The Best Compact Washers and Dryers of 2025

The most popular compact laundry has changed radically, especially with heat pump dryers.

You can now fit a washer and dryer almost anywhere.

In this article, you'll learn about the newest models from the best brands. We'll also cover a few problems to consider, including reliability issues.

This information isbased on 33,000 real service calls logged by our service department last year.

Let's get started.

Why This Article Is Worth Your Time

Yale started in Boston.

Like many cities with new condos, we have sold and, more importantly, repaired compact washers and dryers for at least 25 years.

At one time, these compact washers were basic, and the dryers were vented. Then, they became more complicated with condenser dryers (remember those?).

Now, compact washers and dryers are the most feature-packed, with auto dispensers and heat pump dryers.

Features are always fun to write about, whether you read about them here or on Wirecutter.

However, reliability is even more important, especially in an industry chronically lacking support.

Then, you have a lurking issue nobody in the appliance business discusses.

What Is Compact Laundry?

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

Their compact size - 34 inches in height, 24 inches in width, and 24 inches in depth - allows you to install them in a small closet or even a kitchen cabinet.

By the way, the compact washer is the same size as a dishwasher. Both are designed to fit a 24-inch cabinet.

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

Heat Pump vs. Condenser vs. Vented Compact Dryers

Years ago, I had a Miele compact washer and dryer; it was a ventless condenser dryer.

Condenser dryers had electric elements and a condenser to turn the steam into water.

Instead of venting outside, the dryer would project the air back into the room.

My laundry room would be hot with all that heat and moisture.

But that was 20 years ago.

Your room will not be hot with a heat pump.

Heat pump dryers recycle heat by employing a compressor to heat through an air exchanger with an evaporator to remove the moisture.

Compare that to your vented dryer, which pulls air out of your room, heats it with old-fashioned elements, and vents the heat outside.

Heat pumps are significantly more efficient because they recycle heat.

This results in an estimated annual savings of $100–$150 compared to a standard dryer, based on Massachusetts utility rates and assuming one load per day.

By the way, dryers are the second most energy-consuming appliance in your house, after your HVAC.

You can also place a washer and dryer anywhere with electricity, water, and a drain because heat pumps are ventless.

Read More: Should You Buy a Heat Pump Dryer? Pros and cons Explained

What Are the Most Reliable Compact Laundry Brands?

Compact Washer Reliability for 2025

The following service rates are based on a minimum of 70 products sold and a total sample of over 700 products within 12 months.

Based on over 33,000 service calls logged in the past 12 months, Bosch and Miele are the most reliable compact washer brands, with service rates below the 6.8% industry average.

Dryer reliability is more important. I will tell you why in a bit.

But first, the reliability numbers.

Compact Dryer Reliability for 2025

The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 600 products within 12 months:

Miele is excellent at 3.9%, even better than the reliable vented dryers. Then again, Miele produces only heat pump dryers, and they have done so since 2017.

Bosch is a bit higher, but only because their heat pump model is relatively new.

The Problem with Heat Pump Dryer Repair

If I asked you what appliance has a compressor, heat exchanger, and evaporator, you would say a refrigerator.

You would be right, but that combination is also the core of heat pump dryers.

However, refrigerator techs don’t know dryers, and dryer techs don’t know refrigerators.

So who is going to fix them?

Before buying, it’s important to check if service is available in your area, especially for heat pumps.

You may want to ask specifically who will fix a heat pump dryer.

Read More: Most Reliable Compact Washers

The Best Compact Washers and Dryers of 2025

Best Overall: Miele WXR 860 WCS and TXR 860WP

Miele builds over 98% of its parts and components in its factories.

The WXR 860 WCS and TXR 860WP are the best compact washer and dryer set you can buy. Additionally, they are likely the most sophisticated appliances you can buy.

Let's talk about each unit's features, starting with the washer.

Key Features of the Miele Compact Washer WXR 860 WCS

Washer Cycles

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.

Steam Cycle

Steam is introduced into the drum at the end of the cycle, reducing wrinkles, making them easier to handle, and reducing the need for ironing.

Steam is gentler on your clothing and can help eliminate allergens and bacteria.

Steam is a common cycle in full-size laundry, but only Miele, Electrolux, and Samsung have steam in compacts.

QuickIntenseWash

The QuickIntenseWash cycle imports water from the top and bottom to ensure maximum saturation of clothes and an even distribution of detergents and bleach.

Honeycomb Drum

Miele's compact washer has a unique honeycomb drum that helps your delicate clothes float in water, reducing rubbing and wear.

It's perfect for gentle fabrics - even silks - and you'll see less stretching and tearing.

