Compact laundry generally refers to 24 inch washers and dryers. This size is convenient for stacking in closets or placing side by side in a standard 24 inch kitchen cabinet. Almost all compact laundry is built and/or engineered in Europe. The Europeans typically have smaller kitchens and living spaces, so compact laundry is a staple. Compact laundry sells well in urban areas like Boston and Cambridge.
Bosch appliances is a division of the German Bosch company, and is a manufacturer of appliances especially dishwashers in the US. Laundry is still manufactured in Germany and exported to the US.
Asko was started by a farmer in Sweden who wanted to impress his mother by designing a new washer. Asko was first in the US, but has strayed from its Swedish roots. First they were purchased by Merloni of Italy and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Gorenje of Slovenia. In 2013, all manufacturing will be moved to their main Slovenian factory.
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Bosch Compact Laundry WAS20160UC Washer - $979 WTE86300US Condensation Dryer - $1,179 |
Asko Compact Laundry W6424W Washer - $1,349 T753CW Condensation Dryer - $1,249 |
From a specification standpoint, Asko has the edge with a better spin speed so there is less drying time as well as up to 7 rinses versus 5 for Bosch.
You are probably looking at the Bosch size at 3.4 cubic foot, but that is fiction. Both machines are 34" high, 24" wide and 24" deep to fit a standard base cabinet. There is no way Bosch is 35% larger.
It is, however, a better choice. Bosch is a reliable brand, amongst the best we sell and service. Asko is a good product, but has a turbulent past with two sales and a bankruptcy. So the focus on manufacturing consistency and excellence is just not the same as a Bosch.
PS: Condensor dryers are a good option if you do not have a vent or access to the outside. Condensors turn the steam into water. Our delivery crews run a line from the dryer so it drains with the waste washer water. They do work. I have owned one for 7 years. The only downside is the heat emitted from the dryer.
Fo more information about Compact Laundry, read the Yale Compact Laundry Buyers Guide, over 9000 people have read a Yale Guide.