Do you want the convenience of doing laundry at home but don’t have a lot of space? Small dwellings such as apartments, condominiums, mobile homes, or vacation getaways often lack a dedicated laundry area or room for full-sized washer and dryer dimensions. A compact washer and dryer may be the best bet for someone who doesn’t have much space in their household.
Like their names imply, compact washers and compact dryers are smaller than traditional laundry appliances. They're roughly the size of average dishwashers—about 34 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. These small washer and dryer dimensions make for easier installation, and they’re accessible for many cabinet configurations and counter heights.
Sometimes homeowners in the remodeling process will create extra space by foregoing big laundry equipment in favor of a compact stackable washer and dryer set. People opting to downsize may also be looking for ways to maximize small living spaces. A small washing machine and dryer provide cleaning power without sacrificing too much space or having to spend a fortune at the laundromat.
But there are substantial differences in these appliances compared to the conventional versions. Before you run out and choose your new washer and dryer, let’s review the pros and cons of these smaller appliances.
Pros
You can create extra room for a countertop or cupboard. Since most compact washers and dryers fit under a standard counter height, you can choose to place a countertop over the units if they are side-by-side instead of stacked. This makes for a convenient area to fold clothes or to provide extra counter space when needed. Some compact units even come with front panels that will coordinate with cabinetry.
You may save energy and water. A small washer and dryer are usually more efficient and less expensive to operate, which may be good news for your energy and water bills. To make sure you’re purchasing the most energy-efficient models, look for the ENERGY STAR certification.
Washer/dryer combos are the ultimate space savers. Compact washer/dryer combos take up half the space of washer/dryer sets because they do both jobs in only one machine. Because you’re only buying one unit, the purchase cost tends to be lower than that of a set. Most combination machines are energy efficient and use less water than standard models, which may save you money in the long run.
Another added perk is that most compact washer/dryer combos don’t require venting, which allows more flexibility in where they can be used. Some models even have a delayed start feature for greater convenience, and most are noticeably quieter than larger washers and dryers.
Some units are portable. Many compact washers and dryers also have the option to add wheels or casters. Most portable washer and dryer models are electric and can be easily wheeled around for use and storage. These machines are good options if you don’t have a permanent place for a washer. A portable washing machine uses an adapter to connect to a faucet for a water source and then drains into the sink.
