My friend is a general contractor. He is a creative guy who likes to figure out everything home-related.
He had an old Asko stacked in his closet and needed to replace the washer. He loved the new Miele but didn't want to replace both.
I told him that compact laundry is all different. The Asko was a different voltage, and the dryer fits into the washer.
He bought the Miele anyway.
Weeks later, we talked about him changing the electrical, water, and securing the dryer.
I wondered how long he toiled on the installation and how secure that dryer is.
Compact laundry is not like regular full-size laundry.
There are all different types of electrical configurations and venting options.
In this article, you will be learning all the compact laundry types from the most popular brands, and which ones will work best for your space.
You will also know how to replace a washer or dryer without buying the pair.
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Compact laundry is usually 24" wide, 34" tall, and about 23"-25" deep compared to a full-size unit, which can be 27" wide, 39" tall, and 32" deep on average.
Full-size laundry dryers are almost always vented. You can see the steel vent from the dryer to the outside.
Most compact laundry is ventless, meaning the heat and steam are recycled back through the machine. You do not need the vent outside.
Look for the vent or the spot for the vent. If you are on an inside wall, then it's probably ventless.
Ventless Brands: Bosch, LG, Miele, Electrolux, Beko (Heat Pump), Samsung (Heat Pump), Blomberg (Heat Pump)
Vented Brands: Samsung, Beko, Asko, Blomberg
Beko Compact Washer BWM7200X - $849
Beko Vented Dryer BDV7200X - $749
Beko is popular, especially as an inexpensive vented solution.
The washer plugs into the dryer and requires a 30-amp circuit or electrical feed from your main panel.
In simplest terms, the circuit is a system that is the whole electrical line and outlet (where you plug into).
Its shallow depth decreases the total capacity by 0.5 cubic feet, but Beko is the easiest to place in a tight closet.
Electrolux Compact Washer EFLS210TIW - $899
Electrolux Compact Condensation Dryer EFDE210TIW - $899
Electrolux has a steam feature for easier stain removal.
This compact Electrolux set requires two separate electrical outlets and 40 total amps. Electrolux is non-vented only.
Bosch 500 Series Compact Washer WAT28401UC - $1,129
Bosch 500 Series Compact Condensation Dryer WTG86401UC - $1,129
Bosch is incredibly reliable. The washer has a different power cord plugging into the Bosch dryer. You will need a 30 amp circuit.
Miele Compact Washer WWB020WCS - $1,199
Miele Compact Heat Pump Ventless Dryer TWB120WP - $1,199
Miele is the best compact laundry with a revolutionary 110-volt heat pump dryer. The washer has a high spin speed for pre-drying clothes and also can dispense pods as well as a ton of other features.
You would need two separate 120-volt outlets or one 220-volt outlet with an adapter for two 110-volt outlets.
Samsung Compact Washer WW22K6800AW - $799
Samsung Compact Dryer DV22K6800EW - $799
Condensation dryers are easier to install than vented dryers because you do not have to run a vent to the outside.
In many cases, venting a dryer is impossible inside closets or kitchens.
From an electrical standpoint and ease of installation, the Beko heat pump can be installed into a 30-amp outlet with only one electric line.
Bosch would be the next easiest with one outlet at 30 amps. Miele and Electrolux need two outlets for both your dryer and washer to plug into and 40 amps.
Miele can also be plugged into one 220v outlet using the Miele adapter.
| Vented or Ventless | Number of Outlets | Total Amperage (Amps) | |
| Beko | Optional | 1 | 30 Amps Ventless |
| Electrolux | Ventless | 2 | 40 Amps |
| Bosch | Ventless | 1 | 30 Amps |
| Miele | Ventless | (2) 120v or (1) 240v | 30 Amps |
| Samsung | Vented | 1 | 30 Amps |
Our most important advice is always to check what kind of circuits your building or home has and how much amperage you can draw for your machine to work correctly.
If you live in a condo, apartment complex, or older building, check with your property manager.
As my friend in the opening experience, it's hard replacing one unit, especially when it's stacked.
Placing your washer and dryer side-by-side is more manageable, especially if the units require two outlets like Miele, Electrolux, and Samsung.
When stacking, you also have to make sure there is a current stacking kit available, so the dryer doesn't fall forward off the washer during the spin.
Technically, you would have to stay with the same manufacturer and hope the kit exists.
First, understand if the laundry is vented or ventless. You can tell by checking for metal venting. It's ventless on an inside wall.
Then you want to check the electrical by plug type and amperage.
If you are replacing a washer or dryer and want to keep the other unit, stay within the same brand. It's your best bet to secure the dryer and not have to change the electrical components.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Compact Laundry Buying Guide with specs, features, and inside buying tips to every major brand. Well over 820,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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