The Best Compact Laundry (2023 Update)

If you're short on space but still want the convenience of in-home laundry, a compact washer and dryer could be the perfect solution.

These machines can easily fit into a spare closet or kitchen nook without the need for outdoor venting.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best compact washer and dryer options on the market, highlighting the top three brands and their key differences.

With over 30,000 service calls logged by our service department last year, these compact washer and dryer sets are both available and reliable.

Let's get started.

Short on time? Get our free Compact Laundry Buying Guide

What Is Compact Laundry?

Compact Washer and Dryer Placed Under Counter

Compact washers and dryers are designed to fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, condos, and small homes.

Compact laundry units measure approximately 34 inches high by 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep - similar to the size of a dishwasher.

In comparison, full-sized models tend to be taller, wider, and deeper, with dimensions of around 38 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 30.5-34 inches deep.

Compact washers and dryers offer versatility in placement, allowing you to place them in a closet, side-by-side, stacked, or even in your kitchen.

Moreover, most compact dryers are ventless, requiring only water and electricity, making them suitable for upstairs placement.

Many residents of larger homes are now placing compact sets upstairs in closets near the bedrooms instead of going downstairs to the basement.

Whether you live in a small home or are seeking to maximize your space, compact laundry appliances are a great option for your laundry needs.

Best Compact Washers and Dryers for 2023

Best Overall: Bosch Compact Washer WAW285H1UC ($1,449) and Heat Pump Dryer WTW87NH1UC ($1,449)

Dimensions: 23.5" W, 33.25" H, 25" D | Capacity: 2.2 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 14 Cycles, 10 Options | Spin Speed: 1400 RPM | Wi-Fi: Yes | Automatic Dispenser: No| Reliability: 2.5%

Bosch, like Miele, is another German company. They are the most popular suppliers of compact laundry. Unlike family-owned Miele, Bosch is a huge conglomerate.

The machines are built solidly, offer better sound insulation, and are reliable for parts and service.

Bosch compact laundry is one of the most reliable compact washer brands with 2.5% service rate, compared to 5.6% for compact washers overall and 9.5% for appliances in general.

Their compact laundry lineup will have three washer and dryer models with unique features. The dryers are condensation-only (ventless) dryers.

Compared to other options, they are the quietest at 52 dB.

With Bosch compact laundry, you can pick the water temperature for your wash cycles. I do not mean hot, warm, or cold, but 60°, 90°, 105°, and 140°. You can also choose your cycle based on the stain. Have red wine on your new pants? The machine will pick the right cycle to remove it.

Bosch is the only manufacturer with speed cycles in their washers and dryers at 15 minutes each in the high-end 800 Series models.

The 500 Series Bosch compact laundry set (featured above) is the best Bosch set with a 220-volt heat pump dryer. With a heat pump dryer, its drying cycle is faster than Miele’s dryer.

Both the washer and dryer have 14 programs. In addition, the washer features 10 options and the dryer features nine. 

Pros: Proven brand with a long history of manufacturing compact washers and dryers. Bosch offers excellent fast washing cycles, stain removal features, and sound insulation. It is also the most reliable.

Cons: Availability. The machines haven't been around for almost three years.

Best Features: Miele Compact Washer WXR 860 WCS ($2,449) and Dryer TXR 860WP ($2,449)

Dimensions: 23.5" W, 33.5" H, 25.38" D | Capacity: 2.3 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 25 Cycles | Spin Speed: 1600 RPM | Wi-Fi: Yes | Automatic Dispenser: Yes | Reliability: 8.5%

Miele is a family-owned German company known for its quality control. Miele builds over 98% of their parts and components in their factories.

The best Miele models have a setting for every type of clothing. Their washer and dryers are genuinely focused on fabric care with 25 different cycles.

Smart functionality lets you see the time remaining on your phone through an app. You will also receive texts when the cycle is finished or when you need to refill the detergent in the dispenser. Wi-Fi makes sense in laundry and will be convenient for you.

Now let’s talk about each unit’s features starting with the dryer.

If you are not venting and not on an inside wall or spare room, you always want to focus on the dryer. Most full-size dryers need to be vented. Most compact laundry is ventless.

It is a 110-volt heat pump with a steam cycle. Miele is the first with this technology, as every other major compact dryer is 220 volts.

Typically, 110-volt dryers are offered in washer and dryer combinations or specialized brands. Simply put, they usually take a long time to dry, if they work at all.

Miele uses a heat pump for more efficient and faster drying, even in a 110-volt operation.

Heat pumps are compressors, not heating elements. They use existing air and store it, so they are more efficient and do not project heat into the room.

You also can add fragrance to your clothes with Miele's unique fragrance feature, the "FragranceDos" dispenser. These fragrances are from France, no less.

Lastly, Miele's dryer features steam. Steam in a dryer refreshes the fabrics and removes the wrinkles. Need your favorite shirt for a night out? Place it in a steam setting on the dryer, and it is ready to go.

