The Best Compact Washer and Dryer for 2023
The best compact washers and dryers come with a decent price tag but offer some incredible features as larger models.
If you want to save time and energy or don’t have access to traditional laundry facilities, a compact washer and dryer is a great option. This compact, portable appliance offers the convenience of being able to wash and dry clothes in one machine. Besides, you can easily fit it in a closet or small corner thanks to its small size, which frees up valuable space in your house.
A compact washer and dryer is especially ideal for people who lead busy lives because it eliminates the need to stress about trips to the laundromat or waiting for your clothes to dry. Therefore, if you want to add even more brightness to your summer, think about purchasing a compact washer and dryer to handle your laundry.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Giantex
2. Runner Up
BLACK+DECKER
3. Cost Effective
Giantex
4. Almost Made the Cut
LG Model WM3998HBA
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Giantex
The built-in pump drain on the washer provides a hassle-free solution for water drainage, which is ideal for small living spaces.
Specifications
- Weight
- 37.4 pounds
- Dimensions
- 17 x 17 x 29.5 inches
- Capacity
- 8 pounds
- Standard Cycles
- 5
- Access Location
- Top Load
- Inlet Hose
- 39.5 Inches
- Drain Hose
- 79 Inches
- Voltage
- 110 Volts
Pros
Fully Automatic- Low Loise Levels
- Three Water Levels
- Five Wash Modes
Cons
It Doesn’t Have Wheels- The Exterior Feels Flimsy
Previous Customer Experience
| For small spaces |   | 4.5 |
| Easy to use | | 4.3 |
| Lightweight | | 4.2 |
| Maneuverability | | 4.1 |
| Noise level | | 4.1 |
| Value for money | | 3.5 |
Who It's For
Measuring about 17 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 29.5 inches high, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine optimizes compact living spaces such as apartments, RVs, and dorms. One of the best features of this little machine is its automation system, which means you can select a washing program and let it do its thing. This machine has six washing modes, but the default setting is wash-rinse-spin. Depending on your laundry needs, you can opt for a wash, wash-rinse, rinse-spin, soak-wash-rinse-spin, or just spin mode.
Why It’s Great
Despite its compact size, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine has a spacious 8-pound capacity tub, which we found to be more than enough for small to medium-sized loads of laundry. The machine also features a lint trap in the tub to prevent lint and fluff from getting into the machine. Removing and cleaning this was very easy, and we opted to clean it after every cycle to keep the unit in perfect running condition.
In addition to the six washing modes, the machine has three water level options (low, medium, and high) that you can adjust depending on the load size. What we found the most impressive is that we could control the water level without pausing or stopping a running cycle. All settings were controllable from an intuitive panel that is very easy to use, even for first-timers. The control panel also includes a timer that emits a loud beep when the cycle is complete.
Potential Flaws
While the Giantex Portable Washing Machine lacks wheels, we found that its weight of 37.4 pounds made it easy to move around. We could scoot it from storage to the laundry area (in our case, the kitchen) and back without much effort. However, this may not be the case for everyone. The housing also felt flimsy and susceptible to breakage if not handled properly.
Other Features
The Giantex Portable Washing Machine has a built-in drain pump and a 79-inch outlet tube with a U-bend that hooks the sink for easy drainage of dirty water. Additionally, there is a 39.5-inch inlet hose with ¾-inch female pipe threads on both ends. However, we will note that the threading is not universally compatible with all taps, and customers may need to purchase an adapter to ensure a proper fit. We had to do the same during our testing to guarantee a secure connection. Overall, this compact washer and dryer is a good option for anyone needing a fully automatic machine optimized for small spaces.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
BLACK+DECKER
This compact but mighty washer can handle up to 11 pounds of laundry, making it perfect for basic washing needs.
Specifications
- Weight
- 48.4 pounds
- Dimensions
- 17.7 x 17.3 x 31.1 inches
- Capacity
- 11 pounds
- Standard Cycles
- 5
- Access Location
- Top Load
- Voltage
- 110 Volts
Pros
- Side Handles and Rollers
- Convenient LED Display
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Delayed Start Feature
Cons
- The normal mode has an exceptionally long spincycle
Previous Customer Experience
| For small spaces | | 4.6 |
| Easy to use | | 4.6 |
| Noise level | | 4.3 |
| Maneuverability | | 4.2 |
Who It's For
The BLACK+DECKER Portable Washer is a versatile, feature-packed compact machine perfect for household use. With a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, this little machine can handle about 6.6 pounds of laundry in slightly under an hour. Unlike agitator machines, this is an impeller washer, and you can use it to launder delicate clothing such as baby clothes and lingerie. Impellers spin and create cleaning currents that gently rub clothes against each other. This washing method is often more effective and gentler than agitators, which make direct contact with the clothes.
