Smart Laundry Appliances for Tiny Spaces

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers™

Are you downsizing or just short on space? It can sometimes seem like there’s no way to scale back when it comes to major appliances, but there are now plenty of compact laundry options that offer more in tighter packages. Here are some points to keep in mind as you shop!

Stackability

Whether you’re looking for full-size or compact appliances, the ability to stack them can free up some floor space. Many front-loading washers can stack with compatible dryers, but there are also some smaller dryers that can be wall-mounted for even greater versatility. The best laundry setup varies based on where you have to put it, but opting for a flexible arrangement is definitely a good idea for those with limited space.

Stackable laundry sets are fantastic because they easily fit into closets and condense the area you use to store and clean clothes and linens into a single unit. You’ll also find them in bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms, where storage space is at a premium and utility hookups can be grouped. Side-by-side arrangements can be favorable for some, though, if countertops are highly valued instead—in this case, it’s fairly simple to place the washer and dryer beneath them. Use pedestals to raise appliances and provide drawer storage below, if you want to make the most of both vertical and lateral space. Stackable front loaders are the best appliances to check out for any of these options, and new compact machines are likely to offer it all because they are especially suited for tight places.

Vent Options

Most dryers in the United States are vented; they draw in air, heat it up to evaporate moisture, vent it outside, and repeat. The vast majority of homes are equipped with a vent that designates the laundry area, but it can be tricky if you don’t have one or need to move to a more convenient location. Some people prefer to cut a hole in an exterior wall and feed an exhaust pipe between it and the dryer, but this isn’t always feasible. Ventless dryers eliminate the need and can be placed anywhere, and you know they work because they’ve been the norm in Europe for years.

There’s no better option for apartments, tiny homes, or just simple convenience. Ventless dryers are available in compact and standard sizes, and their appeal goes far beyond installation flexibility. They’re superior in terms of energy efficiency because they recycle hot air, and they’re gentler on fabrics because they don’t use as much heat. The trade-off is that they can take longer to dry, but all in all, ventless dryers are a great choice and well worth your consideration.

All-in-One Units

For those truly crunched for space, an all-in-one washer-dryer could be the answer. Not to be confused with stacked combination washer/dryers, wherein two separate appliances share one body, an all-in-one model has a single chamber for washing and drying. That means you get two functionalities for the space of one! Of course, this is a great choice for households that don’t produce a lot of laundry, because you lose the ability to wash and dry at the same time, but if you don’t mind doing loads more often rather than saving up for a big laundry day, an all-in-one appliance is worth the cubic footage it occupies.

No matter your available space, check out the variety of laundry appliances that Whirlpool® offers to address every family’s needs. The company recently introduced compact and ventless models that make in-home laundry possible for more people, and be on the lookout for their all-in-one washer-dryer that debuted earlier in 2017! There has never been a better time to find appliances that work for your specific situation!