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. Portable units, ideal for RVing or studio apartments, can be found for a few hundred dollars. However, stackable washer and dryer sets and full-size all-in-one units typically cost in the range of $1,500 to $3,000.
To help you narrow down your choices, we researched over 20 models of compact washer-dryer sets. Overall, our top choice is the LG Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer, which features a powerful washer with steam cleaning and an energy-saving heat pump dryer that doesn’t require venting. Read our buying guide below for more of our top picks.
Best Compact Washer-Dryers: Our Top 6 Picks
- LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer: Best Overall
- GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer: Most Versatile
- Samsung High-Efficiency Front Load Washer and Smart Electric Dryer: Best Features
- Insignia 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and Gas Dryer: Best Value
- GE Top Load Washer with Electric Dryer: Best Top-Load Washer
- Costway Portable Washer-Dryer Combo: Best Portable
Compare Top Compact Washer-Dryers
| Product | Washer Capacity | Dryer Capacity | Stackable | Wash Cycles | Dry Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LG Smart Front-Load Washer and DryerCheck Price | 2.4 cubic feet | 4.2 cubic feet | Yes | 14 | 12 |
GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and DryerCheck Price | 2.4 cubic feet | 4.1 cubic feet | Yes | 14 | 13 |
Samsung High-Efficiency Front Load Washer and Smart Electric DryerCheck Price | 2.5 cubic feet | 4.0 cubic feet | Yes | 24 | 15 |
Insignia 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and Gas DryerCheck Price | 3.7 cubic feet | 6.7 cubic feet | No | 12 | 12 |
GE Top Load Washer with Electric DryerCheck Price | 2.8 cubic feet | 3.6 cubic feet | No | 8 | 3 |
Costway Portable Washer-Dryer ComboCheck Price | 11 pounds | 6.6 pounds | No | 3 | 1 |
Best Overall
LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer
This stackable washer-dryer features all of the top smart features. To optimize the cycle, the washer uses built-in sensors to detect fabric texture and load size. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to track your laundry’s status from a compatible smartphone app.
Pros and Cons of LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer
- Sends alerts when your clothes are clean through the ThinQ app
- Dryer has 4.2 cubic feet of capacity and a dual inverter heat pump
- Both units are Energy Star certified and include a NeverRust stainless steel drum
- Smart features can sometimes be difficult to use
- Has limited finish options and a bulky interface
What People Are Saying About The LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer
According to our 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.
Most Versatile
GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
Good for: Homeowners who want to customize their spin cycle without wasting space.
This washer has 14 wash cycles, including quick wash, prewash, delicate, and activewear. The dryer also includes 13 drying cycles, ensuring you can customize your laundry load to your liking. The ventless electric dryer allows for set up without an external washing machine hose.
Pros and Cons of GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
- Has a compact design to fit in small spaces
- Washer has five temperature settings
- Both units include an easy-to-read LED display
- Washer can have a long wash time
- Units only come in one finish option
What People Are Saying About The GE Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
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 Features
Samsung High-Efficiency Front Load Washer and Smart Electric Dryer
Good for: Homeowners looking for a high-end compact washer-dryer with the latest technology.
Ever find yourself in a hurry to wash your child’s soccer jersey before a game? This compact unit has you covered, as it can finish a load in just 30 minutes, and comes equipped with Samsung’s smart connectivity so you can monitor and adjust right from your smartphone. This washer-dryer also utilizes a smart dial to simplify the control panel and learn your favorite cycles.
Pros and Cons of Samsung High-Efficiency Front Load Washer and Smart Electric Dryer
- Has a space-saving, stackable design
- Features a self-cleaning feature that reminds you every 40 loads to run it
- Included dryer comes with an internal drum light to help ensure you don’t miss any small items
- Does not come with a stacking kit
- Only comes in white
What People Are Saying About The Samsung High-Efficiency Front Load Washer and Smart Electric Dryer
Our research showed that customers who gave this washer a satisfactory review were pleased with its excellent washing power and ability to compact difficult stains. Others were pleased with its smart features and that it sent notifications to their smartphones. However, some others felt this washer was too loud, and others said the controls were difficult to use. Those who were pleased with this compact dryer like that it eliminated wrinkles and fit well into compact spaces. On the other hand, some people felt it required excess maintenance and noted they had issues with the heat exchanger bin trapping lint.
