The Pros & Cons of Compact Washers & Dryers
Is your house or condominium short on space? To give you more room you may be able to do with a smaller washer and dryer. You might want to consider the pros and cons of installing the more compact models.
When space is on short supply but you still have laundry to do, a smaller washer and dryer can provide more room to organize the job. There are many types of homes that do not have space enough for a separate laundry area or room to accommodate a full-sized washer and dryer. If you live in an apartment, mobile home, condominium, cabin, or ranch house, you know what I’m talking about.
When homeowners are in the process of a remodel, they sometimes forego their large laundry room in favor of a larger kitchen or den area. People who have decided to downsize may be on the lookout for ideas to maximize the space in their new home.
Compact washing machines and dryers provide the same amount of cleaning power but in much smaller “packages,” so this could be the solution you’re looking for. Compact washers and dryers are definitely smaller than their traditional counterparts. They are about the same size as an average dishwasher, which is roughly 34” high, 24” – 27” wide and 23” deep. Their size makes for easy placement under an average counter-top and inside most cabinet configurations.
If you’re thinking of “trading down” and getting a compact washer and dryer, you may want to take some things under consideration, as follows:
Smaller Means Less Capacity
As is implied by their name, compact washers and dryers are smaller and therefore do not have the same capacity as larger ones. Compact washers measure 24” wide and have a capacity of approximately 1.5 cubic feet, although the same sized dryers have around 3.5 cubic feet. It all depends on what size family you have and how much laundry you do as to whether the smaller sized laundry units will adequately do the job for your household.
Stacked Vertically, They Save Floor Space
Another space-saving convenience of compact washers and dryers is that they can easily be stacked vertically, on top of one another. Some models even come this way, built as one unit. Arranging them this way saves floor space, but often at the expense of cabinet space above that can easily be reached. When they’re stacked, the washer typically goes on the bottom, supporting the dryer on top. This would probably not be the best solution for someone who is short or unable to reach high enough to use the dryer. So, this is one thing to consider when arranging the units.
If you’re leaning towards a stacked configuration, make sure that you measure the height of the area where you will be placing your units. You will have to add at least an extra foot if you’re going with a top-loading washer. You can’t have the dryer on top blocking the opening. If you have a lower ceiling and vertical space is in short supply, you can select a front-loading washer so you don’t have to add that extra foot. Just as with any washer/dryer, these compact units will still need washer hoses and vents for the dryer to function properly. If you want to save on space, these can easily be stacked to fit into a converted shower stall or small closet.
Side-by-Side Fit Easily Under Counters
Most compact washers and dryers will easily fit under a counter of standard height, so if you want to place your units side-by-side, you can easily install a counter-top over them. This would give you a convenient place to sort and fold clothes. You can even find compact washer/dryer units that have front panels designed to coordinate with cabinets.
Smaller washer/dryer units are less expensive to run because they use less energy and water, which will save you money. However, they may be a bit more pricey to purchase initially and if you are planning on stacking them, the kits add to the cost. To get the most savings on energy, make sure the models you’re considering have the ENERGY STAR certification. Another thing to think about is that electric dryers often need higher voltage than a standard outlet will provide. That being the case, you may have to pay to have a new wall outlet installed. Sparkle Appliance can help you with this or you can call your local electrician.
Save Even More Space with One Unit Washer/Dryer Combo
If you need to save even more space, you might want to consider the washer/dryer combination appliance. This is one unit that takes up half the amount of space that the separate compact washer and dryers use because it’s just one machine. However, the load capacity is smaller and they take quite a bit longer to finish their cycles. But because these are only one unit, they tend to cost less than the duo.
Most of these combination washer/dryer units are energy efficient and of course use less water than their standard sized counterparts, saving you money. Another benefit of these combination units is that many have an option to add casters to make them easier to move and store. And a lot of these models do not require the same venting, so you have a lot of flexibility as to where you can use them. Some come with a delayed start feature, which is a nice convenience, and they tend to make a lot less noise when operating than larger sized washers and dryers.
Portable Washers Are Movable
If you do not have a permanent place to keep a washing machine, you can always consider a portable washer. It comes with an adapter that connects to a faucet and that’s its water source and it drains out right into the sink. Most portable washers are electric, but there are no models currently on the market with the ENERGY STAR certification. They come with wheels so you can easily move them around to use and to store when you’re finished.
Opt to Air-Dry Your Clothes to Save More Space
Another way you can save space when it comes to laundry equipment is to simply do without a dryer. In years gone by, people hung their clothes to dry, either on clothes lines strung outside or on a rack inside in front of the radiator. If you really want to save space, this is a great option. Another advantage is that your clothes will last a lot longer because the heat generated when you tumble dry your clothes does cause them a lot of wear and tear. If you really want to save space, save money on energy and have your wardrobe last longer, air drying your laundry may work well for you.
