
What size washing machine should I get?
Washing machine size by type
- Compact washers: 2.30-2.45 cubic feet
- Standard or high-efficiency top-load washing machines: 3.1-4 cubic feet
- Front-load washers: 4.2-5 cubic feet
What are the standard dimensions of a washing machine?
Standard Dimensions of a Washing Machine A washing machine’s average size is roughly 27 inches wide x 31 inches deep x 39 inches tall. However, there are models that are taller but shallower if you have a smaller footprint for your machine.
What is the average price of a washing machine?
The cost of a washing machine will vary depending on the efficiency, load capacity, and make and model. A standard top-loading machine with multiple load capacities and cycle options will cost $250-$500. For example, the GE 4.3 cubic feet 24-cycle washer can be found at Amazon for about $300.
What is the average capacity of a washing machine?
Washer size ranges from about 1.5 to about 4.5 cubic feet. Washers designed for apartments or those that are stackable will have smaller capacities, while the largest family-sized washers will be labeled "plus" or "super." Some washers will be labeled based on laundry load weight.

What is the size of a standard washing machine?
Size: Traditional washers (and dryers) are 27 to 28 inches wide and 30 to 35 inches deep; height can vary. Plan for 6 inches of space between the machine and the wall and 1 inch between machines.
What is the most common size washing machine?
Washer sizes: Is there a standard capacity? Washing machines in the medium and large capacity category are most common, so look for capacities anywhere from 3.5 to 5 cubic feet if you want a more standard washer size. Any medium or large capacity washer should easily fit regular as well as large laundry loads.
How many cubic feet is the average washing machine?
A regular-capacity washer between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet will let you load in 12 to 16 pounds of laundry, while a larger-capacity model between 4.2 and 4.5 cubic feet can hold up to 20 pounds or more.
Is a 3.5 cubic foot washer big?
Washer Sizes A small washer is generally around 3.2 to 3.5 cubic feet. This smaller capacity is suitable for single people or couples. You may find these washers are typically top-loading machines.
What size washer can wash a king comforter?
4.5 cubic feetComforters: Instead of lugging your king-size comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests. It's best washed by itself, for better agitation and rinsing.
What size washing machine do I need for a family of 4?
7kg-9kgConsider the size of your household as well. In my experience, a washing machine of medium capacity (7kg-9kg) is perfectly suitable for a family of 4. Smaller households with one or two people will be fine with a small-capacity washing machine (5-7kg).
Can you wash a king size comforter in a 4.5 cu ft washer?
Yes, a king-size comforter can be washed in the 4.5 cu ft.
What size washer do I need for a family of 5?
As a rule of thumb, bigger families (over 3 people in total) will require a 4 to 4.5 cubic feet washer for optimal effectiveness. For reference, 4 cubic feet can wash up to 16 pounds while a 4.5 cubic feet machine can wash 20 pounds of laundry.
What is considered a large capacity washer?
A large capacity washer is generally considered 4.5 Cu. Ft. capacity or more and can sometimes be taller or wider than a standard washer. A standard washer usually offers a capacity of 3.3–4.4 Cu.
Can you wash a king size comforter in a 3.6 cu ft washer?
More specifically to successfully wash a king-sized comforter, you need a washer that has a drum capacity of 5.0 cubic feet or larger. The washer should be a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without or with a removable center agitator.
Can you wash a queen size comforter in a 3.5 cu ft washer?
Consider your needs A larger capacity unit at 4.5 cubic feet can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry.” A 3.5 cubic foot washing machine will fit a queen-size comforter, but it will struggle to accommodate a king-size.
How big of a washer do I need for a queen size comforter?
A general rule of thumb is a queen size comforter can fit into 3.5 cubic feet and a king size comforter fit into a 3.8 cubic feet machine.
Is 4.5 cubic feet a big washer?
Family Size As a rule of thumb, bigger families (over 3 people in total) will require a 4 to 4.5 cubic feet washer for optimal effectiveness. For reference, 4 cubic feet can wash up to 16 pounds while a 4.5 cubic feet machine can wash 20 pounds of laundry.
