How Much Does a Washer and Dryer Weigh? (Explained)
Are you looking to buy a new washer but worried about whether you’ll be able to move it on your own? Washers and dryers can be quite heavy—heavy enough to damage your floors—so it’s crucial to ensure you get a washer suited to your needs. But how much does a washer and dryer weigh?
The average washer weighs around 170 lb (77 kg), while the average dryer weighs 130 lb (59 kg). A washer and dryer combo usually weighs about 150-170 lb (68-77 kg). Dryers are generally lighter than washers, with a maximum weight of about 170 pounds, while washers may weigh up to 250 pounds.
While weight isn’t the first thing you’ll check when buying a new washer or dryer, it’s certainly worth looking at. In this article, I’ll explain why you should look at the weight of different washers and dryers before buying one. I’ll also give tips on moving heavy washers effectively.
Contents
How Much Does a Washer and Dryer Weigh
What Is the Average Weight Range of Different Washers and Dryers?
With so many washers and dryers on the market, you’ll find everything from large industrial washers that weigh over 400 pounds (181 kg) to small portable washers that weigh less than 90 pounds. However, most people will want a washer in the mid-range unless they live in a tiny apartment or are looking to start a full-scale laundry business!
Most average washers will weigh between 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), although you can find both exceptionally large and small ones.
Most average dryers will weigh 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg). It’s hard to find larger specialty dryers since larger washers also have a drying function.
Washer/Dryer Combos Maximize Space and Weight
If you’re looking for a washer/dryer combo, you should know that most models weigh around 170 pounds (77 kg). A washer and dryer combo can help you save a lot of space and money. Most large commercial washers are actually washer/dryer combos, and most of the latest washers also come with a dryer function.
The loading capacity of the washer will often indicate how much it weighs. Washers with a 3 cubic foot capacity or more will weigh above 200 pounds (91 kg), and washers with less than 3 cubic foot capacity usually weigh between 140 and 160 pounds (64-73 kg).
However, there are exceptions to this guideline; some top load washers have over 4 cubic foot capacity and weigh less than 150 pounds (68 kg)!
Modern washers and washer/dryer combos are becoming lighter as the tub balancing technology and washing machine design advances. Many heavier washers may also come with two wheels, making them easy to move, but this is usually only available in regular washers or dryers.
Does the Weight of a Washer and Dryer Even Matter?
Well, if you’re asking this question, you probably already know the answer! From a cleaning perspective, no one wants to have a washer and dryer that’s impossible to budge without the help of a few exceptionally strong people. Not to mention the damage an overly heavy washer can cause to your floors.
The main reason the washer and dryer’s weight matters is that it dictates how easy the appliance is to move. If you aren’t planning on moving anytime soon and you have a larger family, you won’t mind buying a heavier washer/dryer. You can even get a stand for the washer, so it’s easy to clean underneath.
Consider Your Living Situation Before Choosing a Washer or Dryer
Most people will prefer an appliance that’s easy for one or two people to move easily. You may want a washer that won’t scratch your floors if you drag it across. Or perhaps you need something that can be hauled up a flight of steps if you live in an apartment.
Heavier washers and dryers also take up more space, which isn’t viable for people living in apartments.
But what if you have a larger family?
In that case, you’ll have to choose between getting a heavier washer and dealing with the mobility issues or using a small washer and just washing more loads of laundry.
Fortunately, many of the latest washer/dryer combos are light and have a large capacity, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Why Do Small Washers and Dryers Weigh So Much?
If you’ve ever tried moving a washer or dryer on your own, you probably know how unbelievably heavy they can be. These appliances are deceptively heavy; smaller ones often weigh much more than you might expect. If you didn’t know any better, you would think someone put bricks or concrete in the washer to make it heavier!
Believe it or not, that’s not very far off. Concrete bricks form the base of most washers and dryers and serve to stabilize the washer while water swirls around inside at high speeds.
While they do make the washer much heavier, these concrete bricks are essential and ensure that the washer doesn’t capsize when operating.
The good news is that modern tub-stability technology can spin the tub much faster without a heavy base. For this reason, you’ll find some LG washers with a capacity of over 5 cubic feet (1.52 cubic meters) that weigh only 135 pounds (61.2 kg).