As for Miele’s compact washer, your fine washables glide on the water and do not touch the sides during the wash on Miele's specially designed-perforated honeycomb drum.

For that reason, Miele is the best for your fine washables, even silks. You will notice less stretching and tearing. It is the best machine for your gentle fabrics.

The washer also features steam to loosen and power out tough stains like red wine and grass.

Miele's washer has a fast spin speed of 1600 RPM. The average spin speed on a front load washer is 1200 RPM (revolutions per minute).

A faster spin speed will wring the clothes of excess water. Miele will almost spin the clothes dry resulting in shorter drying times in the dryer.

Their "TwinDos" automatic dispenser is a unique feature, as well. You can load up to 40 washes in the dispenser and even check how much is left on your phone using the app.

The machine will calculate the number of clothes in the drum and dispense the optimal amount of detergent and bleach versus just detergent for every other brand.

Many full-size brands like GE, Whirlpool, and LG now have auto dispensers. It is a clever idea. You only need a capful detergent in front loads, yet most people use it more.

That excess detergent from every load will eventually cause a problem in the machine for an expensive service call.

The intensive wash cycle imports the water from the top and bottom for the maximum saturation of clothes with even distribution of detergents and bleach.

Pros: There's a cycle for every type of fabric with 25 cycles and swipe controls. If you have delicate clothing or just want to make your clothes last longer, this is the model to consider.

Miele also offers several ways to provide the machine with detergent. Use the TwinDos system and let the machine do all the thinking. You can also put in your favorite detergent brand using the single-dose tray.

Have a specific load like sportswear that just needs a little cleaning? Miele offers specially formulated detergent through the CapDos system.

Cons: It is the most expensive at $4,899.

Read More: Differences Between Miele Compact Laundry Models

Best Vented Set: Beko Compact Washer BWM7200X ($1,099) and Dryer BDV7200X ($999)

Dimensions: 23.63" W, 33.08" H, 22.88" D | Capacity: 2.0 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 15 Cycles | Spin Speed: 1200 RPM | Wi-Fi: No | Automatic Dispenser: No | Reliability: 13.3%

Beko is a huge Turkish manufacturer also manufactured under Blomberg.

Beko is one of your only vented options because it passed the UL fire containment requirements, unlike most vented brands.

It has a unique depth of 22 inches compared to most 24-inch depth compact laundry units. In tight spaces, the depth can make an enormous difference.

Beko compact laundry will have automatic and adjustable controls as well. Depending on your preference and load types, your machine can adjust to customized wash and dry cycles or be manually selected for more customization.

Honorable Mention: Beko Compact Laundry WFTV10733XC ($1,399) and HPD24414W ($1,399)

Dimensions: 23.63" W, 33.06" H, 22.81" D | Capacity: 2.3 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 15 Cycles | Spin Speed: 1400 RPM | Wi-Fi: Yes | Automatic Dispenser: No | Reliability: 13.3%

Beko is a likable company. They are committed to green technology and even have a manifesto on their website.

They also have been marketing heat pump technology in the U.S. longer than any other company under their subsidiary Blomberg.

It is a good option and especially good when there are no alternatives.

Read More: Should You Buy a Beko Compact Washer and Dryer?

What Are the Most Reliable Compact Laundry Brands?

Compact Washer Reliability for 2023

The following service rates are based on at least 50 products sold and a total sample of over 1300 units over 12 months.

The average rate for compact washers is 9.7%.

Bosch is the most reliable brand, with a service rating of 2.5%. However, the other brands were more popular with much larger volumes because Bosch was not available.

Read More: Most Reliable Compact Washers

Read More: Most Reliable Compact Washers

Key Takeaways

You should be aware of where your laundry will be situated. Can you vent, or will it be in a ventless location, like a closet or kitchen space?

When comparing these brands, Beko will be less expensive. They are also great for tight areas, and you can vent the dryer outside from an installation perspective. Their heat pump was worth considering as well.

Miele is the most featured. The drum, spin speed, and innovative AutoDos dispenser are certainly worth considering.

Bosch is the most reliable brand with some decent cycles. Their 220-volt heat pump will be excellent.

If you have any questions about compact laundry and any other brands, feel free to leave them in the comments. I will be happy to offer any suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are our top questions from our readers.

1. How Do I Vent Compact Laundry?

As we said before, compact laundry has the most variation between brands. Some have vented dryers, some have ventless condensation, and some have a ventless heat pump. Your current electrical and venting profile determines the compact laundry set. Most compact laundry is ventless, whereas the full size is vented.

2. Do Compact Laundry Dryers Need to be Vented?

You have a vented dryer if you live in the suburbs (like me in Needham originally). You can immediately identify them by the steel tube exiting your house from the dryer. However, compact laundry dryers do not need to be vented.

Ventless dryers work with a condenser which heats the air and helps evaporate water. Instead of pushing the air outside, it circles back into the condenser, where it is cooled. Still, the evaporated water needs to be removed from the dryer.

