Compact washer/dryer - pros and cons?

last year

We need to replace our washer/dryer combo. It’s very old but has served us well. These units were made back when the typical washer and dryer height was 36 inches, and our laundry room was designed to accommodate that height. Replacing it with a traditional model would require substantial remodeling, which we’re trying to avoid. To maintain the current layout, we’re considering a compact model.

For those who have transitioned from a large-capacity, American style washer/dryer to a compact European model (like Bosch or Miele), what were the pros and cons of the change? Do you have any regrets or things you wish you had known? Would you choose that route again?

Featured Answer

armjim

last year

When we lived in VA, we had an LG, and friends with compact sized washers always brought their comforters over when they came for dinner to wash in the LG. Now that we are in Texas, we have a TL SQ. My partner's Mom has a Miele set, and for 7 years now she and various family members living with her bring their comforters to us, as I can get the things clean, spun out and dried with less effort. We briefly stayed with her when we were relocating here and waiting to settle on our house. For me I found the Miele just too small unless we were willing to do multiple loads or do laundry more frequently. It is a personal choice-others don't mind that and they like having a compact machine, especially a Miele. Just wanted to share this so you have various perspectives as you make a decision.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Toronto Veterinarian
last year
last modified: last year
I went for a 24" W/D set and really liked them and had no complaints, but I live alone so my needs are modest (2-3 loads a week). I doubt I could have washed a comforter in it, but since I don't have comforters (I have quilts with a quilt cover), that didn't matter.

Edited to add: I realize I didn't mention the brand, which I didn't do because I don't think it's available in the US. It's Gorenje, which is a European brand from Slovenia, and Chinese company Hisense is the major shareholder.
HU-271250380 thanked Toronto Veterinarian
Related Professionals
Hackettstown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Madison Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gillette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Middletown Bathroom Remodelers · Olympia Bathroom Remodelers · Evansville Cabinets & Cabinetry · Natchitoches Cabinets & Cabinetry · Fort Wayne Cabinets & Cabinetry · Carbondale Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Roanoke Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Burlington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Stockton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cody Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Somerset Bathroom Remodelers · Medford Bathroom Remodelers
rebasheba
last year
No regrets with our Miele. I can do queen size quilts no problem. Probably couldn't handle a fluffy duvet or thick comforter so easily, but don't have that need.

I separate laundry but I don't think more than the average person, and I don't find it too small for our loads.

I dislike using my inlaws enormous Maytags. I can't reach the bottom of the top loader!
HU-271250380 thanked rebasheba
SEA SEA
last year
One of our laundry forum members from a while ago, Enduring, transitioned to Miele washer and dryer; compact size. She used to say she could wash and dry a queen size quilt in them comfortably. I used to have 3.6 cubic inch/feet, whatever that unit measurement might be, frontloaders and I could stuff a queen comforter in there but it was tight. This makes me think compact washer and dryer can not handle.

btw, I've switched one bed over to blanket plus thick throw-size blanket. This works well for us and washes easy in our 3.2 capacity top load Speed Queen, in case that helps. We had always been comforter folks, but this works very well for us.
armjim
last year
SEA SEA, I wanted so much to switch to a bedspread. I have seen some beautiful ones in magazines and in a model home we toured a few years ago, but somebody (you know who) told me to quit being an old man, no one uses them anymore. I'd give up the comforters. Such a pain washing and then re-assembling.
luna123456
last year
We do laundry for 13 people in two Miele sets. No problems.

What is the fill in the comforter? Down will be no problem. It shirnks to almost nothing when wet. If polyester it can be tough as that doesnt shrink when wet. All or ours are goose down and there is no problem washing them in the Miele.
SEA SEA
last year
Hi armjim!

Yeah, the comforters...they are a challenge with their size. Our Speed Queens can't handle big stuff like king and some thicker queen comforters. We still have a king size down comforter on another bed. I can wash the duvet at home but I have to bring the down comforter to the laundromat. That's a chore. I will have to use the laundromat dryers for it now too, since we now have a compact dryer. This comforter will not fit in there. It used to fit in our regular sized dryer with lots of taking it out and rearranging it over several dry cycles.

Maybe quilts are next on the list of things to try.