Compact washing machines are big on promises, including being able to wash up to 18 towels in one load. And our readers have been posting comments on ConsumerReports.org, urging us to test compact washing machines and dryers. "Not everybody lives in a big house," wrote one reader.
So the pros at Consumer Reports are putting compact washing machines to the test. We're buying and testing eight to 10 front-loader compact washing machines and their matching electric dryers (some of which are ventless) from Bosch and other major brands. These machines are 24 inches wide and stackable.
Our engineers have been developing test methods for compact washing machines and dryers. We plan to post test results on the first models in April, with more to come in early May.
If you're in the market for a pair of full-size laundry pair, check our review of the best matching washers and dryers.
Small Package, Small Price?
Just because these machines are small doesn't mean you pay less—they cost around $800 to $2,000. The Bosch WAT28402UC front-loading compact washing machine (shown above, right) has a claimed capacity of 2.2 cubic feet and costs $1,400. The full-sized front-loader LG WM3170CW (shown above, left), with a claimed capacity of 4.3 cubic feet, earned a Very Good in our capacity tests and was excellent overall. It costs $720—about half the price of the compact Bosch.
Why are compact washing machines and dryers so expensive? One reason is that they represent only a small part of the market. We'll find out what else contributes to their price and report on those findings when we post our compact washing machine Ratings.
