February 13th, 2024 | 10 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect laundry products with our Compact Laundry Buying Guide
Compact laundry has all the latest features like Wi-Fi, steam, automatic dispensing, pod dispensing, and an array of cycles,
Compact washers and dryers are the most sophisticated appliance in your home.
But how often do these specialized machines break down, leaving you stacks of unwashed clothes?
Reliability is a curious buzzword because most companies have no service department.
In this post, you will learn all about the most reliable compact washers based on over 37,000 service calls logged by our service department last year.
You will also learn how compact laundry compares to full-size laundry and why you shouldn't buy an all-in-one compact machine just yet.
First, let's define what makes a washer and dryer compact.
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What Is a Compact Washer & Dryer?
Compact washers and dryers fit into smaller spaces like apartments, condos, or small homes.
These washers and dryers have a smaller footprint than traditional laundry sets, measuring approximately 34 inches high by 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep.
They can be placed in a closet, side-by-side, stacked, or even in the kitchen since its dimensions resemble a dishwasher's.
Compact laundry appliances are also suitable for upstairs placement, as most compact dryers are ventless and only require water and electricity.
In urban areas like Boston, compact laundry is a common choice among condominiums and apartment residents.
The Difference Between Full Size and Compact Laundry
Full-size washers and dryers are larger than compact sets, measuring 38 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 30.5-34 inches deep.
Additionally, full size laundry machines have a capacity of 4.5-5.3 cubic feet, while compact laundry machines have a capacity of 2.5 cubic feet.
Now that you understand what makes a washer and dryer compact, let's look at compact washer reliability.
How We Calculate Compact Washer Reliability
We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the products we serviced by the products we sold for a service rate percentage.
That brand percentage is then compared to other brands and ranked.
This article looked at the number of compact washers sold and serviced from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
We have 35 service technicians on 8-10 service calls daily, five days a week, with another ten working weekends.
While other online sources will talk about reliable brands or lab tests, these numbers are straight from our service calls, and last year, we logged over 37,000.
We provide free warranty service on every brand sold at Yale in the first year.
It is the fairest measure of initial quality and reliability between brands. If we send out a technician, we count it as a service call.
Customer education phone calls and damage are not applied.
The Most Reliable Compact Washer Brands for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 washers 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% |
The average service rate for compact washers decreased to 7.4%, compared to 9.7% from the previous year.
This highlights the importance of choosing a reliable brand when purchasing a compact washer and dryer.
Bosch is the most reliable compact washer brand again in 2024, with a 5.7% service rate, but the more featured Miele is close behind at 6.6%
Asko and Beko were third and fourth at 9.8% and 10.4%, respectively.
Asko compact washers were primarily marketed to builders for construction projects.
This complicates tracking the number of units serviced, as homeowners in these larger condos and apartments might not know they should contact us for maintenance.
The Most Common Repairs and Complaints for Compact Laundry
The most prevalent problems we encountered with compact washers in the previous year included:
- Door Lock Issues
- Dispenser Leaking
- Clogged Hoses
We've noticed that the most recurring problems with compact washers lately involve issues with the door not locking properly, leaks from the soap dispenser, and hoses getting clogged.
Let's look at their possible causes and share a few tips to prevent these issues from happening.
1. Door Lock Issues
Possible Causes:
- Wear and tear over time, leading to mechanical failure.
- Electrical faults, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning control board, interfering with the door lock's operation.
- Accumulation of debris or detergent residue around the door lock, preventing it from securely latching.
Preventative Measures:
- Regularly inspect and clean the door lock area to remove any debris or detergent build-up.
- Ensure the washer is used and closed with care to minimize mechanical wear.
- Consider having a professional periodically check the washer's electrical components, especially if the appliance is showing signs of erratic behavior.
2. Dispenser Leaking
Possible Causes:
- Overfilling the dispenser with detergent or using an incorrect type of detergent (e.g., using non-HE detergent in a high-efficiency washer).
- Clogs or blockages in the dispenser's pathways due to accumulated detergent residue.
