Answered. What Are Washer and Dryer Dimensions?

What Are Washer and Dryer Dimensions?

So you’re in the market for a new washer and dryer? With the recent developments in washer and dryer efficiency, design, and size, it’s no wonder you’re on the lookout for a new machine.

If there is one essential step in searching for a new washer and dryer that trips people up, it’s the size. If you fall in love with a washer and dryer on the floor of an appliance store, you may judge its size incorrectly. This realization can be a real headache.

Arriving home with an appliance that won’t fit near the electrical outlet or water hookup means you’ll have to spend more time searching for a proper fit.

But what exactly are washer and dryer dimensions? The truth is, the measurements depend on which type of washer and dryer you buy.

Luckily, in this article, we’ll go through all the different types of washer and dryer sizes.

Tips For Measuring For a Washer and Dryer

To measure a washer and dryer, the tools you’ll need are a tape measure. Always remember there are three measurements you need to record:

Height
Width
Depth

The first step of any washer or dryer measurement is figuring out what can and can’t fit in your space. For example, some homes have built-in cabinets around their washer and dryer. The cabinets might be designed for stacking, which means they won’t fit a side-by-side unit.

Another aspect to remember is to leave appropriate space for integral pieces of the appliances. Water hookups, electrical outlets, and exhaust systems need space behind or beside your washer and dryer. Always add six inches to the depth dimension for a proper fit.

Additionally, you can also leave space between the washer and dryer, although it’s not necessary. By leaving a one-inch space between your walls, your washer, and your dryer, you can reduce the amount of noise it makes while running.

Standard Washer and Dryer Dimensions (Full Size)

A standard washer and dryer refer to a top-load washer and a front-load dryer. These are the most common type of washers and dryers you can find in North America.

A standard washer and dryer share the same dimensions, although some slight differences between the two appliances dictate their need for space. The dimensions for a standard washer and dryer are:

Width: 27 inches
Depth: 32-34 inches
Height: 39 inches

Top-load washers need to have space above them, while front-load dryers need space in front of them. Ensure there aren’t any items blocking the doors from opening. Give your washer and dryer approximately 20 inches in front of or 10 inches above the doors, depending on your setup.

How Much Space Do You Need?

With a width of 27 inches and a depth of 34 inches, you would need a space that is 57 inches wide and 40 inches deep to fit a standard washer and dryer side-by-side. As for height, you want an area approximately 50 inches tall.

Front-Load Washers and Dryers

Front-load washers and dryers have become some of the best-selling appliances on the market. These units don’t have many different spatial requirements than standard washers and dryers. The main difference is the amount of space above and in front of the appliances.

The dimensions of a front-load washer and dryer are:

Width: 27 inches
Depth: 28-34 inches
Height: Varies

The reason why height can vary is because of pedestal attachments. These attachments add 12-inches to the height for more comfortable loading and unloading. Appliances without the pedestal are usually 35-40 inches tall, while the pedestal can make it 47-52 inches tall.

For front-loading appliances, you’ll need a space that’s 57 inches wide and 40 inches deep. As for height, your space can be the exact height of the washer. Since you don’t load the washer from above, you don’t need to account for extra space.

Compact Washer and Dryer Dimensions

Compact washers and dryers are popular in apartments and other small spaces. These appliances pack in the same washing capability in a smaller, more compact package. The dimensions of compact washers and dryers are:

Width: 24 inches
Depth: 24-26 inches
Height: 33-36 inches

Most compact washers and dryers are front-load, which means you have options for your layout. If you want side-by-side machines, you’ll need a space that’s 51 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and at least 37 inches high.

If your compact washer and dryer are capable of being stacked, you’ll have much different space requirements. You’ll need a space with a width of 26 inches, a depth of 32 inches, and a height of at least 73 inches.

Mega-Capacity Washers and Dryers

Mega-capacity washers and dryers are capable of washing 5.2 cubic feet of laundry at once. For comparison, standard and front-load washers usually have a capacity of 3.1 cubic feet. That means you can do almost double the amount of laundry in one load.

With a larger internal capacity comes a larger external frame. Mega-capacity washers and dryers have dimensions of:

Width: 27-30 inches
Depth: 28-33 inches
Height: 40-44 inches

Mega-capacity washers and dryers aren’t meant to be stacked on one another, which means you need to have space for a side-by-side configuration. So, you’ll need a maximum space that’s 63 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 45 inches tall.

Stackable Washer and Dryer Dimensions

Stackable washers and dryers, as mentioned before, are a great way to save space in your home. The one issue is finding a space tall enough to fit these appliances. On average, you’ll need to find an area with a height in excess of 80 inches.

But before we get into the dimensions, we should distinguish between unitized and regular stackable washers and dryers. Stackable washers and dryers are separate front-load appliances. The washer is designed to withstand the weight of the dryer stacked on top.

Unitized washers and dryers work differently as the washer is top-load, while the dryer is front-load. Both appliances are attached instead of just being stacked. Usually, unitized systems are smaller than their regular stackable counterparts.

Unitized Washer and Dryers

Unitized washers and dryers are a good fit for anyone living in an apartment building because they fit in the average closet. By putting a unitized washer and dryer in your closet, you’ll save tons of space in your home. The average dimensions of a unitized appliance are:

Width: 24-27 inches
Depth: 27 inches
Height: 70-75 inches

For a unitized washer and dryer, you want to ensure your space is at least 29 inches wide, 33 inches deep, and 76 inches tall. When you’re choosing a space, make sure installation won’t be a hassle.

For example, if you plan on putting the unit in a closet, make sure it can fit through the door. If you plan on carrying the unit up a flight of stairs, ensure the box can fit through without damaging your walls.

Stackable Washer and Dryers

Stackable washers and dryers are among the most popular types of washer configurations. They are front-load machines that take up far less floor space than a standard washer or a side-by-side configuration. The dimensions of an average stackable washer and dryer are:

Width: 24-27 inches
Depth: 32 inches
Height: 70-75 inches

When you’re looking for a space to fit your stackable washer and dryer, account for a space that’s 29 inches wide, 38 inches deep, and 76 inches tall.

Tips for Finding the Right Washer and Dryer

Specific washers and dryers always have unique dimensions. When you’re shopping for a new washer and dryer, always measure twice before buying. You can find the dimensions for specific appliances by going to the manufacturer’s website, such as LG, Samsung, Maytag, or any other appliance manufacturer.

The size of the washer you need depends on how much laundry you do. If you’re a family with children, buying a full or mega-capacity washer and dryer is for you. That way, you’ll have to do fewer loads and have more time for other activities.

But if you live on your own, you may want to invest in a compact model. Compact models are often more energy-efficient than their larger counterparts, which will save you money in the long run.

If you’re considering getting a top-load washer, you should also understand the washing instruments. Top-load washers have either an agitator or an impeller instrument. The agitator is a central post that twists back and forth during the wash. The clothes then rub against each other and the agitator, removing any dirt or stains.

An impeller causes the clothes to rub against each other, but not with a central post. Instead, an impeller is a small disc at the base of the washing machine. As it spins, it causes the clothes to rotate and come into contact, releasing any dirt or stains.

You may have heard that agitators are tough on clothes. Luckily, new developments have made them gentler, so you won’t worry about damage. The main difference between the two models is that impellers use much less water than agitator models.

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Washer and Dryer Dimensions