If you’ve ever been excited to order a washer and dryer combo for your small apartment, only to find on arrival that they’re too bulky for your little laundry closet, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Not only will bulky machines look awkward as you shove them into a small cranny in your home, much like a power lifter crammed in an ill-fitting dinner jacket; they might present nice, sharp, edges for you to bruise yourself on while doing chores.
Choosing the right small washer and dryer combo for small spaces is therefore one of the most important decisions for your home.
And indeed such combos are a popular choice among small apartment renters, being that they’re a no brainer for places with tight spaces.
But where to find the best small washer and dryer combo? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and below present our roundup of the most space-efficient machines on the market. Mind you, these aren’t portable but are the next smallest machines you can find.
The Best Small Washer and Dryer for Tight Laundry Spaces
There are different ways to organize your laundry room but normally you get two options for placing laundry machines in there.
The first is to vertically stack your washer and dryer (the “laundry center”). For sure this saves on floor space and overall it’s a useful and popular setup. However it’s a bit hard and tricky to install by yourself and may require professional assistance.
The second choice is to get an all-in-one washer and dryer unit. It’s more convenient to operate, albeit slightly more expensive than the laundry center. These are also easier to fit under a countertop for a more modern home plan.
Small Washer and Dryer for Laundry Center
GE Spacemaker 3.8 Cu. Ft. Washer and 5.9. Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
GE’s Unitized Spacemaker Combo will make the most out of your tight laundry space. If you have a vertical space of no less than 76 inches, you can snugly fit these pieces together.
The top load washer has a single-action agitator mechanism. It rotates the clothes in one direction during the washing cycle. Further, this compact washer has only one wash and rinse speed for ease of use.
It can cater to all types of clothes, from light to heavy loads, with its 11 wash cycles.
In addition, the washer has an auto-load sensor. It adjusts the water level depending on your laundry size thus reducing the guesswork in getting the right amount of water for maximum cleaning performance.
Dryers usually have a bigger capacity than washers. This is because clothes and linens need more space for tossing and tumbling when drying.
The GE Spacemaker’s dryer capacity is fair enough for the washer. It can dry your clothes without the risk of overloading.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 75 7/8 inches
- Width: 26 3/4 inches
- Depth: 30 7/8 inches
- Open Door Depth: 47 1/2 inches
- 3.8 Cu. Ft. washer; 5.9 Cu. Ft. dryer
- Top Load
- 11 wash cycles
- 4 dryer cycles
- Auto-load sensor
- Rotary Dials
- Child Lock
- 188 kWh annually
GE Unitized Spacemaker 2.3 Cu. Ft. Washer and 4.4 Cu. Ft. Dryer Combo
If you are living alone or a couple just starting out, then you may want something smaller for your laundry. In this case, GE’s 2.3 Cu. Ft Washer and 4.4 Cu. Ft. Dryer will make a perfect fit. It will not only occupy a small space on your floor, but it will also do smaller loads efficiently for more savings on your part.
Like the previous GE model, it has a single-action agitator for washing. The washer also has auto-load sensing to maximize the machine’s performance. Additionally, it has an option for pre-soaking and second rinsing of clothes.
And best of all, this small washer and dryer unit is compatible with smart applications. It works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Besides, nothing beats being able to control your household appliances from the convenience of your phone.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 74 7/8 inches
- Width: 23 3/4 inches
- Depth: 27 3/8 inches
- Open Door Depth: 43 inches
- 2.3 Cu. Ft. washer; 4.4 Cu. Ft. dryer
- Top Load
- 11 wash cycles
- Rotary Dials
- Auto-load sensor
- With a left, right and rear vent
- 138 kWh annually
- Wireless connectivity
LG 2.2 Cu. Ft. Washer and 4.2 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
When it comes to energy efficiency, the appliance giant LG is leading the way.
This small washer and dryer has a Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) level at Tier Two. It means that it’s efficient at 25% higher than the requirement. For instance, its electricity consumption is only about 120 kilowatt-hours annually.
The 2.2 Cu. Ft. Frontload Washer can cater to clothes ranging from delicates and babywear up to heavy and bulky laundry. It also has Color Cure, Speed Wash, and Drain Spin Option programs.
The five spin speeds can change the washing speed from the maximum of 1400 revolutions per minute.
For unobtrusive washing, the machines are equipped with the LoDecibel quiet operation package. This feature lowers the operational noise so you can get your laundry done in near silence.
Moreover, it has a VRT or Vibration Reduction Technology to supplement a quiet operation.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 33.5 inches
- Width: 24 inches
- Depth: 25 1/4 inches
- Open Door Depth: 13 4/5 inches
- 2.2 Cu Ft. washer; 4.2 Cu. Ft. dryer
- High-efficiency washing
- Front Load
- 17 automatic cycles
- Vibration and noise reduction
- LoDecibel
- Internal Water Heater
- Child Lock
- Stacking Kit included
- 120 kWh annually
- Energy Star Certified
Bosch 500 series 2.2 Cu. Ft. Washer and 4.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer
Bosch levels up your undeniably daunting chore with its innovative product features. For one, this compact and small washer and dryer from its 500 series has an EcoSilence motor.
It gets the job done without disturbing anyone. It’s quieter than the 300 series at only 52/72 dB. On top of that, the 500 series has leak protection and 170F sanitization, which the 300 series lacks.
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Furthermore, the front-load washer has 15 wash cycles. This includes an allergen cycle to significantly reduce allergens from the clothes. Plus, it has a SpeedPerfect option for quick washing when you’re in a hurry. The LED display, as well as the touch screen controls, also add to its modern finish.