What is a good size of washing machine for family?
For singles or couples, a 6kg machine will do the trick. If there are three or four of you, you'll want a 8kg load machine. Bigger families will need a 9kg-plus washer to handle all those school uniforms. The best way, however, to work out what size machine you need is to weigh a full load of laundry.
What is the average size family washing machine?
between 4.2 cubic feet and 4.5 cubic feetThe average washing machine has a drum capacity between 4.2 cubic feet and 4.5 cubic feet. This drum size can accommodate the laundry needs of a family of four.
How big of a washer do I need for a queen size comforter?
A general rule of thumb is a queen size comforter can fit into 3.5 cubic feet and a king size comforter fit into a 3.8 cubic feet machine.
What are the different types of washing machines?
The main washing machine types include front-load washing machines, top-load models with an agitator or impeller, stacked laundry centers, all-in-o...
What are common washing machine sizes?
Washer sizes run from space-saving compact options to large capacity models. In general, here are some capacities you can expect to find with each...
What features are available in washing machines?
Features vary widely depending on type of washer, brand, size and more. You can find everything from basic budget-friendly models that help you kee...
Overall, which type of washing machine is best?
The best type of washing machine for you depends on your family size, lifestyle, budget, and how much space you have for a washer and dryer. Whethe...
How many cubic feet does a washer have?
Washer sizes range from compact to large in capacities from about 1.5 to 6 cubic feet. What size washer you need depends on things like the size of your household and the largest items you wash.
How many baskets of clothes can a Whirlpool washer hold?
For an idea about how much laundry a large capacity washer can hold, consider that a Whirlpool ® 5.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer cleans over three baskets of clothing 1 in a single load. A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. or above should also be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters, so make sure you’re getting the capacity you need to avoid trips to the laundromat. Here are some other reasons you might need a large-capacity washing machine.
Is a stacked washer dryer good for small spaces?
Stacked laundry centers are also a good option for small spaces since they’re often able to tuck easily into a closet, and portable washers provide flexible installation for apartment living. Learn more about washer and dryer combos for tight quarters or browse Whirlpool ® Small Space Washers and Dryers .
Do you need a dryer or a washer?
You’ll need a dryer that’s sized to work best with your washer. Dryers will always have more capacity than washers to make room for loads to tumble, so don’t expect the cubic feet to match exactly. However, make sure you pair capacity categories together, so a large capacity dryer goes best with a large capacity washer, etc.
What are the different types of washing machines?
The main washing machine types include front-load washing machines, top-load models with an agitator or impeller, stacked laundry centers, all-in-one combination washers and dryers, as well as compact or portable washing machines. Some washing machine models are also energy-efficient or Energy Star certified.
What are common washing machine sizes?
Washer sizes run from space-saving compact options to large capacity models. In general, here are some capacities you can expect to find with each size washing machine:
What features are available in washing machines?
Features vary widely depending on type of washer, brand, size and more. You can find everything from basic budget-friendly models that help you keep up with everyday laundry needs, to advanced smart appliances that help streamline your routine. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best type of washing machine for your household:
How many baskets can a Whirlpool washer fit?
Standard-sized washing machines can usually wash a full 2-bushel laundry basket of clothes per load, while some larger capacity washers can fit three baskets or more. For example, 5.0 cu. ft. front load washers from Whirlpool clean over three baskets of clothing 4 in a single load.
What is a stacked washer?
Stacked laundry centers usually feature a top load washing machine and dryer built into one continuous frame. If you prefer a top load washer but only have space for a stacked setup, this is a great option. This combined appliance simplifies installation with no need for a stacking kit since the washer and dryer are already built as one unit.
How big is a Whirlpool portable washer?
Portable washer sizes vary widely but can come with as little as 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for very tight spaces. Whirlpool offers a portable washing machine with 1.6 cu. ft. of capacity and a narrow 21-inch width design. Compact washers generally offer between 1.5 and 3.5 cu. ft. of capacity with widths of around 24 inches. These tend to be permanently installed options.
What is the difference between an impeller and an agitator?
