Best Washing Machines for Small Laundries: Space-Saving Options That Don't Compromise

A small laundry doesn't mean you have to settle for a small or underpowered washing machine. With the right configuration and dimensions, you can get a full-featured, high-capacity washer into most apartment laundries, tight cupboard laundries, and narrow utility rooms.

Here's what to look for and which options work best when space is tight.

Know Your Measurements First

Before you look at any specific model, measure your laundry space carefully:

• Width: Standard front-loaders are 60 cm wide. Compact models are 45 cm wide. Know which you're working with.
• Depth: Most front-loaders are 60–65 cm deep, but some slim models are 45–50 cm deep. If your laundry is against a wall with a door swing, depth matters.
• Height: Standard models are 85–87 cm tall. If you're stacking a dryer on top, check the maximum stack height.
• Door clearance: The laundry door must be able to open fully with the appliance in place, and the appliance must fit through the door and down any corridors to get there.

Option 1: 45 cm Wide Front-Loader (Slim Model)

Slim front-loaders at 45 cm wide are specifically designed for tight spaces. They're common in European apartments and increasingly popular in Sydney. The tradeoff: capacity is typically 6–7 kg, which suits a couple or single person but may feel limiting for a family.

Brands to consider: Bosch Serie 2 or 4 (45 cm), Electrolux slim series, Miele (compact).

Option 2: Standard 60 cm Front-Loader

If your laundry is 60 cm wide, a standard front-loader fits and you get access to the full range of capacity options (7–12 kg). Many apartments built in the last 10 years have a 60 cm laundry alcove specifically for this.

Standard front-loaders are more energy and water efficient than top-loaders, have better wash performance, and are gentler on clothes.

Option 3: Washer-Dryer Combo

A washer-dryer combo unit does both jobs in a single appliance the same size as a front-loader. It's ideal when you have space for one appliance but need drying capability as well.

The tradeoff: combo units typically have a lower drying capacity than their wash capacity (e.g., wash 8 kg, dry 5 kg), and drying takes longer than a dedicated dryer. They're not ideal for large families but work well for one or two people.

Brands to consider: LG WashTower, Bosch washer-dryer, Electrolux combo, Miele combo.

Option 4: Top-Load Compact

Compact top-loaders (around 44 cm wide) exist but are less common and typically have lower capacity and wash performance. They suit a very small laundry where even a standard slim front-loader won't fit, or as a secondary machine in a bathroom or storage room.

Stacking: The Space-Saver for Tight Laundries

If you have limited floor space but adequate ceiling height, stacking a dryer on top of a front-loader using a compatible stacking kit doubles your functionality without doubling your footprint. Most major brands offer stacking kits for their front-load washer and dryer combinations.

Check that the specific washer and dryer models you're considering are compatible for stacking — not all combinations within the same brand are approved for stacking.

What to Look For Beyond Size

• Delay start: Run the machine overnight when electricity is cheaper (if you're on a time-of-use tariff)
• Quick wash cycle: When you only have a small load and need it fast
• Allergen or hygiene wash: Useful if anyone in the household has allergies
• Energy rating: Front-loaders are inherently more efficient than top-loaders; look for 4+ stars

Visit Our Showroom

At our Wetherill Park showroom (2/14 Centre Place, open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm), you can see the actual footprint of different models side by side. Bring your measurements and we'll help you find the right combination of capacity, dimensions, and features for your space.