Small Space Laundry Sets

Finding the perfect washer and dryer set for apartments or small spaces requires balancing compactness with laundry performance. Apartment-size washer and dryer sets are designed to fit in tight areas like closets, small laundry rooms, or kitchens without sacrificing cleaning and drying capabilities. This guide covers both vented and non-vented (ventless) options to help you choose the best fit for your needs.

1. What is an Apartment-Size Washer & Dryer Set?

Apartment-size washer and dryer sets are compact, designed to fit into small spaces while offering the same functionality as full-size models. These units often range from 24 to 27 inches wide, making them ideal for apartments, condos, RVs, or homes with limited laundry room space.

2. Types of Compact Washer & Dryer Sets

a. Vented Washer & Dryer Sets

• • • • • Overview: These sets require an external vent to expel moist air from the dryer. Vented units are often quicker at drying clothes and are more traditional in design.
        • Key Features:
          • Faster drying times.
          • Requires an external venting system.
          • Available as stacked or side-by-side units.
        • Best For: Homes or apartments that have access to external venting or a dedicated laundry area with venting options.

b. Ventless Washer & Dryer Sets

• • • • • Overview: Ventless units use condensation drying or heat pump technology to dry clothes without the need for an external vent. These are ideal for spaces without access to outside venting.
        • Key Features:
          • It can be installed in closets or other enclosed spaces.
          • Energy-efficient models, especially heat pump dryers.
          • Longer drying times compared to vented units.
        • Best For: Apartments, condos, and homes without external venting options.

3. Compact Washer & Dryer Options

a. Stackable Washer & Dryer Sets

• • • • • Overview: Stackable units are separate washer and dryer appliances designed to be vertically stacked, saving floor space.
        • Best For: Homes with limited space, allowing you to use vertical space efficiently.
        • Washer Capacity: Typically, 2.0 to 4.0 cubic feet.
        • Dryer Capacity: Usually ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 cubic feet.

b. Washer & Dryer Combos

• • • • • Overview: A washer-and-dryer-combo is an all-in-one unit that washes and dries clothes in the same drum, eliminating the need for two separate appliances.
        • Best For: Homes where space is at an absolute premium, and there’s no room for both a washer and dryer.
        • Capacity: Typically, 2.0 to 3.0 cubic feet, making them ideal for small households or occasional laundry needs.

c. Portable Washers and Dryers

• • • • • Overview: Portable washers and dryers are smaller, lightweight units that can be moved as needed. Some models connect directly to a faucet and use a standard 120V outlet.
        • Best For: Apartments or homes without a dedicated laundry area, especially renters who need a temporary or mobile solution.
        • Capacity: Around 1.0 to 2.5 cubic feet for washers and dryers.

4. Key Features to Consider

a. Capacity

Compact washers and dryers have smaller capacities than full-sized models:

• • • • • • • Washer Capacity: Typically ranges from 2.0 to 4.0 cubic feet, suitable for smaller households or couples.
            • Dryer Capacity: Vented dryers have slightly larger capacities, ranging from 3.5 to 5.0 cubic feet.
            • Best For: Small to medium-sized households or individuals who do frequent smaller loads of laundry.

b. Drying Technology

• • • • • Vented Dryers: Quicker drying times but require external venting.
        • Condensation Dryers: Ventless dryers that use cool air to condense moisture, which is then drained away.
        • Heat Pump Dryers: Most energy-efficient option, using recycled hot air to dry clothes at lower temperatures, making them gentler on fabrics.

c. Noise Reduction

Since compact units are often placed near living areas, consider models with noise-dampening technology or quiet motors to minimize disruption.

d. Smart Features

Some compact washer and dryer sets include smart technology:

• • • • • • • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app.
            • Energy Monitoring: Track your energy usage to optimize cycles and save on utility bills.
            • Cycle Customization: Smart sensors adjust cycles based on load size and fabric type.

e. Cycle Options

Look for washers and dryers that offer multiple cycle options, including:

• • • • • • • Quick Wash: For lightly soiled clothes, offering shorter wash times.
            • Delicate: A gentler cycle for fragile fabrics like silk and lace.
            • Heavy Duty: For bulkier items like towels, jeans, and bedding.
            • Sanitize: High-temperature cycles that kill bacteria and allergens.

5. Installation and Space Considerations

a. Dimensions

Compact washer and dryer sets are designed to fit into tight spaces:

• • • • • • • Width: Typically ranges from 24 to 27 inches, perfect for smaller laundry rooms or closets.
            • Height: For stackable units, the combined height can range from 70 to 76 inches.
            • Depth: Usually between 24 and 30 inches, making them suitable for tight spaces.

b. Venting Options

• • • • • Vented Dryers: Require an external vent to expel air. Ensure you have the proper venting setup or access to an external wall.
        • Ventless Dryers: Can be placed in closets or enclosed areas without needing external venting. These are ideal for spaces without venting capabilities, such as high-rise apartments.

6. Top Brands

Several brands offer high-quality apartment-size washer and dryer sets:

• • • • • LG: Known for energy efficiency, smart features, and compact ventless models with steam options.
        • Bosch: Offers high-quality, compact, ventless models with innovative features and premium build quality.
        • Whirlpool: Reliable, budget-friendly models, including both vented and ventless options.
        • Samsung: Provides smart-enabled compact units with advanced features like steam cleaning and Wi-Fi connectivity.
        • GE: Trusted for their vented and ventless stackable sets that fit smaller spaces.

7. Pros and Cons of Apartment-Size Washer & Dryer Sets

Pros:

• • • • • Space-Saving: Ideal for small homes, apartments, or laundry closets.
        • Energy Efficiency: Ventless models, especially heat pump dryers, are energy-efficient and gentler on clothes.
        • Installation Flexibility: Ventless units can be installed in more locations, offering flexibility in placement.
        • Smart Features: Many models come with Wi-Fi connectivity and energy-saving features.

Cons:

• • • • • Smaller Capacity: Compact units typically hold smaller loads, which may require more frequent washing for larger households.
        • Longer Drying Times: Ventless dryers tend to take longer to dry clothes compared to vented models.
        • Higher Initial Cost for Ventless Models: Heat pump and condensation dryers can be more expensive upfront but save on energy over time.

Conclusion

Apartment-size washer and dryer sets provide an excellent solution for homes with limited space. Whether you need a vented set for faster drying times or a ventless model for flexibility in installation, there are plenty of compact options to meet your laundry needs. With features like energy efficiency, smart technology, and space-saving designs, these sets are perfect for small homes, apartments, and condos.

Explore Homery.com‘s wide selection of compact washer and dryer sets from top brands like LG, Bosch, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Visit our showroom or browse online to find the perfect small-space laundry solution for your home!