The Miele dryer complements this with a honeycomb drum featuring smaller holes to prevent snagging.

Detergent Dispenser

Miele is the only compact washer that can dispense detergent in different ways.

Caplets

Miele offers single-use caplets designed specifically for the fabric you are washing. The capsule contains softeners, proofing agents, and detergent enhancers.

You can also buy popular caplets like Tide as well

The machine automatically dispenses the capsule's contents at the right time, resulting in optimal stain removal.

TwinDos

Miele TwinDos consists of 2 cartridges integrated into the machine.

Ultra phase one contains detergent suitable for all fabric types.

Ultra phase two introduces and enhances detergent (color-safe bleach) that further boosts ultra phase one.

Ultra-phase one is dispensed first, and approximately 15 minutes later, ultra-phase two is dispensed, giving you a longer cleaning cycle before the enzymes break down.

Using the app, you can load up to 40 washes in the dispenser and check how much is left on your phone.

The machine will calculate the number of clothes in the drum and dispense the optimal amount of detergent and color-safe bleach compared to just detergent for every other brand.

Many full-size brands, such as GE, Whirlpool, and LG, now have auto dispensers.

This is a clever idea. You only need a capful of 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.

However, the cartridges are available only from Miele.

Spin Speed

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.

Key Features of the Miele Compact Dryer TXR 860WP

First, Miele is the most reliable compact dryer brand.

Miele's dryer is a 120-volt heat pump dryer with a steam cycle. Miele was the first to use this technology, as every other major compact dryer uses 240 volts.

Typically, 120-volt dryers are offered in washer and dryer combinations or specialized brands designed for apartments.

However, drying your clothes can take as long as two hours, depending on the fabric.

Miele Steam Dryer

You probably think steam is unnecessary in a dryer because you have it in the washer. However, steam in a dryer refreshes clothes.

Is your favorite shirt wrinkled? Refresh it in the steam dryer.

FragranceDos

Like the washer, the dryer has a caplet dispenser, except it adds fragrance to your clothes.

You can choose from scents like Nature, Cocoon, and Aqua. All of these fragrances are crafted in France, no less.

Makes you wonder... what does a cocoon smells like?

Bosch vs. Miele Compact Dryers: Drying Time

You would think Bosch would be much faster at 240 volts.

However, Miele employs mineral sensors to dry specifically to the mineral content of your water and adjusts it as the clothes dry.

Also, the Miele moisture sensor is a bar that runs from the front of the drum to the back.

This method does a much better job of measuring the remaining moisture on all the clothes.

The Bosch moisture sensor only measures moisture in one location, not the entire drum.

Pros and Cons of Miele Compact Laundry

Pros: There's a cycle for every type of fabric with 25 cycles and swipe controls.

This washer and dryer is the best laundry set to consider if you have delicate clothing or just want to make your clothes last longer.

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.

Cons: It is the most expensive at $4,899, almost $2,000.

Read More: Differences Between Miele Compact Laundry Models

For Those Who Want Miele Without the Splurge: Miele WXD160WCS and TXD160WP

The basic Miele still has the HoneyComb drums, the high spin, caplet dispensing, steam on the washer, and the fragrance dispenser on the dryer.

This washer doesn't have the QuickIntenseWash, the TwinDos dispenser, steam on the washer, or some specialized cycles.

However, you save nearly $2,000 while still getting the same reliability.

Most Popular: Bosch WGB246AXUC and WQB245AXUC

Bosch, like Miele, is a German brand known for its reliability in compact laundry, especially for large projects.

The machines are solidly built, offer excellent sound insulation, and are known for their dependable parts and service.

Recently, Bosch introduced a new line of compact laundry, including three series: the 300, 500, and 800, each with its own unique features.

Key Features of the Bosch Compact Washer WGB246AXUC

Stain-Specific Wash Cycles

The Bosch 800 Series is the most popular for its ability to wash by stain type.

Have red wine on your new pants? The machine automatically selects the right cycle to remove it.

Automatic Dispenser

Similar to Miele, Bosch’s 800 Series features an automatic dispenser that ensures the right amount of detergent is used at the right time.

Reliability

Bosch is the most reliable compact washer brand, with a 6.1% service rate compared to the average of 6.8% for compact washers overall.

Key Features of the Bosch Compact Dryer WQB245AXUC

Heat Pump Drying and Self-Cleaning Evaporators

Bosch’s 500 and 800 series also feature heat pump dryers and self-cleaning evaporators.

Unlike most brands, their filters clean themselves using moisture from the evaporator to flush away lint.

Pros and Cons of Bosch Compact Laundry

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: You don't have the features of the Miele, especially the dispensing and Honeycomb drum, even at the same price.