The difference is that the washing action is facilitated with an impeller instead of an agitator. An impeller is a low-profile cone or disc that spins to rub clothes against each other to get them clean. The dimensions for top load impeller washers are generally the same as agitator models.
What size washer do I need to wash a king size comforter?
A larger washer with 4.5 Cu. Ft. or above should be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters. Large and bulky items like comforters need room to agitate or tumble in the washing machine in order to get clean. Learn more about how to wash a comforter in your large capacity washing machine.
What is the largest capacity washing machine available?
The largest capacity washing machines on the market can run 7.0 Cu. Ft. or more. However, 5.3 Cu. Ft. washers for residential use would already be considered an extra large or oversized washing machine. The largest capacity washer from Whirlpool is a 5.3 Cu. Ft. Smart Top Load Washer.
What is the largest capacity front load washer?
Front load washers tend to offer less capacity than top load models. However, you can find some of the largest capacity front load washers at around 5.5 Cu. Ft. More commonly, anything 5.0 Cu. Ft. and above is considered a large capacity front load washer. Whirlpool offers several 5.0 Cu. Ft. front loaders including a large capacity smart front load washer with Load & Go™ XL Plus Dispenser.
What is considered a large capacity dryer?
A large capacity dryer is generally considered one with over 7.0 Cu. Ft. Standard dryers tend to offer between 5.0 and 7.0 cubic feet of capacity. A 7.0 Cu. Ft. dryer can usually fit about 9–15 full-sized bath towels per load. Exact capacity varies by model so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How many cu.ft. can a Whirlpool agitator washer hold?
With capacities up to 4.7 Cu. Ft., our agitator washers clean with a tall central post in the wash basket that twists back and forth. For the best of both worlds, Whirlpool offers an industry-first 2 in 1 Removable Agitator washer that lets you customize any load to care for your clothes the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out.
How much capacity does a top load washer have?
The largest capacity top load washers available may offer as much as 7.0 Cu. Ft. of washing capacity or more, however this would be considered extra large for residential use. Anything over 5.0 Cu. Ft. can be considered a large capacity top load washer. The largest capacity washer from Whirlpool is a top load model and offers 5.3 Cu. Ft. of washer capacity.
Why is my washer and dryer bigger than my washing machine?
This is because a load of laundry expands as it dries, requiring more space. Learn more about large capacity dryers to find the perfect match for your large capacity washing machine.
What is a medium load?
Medium/regular load: If you can scoop up your laundry in an armload or less, then you have a medium load.
How to check if a washing machine is overloaded?
So here’s the palm trick you could try every time to check if you’re machine is overloaded: Just place your hand into the drum —it’s easy as that. If your hand fits between your clothes and the wall of the drum, then you have the perfect load size. If not, it’s best to take something out. If you find you’ve got even more space in there, you can add more clothes to save more water.
How many cubic feet are in a washing machine?
Standard or high-efficiency top-load washing machines: 3.1-4 cubic feet.
How much does a towel weigh in a washing machine?
A small towel weighs about a half pound, and a large towel is about one and a half pounds.
What is an extra large load?
Extra-large load: If you have a HE machine, then an extra-large load at full capacity is around 21 pounds.
How much laundry can a top loader do?
Top loaders are usually not as large as front-loading machines, so a full load would be about 12 pounds of laundry. Make sure to check the washer’s capacity recommendation for the exact amount.
How to calculate the capacity of a washing machine?
For example, if you have a machine with a diameter of 1.5 feet and its depth is 0.5 feet, the volume will be 1.5*1.5*3.141*0.5 = 3.533 cubic feet.
What to know when buying a staking kit for a stackable washer and dryer?
When you are buying a staking kit for your stackable washer and dryer, make sure that it is compatible with the units that you have.
Why stack a washer and dryer?
If you use a stacking kit for your washing and dryer, you will basically end up with a unit where the dryer is on top and the washing machine is at the bottom. You need to use this configuration to ensure that the weight of your appliances are evenly distributed.
Why are stackable washers and dryers so popular?
Stackable washer and dryers are rising in popularity, especially for apartment and condo dwellers, because they occupy less space compared to having a separate washer and dryer unit.