Pro Tip: You can run a line from the dryer to the washer drain to remove excess water.

Ventless dryers have become more popular, especially with builders and homeowners who cannot vent outside. It is also cheaper for the builder to not cut holes into a building and better for LEED certification for supplying ventless laundry.

Ventless dryers can work in any space with just 220 watts of power and a water line.

As for a vented dryer, it is are like a vacuum because it pulls the air in. To put it simply, it pulls air in from your laundry room, heats it, and then tumbles your clothes in it. Then it pushes the air outside through an exhaust.

Vented dryers usually cost less money to buy and dry faster than ventless versions but are more expensive to operate.

Learn More: Compact Laundry Buying Guide

3. What Is a Heat Pump Dryer?

Heat pump drying is the future. It is more efficient than the elements of condenser drying, so you will save money.

Heat pumps have other added benefits. They do not emit heat back into the room and are gentler on your clothes. Instead of elements, they use a compressor to store and recycle heat. I will copy Beko as they originally taught me years ago for the technical definition.

"A heat pump tumble dryer uses hot air to absorb moisture from your clothes to get them dry after a wash. After the air passes through the drum, it goes through the evaporator, removing the moisture collected as condensation and storing it in a tank. The remaining air is re-heated and sent back to the drum to start the cycle again and continue drying your clothes."

Miele went heat pump only in their drying two years ago. You will learn about Bosch and Beko as well in this article.

4. Do Heat Pump Dryers Work?

Yes, heat pump dryers work by using a compressor instead of elements. The air is then recirculated with no outside air being used. Heat pumps are more efficient than any type of dryer, but they are not widely sold in the US. Heat pumps are ventless as well.

Miele, Beko, and Bosch are changing that. Many more European companies, along with Samsung, will be next. Only Miele has engineered a 110-volt heat pump.

Read More: What Are the Benefits of Ventless and Heat Pump Dryers?

5. What Are the Electrical Requirements for Compact Laundry?

Below are the electrical requirements for Miele, Bosch, and Beko compact laundry.

Miele Heat Pump Laundry Requirements

• Washers: 120V, 15amps
• Dryers: 120V, 15amps

They can be powered individually but must be on different circuits. The most common installation, NEMA 4 prong adapter, is needed. The adapter plugs into a four-prong 30-amp outlet. Then the washer and dryer will need each plug into this adapter.

Bosch Condensation Laundry Requirements

• Washers: 208 – 220/240V, 20amps NEMA 3 or 4 prong plug
• Dryer: 208 – 220/240V, 30amp 3, or 4 prong outlets

Units can be plugged in separately, but this is uncommon due to the NEMA plug. By far, the most common installation is dryer plugs into the washer.

Beko Vented Laundry Requirements

• Washer WM77120: 208 – 240V, 15amps
• Dryer DV17542: 208 – 240V, 15amps

The washer plugs into the dryer. Dryer plugs into 208 – 240V, four-prong 30amp outlet.

Read More: Electrical Requirements for Compact Laundry

6. Can You Stack Compact Laundry?

Yes, every compact washer and dryer from every brand is designed to be stacked with a separate stacking kit.

Read More: How to Buy a Stackable Washer and Dryer

7. What Is the Average Cost of Compact Laundry?

The average cost of a compact washer and dryer set is about $2,000. This is about 10% more when compared to the average price of a full set. You can find more expensive models with better features, but it will be tough to find any reliable options priced less.

8. Should You Buy Smart Laundry Units?

Laundry would be truly smart if the machines could transfer the clothes from washer to dryer. Of course, that may never happen. There are all in one machine that washes and dries, but they are unreliable.

In terms of function, Bosch and Miele have some particularly good smart Programs to control your laundry from your phone. You can see how much time is remaining in all machines. This way, you do not have to trudge to the basement or upstairs in your closet to find you have 4 minutes left in a cycle.

The Miele app lets you control the machine and track the amount of detergent left in the TwinDos system. However, unlike Bosch, Miele does not seem to work with virtual assistants like Alexa or systems such as Nest.

Before buying any smart appliances, you should know there can be connectivity and security issues. Smart appliances and devices are the future. You just want to make sure they work today.

Learn More: Smart Appliance Buying Guide

9. What Compact Laundry Sets Should I Avoid?

I know I will get a lot of debate internally and externally for this. However, Whirlpool does not manufacture a competitive compact set currently. The lint has to be cleaned out periodically by a service tech. As I said before, having a service tech clean out the filter on a heat pump dryer is wrong on many levels.

Another compact laundry set to avoid is Samsung’s. I love their product. Their vented has steam and is deeper for more capacity. However, their availability is tough, with no product in the future. Finding a service if your dealer does not have it is another issue, as many people have said online and on this blog.

Additional Resources

Download the Yale Compact Laundry Buying Guide with specs, features, and buying tips for every major brand. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.