best compact combo washer dryer for tiny homes
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Finding space for a washing machine in a tiny home, dorm or apartment is a pain in the neck. And for apartment dwellers, not all buildings have a shared laundry room. That's why many choose to do their laundry at a laundromat, and certainly, it is not better.
It sucks you big time. And in the event that something like diseases breaks out, laundromats will be closed or under strain.
The solution? Get yourself a compact washer dryer combo that doesn’t take much space in your home. This way, you will save a lot of time and money making trips to the local laundromat. If you are still baffled by the vast choice of models in the market, we are here with the list of 6 best compact combos washer dryer for tiny homes that can fit in the smallest place.
For first-time buyers, you can jump to the buyer’s guide to read about what to expect when buying a washer dryer combo for your limited space.
| Image | Product | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Giantex Full-Automatic EP23936BL-CS |
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 | More Affordable Option Panda PAN6320W |
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 | Best Overall Giantex Portable Mini Washing Machine, 17.6lbs |
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 | Most Compact COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer |
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 | Best Bang For The Buck Rovsun Portable Washing Machine, 16.6lbs |
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 | Larger Capacity For Big Families KUPPET Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine, 26lbs |
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Best Compact Fully-Automated Washer Dryer Combo For Tiny Homes
Giantex Full-Automatic EP23936BL-CSBest Overall
Pros
- Compact and fairly lightweight
- Fit a lot of clothes and wash them well
- Run quietly
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Spin cycle wings out most of the water, allowing clothes to hang-dry quickly
- Include UV light to kill germs
Cons
- Short hose
- You need to buy an adapter to connect it to kitchen faucet or bathroom sink (Note: Remove the aerator from your tap, bring it and the inlet hose to your local hardware store, they’ll help you to find the correct adapter)
You adore the convenient features of a full-sized washing machine but struggle to find inches for one? Then consider this tiny version of it, Giantex Full-Automatic EP23936BL-CS compact washer.
Small as it may seem with a dimension of just 16.5"L x 16"W x 29.5"H, this machine does the full cycle of water-agitate-drain-spin like a large machine.Fully automatic programed, this Giantex washer is an excellent helper when it comes to housework. You just need to stuff it with clothes, set the programs and do other tasks.
Its honeycomb shaped stainless steel tub allows you to load up to 10 lbs at a time. It means you can wash 2 pairs of jeans, 5 short-sleeve T-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, a few underwear and pairs of socks, a sheet and a towel in one load.
I love the barrel light function that kills bacteria/ germs and eliminates musty odors from your clothes. And it is totally safe for human eyes and skin.
Its compact and lightweight design makes itself a perfect travel company or allows it to snug into small corners. Though it won’t spin your clothes dry completely, you just have to hang them up to dry the rest of the way in one hour at most in the summer.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash / Spin Capacity | 10 lbs |
| Length of Inlet Hose (in) | 35 |
| Length of Drain Hose (in) | 48 |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 16.5" x 16" x 29.5" |
| Weight | 40 lbs |
| Highlight Features | Stainless steel tub, Adjustable feet, Barrel light function |
A regular-sized machine in a small silhouette that saves space, money and time for you. What are you waiting for? Add Giantex Full-Automatic EP23936BL-CS in your shopping list right away!
Panda PAN6320WMore Affordable Option
Pros
- Run quiet
- Feature multiple washing programs & water levels
- Come with a standard faucet adapter
- Easy to use
- Decent air dry setting gets clothes 95% dry
Cons
- The wheels are only in the back so it may hard to maneuver for some (I recommend buying a dolly (https://amzn.to/2BBoyM5) to put it on for easier navigation)
If you don’t have a generous budget for a full-sized washer, then this Panda PAN6320W full-automatic washer that also features the spin function that gets the clothes 95% dry.
Its compact and lightweight design allows it to squeeze in the narrowest space in your tiny home, dorm, or even RV. However, don't be fooled by its small dimensions. It can hold 10 lbs of clothes, a family of less than 3 can definitely benefit from this unit.