- Cracks or damage to the dispenser unit, allowing water and detergent to escape.
Preventative Measures:
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the type and amount of detergent to use.
- Clean the detergent dispenser regularly to prevent residue buildup and ensure smooth flow.
- Inspect the dispenser for damage periodically and replace it if any cracks or significant wear are found.
3. Clogged Hoses
Possible Causes:
- Accumulation of lint, fabric, or small items (e.g., coins, hairpins) in the drain hose.
- Kinking or bending of the inlet or outlet hoses, restricting water flow.
- Build-up of sediment or mineral deposits from hard water in the hoses.
Preventative Measures:
- Use a lint trap or a mesh bag for small items to prevent them from entering the hoses.
- Ensure that the washer is positioned so that hoses are not kinked or bent excessively.
- Periodically flush the hoses with a vinegar solution to dissolve any mineral build-up. Consider installing a water softener system if hard water is a persistent issue.
By getting to know these common problems and following some simple steps to avoid them, you can greatly lower the chances of running into these issues with your compact washer.
This means your washer will work better and last longer.
How Long Does Compact Laundry Last?
I went to the source for this answer. Paul Macdonald is the service coordinator and trainer for half the country's independent appliance stores.
He was also our service manager for ten years.
His advice:
"The household washing machine is one of the most diligent appliances, second only to the refrigerator.
Yet, it frequently bears the brunt of overloading. Depending on usage, washing machines can last 6-10 years.
To extend their life, clean the lint filter after every use and periodically check the hoses for any signs of wear and tear.
Also, don't overload the machine; use the right amount of detergent based on the load size and water hardness."
Should You Buy a Full Size or Compact Washer & Dryer?
Without question, you should consider both, especially a full-size front load washer.
Let's look at the reliability differences between full size and compact washers.
Front-Load Washer Reliability for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 washers sold and a total sample of over 2,000 products within 12 months
| Service Rates | |
| Whirlpool | 4.1% |
| LG | 4.9% |
| GE | 7.4% |
| Grand Total | 5.6% |
On average, front load washers are more reliable than compact washers with an average service rate of 5.6% compared to 7.4%.
Full-size front load washers and dryers are larger, with a typical size of 4.5 cubic feet compared to the compact size of 2.2-2.5 cubic feet.
Full-size front-load washers have better features than compact (except for Miele).
Most have automatic dispensers for detergent, which dispense the exact amount of detergent based on the load size at the right time.
Top load and hybrid machines are reliable and less expensive than compact sets.
You can buy an inexpensive set for around $1,000 or a better hybrid for $1,800, which offers a bigger capacity and decent features.
Top-load laundry sets are less expensive but front-loads are larger, better featured, and much more water and energy-efficient.
Why You May Have to Buy a Compact Washer and Dryer
1. Size
As mentioned, compact laundry machines are a great option for those with limited space in their home or apartment.
They are designed to be much smaller in size compared to front-load and top-load laundry machines, which can be quite bulky and take up a lot of space.
The compact size is extremely efficient at 34 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep.
You can place a compact washer and dryer in most closets and even standard kitchen cabinets.
2. Dryer Ventilation Requirements
Another advantage of compact laundry machines is that they are most often purchased ventless.
This means that you don't have to worry about venting the machine to the outside, making it much more convenient and flexible in terms of placement.
You can place a compact laundry machine wherever you can access power and water, even inside a closet.
You also don't have to worry about cleaning a vent ever again.
In contrast, most top and front-load dryers require venting to the outside.
Additionally, a top load machine cannot be stacked, limiting its placement options.
What About Combo Washers & Dryers?
I was originally against all-in-one washers and dryers. I still am for compact combo washers and dryers.
However, what makes the full-size GE Profile UltraFast and LG all-in-one washers stand out is their ability to eliminate lint.
Other combo washers and dryers cannot.
Over time, that lint will be trapped inside the machine, reducing efficiency and leading to an expensive future service call.
Combo machines are roughly the same size or larger than a regular washer.
The GE Profile is 46.7" in height, 28" wide, and 32" deep. LG is 39" in height, 27" wide, and 33.12" deep.