Aside from high-efficiency performance, Bosch has also loaded this with excellent features. Overall, this small washer and dryer series is everything you would want in a washer-dryer combo. There’s one slight disappointment for the techies, however: it’s not app controlled.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 33 1/8 inches
- Width: 23 1/2 inches
- Depth: 25 inches
- Open Door Depth: 42 1/2 inches
- 2.2 Cu. Ft washer; 4.0 Cu. Ft. dryer
- High-efficiency machine
- Front-load
- LED touchscreen control
- 15 wash cycle
- EcoSilence motor
- Vibration and noise reduction
- Out-of-balance detection
- Automatic temperature control
- Child Lock
- 84 kWh annually
- Energy Star, UL Listed and ADA Compliant
Small Washer and Dryer – All-in-One
GE 2.4 Cu. Ft. Washer and Dryer Combo
You can maximize your space well with this small washer and dryer combo from GE. This all-in-one unit includes both a 2.4 cubic foot washer and a dryer in a single tub.
On top of being a quiet machine, it also employs a steam function. Moreover, it not only removes stains, but also sanitizes as well as reduces the number of wrinkles in your clothes.
GE’s compact combo also has a ventless dryer that eliminates the need for an external drying vent. You can tuck it underneath a cabinet or countertop without hassles.
This small washer and dryer combo has 14 wash or rinse cycles and 16 drying cycles in just a single tub. There are also four drying temperatures, and the auto-wash and dry programs of these types of machines don’t only offer convenience but also reduces your laundry time by cutting it in half.
The best thing about this product is its wireless connectivity. You can purchase a WiFi adapter to configure the programs through your phone. What’s more, it has Add Garment options that’ll unlock the door so no laundry will be left out.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 33 1/4 inches
- Width: 23 7/16 inches
- Depth: 25 5/8 inches
- Open Door Depth: 42 13/16 inches
- 2.4 Cu. Ft. Washer and dryer
- Vent-less
- Vibration reduction
- Steam wash
- Auto-wash and dry
- Child Lock
- 14 wash and rinse cycles
- 108 kWh annually
- Energy Star Certified
Whirlpool 2.8 Cu. Ft. Washer and Dryer Electric Combo
Whirlpool’s revolutionary small washer and dryer combo can help to simplify your job in this one-tub-does-all laundry machine.
It has intuitive controls that offer various choices for your fabric needs. It also has 28 wash cycles, which look like an awful lot of choices to choose from, right? However, it’ll let you set the perfect cycle for your clothes. There are also two drying cycles to take care of fabric and prevent wrinkling.
Another of the best features of this Whirlpool is its Load and Go Plus dispenser: there’s no need to add detergent powder and fabric conditioner every time.
You can just dump it in the dispenser in one go. Then, your washer will handle the rest for you. You can skip the refilling process up to 20 times.
Furthermore, if you’re a person who is very specific to the product’s appearance, it’s worth having a look at this unit. It has a sleek Cashmere Champagne finish, LED display, as well as touch screen controls.
It also has wireless connectivity via the Whirlpool app, so you can still do your laundry even if you’re away.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 33 2/7 inches
- Width: 24 inches
- Depth: 28 inches
- Open Door Depth: 48 8/9 inches
- 2.8 Cu. Ft. Washer and dryer
- 28 wash cycles
- Load and Go Plus dispenser
- Automatic temperature control
- Control lock
- Whirlpool App connectivity
- 180 kWh annually
LG 2.3 Cu. Ft. Washer and Electric Dryer Combo with Steam
This small washer and dryer unit operates from your wireless commands, making your chores a bit more exciting.
One of the best things about advanced all-in-one washers and dryers these days is the fact you can connect them to smart apps. An example of this is the LG WM3499HVA small washer and dryer combo.
It’s compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can remotely control the equipment through voice commands.
This is one of our top picks because of its innovative technology. Firstly, it supports the SmartThinQ technology of LG so you can simplify your laundry to-do-list. Secondly, it has smart 6Motion technology. It’s a revolutionary way of getting clothes clean and sanitary.
Another perfect feature that LG offers is its noise reduction element. The TrueBalance anti-vibration system ensures smooth and quiet operation every time.
What We like about this Washer and Dryer
- Height: 33 1/2 inches
- Width: 24 inches
- Depth: 25 1/3 inches
- Open Door Depth: 45 inches
- 2.3 Cu. Ft. Washer and dryer
- High-efficiency washing
- Steam Function
- 14 wash and rinse cycles
- Ventless
- Wireless connectivity
- Child Lock
- Quiet performance
How to Buy a Small Washer and Dryer
Your small laundry room shouldn’t hamper your chores. If you live in a small apartment, then this is definitely a pain point. Here are some tips in picking up a small washer and dryer for your home.
Measurements are Important
Standard compact washers do not occupy more than 27 x 31 inches of floor area. If you choose to have a laundry center, then you need to have vertical clearance of at least 76 inches.
On the other hand, compact all-in-one washers will fit in fine under the countertop. To be sure about the right dimensions, always measure your available floor space before buying.
Stacking Kits
Your stackable machines may fit. However, it doesn’t mean that they’ll stay up.
Motor vibrations will eventually dislocate the stack and the machine may end up on the floor. This is where a stacking kit comes in.
A professional installer will know how to do it for you in a safe manner. Some brands like LG already include the kit in their package. But you may also need to purchase a separate one for other brands.
Vents
The stackable washer and dryer units make use of vents for drying so they’re considered vented. Generally, drying machines need an external vent or air outlet to release moisture; otherwise, humid air will pool inside your home.
On the other hand, a ventless dryer automatically cools the hot air after each washing cycle, which makes it easier to maintain. In fact, it hardly needs any maintenance at all.
However, they’re not as efficient as the vented units. But Bosch and LG have introduced “high-efficiency” washing for their ventless models. So, look out for these terms if you’re buying an all-in-one small washer and dryer.