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.
These insights are based on 37,000 real service calls logged by our service department just last year.
Let's get started.
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.
Features are always fun to write about, whether you read them here or on Wirecutter.
However, reliability is even more important, especially in an industry chronically lacking support.
This article provides both reasons to buy and not to buy each of the listed models.
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 and moisture. 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.
Heat pumps are significantly more efficient because they recycle heat.
This results in an estimated annual savings of about $175 compared to a standard dryer, based on Massachusetts utility rates and assuming one load per day.
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 & cons Explained
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.
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
Miele builds over 98% of its parts and components in its factories.
The WXR 860 WCS and TXR 860WP are the best compact laundry appliances. They are also probably the most sophisticated appliances you can buy.
Let's talk about each unit's features, starting with the washer.
Miele Compact Laundry 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
The washer also features a steam cycle to reduce wrinkles.
At the end of the cycle, steam is introduced into the drum, reducing wrinkles, making them easier to handle, and reducing the need for ironing.
Miele InstensiveWash
The IntensiveWash cycle imports water from the top and bottom to ensure maximum saturation of clothes and an even distribution of detergents and bleach.
Miele Honeycomb Drum
Miele's compact washer's 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 with smaller perforated holes in the drum, which also helps to prevent fabrics from getting snagged.
Miele 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.
Twin Dos
Miele Twin Dos 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.
Miele's dryer is a 120-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 designed for apartments.
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.
They offer fragrances like nature, cocoon, and aqua.
These fragrances are from France, no less.
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: 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.
Cons: It is the most expensive at $4,899, almost $2000.
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.
They just introduced a new line of laundry.
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 includes three series: the 300, 500, and 800, each with unique features.
The Bosch 500 series, shown above, offers the best features and value in a compact laundry set.
Priced at $1,499 each, the Bosch 500 series includes 14 wash programs and nine options.
4D Wash System
This new wash system more evenly distributes detergent over your clothes.
1600 RPM Spin Speed
A faster spin leaves the clothes much drier.
Speed Cycles
The washer and dryer have a 15-minute wash-and-dry cycle for smaller loads.
Model Numbers:
The Bosch 300 series is their least expensive at $1,149, but it still has the condensation drying.
As mentioned earlier, condensation dryers are inefficient and emit heat into the room.
You will pay more for a heat pump, but the savings will be considerably more over the life of the machine
Model Numbers:
The 800 series is unique because you can wash by stain type
Have red wine on your new pants? The machine will pick the right cycle to remove it.
Like Miele, the Bosch 800 Series has an automatic dispenser to automatically dispense the right amount of detergent at the right time.
The 500 and 800 series are their best with heat pumps and self-cleaning evaporators.
Unlike most brands, the filter cleans itself using the moisture from the evaporator to flush away the lint.
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.
Almost every compact dryer today is ventless because most models failed the UL test for containing a fire within the drum years ago.
If you have an existing vent or prefer a vented system, GE is your best option for a compact washer and dryer.
Although priced at $1,898, a full-size model with a larger capacity and better features is available for $700.
Pros: The pros include the steam functionality, which adds extra cleaning power, and the 14 washer cycles and 13 dryer cycles that provide versatility for various laundry needs.
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 compared to full-size vented sets that offer greater capacity.
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.
Depending on your height, you don't have to reach for that last sock or shirt, or as much.
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.
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.
However, combos have had their problems in the past. Before considering a combo, read this article comparing all three.
Read More: GE vs. LG vs. Samsung All-in-One Combo Washers & Dryers
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.
GE is your best option for venting, but again, go full-size if possible.
The LG Compact WashTower is new but worthy of consideration because of LG's historical reliability and streamlined controls.
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.