5 Best Compact Washers of 2023

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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

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

Updated August 16, 2023

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.

If you're in the market for a compact washer, but don't want to sacrifice cleaning quality, the Miele W1 WXR860WCS is our current top pick. It offers just as much cleaning power as an average full-size washer, but manages it from within a very compact frame.

We also loved its effective spin cycle, which got rid of more water than many of its standard-sized competitors. This will save your dryer a lot of work with the dry cycle, and also save you money on your utility bill.

You will have to pay for this power and convenient size, however. Even compared to other compact washers, the W1 is expensive. Still, it's hard to argue with results, and you just can't find this kind of cleaning power elsewhere in a compact washer.

Powerful cleaning

Effective spin cycle

Smart features

Expensive

The Fisher & Paykel WH2424F1's control panel brims with features. It boasts 12 cleaning cycles, specialized add-ons like steam, and even a Wool cycle approved by Woolmark to ensure it won't wreck your favorite sweaters. And while this machine might have a very European-like feel, (Fisher & Paykel is based in New Zealand) we think Americans will take a shine to it.

First off, the WH2424F1 has a reasonably fast spin speed. Quick Wash averaged in at around 32 minutes and aced our stain removal test. In fact, this washer did pretty well across the board when it comes to cleaning clothes in the stainless steel drum. We found in a few instances, like the Heavy cycle, the Fisher & Paykel outperformed the higher ranked Miele W1.

However, the WH2424F1 lagged behind efficiency ratings, preventing it from taking a top spot. At the end of each cycle, this compact failed to spin out excess water supply as well as its competitors. That means more work for the dryer. Luckily, the accompanying Fisher & Paykel DE4024P1 is an excellent ventless dryer.

At the end of the day, we also noticed that the WH2424F1 uses more resources than we'd like. Based on our testing and data about the number of times the average American does laundry, we estimate this washer to cost about $70 a year to operate. To put that in perspective, that's about 43 percent more than what the Miele W1 uses.

Overall, if you want cleaner clothes and are willing to wait hours for them to get dry, the Fisher & Paykel WH2424F1 is worth checking out.

Faster cycles

Heavy cycle has excellent stain removal

Many special cycles

Less efficient than competitors

The GE GFW148SSMWW is a solid compact washer that won’t disappoint. It has decent cleaning power and the main downside, long cycle times, may not be a deal-breaker for many consumers—especially given that most compact washers also have longer cycle times. The selling point here is that the GFW148SSMWW offers appropriate performance for its price point.

Of course, the compact washing machine and dryers tend to charge a premium for their reduced size: If you can fit a full-size model in your home, those will give you more bang for your buck overall.

Good cleaning performance for a compact washer

Decent value

Cycles take a long time to finish

This little front-load washer is one of the best-reviewed compact models out there, noted for its overall quality and energy efficiency. Some reviewers say it’s got more options than you’re likely to need, but it gets a lot of praise for its cleaning performance and how much space it saves. It may be tricky to set up, as with similar appliances, and it can also get noisy.

Energy efficient

Plenty of options

Sturdily made

Tricky to set up

Can be noisy

This high-efficiency, stackable washer from LG is popular among Best Buy shoppers. It’s got 2.4 cubic feet of capacity, a depth of 22.25 inches, a full load of smart features. It also has a steam function, and many reviewers say it’s a breeze to install.

It’s reportedly fairly quiet and cleans well for a compact. One word of warning is that the included manuals may be incomplete to an extent.

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.

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Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

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

Sr. Editor, Search & Updates

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.

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