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Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
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Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
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The Miele W1 WXR860WCS is an impressive washer. It put up great test results, proving it can compete with full-size models despite its compact size. Read More
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As real-estate prices soar, tiny homes are becoming more prevalent. Whether you’re thinking about moving into one of these small spaces (or you're just moving into your first apartment), there are some aspects of your life that you’re going to have to scale back, including your laundry room. No more behemoths for you; you’re going to need a compact washer.
You might have to compromise on size, but finding the best compact washer means you won’t need to lose a shred of performance. Smaller capacity washers tend to be between two and three and a half cubic feet, so they do mean more frequent, smaller loads and more time spent doing laundry than classic washing machines. That’s a small price to pay, however, to avoid lugging your dirty clothes down to the laundromat.
Also, keep in mind that compact laundry machines often require a 220V connection. If you live in a condo or apartment, you’ll probably need the association or landlord’s permission to get a compact set installed.
To help you find the best compact washer, we explored a variety of options available online. Based on our research, these are some of the best compact washing machines on the market right now.
Good cleaning performance for a compact washer
Decent value
Cycles take a long time to finish
Most efficient
Smart features
Quick wash
Quality control issues
Good cleaning performance
Relatively quiet
Included manuals feel incomplete
Quick wash
Spin
Euro plug needs adapter
Poor quality control
Here at Reviewed, we've spent thousands of hours testing washing machines, dryers, and other appliances.
To build this list, we used our expertise in laundry appliances to evaluate compact washers from across the market. We incorporated products that we've tested in our Cambridge, Massachusets lab. These were evaluated using our rigorous system of standardized tests, and compared to the entire portfolio of washers we've tested in the past.
On this list, we also included products that we've researched but haven't brought into the lab. For these, we spent hours studying the specs and reading product reviews, looking for the best washers available.
Still not sure if you want to invest in a compact washing machine, or how a compact washer is different from a regular washer? We've got the info you need so that when it comes time for you to make a purchasing decision, you can buy the washing machine that's right for you and your home.
Broadly speaking, a compact washing machine is defined by having a width less than 27 inches. Most compact washers are 24 inches wide. Compact washers also tend to be slower than full-sized ones.
Expect wash cycles to take a long time—at least an hour—while heavy-duty cycles can last up to three. A smaller drum and longer cycles mean you’ll have to do laundry more often, at least two to three times a week.
You should check the power requirements of any compact washer you buy. There’s a chance that it’ll require a 220V outlet to work, the same as your dryer. In some cases, like with the Bosch WAT28401UC, the washer must be plugged into the dryer for it to function.
Also, keep in mind that compact washers are often more expensive than full-sized ones. They're a specialty product, meant to cram all the same performance as a full-size unit into a smaller space, so expect to pay a premium for that extra engineering.
Compact washers can do an excellent job at cleaning laundry. Generally, they won’t run as quickly as full-sized washers. Because of that small drum, you also won’t be able to fit as many garments. This means that if you opt for a compact washer, expect to do smaller laundry loads more often.
Compact washers are generally defined as any washer with a width under 27 inches. 24 inches is the most common size we see. This smaller width enables these washers to fit in areas that could never accommodate a full-size washer.
While there are lots of great brands that make mini washing machines. Miele makes the best compact washer for most people. The Miele WXR 860 WCS cleans clothes just as well as a full-size washer, and spins water out of them effectively, reducing wear and tear on your dryer. While Miele makes the best compact washer, GE, Samsung, Bosch, and LG are all good brands for mini washing machines.
Compact washing machines and washer-dryer combos are both types of specialty laundry appliances that fill similar niches. Both types of appliances are built to save space.
Washer-dryer combos save space by including both washer and dryer in the same housing. They also work without heat vents, using a condenser or heat pump to remove water, as a standalone ventless dryer would. Because of this, they don’t need an exhaust vent to blow warm air out of the house. On the other hand, compact washers usually work like regular washing machines, just with a smaller overall profile.
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.
Gabriel Morgan
Staff Writer, Home
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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