What happens if there is no clearance space?
If there is no clearance space, an operating washer or dryer could bang into its surroundings, damaging themselves and making a racket. To ensure that there is proper clearance space around your washer and dryer, there needs to be one inch of space between the units anything placed beside it.
How much space do you need for a washer and dryer?
Standard washers and dryers have a width of about 27 inches . If you are planning to have these units placed side by side, you will need about 54-inches of space. And let’s not forget, you need to add about an inch of space between the appliances and their surroundings so technically that is around 57-inches of space.
What is a single unit washer and dryer?
A single unit washer and dryer, also known as a unitized washer and dryer, is an appliance that is “stacked” and connected into one unit. You purchase this washer and dryer as one piece.
How tall is a washer?
There is a bit more variation in the height that standard washer and dryers come in. A washer or dryer has a standard height of 35 to 43 inches.
What size dryer is best?
Opting for a large washer of six or seven cubic feet will create room for your clothes to move freely, and this large barrel size will create space for your wet clothes to give off steam and water. Your clothes will dry more quickly in a dryer with a large capacity because they have space to breathe, so don’t overfill these machines just because they have a large capacity than their matching washers.
How many pounds can a 4 cubic foot washer hold?
According to Compact Appliance, “four cubic feet is enough to wash 12-16 pounds of laundry. A larger capacity unit at 4.5 cubic feet can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry.”. A 3.5 cubic foot washing machine will fit a queen-size comforter, but it will struggle to accommodate a king-size.
Can you overfill a fridge?
That said, although it's not advised to overfill a fridge , it's far more dangerous to stuff your washing machine drum full to the brim of laundry. So if you're considering buying a 3.5 cubic foot top load washing machine, that doesn't mean you'll be able to fit 3.5 cubic feet of laundry in there. More likely, you’ll be able to fit in two cubic feet ...
Is it better to have a bigger washing machine or a smaller washing machine?
The short answer to our earlier question is that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to washing machine size. Running an under-filled machine is not only a waste of energy and water, it also means your clothes aren’t being cleaned in ...
Who is Millie Fender?
Millie Fender. Millie is a staff writer at Top Ten Reviews who joined the team straight out of college, where she spent more time working on the student newspaper than her actual degree. Her spare time is spent traveling, cooking, playing guitar and she's currently learning how to knit.
What is the capacity of a washer?
Washer Capacity by Type of Washer 1 Compact washers are usually 2.30 to 2.45 cubic feet. 2 Both standard and high-efficiency top load washers range between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet. 3 Front load high-efficiency washers can range from 4.0 cubic feet to an extra large capacity of 5.0 cubic feet. Most front loaders are between 4.2 and 4.5 cubic feet.
Why do clothes need to swim in the washer?
Clothes need room to "swim" in the water and detergent solution during agitation to remove soil and stains. If the washer tub is jam-packed, some clothes will have limited exposure time to the cleaning solution and will come out with their original stains and odor. That's why it is important to know the capacity of the washer you are using so you ...
How many cubic feet does a washer have?
If you are searching for a new washer, different styles are sold with the capacity listed in cubic feet. Compact washers are usually 2.30 to 2.45 cubic feet. Both standard and high-efficiency top load washers range between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet.
How to measure the radius of a tub?
Measure the radius of the tub; from the center of the tub to the outside wall of the tub. Alternatively, measure the diameter and divide by two. This is the radius.
How much does a bath towel weigh?
One Large Bath Towel or Beach Towel. 1.6 pounds. These weights give you a good guideline as to how many of each item can fit in a load of laundry. After you have sorted the laundry (as you always do, I'm sure), you should weigh your empty laundry basket and then fill it with what you estimate as a full load of dirty clothes.
When did automatic washers become commonplace?
When automatic washers became commonplace in homes in the 1950s and 1960s, the washer manufacturers began using the term "load of laundry.". At that time, the capacity of most washers was around eight pounds of clothes or linens. As washers got bigger, so did the pound limits of "a load.". The introduction of high-efficiency washers ...
What does D mean in math?
D = depth (feet); in classic geometrical terms the height of the cylinder
