Manufactured Home Washers And Dryers Guide: 9 Factors To Ensure A Successful Purchase

Manufactured home washers and dryers always go together, one does the washing while the other takes over the job of drying the laundry.

These two appliances are some of the critical equipment in any home.

When choosing washers and dryers for a manufactured home, you need to bear in mind the compactness factor.

The question you should ask yourself is “how can I get the best out of the washer/dryer without sacrificing a lot of space?”

Fortunately, manufacturers offer this equipment in a range of capacities, sizes, and weights to meet the needs of a home of any size.

Later in this guide, we will list a few washers and dryers perfect for even the most compact manufactured homes in the market today.

But first, let’s glance at the features the shopper should pay closer attention to when choosing a washer or dryer:

Nine Things to Look for In A Washer or Dryer

1. The cu. ft. (cubic per feet) rating or capacity of the dryer or washer

This is important when buying a matching washer dryer set. You know, when using these two machines in tandem, you need to match their capacities.

Buy a small dryer relative to your washer and you won’t be able to dry the right load of clothes in one washing cycle.

Buy a big dryer relative to your washer and you will burn a lot of money and incur high energy costs with every cycle of washing and drying.

The trick here is to understand your capacity needs.

Standard “full size” dryers will range between 7.3 cu. ft. to about 8.3 cu. ft. Also, there are some pretty impressive compact units in the market at about 3.4 cu. ft. and “mega-capacity” options with large cu. ft of about 9.2 cu. ft.

Manufacturers such as LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore offer both regular-sized dryers and massive capacity options.

So, what’s the perfect size for your mobile home? For a household with just one or two occupants, and one with minimal garments drying needs (no heavy blankets and stuff), a compact dryer would be the perfect option.

Many people, however, go for full-size options capable of drying huge loads of heavy garments, and since the size of the dryer is dictated by the size of the washer, you need to start there.

The simple rule of thumb, in consideration of factors such as the average size of most households, is that the dryer’s capacity should be two times that of the washer.

For example, if your washer comes with 3.5 cu. ft capacity, the dryer should be 7.0 cu. ft. The 1:2 ratio is the catch, giving you enough room to dry a load of wet clothes without wasting your energy.

For an average manufactured home with up to three occupants, you can use small or medium-sized washers (1.8 – 3.5 cu. ft.) – remember the size of the dryer will be twice the size of the washer.

If you live as a family with more than three people, it would be advisable to go for the larger 3.6 – 5.1 cu. ft. options.

One caution though: don’t be distracted with sales pitches and terminologies such as “extra compact”, “super-medium”, “extra-large” and stuff like that, they are never standardized definitions of anything.

2. Stainless steel drum

It would be prudent to choose a dryer with a stainless-steel drum. Remember that you will be washing and drying clothes with different odors.

Discoloration may occur during the course of cleaning.

Stainless-steel drums are resistant to odor accumulation, discoloration, and damage as a result of warping.

Because stainless steel doesn’t corrode, your clothes won’t come out with rust marks.

Also, the static effect drops significantly when the interior of the dryer is stainless steel than if it were hardened plastic or other metals.

3. Moisture sensors

It is starting to be standard for dryers to come with some type of sensor that detects the level of moisture in the garments to determine their dryness.

When an optimal level is reached, the sensor stops the drying process to prevent damage to clothes. These sensors can help you cut your energy costs as well.

4. Extended tumble

You can check for this feature if you really need it.

Some of us want the garments to remain in the drying machine, drying, for about 30 minutes without heat – this feature is called Extended Tumble.

If you can’t remove the clothes from the dryer and begin folding right away, this feature will help your clothes to prevent forming some ugly wrinkles.

Not all dryers come with this feature, you will need to check whether it’s there.

5. Drying rack

Most dryers nowadays come with a drying rack somewhere in the drum. The job of the rack is to permit sufficient air circulation in the garment load without tumbling them.

6. Stackable Dryers

You are keen to save as much space as possible because you are in a manufactured home. That’s why you would rather go for stackable machines than stand-alone options each of which will require its own slot.

Stackable machines are specifically made as such. They mostly front loading because another machine will have to be attached at the top.

Some manufacturers offer a pair consisting of a washer and dryer. If you are planning to acquire the dryer and the washer from different manufactures but would like to stack them, first check if they are compatible with each other.

7. Cost

This sounds like a factor to consider rather than a feature to look for in a machine. Nonetheless, the cost of the machine can let you know whether you are acquiring a quality machine or not although that’s not always the case.

The cost of dryers and washing machines tend to increase with capacity. A medium-sized dryer or washer with 6.0 cu. ft. for instance, will cost more than a smaller 2.0 cu. ft. alternative.