What To Look For When Buying a Washer and Dryer
While you may be tempted to choose your next washer according to size (especially if you couldn’t budge the previous one), there are a few other essential factors that should impact your decision:
- The machine’s functions
- Capacity
- Energy efficiency
- Design
- Warranty period
Let’s look at each of these factors in detail:
The Machine’s Functions
While all functional washers can technically wash clothes, some clean better than others.
Buying a washer or dryer with more functions gives you a wider range of things you can do with the machine – from soaking sharpie marked or muddy clothes to having a steam function to get out wrinkles. Some washers will have a drying function, allowing you to save space and money since you won’t need a separate dryer. Others will only partially dry the clothes, which could be an issue in the winter when you can’t hang your items out to dry.
Here are a few other helpful functions you can look for, depending on your needs:
- Automatic clothes detection
- Casual wash feature
- Delay wash
- Extra rinse
Try to get a washer/dryer with specific functions that fulfill your laundry requirements.
Capacity
Capacity will often be one of the main factors influencing your buying decision. If you have a larger family and more laundry, you’ll want a washer with a larger capacity (and vice versa).
However, suppose not everyone in the family wears clothes that can be washed together. In such cases, you may wash several smaller loads, and a larger washer will be a waste.
So, while capacity does matter, think realistically about how often you do the laundry and how much laundry you wash in a go.
Energy Efficiency
In an age where power bills can take up a large portion of your budget, having energy-efficient appliances is a must.
Larger washers will usually use more power, but not always. Check the energy ratings of a few washers and preferably choose one with the best energy rating. If you have a smaller washer, check whether it can run on a generator or even solar.
Washer Design
Do you need a washer that loads from the front or the top? Perhaps you prefer a washer-dryer combo. This will often depend on your home design and where you’re washing your laundry.
Top load washers take up slightly more space but can be highly efficient and have an increased load capacity. Front load washers are smaller (but not always lighter) and can be used in areas where there are space issues.
Warranty Period
Most of the top appliance companies will give a 10-15 year warranty on the main parts of the washer or dryer. When checking the warranty, make sure that all the main parts are covered and check the company’s reviews online to be sure that they have a good servicing system.
How To Move a Heavy Washer and Dryer
If you already have a washer and need to move it to a new home or just want to clean under the washer, you’ll have to take special care not to damage the washer/dryer or your floor. Here are some steps to follow when moving a heavy washer or dryer:
- Clean the washer thoroughly. Make sure that all the water is drained from the washer’s tubs and disconnect all pipes. You may want to use baking soda and run a cleaning cycle if you are putting it in storage.
- Disconnect the machine from its power source and make sure there aren’t any pipes connected. If you aren’t sure how to move the pipes, have a plumber do it for you.
- Wrap the washer in furniture blankets or with a thick sheet. This will prevent the body from getting scratched when moving the machine.
- Use an appliance dolly to move the washer, especially if it’s large and heavy. If you don’t have an appliance dolly, you can rent one or use a plank instead.
- If necessary, use a plank as leverage. Place the washer on the plank and have a friend hold it steady while you gently drag the plank into position.
If you’re moving the washer a significant distance, it’s always best to have professional movers do it for you. The last thing you want is to drop the washer and damage it.
Should You Get a Light or Heavy Washer and Dryer?
While you shouldn’t only look at weight when buying a new washer or dryer, you can consider it.
Light washers are usually smaller (but not always), while heavy ones will have more capacity. More lightweight washers are easier to move, quieter, and use less energy. On the other hand, heavy washers are more stable and durable.
Ultimately, your choice depends on the washer’s capacity and how often you plan to move it. If you don’t move regularly, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting a slightly bulkier washer. However, it’s best to go for an energy-saving model with better features.
Conclusion
I hope I have answered your question about How Much a washer and dryer weighs. While the average washer and dryer combo weighs around 140-170 pounds (64-77 kg), you can get washers and dryers from all weight categories. If you do more laundry and need a bigger washer, you can go for one that weighs over 200 pounds (91 kg). Otherwise, the average washer will weigh between 140-200 pounds (64-91 kg)
Take special care when moving a heavy washer and use an appliance dolly when you can. Dropping the washer or failing to secure the tub can lead to costly damage.
Reno addict, keen gardener, and baker. I started blogging in 2012 and have been hooked ever since!
