Washers and dryers are big, clunky and extremely heavy
If you’re in the market for new appliances or you’re preparing for a big move, you may be wondering:
On average, washing machines weigh 170 pounds, and dryers 124 pounds
However, the weight of these devices varies significantly based on type, capacity, features and brand
Small load washers can weigh as little as 99 pounds, while extra-large washers weigh up to 300 pounds
Small dryers can weigh as little as 100 pounds, while larger ones can weigh up to 170 pounds
Here is the average weight based on the type of washer and dryer
To give you an idea of how much each type of washer and dryer weighs relative to its size, here’s a quick breakdown of average pounds per cubic foot of capacity
Note: Capacity, in this case, refers to the size of the washer or dryer drum, not the size of the entire unit
Type Average weight per cubic foot (pounds)
Front-loading washing machines56
Front-loading washing machines56
Front-loading washing machines56
Front-loading washing machines56
Stacked Washer-Dryer Laundry Centers85
Stacked Washer-Dryer Laundry Centers85
In the following sections of this article, I will provide 40 real examples of popular washers, dryers, washer-dryer combos, and stacked laundry centers and show you exactly how much they weigh
Also, I explain why washing machines are so heavy and give tips for moving these clunky appliances
You already know that washers and dryers are heavy, but how much do they actually weigh?
In the chart below you will find 40 of the most popular washers and dryers compared by weight, type and capacity
DeviceType Weight (pounds) Capacity (cubic feet) See product listing
Bosch 300 Series Front-Loading Washer15822HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool High-Efficiency Commercial Front-Loading Washer23531HomeDepotcom
Samsung High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer19442HomeDepotcom
GE High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer24545HomeDepotcom
GE High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer24545HomeDepotcom
GE High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer24545HomeDepotcom
LG Ultra Large Capacity Front-Loading Washer20345HomeDepotcom
LG Ultra Large Capacity Front-Loading Washer20345HomeDepotcom
Samsung High-Efficiency FlexWashFront-Loading Washer29355HomeDepotcom
LG Signature High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer23958HomeDepotcom
GE Capacity StationaryTop-Loading Washer9928HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool White CommercialTop-Loading Washer12033HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool High-Efficiency WhiteTop-Loading Washer13543HomeDepotcom
Maytag High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washer15242HomeDepotcom
GE WhiteTop-Loading Washer14742HomeDepotcom
GE High-Efficiency WhiteTop-Loading Washer13846HomeDepotcom
Maytag High-Efficiency WhiteTop-Loading Washer13453HomeDepotcom
Maytag High-Efficiency WhiteTop-Loading Washer13453HomeDepotcom
Samsung High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washer14352HomeDepotcom
Samsung High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washer14352HomeDepotcom
LG White Electric Ventless Dryer10542HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool White Commercial Electric VentedDryer14767HomeDepotcom
LG Electronics Ultra Large Capacity Electric DryerDryer12274HomeDepotcom
Samsung Electric Dryer WhiteDryer12675HomeDepotcom
Samsung Electric FlexDry Dryer16775HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool White Electric VentedDryer1097HomeDepotcom
Maytag White Gas Vented Dryer1137HomeDepotcom
GE White Electric VentedDryer10772HomeDepotcom
Samsung Electric Dryer Dryer12674HomeDepotcom
GE White Gas VentedDryer11874HomeDepotcom
Haier Ventless ElectricWasher-Dryer Combo14820HomeDepotcom
LG Graphite SteelWasher-Dryer Combo25623HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool Cashmere Ventless Smart All-In-OneWasher-Dryer Combo20028HomeDepotcom
Deco Electric All-in-OneWasher-Dryer Combo161157HomeDepotcom
Magic ChefWasher-Dryer Combo16027HomeDepotcom
Whirlpool Electric StackedLaundry Center19016HomeDepotcom
FrigidaireLaundry Center28039HomeDepotcom
GELaundry Center24938HomeDepotcom
GELaundry Center24938HomeDepotcom
WhirlpoolLaundry Center25035HomeDepotcom
The capacity of each washer and dryer is measured in cubic meters
According to BestBuycom, “regular size” washing machines fall between 3 and 4 cubic feet and can hold up to 16 pounds of laundry
Extra large washers often have over 5 cubic feet of capacity and can hold 20 pounds of laundry, or more
Dryers need even more capacity than washing machines because they have to fit a full load of laundry AND have enough room for hot air to circulate
As a general rule of thumb, a dryer’s capacity should be about twice as much as its accompanying washing machine
Most of the time, washers and dryers are sold in sets, so you don’t have to worry about matching the size of the two appliances—unless you’re only buying one at a time
As you can see in the graphic above, I list a wide range of washers and dryers so that you can compare the weight of appliances with a capacity of only 22 cubic meters, up to 75 cubic meters
Washer-dryer combos
Washer-dryer combos
Washer-dryer combos
Washer-dryer combos, as their name suggests, are appliances that wash and dry your clothes in a single unit
But despite their smaller size, they’re 50 pounds heavier than top-loading washers (185 vs
A laundry center is a vertically stacked unit that typically has the washer on the bottom and the dryer on top
Similar to washer-dryer combos, these units are designed for smaller apartments, condos and homes without enough space to fit two separate washer and dryer units
Laundry centers tend to offer less capacity in terms of cubic feet, but they are very heavy (238 pounds on average) because there are two appliances connected
I obtained the weight of each washer and dryer in this chart from the following sources:
HomeDepotcom
Bosch-Homecom
Samsungcom
Whirlpoolcom
Maytagcom
If you are thinking of buying a specific washer or dryer and need to know the exact weight to make sure you can transport it safely, you should check with the manufacturer directly
Almost all washing machines are built with a solid concrete block in the base to add balance and stability so the machine does not move or tip, especially during spin cycles
According to Vibrobeton DLC, a manufacturer of washer counterweights, these concrete blocks alone can weigh a whopping 55 pounds!
