Best Small Washing Machine Reviews

As much as we dislike it, there’s no escape from dirty laundry.

Everyone needs a reliable washing machine, and, of course, the market is filled with options because no size fits every family.

But what do you do when you don’t have space for one of those large models boasting all the washing functions and options you could think of?

Should you make compromises just because you’re forced to go for a slim, compact model?

We’ve looked at the best small washing machines currently on the market, and we beg to differ.

There are small size washing machines out there that can give you a lot more than the basic functionality.

Let us show you our picks and the factors we have taken into account for determining which one will bring you the most value for your money while packing the most features!

Small Washing Machine Buying Guide

Size & Capacity

With limited space, size and capacity matter even more because you’re trying to make the best of what you have. 

Look for something with a small depth, a slimline washing machine 40cm in-depth, for instance, representing a more than decent option.

Otherwise, general dimensions vary greatly, the smallest ones having around 60 x 35 x 70 cm and a drum capacity of approximately 3 kg. 

The larger ones go up to 6 kg, sometimes even a surprising 7.5 kg if it’s a top-load model.

Height

A regular washing machine’s standard height revolves around 85 cm if it’s a front-load model and 90 cm if it’s a top-load. 

With smaller units, the height isn’t necessarily as much diminished, though you should be able to find options at 70-75 cm height.

Width & Depth

Width and depth are the ones that make a difference when you’re searching for a shallow washing machine. 

The standard width of a front-load model is 60 cm, but it can go down to 50 cm in the smaller models. 

By contrast, the front-load models are already more compact, with 40 cm in width, a value that can go down to 35 cm in a really small washing machine.

As for the depth, which is typically 60 cm with either front or top-load appliances, the changes are more prominent. 

A slim depth washing machine can have as little as 35-40 cm.

Noise Level

When you shop for a small washing machine, make sure you know both the washing and the spinning noise levels. 

There’s a significant difference between these two, usually of at least 10 dB. 

The change in sound energy at ten extra decibels translates into a sound energy increase by a factor of 10, which is quite a lot!

For instance, a good washer may have only 53 dB during the wash cycle. 

This is slightly more than the noise you can expect to hear in a library and less than the one from a normal conversation (rated at 60 dB). 

But when it gets to the spinning cycle, the 53 dB can quickly turn into 74 dB, which is pretty much the equivalent of a toilet flushing.

The smallest washing machines we’ve reviewed had around 53 – 62 dB at wash and 74 – 80 dB at spin. 

Considering that this is an appliance meant to run for hours, its noise level suddenly becomes critical for your comfort.

Portability

From a little over 10 kg to almost 70 kg, the most compact washing machines’ weight doesn’t always seem to be influenced by size. 

Still, if you want something fairly portable, it will have to be on the lightweight side, at under 20 kg, like a portable washing machine. Anything more, and you can stop calling it portable.

Features

Even the simplest and smallest appliances will give you a couple of pre-set programmes. The difference, however, is granted by the adjustment options. 

Features that allow you to tweak the time, temperature and spin speed of a chosen program are desirable. 

Suppose any built-in smart sensors allow the washer to weigh the load and adjust the water intake accordingly, even better! 

Finally, yet importantly, some compact washers still feature functions that are considered a bit high-end, such as an allergy mode or a self-clean mode for the drum.

Quick wash

The quick wash function is often set to 30 minutes, and an even shorter, 15-minute programme sometimes backs it up. 

No quick wash is one of the biggest frustrations a buyer can have. 

You don’t want a washing machine that runs for hours regardless of the load’s weight or how dirty the clothes are. 

If it also gives you a bit of freedom with adjusting the temperature and the spin speed for the quick wash, it’s an option you shouldn’t ignore.

Spin Speed

Spin speed dictates how wet or dry your clothes will come out of the washer and, consequently, how long you’ll have to wait until you can wear them. 

From the minimum 1000 RPM to 1400 RPM, there is no shortage of options. 

Pay attention, though, that a higher spin speed also comes with a higher noise level. 

High spin speeds with lots of decibels will annoy you at best and prevent you from doing the laundry at late hours at worst.

Pre-Soak

Only those who’ve had enough of taking stained clothes out of the washer understand the importance of having a pre-soak mode at hand. 

If you know that you frequently deal with stubborn stains, don’t settle for a model that doesn’t include this function. 

Otherwise, you’ll end up having to run multiple washing cycles, which kind of ruins the point of using an energy-efficient appliance.

Energy Rating

If you’re a large family but you lack the space, you’re going to use your small washing machine more frequently than you’d do with a standard one. 

For this reason, it would better be an energy-efficient model and, ideally, save you water in the process.

In theory, this energy rating is calculated by taking into account the annual energy consumption with wash cycles between 60°C and 40°C. 

The most efficient units are rated A+++, whereas the most inefficient ones are rated down to G.

Anything from A to A+++ is good, but it’s even better if the appliance comes with fuzzy logic. This technology makes washing more efficient by picking up information from its sensors. 

It will then estimate the load weight and the dirt and grease extent, deciding the required amount of water and soap, spin direction, and any need for rebalancing the load during the washing and spinning cycles.

With a high energy rating and smart sensors, you’ll get an eco-friendly washing machine that works the minimum required, delivers the cleanest clothes, and keeps your utility bills to a reasonable level.

Pricing Range

Size and features taken into account, along with the extra features that make a washing machine stand out, prices vary from under £100 to over £400. 

The compact, slim models are priced at approximately £150-£200.

Our Verdict

As it turns out, compact washing machines do come in all sizes. The tiny ones are portable, yet they limit the amount you can wash significantly.

By contrast, the small-sized ones typically come with a shallower drum that allows the entire appliance to have a smaller footprint, thus taking up less space in your apartment.

If you have significant space restrictions, you will have to settle for one of the models weighing less than 20 kg.

If you have a bit of wiggle room, you must carefully measure the width and depth of the space where you intend to install it.

Once you’ve settled for the ideal size, pay close attention to the washing programmes and the energy rating.

These two will determine how much you’ll enjoy using it and whether you’ll hate it once you have to pay the utility bills.

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