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 will learn about the newest models from the best brands and a few problems to consider, including reliability based on real service calls.
Let's get started.
Yale is in Boston. Like many cities with new condos, we have sold and, more importantly, repaired compact washers and dryers for 25 years.
We are honest about what products are good and not worth your time because we service what we sell.
We know more about these products than most reviews or blogs because of our hands-on experience.
Compact washers and dryers are designed to fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, condos, and small homes.
Their compact size of 34 inches in height, 24 inches in width, and 24 inches in depth allows you to install them in a small closet or kitchen cabinet.
In comparison, full-sized models tend to be taller, wider, and deeper, with dimensions around 38 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 30.5-34 inches deep.
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.
Heat pump dryers recycle heat by employing a compressor to heat through an air exchanger with an evaporator to remove the moisture.
Consequently, your room will not be hot with a heat pump.
Also, heat pumps are significantly more efficient as they recycle heat, resulting in an estimated annual savings of about $175 compared to a standard dryer, based on Massachusetts utility rates and assuming one load per day.
With ventless drying, you can place a washer and dryer anywhere with electricity, water, and a drain.
Miele builds over 98% of its parts and components in its factories.
The WXR 860 WCS and TXR 860WP are the best set of compact laundry. They are probably the most sophisticated appliances you can buy.
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.
Let's talk about each unit's features, starting with the washer.
In Miele's compact washer, the unique honeycomb drum design helps your delicate clothes float in the water and avoid rubbing against the sides during washing.
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 Miele dryer is also a HoneyComb drum, so zippers and buttons don't catch in the drying cycle.
Miele is the only compact washer with a caplet dispenser. You can buy your own, or you can buy one of Mieles' special application dispensers.
Their "TwinDos" automatic dispenser is a unique feature, as well.
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 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.
However, you have to buy the cartridges from Miele only.
The washer also features steam to loosen and power out tough stains like red wine and grass. Most full-size washers have steam, but only Miele, Samsung, and Electrolux do in compact sizes.
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.
The intensive wash cycle imports the water from the top and bottom for the maximum saturation of clothes with an even distribution of detergents and bleach.
Miele's dryer is 110-volt heat pump 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. 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.
You would think Bosch would be much faster.
However, Miele employs mineral sensors to dry specifically to the mineral content of your water.
Also, the Miele washer will dry your clothes because of its 1600 high spin speed.
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.
Steaming 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.
Read More: Bosch 500 Series vs. Miele Compact Washers & Dryers
Pros: There's a cycle for every type of fabric with 25 cycles and swipe controls.
This is the model 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.
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
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 almost $2,000.
Bosch, like Miele, is another German company. They are the most popular suppliers of compact laundry, especially on large projects.
The machines are built solidly, offer better sound insulation, and are reliable for parts and service.
Bosch compact laundry is the most reliable compact washer brand with a 5.7% service rate, compared to 7.4% for compact washers overall.
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.
Both the washer and dryer have 14 programs. In addition, the washer features ten 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: You don't have the features of the Miele, as you will see, even at the same price.
Beko is a huge Turkish manufacturer that is also manufactured under Blomberg.
Unlike most vented brands, Beko is one of your only vented options because it passed the UL fire containment requirements.
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.
Pros: Beko's smaller size is great for small spaces. It has flexible settings for different types of laundry.
Cons: Fewer vented options in the market like Beko. Might be more expensive than other brands.
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Compact Washer Reliability for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 1,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| Bosch | 5.7% |
| Miele | 6.6% |
| Asko | 9.8% |
| Beko | 10.4% |
| Grand Total | 7.4% |
We've started to see more issues with appliances since the pandemic.
But Miele and Asko are still well below the average for appliances at over 8%.
You must check for service availability in your area before buying any appliance, especially a more sophisticated compact washer and dryer.
Read More: Most Reliable Compact Washers
You should be aware of where your laundry will be situated. Will it be in a space where you can use a vented system, or will it be in a ventless area, such as a closet or kitchen?
Miele will be the most well-featured, while Bosch will be the most reliable.
Then again, you should check in your area to see the best brand for service.
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.