Skip to Content
CityRealty Logo

Small Solutions: Compact Washers and Dryers for Apartment Living

JULY 16, 2009

Laundry day gets much easier if you don't have to get dressed to throw a load in the wash.

Innovations in appliance technology have made washers and dryers more compact and apartment-friendly, and it's becoming the rule to include these sleek, efficient units in new buildings and better rentals.

Scaled down, stackable, front-loading combo units have become small-space standards. They take up less room, hold more, and require less water and heating than classic top-loading machines. Frigidaire, LG and Haier, among others, make popular stackables. Another solution is the all-in-one washer-dryer combo. On the upside, these use half the space of separate units, and they generally don't need to be vented to the outside as the drying cycle works by condensing.

Asko makes a popular version of this do-it-all space saver. Portable washers and combos give your laundry experience mobility, but they require a hookup for water, so you'll need to attach them to a sink. Portable models are good for dorms and temporary situations where you need to do a small amount of laundry in a pinch—there's even a tiny, electricity-free washer for hand-washables and camping trips.