This portable washing machine allows you to choose from up to 10 different washing programs with 5 water level settings for different kinds of laundry, making sure that your clothes and linens come out as clean as possible.
Two built-in rollers enhance mobility, so moving it around is super easy. Especially, this unit comes with a quick adapter kit that can connect the water inlet hose to the US standard faucet.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash / Spin Capacity | 10 lbs |
| Length of Inlet Hose (in.) | 39 |
| Length of Drain Hose (in.) | 55 |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 20" x 19" x 34” |
| Weight | 51 Lbs |
| Highlight Features | Transparent lid, 2 built-in rollers, Quick connect adapter kit (US Standard size faucet adaptor) included |
You can enjoy the wonders of a washing machine at such an affordable price with Panda PAN6320W.
Best Compact Semi-Automated Washer Dryer Combo For Tiny Homes
Giantex Portable Mini Washing Machine, 17.6lbsBest Overall
Pros
- Quick wash and spin cycles
- Wash clothes thoroughly
- Lightweight
- Use less detergent
- Use less energy and water than regular-sized washers
Cons
- Short drain hose
- Need to be elevated to drain well because of gravity drain
Let me tell you about this amazing Giantex mini washing machine. It is designed with twin tubs that operate separately with their own timer. You can wash 11 lbs of clothes and linens at a time in the washing tub and dry them in a 6 lbs spinning tub. On top of that, it only takes 15 mins to wash and 5 mins to spin. Now you can’t blame your busy schedule for not doing the laundry.
I've had this washer at home since I downsized my home and it’s been a life-saver. I’m able to wash three dresses, a pair of jeans, 3 large sized t-shirts of my husband and a few pairs of socks plus the bath towels. The thing is it doesn’t take up space at all, which makes it perfect for small families, college students and apartment dwellers.
You won’t notice any difference in your electricity bills even when you wash 2 or 3 loads a week. So instead of hauling the laundry and spending over 40-50 dollars each time at a laundromat, now I can stay at home enjoying my soda while saving hundreds bucks.
It also comes with a drain hose, but it will only fully drain if the hose is flat or angled down.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash Capacity | 11 Lbs |
| Spin Capacity | 6.6 Lbs |
| Rated Wash Input Power | 260W |
| Rated Spin Input Power | 140W |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 24.8" × 15" × 28.5" |
| Weight | 29.3 Lbs |
| Highlight Features | Twin tub design, Separate timer control settings for washing and spinning |
Short cycle, clean wash, near dry spin and cheap, this Giantex Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine is what you will never regret to buy when you are living in a small apartment.
COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin DryerMost Compact
Pros
- Most compact washer spinner combo, great for high-rise dwellers in big cities
- Super lightweight
- Fast but effective washing cycles
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- The spin basket can be improved
- Drain hose is short
If twin tub design is still a bit too big for your space, try this COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine. With a dimension of 14.2"L×13.4" W×20.1" H and a mere weight of 11.5 lbs, it is the most compact washer in the list thanks to the 2-in-1 tub.
Besides, its washing cycles only last 10 minutes, making it super convenient for busy folk. Just throw your clothes inside, select Ten Minute Quick Wash. After finishing, put the spin basket in and let it dry your clothes in 5 minutes. Since the washer dries your clothes up to 90-95%, you will only need to hang them dry for a short period of time.
This unit features a wash capacity of 5.5 lbs and spin capacity of 1.1 lbs, enough for small families & single people to use on a daily basis. If you have a large family, this washer can be useful anyway since you can use it for delicate, baby clothes, workout clothes, work/school uniforms or anything else you want to wash quickly.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash Capacity | 5.5 Lbs |
| Spin Capacity | 1.1 Lbs |
| Rated Wash Input Power | 170W |
| Rated Spin Input Power | 120W |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 14.2" × 13.4" × 20.1" |
| Weight | 11.5 Lbs |
| Highlight Features | Fast cycles (10 min wash & 5 min spin), Transparent lid, 2-in-1 function tub |
With COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer, space is no longer a challenge to tiny home dwellers.
