Is There A Standard Width For Washing Machines?

Four main types of washing machines await those who need a new laundry appliance. Traditional top-loading models fill fully with water and have an agitator that swirls the laundry. High-efficiency top-loaders move clothing without an agitator, have higher spin speeds and use less water. Front-loading models don't fill their tubs to the brim when washing, either, and also tumble clothes without an agitator. They can spin more quickly and extract more water than top-loading washers. Space-saving washers include traditional and high-efficiency models. In each category of machine, widths and other measurements vary, but among full-size models, machine widths usually fall into a narrow range of measurements.

Conventional top-loading washer models feature a wide range of capacities, but their exterior widths are usually similar. Top-loading washers with an agitator are generally 27 to 27 1/2 inches wide. These traditional models are 42 to 43 inches high and 25 1/2 to 27 inches deep.

High-efficiency top-loading machines typically have a width similar to that of traditional washers. Expect a width of 27 to 27 9/16 inches on top-loading washers that lack an agitator. These high-efficiency units measure 45 1/8 to 45 3/8 inches high and 27 5/8 to 29 inches deep.

Although they often offer a large laundry capacity, front-loaders are not usually any wider than top-loading washers. Front-loading models are typically 27 inches wide when offering full-size capacities. They are 36 to 41 ½ inches high and 25 1/4 to 34 3/8 inches deep.

Space-saving and portable washers that load from the front measure 23 3/4 to 24 inches wide. They stand 33 1/4 to 33 1/2 inches high and 25 1/4 to 26 inches deep. Among compact top-loading models, expect a width of 22 ¼ to 28 15/16 inches. These models stand 36 1/4 to 38 inches high and 17 1/8 to 26 inches deep.