Washing Machine Size – dimensions of top-loading and front-loading models

A washing machine is a necessary appliance in every household. However, selecting the appropriate appliance can be challenging, particularly if we have limited space in our bathroom or kitchen.

Thankfully, there are many smart solutions available on the market that enable us to choose a washing machine that is suitable for our needs and available space. If you’re wondering which type of washing machine is best for you and what the standard dimensions are, we’ll try to shed some light on this question!

What to consider when choosing a washing machine?

Choosing a washing machine requires careful consideration. Before investing in an appliance, it’s important to assess your needs and capabilities, especially in terms of space. Here are some tips to help you select the right washing machine for your needs.

Firstly, consider how often you need to do laundry. If you have a larger family and do laundry frequently, opt for a washing machine with a larger load capacity. Also, consider investing in an energy-efficient model, as it may cost more upfront, but will save you money in the long run.

If you have a smaller family, or live alone, a smaller and more affordable washing machine will suffice. You won’t need a larger capacity machine if you don’t do laundry every day.

Size of the washing machine and your apartment

The capacity of your washing machine is important, but it must also fit into your living space. In larger homes and apartments, fitting a larger washing machine or dryer is easier. However, in smaller apartments, the size and spacing of appliances must be planned carefully.

Thankfully, some manufacturers offer washing machines that will fit comfortably even in the smallest studio apartments. The dimensions of washing machines vary by type and model. Here is a list of the most popular types of washing machines with standard dimensions to help you compare different models. We’ll start with the most compact devices!

How to measure the dimensions of a washing machine?

The size of washing machines is determined by four parameters: the height, width, depth, and capacity. While the height and width are quite clear, some people may be puzzled about how to measure the other two parameters.

Capacity indicates the amount of load that will fit into the washing machine. It is usually expressed in kilograms and ranges from 3 to as much as a dozen kilograms. The second parameter is the depth of the washing machine – how can it be measured properly? You need to check the length of the washing machine on the diagonal edge.

Top-loading washing machine

Top-loading washing machines are the smallest devices in the entire category. Due to their small dimensions, they are often found in tiny apartments. This is because they can be easily “squeezed” into a fraction of the space in a cramped room, somewhere between the sink and the bathroom cabinet.

What are the typical dimensions of a top-loading washing machine?

• Width: 16-18 inches (40-45 cm)
• Height: 33-35 inches (85-90 cm)
• Depth: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm)

Top-loading washing machines are usually taller than they are wide. And although they are relatively small, keep in mind that you need extra centimeters (about 50 cm – 60 cm) of free space above the washing machine to be able to put the laundry in and later take it out. For this reason, a top-loading washing machine cannot be installed under any countertop. Therefore, they may not be the right choice for all bathrooms, as it largely depends on the room design.

As a standard, a top-loading washing machine has a drum with a capacity of 5 kg or 6 kg. Although there are also models that offer a 7 kg load, while their dimensions are not much larger. Among top-loading washing machines, you can find cheap and simple models, as well as slightly more expensive devices. They may have a greater number of programs and washing options to choose from (such as spin speed).

If you are considering buying a top-loading washing machine but do not know which model to choose for your bathroom, check out our ranking of these household appliances! Here you will find models of the best top-loading washing machines, their important parameters, and dimensions.

Slim washing machines

If you don’t have the space to buy a top-loading appliance or simply prefer front-loading washing machines, then a slim washing machine may be the solution for you. This is a rather innovative product on the market. Nevertheless, manufacturers are increasingly introducing it (e.g. Siemens or Electrolux).

What is a slim washing machine?

A slim washing machine is a very convenient solution for a small bathroom. Top-loading models are available, although it is increasingly common to find such front-loading washing machines. Innovative are the dimensions of slim washing machines. These devices are small in size, while offering a capacity from 4 kg to as much as 7 kg. The dimensions of a slim washing machine allow it to be placed even on a scrap of space. Even models with a depth of 13 inches (33 cm) are available!

Slim washing machine – dimensions

The standard dimensions of slim washing machines are:

• Depth: from 13 to 19.6 inches (33 cm to 49.9 cm)
• Height: 33.5 inches – 37.4 inches (85 cm – 95 cm)
• Width: 21.7 inches – 23.6 inches (55 cm – 60 cm)

The undoubted advantage of slim washing machines is that they can be placed under the countertop and their doors can be opened from the front. If you are interested in these devices, be sure to check out our ranking of slim washing machines.

Front-loading washing machines

Automatic front-loading washing machines are perhaps the most popular product in this group of household appliances. They are considered the most convenient to operate. They also usually have extensive menus and numerous laundry categories. Manufacturers also offer an increasing number of special washing programs, dedicated to delicate fabrics, for example. It is also not difficult to find a model with a high energy class.

For whom is a top-loading washing machine?

The size of top-loading washing machines can vary depending on the size of the load. The standard in the offer of manufacturers of this type of washing machine will be a capacity of 8 kg (17.6 lb). However, there are larger models. Such a washing machine will work especially well for a large family. However, in order to opt for it, we must have adequate space. In a single-family home, this is usually not a problem. In the case of some apartments, we will also be able to choose a suitable model that will easily fit into our bathroom.

Dimensions of automatic washing machines

The standard dimensions of an automatic washing machine will be:

• Height of the automatic washing machine: 85-90 cm (33.5-35.4 in)
• Width: 50-60 cm (19.7-23.6 in)
• Depth: 50-65 cm (19.7-25.6 in)

If you only have the space, we recommend a front-loading automatic washing machine. You can check the best devices in the rankings of washing machines. If you want a durable and sturdy device with a long service life, look for washing machines with replaceable bearings, on the other hand.

Dimensions of a built-in washing machine

Many people are looking for a built-in washing machine. In general, you can consider compact front-loading washing machines, as well as top-loading washing machines. Both can be placed built-in, it all depends on the space and arrangement in our bathroom. If we are in possession of data on the dimensions of our built-in, it is simply necessary to find a suitable model. However, as a standard, we will find built-in appliances with a width of 20-24 inches, depth of 16-22 inches and a height of 33-34 inches.

How about a washer-dryer?

The optimal solution is to have a separate washing machine and a separate dryer. However, there is usually not enough space to set up both appliances. A good solution can be a 2-in-1 option! The washer-dryer will then fit even small bathrooms, there will be also a built-in model. However, there is a downside that this product has. After all, usually the drying volume available in the device is smaller than the volume of laundry – this should be taken into account.

Dryer-washer dimensions

The size of a dryer-washing machine can be compared to a front-loading washing machine. A typical device is an appliance with dimensions of 16-25 inches deep, 20-26 inches wide and about 31-33 inches high.

Categories of dryer-washing machines

If you are convinced by the idea of a dryer-washing machine, then check the ranking to see which models are currently leading the market and the parameters of specific devices. If high drying efficiency is important to you, on the other hand, you can invest in a washer-dryer with a heat pump. A heat pump will make laundry more efficient and economical, and will work better for a large family.