Rovsun Portable Washing Machine, 16.6lbsBest Bang For The Buck
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easy to use
- The spinner is extremely efficient
- Noise is minimal
- Energy-efficient
- Clean well
Cons
- May stretch out T-shirts or delicate clothing, so I recommend a laundry bag (https://amzn.to/3dLyvUX) for them
- The machine needs to be elevated to drain
If you don’t want to spend a huge budget for a portable compact washing machine but still need something decent, then go for this Rovsun Portable Washing Machine.
The twin tub design is convenient since washing and spinning functions can be used at the same time. With a total capacity of up to 16 lbs, this unit is able to fit in a decent sized load, singles, couples, students living in dorms or small families living in tiny apartments will definitely benefit from this.
The 1300 RPM motor makes sure that your clothes come out clean and smell good, with only 15 minutes of washing and 5 mins of spinning. It is pretty lightweight so those who want to wash their clothes on camping trips or RVs will appreciate the portability.
And it doesn’t consume much energy at all.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash Capacity | 10 Lbs |
| Spin Capacity | 6.6 Lbs |
| Rated Wash Input Power | 240W |
| Rated Spin Input Power | 120W |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 24.4'' x 14.3” x 28.7" |
| Weight | 27.6 Lbs |
| Highlight Features | Twin tub design, Energy-efficient |
Rovsun Portable Washing Machine with 16.6 lb capacity fits in your space and fits your tight budget.
KUPPET Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine, 26lbsLarger Capacity For Big Families
Pros
- Helpful for big families
- Still compact for tiny places
- Cheap price for the huge capacity
- Simple to use
- Convenient built-in drain pump
Cons
- A bit loud to some
- Hoses can be improved
Who says a big family can’t enjoy the benefits of a portable washer dry combo? Here we have a unit from Kuppet that will absolutely cater for the huge laundry needs from a family of 5 or 6. And don’t worry, large capacity doesn’t mean it has to sacrifice the compact silhouette.
This unit features a huge total capacity of 26 lbs (washer: 18lbs, spin: 8lbs), allowing you to wash big loads of laundry for your family at a time. You can even throw in a blanket to wash, queen or king bed sheets and everything else you want to wash.
Just connect the inlet hose and let the built-in drain pump take out the water when the machine has finished washing. You do not need to elevate it to pump the water out, unlike other models with gravity drain.
Kuppet compact twin tub portable washing machine also comes with a 1300 RPM powerful motor with a max frequency of 60Hz, so rest assured that your clothes will come out fresh and clean though it only takes 15 mins to wash and 5 mins to spin.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wash Capacity | 18 Lbs |
| Spin Capacity | 8 Lbs |
| Rated Wash Input Power | 240W |
| Rated Spin Input Power | 120W |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 27.4” x 16.1” x 31.9” |
| Weight | 37.5 Lbs |
| Highlight Features | Large opening, Additional stainless steel snap ring, Built-in drain pump |
KUPPET Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine with large wash tub is a perfect choice for big families with huge loads of laundry.
How To Choose The Best Compact Combo Washer Dryer For Tiny Homes (Buying Guide)
Full-automatic vs Semi-automatic
A portable full-automatic washer works like a standard sized one, both functions of washing and drying are performed in a single drum.
Meanwhile, semi-automatic units usually compose 2 tubs located next to each other. One is for washing and the other is for dry spinning. Once the clothes finish being washed in one tub, you need to transfer them to the other one for spinning.
The cleaning method
Fully automatic compact washing machines are convenient and pretty straightforward to use. Throw in your clothes and detergent, choose your program and you’re good to go to do other tasks.
On the other hand, the semi-automatic counterparts need constantly tending to, you have to find out the right amount of water for the load, drain the water once the washing is done, and move the clothes to the spinning tub. You can barely leave the machine on its own.
However, semi automatic washers take shorter time to finish a cycle (15 mins for washing, and 5 mins for spinning) than a full-automatic machine (whose programs can last more than 1 hour) so I think the tending is not a big problem.
