feet or more received more points than their smaller counterparts.
• Features (up to 15 points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after compact washer-dryer features, including number of preset cycles, quick-wash options, delayed start, energy efficiency, and stackability. 
• Finishes (up to 2 points): Compact washer-dryers with more than one finish were rated higher than those with only one finish option. 
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number. 
• Smart technology (up to 5 points): Products that included app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility received five points. 
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 20 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 10 points): We researched the customer service options available to customers after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

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