So they may not fit in your closet.
Long-term reliability reporting will not be available for another year.
Now, let's talk about choosing the right compact laundry set for your home.
How to Buy Compact Laundry
Choosing the best compact laundry set first depends on how you vent your dryer.
Compact Dryers
The three types of compact laundry dryers are:
- Vented
- Ventless
- Heat Pump
The type dictates where you can place your washer. Ventless can be placed anywhere with power and water, whereas vented would replace a traditional dryer.
Vented Dryers
Vented is like every full-size laundry on the market. You vent it outside.
Samsung and Beko are the only companies still manufacturing vented dryers.
Most manufacturers like Bosch, Miele, and Electrolux do not qualify because of the U.L. qualifications of containing the fire in the dryer drum for seven hours.
Ventless Dryers
Ventless or condenser dry drying is the most common type. It does not have to be vented to the outside because the steam is condensed into water.
You can place a ventless dryer anywhere.
Keep in mind, ventless dryers emit more heat into your room.
Heat Pump Dryers
A heat pump is a form of ventless drying. It is common in Europe and is the most efficient dryer on the market.
Instead of elements, it uses a compressor to cool con, vert, and store the heated air. Most brands are 220 volts, but Miele is the most innovative, using just 110 volts.
This year, heat pump dryers are finally becoming more popular than condensers for the first time.
To learn more about the benefits of ventless and heat pump dryers, check out our free compact laundry buying guide.
What Are the Best Compact Laundry Brands to Consider?
The best compact laundry brands for 2024 are:
- Miele
- Bosch
- Beko
We arranged this to get the best features for compact laundry. It is important to recognize that added features can affect service.
Again, we cover this in greater detail in other "Best" posts. Here is our Best Compact Laundry article if you'd like to learn more.
1. Bosch Compact Laundry
Bosch WAW285H1UC | Bosch WTW87NH1UC
Their service rate is incredible. Bosch has three sets of laundry. You can wash by stain type and the more traditional settings on their best 800 series.
However, their 500 series have a heat pump dryer. You may pay a bit more, but you will also save on operating costs.
2. Miele Compact Laundry
Miele stands out from the rest with its advanced technology, including an automatic 30-load dispenser, a caplet dispenser, steam, and Wi-Fi connectivity on most models.
Additionally, its dryer operates on 110 volts, which is unique compared to the 220 volts used by other brands.
Miele is also the only brand with all heat pump drying, so it's far more efficient and will save you money.
However, it's important to note that you cannot hook the washer and dryer to a standard 110 outlet.
Either amperage must be added, or a 220 adapter must be used.
Installation is also part of Miele's service percentage, so it's important to consider this when considering the brand.
3. Beko Compact Laundry
They used to be the only vented dryers before Samsung. Now they are the least expensive and most available.
They were also the first with heat pumps in the U.S.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your Washer and Dryer?
You will be asked and sometimes pushed by your appliance store to buy an extended warranty.
First, you should never buy a warranty from a company that is not offering its service. These outsourced warranties are not designed to fix anything promptly.
If you are buying this for peace of mind, you will precisely get the opposite of the repair or lack thereof.
At 9.7%, the numbers suggest you don't need an extended warranty. However, compact laundry is a vastly different repair. It is different from regular laundry and requires a more technically skilled technician.
I would be hesitant unless you are sure the repair company has the experience, including the manufacturers themselves.
For reliability compact laundry is one of the most reliable appliances you can buy. However, it is expensive to repair.
You make the argument either way. Finding someone competent to repair should be researched along with price, delivery, and installation.
Most Reliable Compact Washers: Key Takeaways
Bosch is the most reliable compact on the market, yet Miele is the most innovative.
Beko should be considered for a vented set or a less expensive heat pump.
However, you should closely consider the brand with the best service in your area.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Compact Laundry Buying Guide with specs, features, and buying tips for every major brand. Well over 680,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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Looking for answers about Compact Laundry?
Choosing a new washer and dryer can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Compact Laundry Buying Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