Why It’s Great
The BLACK+DECKER Portable Washer weighs 48.4 pounds, which is relatively heavy for a portable washing machine. Luckily, it comes with two roller wheels and two side handles, which allowed us to move it around. Although you may have to bend a little while wheeling it, it beats lifting the machine. This unit has a heavy, gentle, rapid, or soak cycle and three water levels for large, medium, and small laundry loads.
We liked the feature-rich LED display panel because it gives the machine the appearance of a full-sized washer and dryer. One of these features is automatic shut-off, which ensures that the unit shuts off once a cycle is complete to prevent overwashing or over-drying. The delayed start option allowed us to set a wash to start up to 24 hours in advance, which was ideal for letting us do laundry during off-peak hours or if we wanted to have our laundry complete by a specific time.
Inside the machine is a stainless steel tub with a lint filter that you can clean once a month or sooner, depending on your laundry frequency. The cherry on top is that this machine has a powerful spin without the noise and vibration common in other washers.
Potential Flaws
While this machine generally has a superfast and relatively quiet spin, it does spin exceptionally long on the normal wash cycle. We also found out that the standard wash setting limits the adjustments you can make. We found we could not adjust the spin and wash times or the number of rinses.
Other Features
Like most compact washers and dryers, the BLACK+DECKER portable washer includes a built-in drain hose and a sink adaptor that is easy to connect. Additionally, the machine has a child lock protection feature, which prevents children from accidentally starting the unit or tampering with the settings. Our testing proves this pick holds up well, even for households doing multiple washes. A newer model is available now on Amazon that carries an improved set of the same impressive features as the BLACK+DECKER portable washer.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
Giantex
With a 7.7-pound load capacity, this little unit is practical and affordable.
Specifications
- Weight
- 40 pounds
- Dimensions
- 16 x 16.5 x 29.5
- Capacity
- 7.7 Pounds
- Special Feature
- Full-automatic
- Max Spin Speed
- 1300 RPM
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
Pros
- Automatic Wash, Rinse, and Spin Functions
- Adjustable Feet
- Soft Close Lid
- Sanitizing Light
Cons
- No Timer
- Complex User Manual
Previous Customer Experience
| For small spaces | | 4.6 |
| Lightweight | | 4.3 |
| Noise level | | 4.2 |
| Easy to use | | 4.1 |
| Value for money | | 4 |
| Maneuverability | | 3.9 |
Who It's For
At a very reasonable price, the Giantex Portable Washer and Dryer is perfect if you’re looking for the best compact washer and dryer.
Why It’s Great
It has an energy-saving feature that turns off the machine if ten minutes pass by without use, although it doesn't have an Energy Star rating. The ventless top-loading machine has a 0.8 cubic feet capacity that can take 7.7 pounds of laundry load with six wash cycles and a single spin-dry speed.
Potential Flaws
The machine lacks any steam or heat technology; therefore, clothes will be wrinkled after washing. However, it doesn’t leave clothes unsanitized as it comes with germicidal UV lighting inside the machine that will protect clothes from bacteria.
It doesn't come with any locking mechanism or dispensers like the other washers we reviewed. Customers also complain that the machine can be noisy.
Other Features
The Giantex has three water level selections that you can set, depending on your laundry load. It has a filter that collects cotton fiber, and a reload mechanism for adding clothes mid-cycle. It uses a simple 120V plug outlet.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
LG Model WM3998HBA
While this is not a very compact unit, it is a quality choice for those who want the convenience of a full-size washer/dryer but have limited space.
Specifications
- Weight
- 213.8 Pounds
- Dimensions
- 31.5 D x 41.75 W x 29.5 H inches
- Capacity
- 4.5 Cubic Feet
Pros
- Very Efficient
- Straightforward setup
- 4.5 cu. ft. ultra-large capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires Regular Maintenance
- Can Take Up to 8 Hours For a Wash + Dry Cycle
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to install | | 4.7 |
| Easy to use | | 3.6 |
| Energy efficiency | | 3.6 |
| Value for money | | 3.3 |
| Wrinkle-free | | 3 |
Why It’s Great
This not-so-compact washer/dryer by the LG brand has many features that would've made it a part of our list. Sporting a massive 4.5 cubic feet capacity, this machine can take a considerable amount of laundry load. It does not have any Energy Star ratings, although it offers a TurboWash mechanism that reduces washing time by 30 minutes, conserving energy.
