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Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
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Credit:
Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
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
This washer did pretty well across the board when it comes to cleaning clothes. However, the WH2424F1 lagged behind efficiency ratings, preventing it from taking a top spot. Read More
This GE model is a decent compact washer that can offer some good cleaning power for something its size. Read More
This little front-load washer is one of the best-reviewed compact models out there, noted for its overall quality and energy efficiency. Read More
This high-efficiency, stackable washer from LG is loaded with smart features, and many reviewers say it’s a breeze to install. Read More
As real-estate prices soar, tiny homes are becoming more prevalent. If you’re thinking about moving into one of those small spaces, 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 have to get a compact.
You might have to compromise on size, but getting the right model means you won’t have to lose a shred of performance. Smaller capacity does mean more-frequent, smaller loads and more time spent doing laundry; that’s a small price to pay, however, to avoid lugging your dirty clothes down to the laundromat. They tend to be between two and three and a half cubic feet.
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 right 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.
Faster cycles
Heavy cycle has excellent stain removal
Many special cycles
Less efficient than competitors
Good cleaning performance for a compact washer
Decent value
Cycles take a long time to finish
Energy efficient
Plenty of options
Sturdily made
Tricky to set up
Can be noisy
Good cleaning performance
Relatively quiet
Included manuals feel incomplete
Still not sure if you want to invest in a compact washer, 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 washer 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.
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.
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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