Even washing machines have some other heavy components
All of these components add up to significant weight, 170 pounds on average, according to our research
Advice for moving washing machines and dryers
Advice for moving washing machines and dryers
Like most large household appliances, washers and dryers are heavy, clunky and awkward to move
I won’t lie, moving them can be difficult – especially if you don’t know what you’re doing
If you are bringing a new washer and dryer into your home or moving out your current washer and dryer, the following tips will make the process more manageable
As you prepare to move your washer and dryer, the first step is cleaning
If your washing machine does not have a self-cleaning cycle, fill the drum with hot water and bleach and let it soak for an hour
Helpful resource: This guide on wikiHowcom has a bunch of great tips and tricks for cleaning the inside of your washing machine
Scrub the rubber door seal, dispenser, and exterior of the washer and dryer with a microfiber cloth and a mixture of water and vinegar
You’ll need furniture covers, moving tape, a device dolly (I highly recommend this one on Amazon), and moving tapes (like this one)
Unplug the washer and dryer
Before moving your washer and dryer, you must disconnect all the cords, tubes, valves and pipes
Separate a washing machine
If you don’t know what you’re doing, stop here and talk to a professional
Now, if you are confident in your ability to safely disconnect your devices, go for it
Just remember, before you disconnect anything, turn off the power via your circuit breaker panel and turn off the water and gas supplies
Connect transit bolts to the washer
Washing machine drum
If you do not secure the drum before moving the washing machine, the drum will move freely, and you risk damaging this suspension mechanism
Most washing machines come with transit bolts, but if you can’t find yours, just Google “[your washing machine model] + transit/shipping bolts”, and you should be able to find them
Protect your devices and home
Washers and dryers are expensive—and so is your house—so take the right steps to protect both during the move
Tape the loose cords and tubes to the back of your washer and dryer so you don’t trip over them while moving
Wrap each device with furniture pads and secure with moving tape, shrink wrap or moving bands
Drape handrails with furniture pads in case you bump into them and cover the floor with cardboard in any areas where you think you’ll need to put the device down to rest (at the bottom or top of the stairs are great places for this)
Never move your washer or dryer yourself!
Helpful Resource: How to Get Friends to Help You Move (Movingcom)
Even with the proper preparation and equipment, it is not safe to maneuver such heavy and awkward devices alone
At the very least, you need someone to see you on the other side of the dolly and make sure you don’t knock over walls or snap furniture
Move your washer and dryer with a dolly
When it comes to moving your washer and dryer, I recommend using a device dolly, like this one on Amazon
Position the dolly on the back or side of the washer or dryer
Most professionals recommend the side to avoid the cords and tubes that are in the back, but more importantly, position the dolly so that the weight is balanced and you have complete control
Once the dolly is in position, wrap the strap around the device and secure it according to your dolly’s instructions
Your helper should always stand on the other side of the device to balance, steer and avoid bumping into walls or any other object
If any of these steps are unclear, watch this quick video that shows how to position, secure and move a washing machine with an appliance dolly
Helpful Resource: Check out this article from Dollycom to find more helpful tips for moving heavy washers and dryers
It includes special tips for moving these devices up and down stairs, loading them onto a truck and storing them safely
If you dread the day you have to move your washer and dryer, consider this
Almost all appliance dealers, including home improvement stores like Home Depot, will deliver and install your washer and dryer for you
So, when you buy new, you don’t have to worry about your back working a device dolly for the first time
If you’re moving to a new home and taking your devices with you, you have a few options
In general, moving companies charge by the total weight of the job or by the hour
Adding two devices to the packing list won’t cost much of a difference
Get free quotes from local moving companies in minutes at HomeAdvisorcom
The second option is to leave your washer and dryer behind
Most sellers include the washer and dryer as part of the sale because they are so difficult to move, and the dimensions may not fit perfectly in the new house
Just remember to clean, prepare, collect the equipment and enlist your strongest friend
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