It provides steam and heat technology and washing and drying features like five spin speeds, 14 wash cycles, five soil levels, and five temperature settings.
Potential Flaws
The hefty price tag of this machine was the primary reason it couldn't make the cut. Also, most of the extra features are not essential, and you can still have a good wash without them. Some customers also complain of a very long drying time and a foul smell after washing.
Other Features
This ventless washer/dryer boasts a wide array of extra features such as Allergiene Cycle technology that deals with dust mites and pet dander, ColdWash options, four-tray dispensers, ThinQ App linking, child lock, and so many more. It also provides an outstanding ten-year motor warranty, three years for the drum, and one year for the machine parts.
Who This Is For
This list of the best compact washer and dryer are for anyone looking for an all-in-one solution to their laundry needs this summer. It is especially if you have little space and need a small, simple unit.
Are compact washer and dryers worth it?
Smaller washers translate to more time spent washing and drying, and you might have to separate your laundry into multiple loads if the machine doesn’t have enough capacity to carry the entire load at once.
However, with the current decline in the size of houses, compact washers will be a much wiser decision in the long term. According to Statista, the average size of a single-family home fell steadily from 2,467 square feet in 2015 to 2,261 square feet by 2020. These portable washers are also a great idea as most of them can fit in mobile homes, RVs, and other non-traditional housing options.
Are compact washers more expensive?
Most of them are more costly than traditional washers. This is because they offer convenience and portability, unlike standard washers. Also, they are typically gentler on clothes, and more energy- and water-efficient, so they save more money.
Why You Should Trust Us
Most reviews and advertisements for compact washers focus on washer and dryer sets and not the best compact washer and dryer combo. These sets are smaller than the standard washers but are still much larger than the all-in-one machines. Hence, we emphasized products with all-in-one washing and drying features. While reviewing them, we considered critical factors like unit capacity, steam technology for washing and drying, energy efficiency, and affordability.
How We Picked
Compact washer and dryer combo machines are a relatively new technology. However, there are still numerous models from different brands in the market, each offering you a plethora of features. It is easy to get intimidated by the wide range of options online.
To make the process easier, we went over customer reviews and ratings of these machines and compared them with the product offers on their official websites.
Size and noise levels
We looked into their experience while setting up the machines, the noise levels, and the speed of washing and drying during use. We also compared the different unit capacities and sizes to determine how portable these units genuinely are.
Performance
Then, we carefully analyzed the energy rating of each unit under consideration. We didn’t overlook innovative features like steam technology, automatic reload, automatic dispensers, child lock, and more. Since they would enhance your experience with the machine, we made sure to compare them too!
Quality vs. price
Finally, we compared the quality and features of each machine with its price to ensure we would bring you the most cost-effective and high-quality, and overall best compact washer and dryer for your pleasure.
How We Picked
Capacity
The best compact washer and dryer should still carry a sizable amount of laundry, so we compared each unit’s capacity carefully.
Energy Rating
Energy ratings provide insight into a machine's energy efficiency and operating requirements. Therefore, it's important that we review energy-efficient machines.
Steam Wash and Dry technology
We were looking for machines that offered steam technology because it is an extra feature that improves the washing or drying experience.
Cost-Effectiveness
These machines don't come cheap. The best compact washer and dryer will therefore have features that are well worth the money invested in them.
Care and Maintenance
The warranty on your washer will not mean a thing if you do not maintain it. Here are some ways to ensure that the best washer and dryer combo lasts you for as long as possible.
Maintenance wash
A maintenance wash is supposed to be done at least once a month. This wash is typically done with cleaning vinegar and baking soda while the machine runs at the hottest temperature and highest wash cycle. The purpose is to thoroughly clean the machine’s interior, especially the rubber gasket which can quickly accumulate dirt.
Cleaning out lint and dust from your compact washer and dryer
As time passes, your washing machine filter will gather dust and small particles that fall off your clothes during laundry. You should clean out these filters ]at least once a month.
Choose your detergents carefully
Normal detergents produce more suds than high-efficiency detergents and can quickly lead to mold and bacteria buildup. It is best to use high-efficiency machine detergents and use the smallest amount indicated on the machine.
Sources and Research
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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