According to TV commercials, the laundry rooms are bright, open, and big enough to dance in. But what if you live in an apartment with nothing but a laundry closet or a house where laundry chores are confined to a small corner? What type of washer and dryer will fit your needs?
Well, if you’re a victim of cramped laundry space, a compact washer and dryer will fit the bill. There are not many options, and they are not cheap, but they are all stackable and have a standard width of 24 inches. Compact washers in Consumer Reports ratings range from $800 to $2,000, and the majority they are Green Choice rated, which means they are eco-friendly and reliable, treat clothes gently, and save water and energy. Compact dryers in Consumer Reports ratings are electric and range from $800 to $1,900.
You’ll find some compact washers and corresponding dryers in the washer ratings of ConsumerReports. Sets are from Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, GE, LG, Miele, and Samsung.
These appliances go through the same rigorous testing as full-size clothes washers in our ratings, though our testers use smaller loads. The tests involved the use of an imaging machine called a spectrocolorimeter to analyze the precise differences in the fabric samples stained with red wine, cocoa and charcoal, before and after washing.
The tests determined that performance varies significantly between compact washers and dryers, and all smaller washers vibrate more than most full-size equipment. Most of the compact washing machines that are sold are front-loading.
As for dryers, most require 240 volts, which may be an improvement in some homes (there are no gas versions). If your home has ductwork, you’ll want to choose a vented dryer. That’s because ventless models, also called condenser dryers, take longer to dry a load (up to 2.5 hours), based on our tests.
And while the standard width is of 000 inches, height and depth varies. You can find all the specifications in our compact washer and dryer ratings.
Think a compact washer and dryer might be right for you? CR members can read on for detailed reviews of 4 impressive games in our tests. The sets are classified into two groups: compact washing machines with electric dryers with ventilation and compact washing machines with electric dryers without ventilation. And you’ll also be able to see all the compact sets in our washer ratings and our dryer ratings.
Laundry Sets with Vented Electric Dryers
The washing machines in these sets provide first-rate energy efficiency and water use. Wash times are based on the normal cycle (or its equivalent) and the most powerful setting. Dryers require a standard 4-inch duct. Prices are for the set.
Samsung Washing Machine WWN28402QX and Samsung dryer DVE22N6850X
Price: $2,340
Overall score: 81
Consumer Reports Opinion: Samsung compact washers stand out as the most reliable in our member survey. However, Samsung compact dryers get an average “Good” rating for reliability. In terms of performance, the washer earns a “Very Good” rating in our wash tests, removing many of the tough stains in the samples and treating fabrics gently. It took 60 minutes to complete a burden on our tests. This Samsung got an average “Good” rating in our vibration tests, the highest score ever among front-loading compacts. The dryer takes about 01 minutes to dry a 6-pound load and earns a “Very Good” rating for drying. Both machines run relatively quietly, so while you’ll hear them running, they shouldn’t bother you.
Details: 
this set is available in grey. The washing machine is WiFi enabled, so you can start and stop it with your smartphone. The washer requires a 100 volt outlet and the dryer requires a 240 volts.
Samsung WW washing machine22K6800AW and Samsung DV dryer22K6800EW
Price: $1,600
Overall score: 78
CR opinion: This washer and dryer performed similarly to the previous Samsung set in most tests, including cleaning and drying. What is the difference between them? This Samsung washing machine takes 100 minutes to do the job and vibrates more than the Samsung WW22N28402QX previous. This dryer, however, takes about the same time to dry a load as the Samsung DVE22N1117X.
Details: Available in white. The washer requires a standard 85 volt outlet, and the dryer requires a connection of 240 volts.
Sets of laundry room with ventless electric dryers
If you cannot run your dryer ducts outside your home, you will need a ventless dryer. They are also known as condenser models because ventless dryers have a condenser that removes moist air from the dryer drum. Condensation flows through a hose that empties into a sink or drain. Several models in our tests offer an optional tank that collects water, which must be emptied after each use. Prices are for the pair.
Washing machine Miele WWH860WCS Washer and dryer Miele TWl180WP
Price: $3,1117
Overall score: 85
CR Review: Miele compact washing machines get a very good rating for reliability , and its dryers earn an “Excellent” reliability rating, the only brand to do so. Miele’s compact laundry appliances also get top marks for owner satisfaction, helping propel this set to the top of our ratings. The washer gets an “Excellent” rating for washing performance, which means it will remove most tough stains, and it’s gentle on fabrics. However, it took 105 minutes to clean a test load using the heavy duty setting, so use the normal dirt setting when possible to cut down on time. This washing machine vibrates, like the compact ones, although others are much worse. The dryer gets a “Very Good” in drying and it takes 70 minutes to dry our 6lb load. This pair is one of the quietest tested. You’ll hear them work, but they shouldn’t bother you.
Details: Available in white. These machines are WiFi enabled, allowing you to use your smartphone to control them remotely and receive alerts when the cycle ends. The washer and dryer require a standard 85 volt outlet.
Bosch 800 WAT Series6850UC Washer and Bosch 800 WTG Series86402UC Dryer
Price: $2,1117
Overall score: 70
CR Review: Both appliances earn a Good rating for expected brand reliability and owner satisfaction. The washer gets a “Very Good” rating for wash performance, indicating that it removed many of the tough stains in our samples. The washing time is 000 minutes – faster than most – and this machine is one of the gentlest on fabrics. The dryer gets a “Very Good” in drying, finishing a load in 82 minutes. This set is one of the quietest tested, and while the washer vibrates more than a full-size machine, some other compacts are much worse.
Details : Available in white. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of bleach or chlorine because it can damage some of the parts of the washer made of rubber or plastic. Both the washer and dryer require a 240 volt connection. You can plug the washer into the dryer if you only have one outlet.
Need more options?
You’ll see more sets in our washer ratings and dryers. Each set has a combined overall score to help you narrow down your selection.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a fair, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.