Updated on Sep. 25, 2024
Buying a washer dryer for an apartment is a game-changer. Say goodbye to schlepping to the laundromat and paying for each load at the communal machines.
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As someone who’s navigated the challenges of residing in some of New York City’s tiniest studios, I know the struggle of finding the ideal washer dryer for apartment living. After all, nobody wants to schlep their clothes to and from the laundromat every time they need clean socks.
For those of you skeptical about finding a washer or dryer suitable for your small abode, reconsider. We’ve identified the best apartment washer and dryer options tailored for renters, owners and landlords seeking to save both time and expenses. This list even includes no-hookup-required appliances for those inhabiting the tiniest spaces.
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The LG WashTower stacked laundry center boasts the same load capacity as a traditional washer and dryer but occupies only half the space. It offers six wash and dry cycles, including a special one that eliminates 95% of pet dander and other allergens. Additionally, the SensorDry function, which detects moisture levels, ensures the appliance stops at the optimal time to prevent shrinkage and energy waste.
This stackable washer dryer for apartments can be easily paired with LG’s ThinQ app, allowing you to monitor your laundry from anywhere. It also helps with diagnosing issues, such as addressing a smelly washing machine.
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The lightweight and portable Giantex mini washing machine and dryer serves as an ideal solution for college students, traveling nurses or anyone seeking an affordable and compact laundry option. While some sacrifices are necessary—the dryer acts as a glorified spinner and is half the size of the washer—all that’s required is a traditional outlet and a water inlet for clean clothes. Two size options are available, with the larger one accommodating up to 26 pounds of laundry.
This budget-friendly washer and dryer bundle boasts more than 9,400 five-star Amazon ratings praising its unbeatable value. Users also share tips for optimal performance, like how to stabilize the washing machine. One happy customer, Martha Ochoa, writes: “I was tired of using public laundromats and spending almost $100 to do laundry for all my family. This thing is small but powerful.”
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The Equator washer/dryer combo is smaller than most all-in-one washer/dryers, and includes a range of features absent in pricier alternatives. Notably, the dryer actively prevents wrinkles by tumbling your clothes every five minutes until they’re removed. The quiet mode, reducing noise to less than 60 decibels (equivalent to a normal conversation), proves beneficial for apartments with thin walls.
The only factor preventing this from claiming our top spot is the lower-load capacity. However, on the bright side, it is available in six different colors and offers eight washing cycles and four drying cycles.
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A stackable, single laundry unit like the GE stacked laundry center is a favorite for tight spaces that have at least 76 inches of ceiling space. There are two width options—26.75 inches and 23.75 inches—to accommodate apartments and utility closets of different sizes. The vent and washing machine hose hookups are located on the lower back of the washer, eliminating the need to account for extra depth as required by many vented models.
The washer comes with six water temperatures for better performance when cleaning special fabrics. The dryer, with four cycles, has a slightly greater depth than the washer, promoting airflow and ensuring proper drying.
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If you have the space for a side-by-side washer and dryer, the Miele smart front-load washer and matching dryer are some of the best laundry machines on the market. Plus, they each only take up about 23 inches in width. The TwinDos detergent system dispenses just the right amount of cleaner per cycle; while the dryer allows for the infusion of special Miele fragrances, ensuring your clothes smell delightful straight out of the machine.
With a powerful spin speed of 1,600 revolutions per minute (RPM), the smart washing machine helps dry your clothes before they even reach the dryer, which saves you money and energy.
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This Black+Decker washer earns our top spot among portable options when combined with this Black+Decker dryer. Our research identified these as having the fewest customer complaints regarding durability and functionality among all portable laundry appliances on the market.
While the washer weighs a little more than 100 pounds, it can easily be transported from room to room thanks to two rollers, two side handles and one adjustable leveling leg. While the dryer is smaller than the washer—a common drawback with portable picks—it still has an impressive load volume of 13.2 pounds.
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The KoolMore front-load washer and dryer combo is a tiny apartment owner’s dream washing machine and dryer. This two-in-one unit measures 23.5 inches in width and depth and plugs into a 110-volt outlet, which is more common in apartments than the 220-volt outlets required by traditional washers and dryers.
The dual machine comes with 16 wash cycles and four drying cycles, and while it’s not a family-sized washer/dryer, it has enough space for seven large bath towels. The drum has a maximum spin of 1,300 RPM, which is the industry standard for most washers and dryers to wick moisture away from fabrics.
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The GE ventless washer/dryer combo, sized similarly to most washers/dryers, optimizes space by integrating two machines into one unit, offering benefits beyond space efficiency. The dryer automatically detects water temperature, utilizing the precise amount of heat to eliminate moisture and conserve energy. The washer accommodates enough detergent for 32 loads, and by scanning your preferred detergent’s barcode, the machine self-programs to use just the right amount.
According to customer reviewers, this combo washer/dryer outpaces similar models in speed, a factor that, for some, justified the higher price tag. Plus, the easy-to-reach filter system makes cleaning this appliance a breeze.
It’s not hard, but unless you have electrical or plumbing expertise, we recommend leaving it to the professionals. This process may involve altering your home or building’s plumbing or electrical system, and a mistake could lead to a faulty machine, electrical issues or even a leak.