Best Value
Insignia 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and Gas Dryer
Good for: Customers seeking a budget-friendly washer-dryer set and don’t need a huge capacity.
This straightforward washer-dryer set from Best Buy brand Insignia is an excellent choice for those on a budget who still want high-quality appliances. This set includes a top-load washer with twelve cycle options and four temperature levels, and a 12-cycle dryer that comes with temperature and dryness selection options.
Pros and Cons of Insignia 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and Gas Dryer
- Washer has automatic water level control that determines the ideal water load for each wash
- Washer includes unbalancing detection that automatically drains and spins to re-balance the load when necessary
- Dryer has Wrinkle Care feature that helps reduce and eliminate wrinkles
- Has a smaller load capacity than other washer-dryer models
- Is not ENERGY STAR certified
What People Are Saying About The Insignia 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and Gas Dryer
For the washer, we found that customers who gave a positive review were pleased with its straightforward design and variety of wash cycles. However, there were a few customers who felt that the wash cycle was excessively long. The dryer in this set received positive reviews for how quietly it ran and how durable the design was. On the other hand, some other customers noted it took multiple cycles to fully dry their clothes, and others felt the settings were difficult to understand.
Best Top-Load Washer
GE Top Load Washer with Electric Dryer
Good for: Customers looking for a compact top-load washer and dryer counterpart.
If you prefer a top-load washer over a front loader, this small-capacity model from GE could be the perfect fit for your home. The included washer comes with caster wheels, making it easily portable if you need to move it in your home. Also, it comes with a unicouple that allows you to quickly connect the hoses to any standard kitchen or bathroom sink for easy installation.
Pros and Cons of GE Top Load Washer with Electric Dryer
- Washer has eight wash cycles and four temperature settings
- Washer is equipped with a stainless steel basket
- Dryer has three drying cycles and a durable drum interior
- Does not include vibration reduction technology
- Washer has fewer cycle options than some other compact models
What People Are Saying About The GE Top Load Washer with Electric Dryer
Customers who liked the washer in this set said that it had a larger-than-expected capacity and that it had a quiet operation. However, a few felt it was not as durable as expected. For the included dryer, reviewers were impressed with its ability to fit large blankets and finish loads quickly. Those who left critical reviews had issues with the design, saying it scratched their floor.
Best Portable
Costway Portable Washer-Dryer Combo
Good for: Customers looking for a portable washing machine that can wash one to two people’s clothes on the go.
A portable washer and dryer combo may be the most realistic option for spaces that require truly compact laundry units, such as dorm rooms, RVs, or trailers. This portable model has 330 watts of washing power, plus an attached spinner to dry clothes in a lightweight design that’s easy to bring with you on the go.
Pros and Cons of Costway Portable Washer-Dryer Combo
- Weighs under 30 pounds
- Has a top-load design
- Features large buttons on its control panel that are easy to use
- Lacks significant capacity and spin speed
- Isn’t as durable as non-portable models
What People Are Saying About The Costway Portable Washer-Dryer Combo
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, and some said the clothes left lint on them after being washed.
What To Know Before Buying a Compact Washer-Dryer
Before deciding on which compact washer-dryer set is best for you, consider the capacity and how much laundry you typically do on a daily and weekly basis. You’ll also want to consider the portability of the unit if you move frequently or plan on bringing it with you on the go. From there, decide if you like top-load or front-load washers and gas or electric dryers to narrow down your options.
Finally, you can look at extra features, the design, and the brand reputation to help you make a final decision. Read our buying guide below for more on the most important factors to consider when buying a compact washer-dryer.
What is a good capacity for a compact washer-dryer?
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. While a full-size washer may have 4 to 6 cubic feet of space, compact washers have around 2 to 4 cubic feet. For compact dryers, 3 to 6 cubic feet of space is common, compared to 6 to 8 cubic feet for full-size dryers.
What if I need a portable washer-dryer?
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 cleaning power to fulfill your washing needs.
What’s the difference between front-load and top-load washers?
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 but need to save space, look for models with a minimal width.
How many cycles do compact units typically have?
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.
What smart features should you look for in a washer-dryer?
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.
What are the top 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. For spaces where you don’t have access to a vent, consider a ventless washer-dryer.
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 wash times of 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 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 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 a 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 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 Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers 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.