Yahoo Finance Best Matching Compact Washers and Dryers
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When you’re tight on space and need a compact washer and dryer to fit in a closet or kitchen corner, choosing the right set can be a challenge. There aren’t many options, prices are high, and the washer and dryer must be a matching set in order to stack.
In Consumer Reports' ratings, you'll find well over a dozen pairs of compact washers and dryers. They all go through the same rigorous testing as the full-sized sets, using smaller loads, of course.
That includes using a bench top imaging machine called a spectrocolorimeter to analyze fabric swatches stained with red wine, cocoa, and carbon (which is similar to soot) before and after washing.
Our tests find that performance varies widely among compact washers and dryers, and they all tend to vibrate more than full-size machines.
Most compact washers sold are front-loaders, and manufacturers make only electric compact dryers at this time (not gas). Each machine measures 24 inches wide, and height and depth varies, which you’ll see in our washer and dryer ratings.
Washers and dryers that perform well but don't hold up over time aren't winners. That's why it's important to consider that Miele is one of the most reliable brands for compact washers and dryers in our survey of CR members. Miele also earns top marks for owner satisfaction.
We also test and rate compact laundry sets from Asko, Blomberg, Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, GE, Kenmore, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of washer-dryer sets with impressive or even Excellent combined Overall Scores. The pairs are broken into two groups—compact washers with vented electric dryers, and compact washers with ventless electric dryers.
Washers With Vented Electric Dryers
The matching compact pairs below appear in rank order, and the prices are for the set.
The washers offer excellent water and energy efficiency, and wash times are based on the normal cycle (or its equivalent) and the most aggressive setting. These dryers require a standard 4-inch duct to carry the moist, hot air outdoors. Check CR's washer and dryer ratings for all the details.
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