Size
Semi automatic washers are a bit wider than fully automatic machines since they usually feature a twin tub design. If you want a product that offers the ultimate space utilisation, a fully automatic front load washer is your best bet, since they are more compact than top load units.Water Usage
For semi-automatic washers, you have a choice of filling the water manually, which gives you the control of water consumption. This kind of washer is ideal for regions with water shortage.
Also, a semi-automatic machine consumes less water than an automatic machine.
A top-loader full-automatic model uses more water since the machine can only clean the clothes well when the water submerges the clothes.
Quality Of Wash
Fully automatic washing machines undoubtedly wash better. So you can trust them when you have stains on your clothes. Meanwhile, you need to scrub the stain yourself on your shirts before washing with a semi-automatic washer because the wash quality isn’t as good.
Capacity
When it comes to compact washing machines, your choice of capacity is not really diverse. They are perfect for singles, couples and small families living in limited space. Big families will find them inconvenient since they can’t hold a large load of clothes.
Weight
Since there is not always space near the sink or bathtub, a washing machine can get in the way and make it hard for you to move around in its presence. It’s better to go for a lightweight unit so that you can easily put it away in storage when you don’t do your laundry.
FAQs
Definitely yes, especially to apartment dwellers who have tons of inconveniences to live with. Having your own washer dryer combo is always better than making trips to the basement where the common laundry room is or travelling to the laundromat.
I don’t say that all shared laundry rooms and laundromats are not clean but washing your underwear in the same washer with hundreds of other people just feels wrong. And when you have a baby, you surely wouldn’t want to wash his/ her clothes in a shared washer.
A portable washing machine will save you a lot of times queuing, sitting around waiting for the washer to finish and then moving your clothes to the dryer and waiting again in the laundromat. Moreover, compact washers are energy efficient, they will pay for themselves after 3-4 months of use, saving you hundreds of dollars spent on coin laundry.
However, mind that some landlords don’t allow renters to bring a washer into the apartment, so check the building’s policies first before purchasing one. Since portable washing machines are supposed to be as small as possible so they don’t take in huge loads. If your family is large, then chances are that you have to run the machine more than once daily.
Unlike a standard sized washer, a semi-automatic portable machine needs a bit more attention, you cannot leave it to do other tasks because it won’t stop filling or draining the water itself. Otherwise, portable washing machines are good value for the money when you’re living in a small home or apartment.
Not at all, at least with the models on this list we have chosen for you. I’ll show you how energy-efficient they are.
Most of them have a wattage of only 360W for both washing and spinning. So if you use them 1 hour everyday, 360Wh is consumed a day.
However, electricity on your bill is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), not Wh. So we need to divide the previous number by 1000. So our washer uses 360 / 100 = 0.36 kWh.
Then just multiply it to the number of days of the month and then continue to multiply the figure with the electricity rate of your region and we’ll have the average cost of our washer. For example, I’m using the average electricity cost which is 13.19 cents. So we have: 0.36 x 30 x 0.1319 = $1.43
It’s literally nothing. So you don’t have to worry much about your bills when using compact washer dryer combos.
A small washer of 10 lb capacity uses 4 gallons of water for the wash cycle and 4 gallons for the rinse cycle per full wash load or 3,136 gallons per year, based on an average 392 wash loads per year.
A portable washing machine is small enough to put everywhere, but it does need access to a sink. So you will need to put it in your kitchen or bathroom.
They may stand in the way while operating, but don't worry. Since they are lightweight and portable, you can store them somewhere else between uses.
Yes portable washing machines will be able to hold one sheet (up to king size) at a time since they have small capacity.
- Remove the aerator on the faucet and put it aside.
- Connect the inlet hose to the faucet. If it doesn't fit your sink tap, you will need an adapter which can be bought at local shopware.
- Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
- Turn on the faucet and adjust the proper water temperature for your clothes. Leave the tap running the entire cycle.
Conclusion
Living in a tiny home or a small apartment doesn’t mean that doing your laundry at a laundromat is the only option. You can always have fresh and clean clothes without leaving the home with a portable compact washer dryer combo in your own home.
I hope you enjoy reading the articles and have found yourself the best compact combo washer dryer for your tiny apartment. Thank you for reading and see you in the next post!