Best Laundry Appliances
for Small Spaces
Laundry is already a chore and it gets even trickier when space is limited. Many apartments and small homes have little to no dedicated laundry area, and air drying can be tough too.
While laundromats work for some, having the convenience of washing clothes at home is hard to give up.
The good news? Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice laundry convenience. There are plenty of compact solutions, from space-saving washers and dryers to combo units and portable machines designed to fit into small laundry rooms, shared spaces, or even bathrooms.
Read on to explore the best laundry solutions for small spaces and find the right fit for your home.
Types of Compact Laundry Appliances
Stackable Washer & Dryers
Stackable washer and dryer systems offer a smart, vertical solution for saving space in your laundry area. Typically, a heat pump or condenser dryer is securely stacked on top of a front load washing machine. Samsung provides stacking kits designed to safely combine compatible washer and dryer sets into a single, space-efficient unit.
Pros
● Unique Space-Saving - Makes room for medium and large capacity washing machines and dryer but reducing their footprint
● Washer Dryer Syncing - Quick load transfer between appliances is simple, with some models able to sync together to allow for better cycle planning
● High Performance - No compromise on performance, as washer and dryer can still be used separately.
● No Venting Required - Condenser and heat pump dryers don’t need ventilation systems to be installed
Cons
● Complex Maintenance - If something goes wrong, it can be harder for technicians to access each unit easily
● Requires Vertical Space - Usually requires 2 metres of height clearance minimum for Samsung models, but can vary depending on the model
● Higher Access - Can be more difficult for some users to reach into the dryer
Washer Dryer Combos
Washer dryer combos are another great way to save room on full-sized laundry appliances, combining a front loader washing machine with a condenser dryer. Combo washer dryers are a great choice for individuals, couples, and small families looking for all the convenience of a stackable washer dryer system, with an even smaller footprint.
Pros
● Easy to Use - Loads are completed in one cycle without swapping appliances
● No Ventilation Needed - Condenser and heat pump dryers don’t need extensive venting or home alterations
● Excellent Washing Performance - Typically washes as well as a standalone machine
Cons
● Smaller Capacity - Typically less drying capacity than washing capacity
● Long Washing/Drying Times - Often requires at least 3 hours to complete a full cycle
● Low Efficiency Ratings - Can use more energy, especially water, than separate appliances
Portable Washing Machines
While portable washing machines can be an option for homes with severe space restrictions, they often come with significant compromises. These units typically offer smaller load capacities and limited washing features compared to full-sized machines. Many also require temporary connections to a sink for water access, which can be inconvenient for daily use. Without a dedicated laundry space, setting up and packing away the unit each time can become cumbersome over time.
Appliance Size
If you’re working with limited space, it’s worth paying close attention to the size of any washing machine or dryer you’re considering. Some internal laundries, especially in apartments or bathrooms, might not leave much room for larger appliances. You’ll also need to think about nearby obstacles like cabinet doors, showers, or bathtubs.
In smaller homes or apartments, the kitchen sometimes doubles as the laundry area, with machines installed under the bench or in a cupboard. whether it’s tucked into a cupboard or installed under the sink. Just keep in mind that setup might require specific water or electrical connections.
Before you commit, grab a tape measure and double-check:
● Appliance height, width, depth, and weight
● Doorways, stairwells, or lifts it needs to pass through
● Space for doors to open fully and allow proper airflow
Capacity
Washing machine capacity — measured in kilograms — tells you how much dry laundry the machine can handle in one load. Sizes range from less than 5kg to more than 14kg.
It’s not always obvious based on the machine’s size. A compact washer might still manage a decent load, so don’t assume small on the outside means small on the inside.
Think about:
● How many people you’re washing for
● How often you run laundry
● What fits your space without forcing you to do multiple loads
Noise
If your laundry setup is close to your living room or bedroom, noise becomes a real consideration. Some machines are designed to run quieter, which makes a difference in a small home or apartment, and especially in a motorhome or van.
Keep an eye out for the noise rating (listed in decibels):
● 50–60 dB is considered quiet and about as loud as a normal conversation
● Some machines also offer quiet cycles that help reduce sound and vibration for night-time washing
Top Laundry Appliances for Small Spaces
Stackable Washer - Dryers
Stackable washing machine and dryer systems allow you to enjoy the power and convenience of full-sized appliances with half the footprint.
While some manufacturers have limited stacking options for washing machines and dryers, Samsung offers a range of stacking kits that can convert nearly 30 different washing machine and dryer models into a stacked system. If you’re short on space and planning to stack your washer and dryer, choosing a compact set is key. Samsung offers stacking kits designed for appliances with similar size and weight specs, with kits compatible with machines up to 11kg capacity.
Alternative Solutions for Small Spaces
Drying laundry in small spaces can be challenging, especially without a dryer, but there are a few effective solutions. Mounted air dryer racks can be fixed to walls, ceilings, or doors and folded away when not in use, offering both permanent and portable options.
Portable spin dryers quickly remove excess water by spinning clothes at high speeds, though they may not fully dry garments and require careful use to avoid damage.
Heated clothes airers provide a faster drying option by using heat, making them ideal for poorly ventilated spaces, though they tend to be slower than traditional dryers and more costly than standard racks.
Installation Tips
When installing a washing machine or dryer, start by measuring your laundry area and any access points like doorways or stairwells to ensure a smooth installation. If stacking units, have your stacking kit ready and organise the necessary help. Make sure water and electrical connections are set up before delivery.
For safety and proper operation, it’s recommended to have a qualified technician handle installations, especially for stacked systems or complex setups. If you live in an apartment, check any building or strata rules regarding laundry appliances before installing.
Conclusion
Doing laundry in a small home can be a frustrating chore, but with the right appliances it doesn’t need to be. There are a range of options you can choose to make laundry in your apartment, small home, or even mobile home a lot easier. For some, a stackable dryer washer setup is the best way to enjoy the cleaning power and convenience of full-sized appliances, while others will benefit more from the compact power of a washer dryer combo. For those with even tighter space restrictions, portable washing machines or dryers could be the solution.
Samsung offers a range of innovative, high-performance small washing machines and dryers to suit a range of home sizes. With a compact Samsung laundry appliance, you don’t need to compromise performance to get the right size unit for your home. Explore the Samsung range of top loader, front loaders, and washer dryer combos, or learn more about your laundry options with our Washing Machine Buying Guide.
