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
As real-estate prices soar, tiny homes are becoming more prevalent. Whether you’re thinking about moving into one of these small spaces (or you're just moving into your first apartment), 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 need a compact washer.
You might have to compromise on size, but finding the best compact washer means you won’t need to lose a shred of performance. Smaller capacity washers tend to be between two and three and a half cubic feet, so they do mean more frequent, smaller loads and more time spent doing laundry than classic washing machines. That’s a small price to pay, however, to avoid lugging your dirty clothes down to the laundromat.
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 best 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.
Best Overall
Miele WXR 860 WCS
Dimensions: 33.5" x 23.5" x 25.38" (H x W x D)
Capacity: 2.26 cu. ft.
If you're in the market for a compact washer, but don't want to sacrifice cleaning quality, the Miele W1 WXR860WCS is our top pick for the best compact washer you can buy. 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 washing machine.
The GE GFW148SSMWW is a solid compact washing machine 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.
This modern compact washing machine leans into contemporary smart features, with AI on deck and a quick 30-minute wash. It’s also energy-efficient and certified Most Efficient in 2024 by Energy Star.
The AI feature set refers to machine learning capabilities that predict your cycle choices based on your daily habits. Smart connectivity also extends to your phone, with alerts and controls available through the app. Finally, steam capabilities unlock wrinkles and contribute to deep cleaning.
We have one concern with this washer: we've seen quality control issues mentioned in a few reviews. However, these discrepancies don't seem to be common enough to worry us much.
If you care deeply about resource usage and believe that your modern compact washing machine should have all the features you’d expect on a full-size washer, then this is a good pick for you.
You're all set to get the latest from Reviewed. Tell us a bit more about you so we can get to know each other better.
Thank You!
We added you to the list. We'll be in touch soon.
LG WM1455HWA
Dimensions: 33.02” x 25.98” x 25.98” (H x W x D)
Capacity: 2.4 cu. ft.
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 washing machine. One word of warning: the included manuals are not as helpful as we'd like them to be. You may need to resort to the internet for questions or troubleshooting.
The 23.5-inch Bosch Compact Washing Machine has a small profile but is built to deliver competitively fast washes—down to 30 minutes. It also includes a handy spin feature that works water out of garments before they go to the dryer. Because of this, it pairs well with the compact, ventless dryers that often go with these mini washing machines, which often dry slower than traditional vented dryers.
Our competitors recommend this machine highly. However, we caution that while this unit has a lot going for it, it has one major quirk that will turn many people off. Bosch is a European brand, and this washing machine is an import. It features a European-style 240V NEMA 6-15 outlet plug. You'll need to order an adapter for this to be compatible with US wiring—or invest in costly rewiring. If you do choose an adapter, we recommend consulting with an electrician to ensure that the wiring is safe and legal.
We’ve had good luck with Bosch appliances in the past, and we think that this unit’s spin feature could make it a good pick for those that want a small washer to go with their ventless dryer. However, take time to plan before you invest in a machine with a European plug.
To build this list, we used our expertise in laundry appliances to evaluate compact washers from across the market. We incorporated products that we've tested in our Cambridge, Massachusets lab. These were evaluated using our rigorous system of standardized tests, and compared to the entire portfolio of washers we've tested in the past.
On this list, we also included products that we've researched but haven't brought into the lab. For these, we spent hours studying the specs and reading product reviews, looking for the best washers available.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Compact Washers
What is a compact washing machine?
Still not sure if you want to invest in a compact washing machine, 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 washing machine 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.
Compact Washer FAQs
Do compact washing machines work well?
Compact washers can do an excellent job at cleaning laundry. Generally, they won’t run as quickly as full-sized washers. Because of that small drum, you also won’t be able to fit as many garments. This means that if you opt for a compact washer, expect to do smaller laundry loads more often.
What size washer is compact?
Compact washers are generally defined as any washer with a width under 27 inches. 24 inches is the most common size we see. This smaller width enables these washers to fit in areas that could never accommodate a full-size washer.
Which brand is best for mini washing machine?
While there are lots of great brands that make mini washing machines. Miele makes the best compact washer for most people. The Miele WXR 860 WCS cleans clothes just as well as a full-size washer, and spins water out of them effectively, reducing wear and tear on your dryer. While Miele makes the best compact washer, GE, Samsung, Bosch, and LG are all good brands for mini washing machines.
What is the difference between a compact washer and a washer-dryer combo?
Compact washing machines and washer-dryer combos are both types of specialty laundry appliances that fill similar niches. Both types of appliances are built to save space.
Washer-dryer combos save space by including both washer and dryer in the same housing. They also work without heat vents, using a condenser or heat pump to remove water, as a standalone ventless dryer would. Because of this, they don’t need an exhaust vent to blow warm air out of the house. On the other hand, compact washers usually work like regular washing machines, just with a smaller overall profile.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed
have all your shopping needs covered.
Follow Reviewed on Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
TikTok,
or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
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.
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
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.