Best Small Washing Machine for Apartments
Staying on top of laundry can feel like even more of a burden when living in an apartment. Not only can having less space make it feel like laundry piles up quickly, but lugging baskets to the communal laundry room or a laundromat can be exhausting. Instead of struggling with bulky laundry baskets and community laundry rooms, you may want to consider investing in a compact washing machine for your apartment.
A standard compact washing machine is typically the smallest size available. With a width of 24 inches, a height of 33 inches, and a depth of 24 inches, compact washing machines are perfect for apartments as they take up minimal space while providing you the luxury of being able to do laundry in the comfort of your own home. Yet, what should you look for in an apartment washing machine, and how will you know which model to choose? Keep reading as we explore your options for apartment washing machines.
What Should You Look for in a Good Apartment Washing Machine?
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for what makes a good apartment washing machine. What washing machine works best for you will depend on a number of factors, including how much space you have, your budget, and whether or not you have washer/dryer connections in your unit. A few things you should consider before you start looking at washing machines include:
Size
Often the biggest factor determining what washer will work in your apartment is how much space you have to work with. Measure the space carefully to see the width, depth, and height of the space to ensure it can accommodate both a washer and a dryer. If the space is not very wide, a stackable washer/dryer unit or a combination washer and dryer may be the best option. Make sure when measuring the space for potential units that you give yourself at least an inch on each side of the unit for air circulation as well as six inches of space behind the washer/dryer for hookups.
Cost
Next, you will need to consider how much you are willing to spend on a washer and dryer. These appliances can range in price from several thousand each for high-end models to under $200 for a portable washing machine. If you aren't sure how long you will be living in your apartment, you may not want to over-invest as you may not be able to bring your washing machine with you to your next apartment. However, if you plan on staying long-term, or you plan on buying a house soon, it may be worth it to invest in high-quality appliances now.
Ventless
A big factor when deciding what dryer will work best for your apartment is whether or not your apartment has the connections for a vented dryer. Vented dryers take the humid air that is created inside the dryer and expel it outside through an aluminum duct vent. If you do not have dryer vent connections in your apartment, you will want to make sure that you limit your search to ventless units that recycle the hot air inside the dryer.
Portable
Of course, many apartment complexes do not have any washer and dryer connections inside of the units. However, just because your apartment doesn't have washer/dryer hookups does not mean that you are stuck taking your clothes to the laundromat. Instead, consider purchasing a portable washing machine for your apartment. Portable washing machines are top-load units that usually connect either to a sink or bathtub. While these small units are limited in the number of items they can wash at a time, many people still see them as a better option than packing up their clothes to take to a laundromat.
GE Compact Washer-Dryer Laundry Tower
A great compact option for apartments with limited space, GE's washer-dryer laundry tower is also an affordable option, coming in at under $1,300. With a 2.3-cubic-foot washer and 4.4-cubic-foot dryer, this compact design will be able to handle all of your laundry needs while fitting into most apartment wash closets. With 10 wash cycles to choose from and four heat settings for the dryer as well as auto-dry options, reviewers love the features this unit offers for the price. However, the main downside of this laundry tower is that some people have complained it is noisy, and it can be awkward to get clothes out of the top-load washer.
LG Smart Washer and Ventless Dryer Combo
Of course, if you are limited on space and don't mind spending a little more money, another great washing machine for apartments is LG's 2.4-cubic-foot smart combo washer and dryer for $1,700. While this unit may be small, this makes it perfect for apartments as its ultra-compact design takes up less than half the space of a typical washer or dryer. This all-in-one unit also eliminates the need for transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer, and its ThinkQ integration means that you can control it from an app on your phone. The primary downside to this unit is that the dryer is ventless. While this makes it a great option for people who don't have vent connections in their apartment, it also means that the drying cycle takes longer than you may be used to. Some users complain that it takes over two hours to dry a load of laundry.
Super Deal Compact Mini Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine
Even if your apartment doesn't have laundry connections or you have a limited budget, this does not mean that you are stuck going to the laundromat. Coming in at under $100, this ultra-compact portable washer is the perfect option for any apartment. This low-profile washer can handle up to 13 pounds of clothes at a time, and it has a built-in drain pump for easy water drainage. While users complain about this washing machine's limited capacity, and you will need to either invest in a ventless dryer or hang dry all of your clothes, the low price point makes this washing machine an attractive option for renters who are tired of taking their clothes to the laundromat.
Having a washing machine in your apartment is a luxury that can make life easier for renters, which is why many people prioritize finding a unit with washer/dryer connections when apartment hunting.
If you are looking for a place to live in Ashland, Ohio, you will be happy to learn that The District at Ashland has in-home washers and dryers, making it the perfect residence for those who do not want to have to worry about going to a laundromat every week. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the features our units have and the benefits of renting in Ashland.