Washing machines are needed in most apartments and homes since they can make your home life quite a bit easier most homes have some. However, with smaller homes and apartments, it's always been an issue when you're trying to find the space for a full-sized washing machine. There are alternatives, including smaller apartment-sized washing machines that will fit in most places.
If space is an issue, then it's possible to choose some smaller washing machines to fit your place. There is a whole segment of the market specialized in compact and portable washing machines. They can be harder to find, as most customers will buy full-sized washers, but most big box stores will offer some of them. We've found some at Walmart, and there are sure to be ones available at other stores.
The Clatronic washing machine is an example of very small washing machine that will fit almost anywhere. The smaller size will cut down on electricity and water usage as well. Walmart has quite a few of these smaller washing machines. They start out at $190 and go up. The ones from Haier fit the bill.
Many appliance manufacturers are now making smaller washing machines. This includes Electrolux, whose WA SL3M 101 will fit in most places with less available free space, since it measures 24" in width, 33" in height, and 24" in depth. Bosch makes the Axxis line of compact washers, which are also somewhat slim at under 24".
(Image: Flickr member Scout Seventeen licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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Comments (8)
it's all well and good that they make small washers, but for most apartments in this area ( Los Angeles) getting the water hoses and everything *to* the washer would be the biggest hassle.
I like the ones that scoot up to the sink but there are some issues.
1) My galley kitchen is only 3' wide as opposed to the 4' standard and the sink is at the entrance, which would make it impossible to get into if the washer is going. There is an option to put it in the dining room and feed the hose over the bar, but I would need at LEAST a 4' hose for that!
2) I can't tell how big these things are! Like, could I wash my queen size sheets in one load? How many standard towels fit? etc
I really do wish more retailers carried them in store so I could SEE them first.
I like the European way. I rented an apartment in Paris and it had a small but nice combo washer-dryer (front loader, of course). It took FOREVER to dry but it did the job.
I'm with @anthropos. North America needs to be more European, at least in this regard.
Funny, I just bought one of these this past weekend. I love it. I used to have to handwash everything which was a big drag.
I once had the Euro style compact/portable washer dryer set. It sucked. Big Time. It took 8 years to dry clothes and half a century to dry towels. I would have to spend so much time doing laundry because I could only clean about 3 pairs of socks at a time.
Were I again faced with the super tiny apartment problem, I would gladly trade space elsewhere to make sure I could accommodate a standard sized washer dryer set.
The Electrolux model mentioned does not appear to be available in the US. Pity, that.
In addition to being compact, there are very efficient models on the market and also with a very good price.