With rising housing costs and smaller living spaces, compact washers have become an attractive option for many homeowners looking to save space and money on laundry. But are they really worth the investment? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of compact washers to help you decide if one is right for your needs.
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What is a Compact Washer?
A compact washer, sometimes called an apartment size washer, is typically 24 inches or less in width and can wash around half the amount (1-2 cubic feet capacity) of a standard size washer. They are intended for small living spaces, apartments, condos, RVs and more. The wash tub spins faster, allowing them to clean clothes efficiently using less water. Some compact models can be stacked with a dryer while others are all-in-one washers and dryer combos.
Pros of Compact Washers
There are many benefits that make compact washers an attractive choice:
Smaller Size
The most obvious pro is the smaller footprint. Measuring 24 inches or less in width, compact washers can fit in a bathroom, closet, or other small space. This makes them ideal for apartments, condos, RVs and anywhere space is limited. They can also be stacked with a dryer to maximize space savings.
Portability
Thanks to their small size, compact washers are portable. Some have casters so they can be easily rolled from room to room. The average compact washer weighs around 100 pounds or less, much lighter than standard models, so they can be moved as needed.
Efficiency
Compact washers are designed to efficiently clean clothes using less water and energy. The fast spinning wash tub generates more cleaning action with less water. They use roughly half the water of standard washers – great for conserving resources.
Price
Compact washers typically cost less upfront than full-size models. Prices range from $300-$1000. So you’ll spend less initially. Operating costs are low too since they use less water and energy per load.
Fewer Loads
The small tub capacity means you’ll do smaller loads of laundry. But this can be seen as a positive – no more hauling massive loads up and down stairs or across long distances to communal laundry rooms.
Cons of Compact Washers
However, there are some downsides to compact washers to be aware of:
Small Loads
The 1-2 cubic foot capacity does limit how much you can wash per load. This may require you to do more frequent loads.
| Washer Type | Average Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Washer | 3-5 cubic feet |
| Compact Washer | 1-2 cubic feet |
Cycle Time
Some compact washers have longer cycle times, up to 50 minutes, due to the low-water tumbling technology. So while you’ll do more loads, each will take longer to finish.
Noise
The fast spinning tub and compact design can lead to more noise while washing. Measurements show compact washers operate at roughly 70-80 decibels compared to 60-70 for standard washers.
Fewer Cycles & Settings
Compact washers offer less variety in settings compared to full-size models – typically just 2-5 basic cycles. So you lose some functionality and customization of cleaning.
Washing Large Items
Fitting bulky items like comforters may be difficult in the small washtub. You’ll have to opt for a laundrymat for oversized items.
Ideal Compact Washer Uses
While compact washers work well for most basic laundry needs, they are best suited to certain living situations and lifestyles:
- Apartments & condos
- Tiny homes
- RVs & campers
- Dorm rooms
- In a closet or bathroom
- For 1-2 people
Top Compact Washer Brands
Here are some of the best reviewed compact washer brands on the market:
GE Washers
GE offers several compact washer models like the GE GNW128PSMWW and GNW128PSMWW. These 1.6 cubic foot capacity models include features like stain removal, allergen cycles, and WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring.
LG Washers
LG compact washers boast LG’s unique TurboWash technology that power-cleans clothes up to 30 minutes faster. Models like the LG WCGT4027C condense cycles but still offer sensor drying, tub cleaning and an inverter motor.
Magic Chef Washers
For a budget compact washer, Magic Chef delivers decent cleaning and a 1 year warranty. The top loader MCSTCW16W2 has 1.6 cu ft capacity with 7 wash programs. Pricing starts around $400.
Haier Washers
Known for reliability, Haier compact washers include the 1.6 cubic foot HLPW028AXW model with a stainless steel tub, transparent lid and leak detection that automatically shuts off water flow to prevent floods.
Costway Washers
Costway offers super affordable compact washing machines like the Costway 17.6lbs Compact Washer for $300-400. These basic models still include timing settings, inlet filters and emergency drainage functions.
Pricing for Compact Washers
Compact washers range from $300 on the low end for basic models to $1000+ for high efficiency, WiFi enabled washers from premium brands. Here’s an overview of pricing:
| Compact Washer Price | Features |
|---|---|
| $300 – $500 | Basic functions, top load, 1 year warranty |
| $500 – $700 | More cycles, portable, stacking units |
| $700 – $1000 | Hi-efficiency, smart features, quiet operation |
| $1000+ | Premium brands, inverter motors, WiFi monitoring |
Conclusion
For those short on space, compact washers can be a great solution for fitting laundry facilities into small homes. Key benefits are the smaller footprint, efficiency, portability, and lower costs. However the limited capacity and functionality may be disadvantages to some. Compact washers work best for 1-2 people with basic laundry needs. But those needing to wash large loads frequently will want to stick to a full size washer.
Overall, for the right situations, compact washers can provide an effective way to minimize the space taken up by your laundry facilities. The smaller loads may even benefit those who dread hauling massive laundry piles. Just be sure to match the capacity and cycles to your household needs to determine if going compact makes sense.