You also have to add water for the steam cycle in the dryer. I wonder why?

LG WM1455HWA and DLHC1455W

Key Features of LG Compact Washer WM1455HWA

The LG compact washer offers features similar to their full-size laundry, minus the larger size.

Capacity and Cycles

The washer has a 2.4-cubic-foot capacity and offers 14 wash cycles with nine options.

Ease of Use

You can pair the washer with the dryer using the ThinQ app, which tells the dryer the appropriate setting based on your wash cycle.

AI-Powered Washing

The washer also uses AI to determine the best way to wash your clothes.

Key Features of the LG Compact Dryer DLHC1455W

Capacity

The matching dryer has a 4.2-cubic-foot capacity with 14 cycles and 12 options.

AI-Powered Drying

Built-in sensors automatically adjust the drying time.

Heat Pump Dryer

The heat pump makes the dryer highly efficient, and as a bonus, it has a self-cleaning condenser.

Pros and Cons of LG Compact Laundry

Pros: The washer is packed with features, including AI. Remote monitoring and laundry pairing make doing laundry easier.

Cons: The washer lacks automatic soap dispensing and steam washing. The dryer uses 220/240-volt power.

LG WashTower WKHC152HWA

Let's discuss LG's new compact laundry set, which is derived from one of the most popular products ever: the WashTower.

Introduced in 2020, the WashTower was a hit thanks to its accessible middle controls, making it easier to use than traditional stacked units.

You may not have to reach for that last sock or shirt as much, depending on your height.

It was the only appliance my friends ever asked me about. Then again, in 2020, there was nothing much else to discuss.

Key Features of the LG Compact WashTower

Reliability

LG's reliability is excellent, with 33,000 service calls logged by our service team last year alone.

Turbo360 Technology

Uses five high-pressure hoses to cut wash times to just 30 minutes for a normal load

Cycles and Options

The washer and dryer are packed with cycles and options, and you can add more through LG's ThinQ app.

Potential Problems with the LG Compact WashTower

The WashTower is 24 inches wide like other compact units, but its depth is 26 inches.

According to the manual, you need an extra 4 inches for installation, making the total depth 30 inches.

So, measure your space before buying and the doorways and entry points to your laundry room.

GE GFW148SSMWW and GFD14ESSNWW

Almost every compact dryer today is ventless because years ago, most models failed the UL test for containing a fire within the drum.

And that was over a decade ago.

Many companies have invested in far more energy-efficient heat pump technology.

If you have an existing vent or prefer a vented system, GE is your best option for a compact washer and dryer.

Key Features of GE Compact Laundry

Cycles and Options

The GE washer boasts 14 cycles and nine options, including steam functionality, while the dryer offers 13 cycles.

Vented System

This dryer uses room air, heats it with elements, and vents it outside.

However, this process could cost you $150-$200 more annually in electricity compared to a heat pump dryer.

Cost Consideration

Although priced at $1,898, a full-size model with a larger capacity and better features is available for $1,100.

So, buy the full-size vented set if possible.

Pros and Cons of GE Compact Washers and Dryers

Pros: The pros include the steam functionality, which adds extra cleaning power, and the 14 washer and 13 dryer cycles that provide versatility.

Additionally, the vented dryer option from GE is one of the best choices available.

However, there are some drawbacks.

Cons: The Cons include higher electricity bills due to the venting process, and the set is more expensive than full-size vented sets that offer greater capacity.

I would seriously consider the full-size option if you can.

LG, Samsung, and GE Profile Combo Washers and Dryers

There's a new class of space-saving washers and dryers, including Profile, LG, and Samsung combos.

These units wash and dry clothes in one machine, so their total width is 20 inches less than that of a compact set, which is 48 inches wide.

However, the width is 27-29 inches, 3-5 inches wider than the usual 24 inches if you are stacking, and the depth can be much larger, up to 13 inches deeper.

The advantage of an all-in-one:

You put your clothes in dirty and take them out dry and clean without transferring the clothes.

So you can load it before you go to bed or before you go to the office and have it ready when you wake up.

LG and GE have proven their reliability - at least for this year. You can read more about reliability in this article: Are Combo Washers and Dryers Reliable?

Read More: GE vs. LG vs. Samsung All-in-One Combo Washers and Dryers

Key Takeaways

You should be aware of where your laundry will be situated.

Will it be in a space where a vented system can be used, or will it be in a ventless area, such as a closet or kitchen?

Miele is your most reliable option, at least this year. You should also consider Bosch and LG.

GE is your best option for venting, but again, go full-size if possible.

If you are buying a heat pump dryer, and you probably are, ensure it can be fixed in your area.

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.

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