8. Washer Type

Another feature to pay attention to is the technology that comes with the machine and general functionality. There are several types of dryers and washers grouped based on technology, how they load, portability, and whether they are combo or not.

There are two main types of washing machines which can be split further into subcategories:

Top Loading
Front Loading

Top-loading washers

A load of garments is fed into the machine from the top. They can be fully automatic or semi-automatic

Front-loading washers

These washers are fed from the front through a door. They are split into four categories:

Washer/Dryer combo: the dryer and washer come as a unit, combined
Stackable: they are designed to be stacked on top of each other

Portable: they can be easily moved around
Compact: they are medium-sized or small

9. Dryer Type

Dryers can be grouped, firstly, based on the source of energy.

Electric dryers
Gas dryers

Electric dryers

These use electrical energy and will be plugged to your home’s electrical grid.

Gas dryers

These use propane as their source of energy and will need to be connected to your home’s gas supply.

Dryers can, secondly, be grouped based on technology and vents:

Vented dryers: they dry clothes with aid of damp and hot air
Condenser: they condense the steam used in drying, so you don’t need vents to expel it outside

Heat pump: they use hot air to remove moisture from laundry, which is then left to evaporate in tanks
Manual dryers: you manually set everything. They are prone to energy wastage (mostly tumble options)
Programmable: they are intelligent and cuts your energy consumption (mostly tumble options)

Recommendations (Based on Cubic Size)

As mentioned above, the size of the dryer is always twice the size of the washer. Therefore, for some of the dryers below, consider choosing the washer half their cu. ft. ratings:

Small dryers – Less than 2.0 cu. Ft.

These dryers would be great for your home if you are living alone or with another person in a mobile home. It would be a real hustle to find a washer with a cu. ft. rating of 1.0 cu. ft. So, you might want to go slow on the rule of thumb for the following dryers:

Magic Chef Compact 1.5 cu. ft. Electric Dryer in White

This dryer is excellent for small loads and can dry up to 5.5 lbs. of garments in one cycle. The best thing is that it can be mounted on the wall, hence a likable space-saving machine. For proper fabric care, you can choose between two temperature settings.

Panda 1.50 cu. ft. White and Black Electric Compact Portable Laundry Dryer

With a capacity of 1.50 cu. ft. this dryer can dry up to 6.6 lbs. of garments in one cycle. It lets you choose from up to 4 drying temperatures. The classic design with a large round window is one of the things you don’t want to miss in a dryer. It comes with a wall mounting kit.

Barton 1.85 cu ft. Portable Stainless-Steel Automatic Laundry Tumble Dryer Machine with 3 Drying Modes and Timer in White

The stainless-steel construction, up to 3 different drying modes, the capacity of 1.8 cu. ft. and weight of 44 lbs. are some of the features that make this dryer great for small mobile homes with up to two occupants.

Small Dyers – between 2.0 to 4.0 cu. ft.

If you live with the other two people in your home, this is the best class of dryers for you. You can easily find washers with over 1.0 to 2.0 cu. ft. (half the capacity of these dryers). Take a glance at these options:

Panda 3.5 cu. ft. Compact Portable Laundry Dryer, White

With a capacity of 3.5 cu. ft. to dry up to 13 lbs. of fabric in one cycle, this is one of the best dryers for a mobile home. Up to 4 temperature selections have been included.

Magic Chef Compact 3.5 cu. ft. Electric Dryer in White

This dryer can be mounted on the wall, dries up to 13 lbs. of garment load, lets you set up to 3 temperatures for better fabric care, and most importantly, comes with overheat protection features so that you don’t scorch your clothes.

Magic Chef Compact 2.6 cu. ft. White Electric Dryer

Fill this dryer with 9 lbs. of laundry and select from two of the provided temperature settings to dry them. You can actually make settings to prevent wrinkling your clothes.

Panda 3.5 cu. ft. 110-Volt Compact Portable Electric Laundry Dryer, White and Black

With a capacity of 3.5 cu. ft. You can dry up to 13 lbs. per washing cycle. It is shipped with join pipes to help you complete the venting without spending extra bucks.

Medium Sized Dryers – Between 4.0 – 6.0 cu. ft.

These mid-sized dryers are larger than small options but not too big to pose a spacing problem in your compact home. Because of their increased capacity, you will part with more dollars for them compared to their small-sized counterparts we’ve listed above. They are perfect for a small nuclear family. You will easily find a 2.0 – 3.0 cu. ft. Washers to accompany them. Check them out:

LG Electronics 4.2 cu. ft. White Compact Stackable Front Load Electric Ventless Dryer with Sensor Dry

This dryer comes with an LG sensor that detects when your clothes are dry to cut on power consumption. It is a compact 24″ dryer perfect for small spaces. The stainless-steel construction is both durable and corrosion-resistant to protect your garments from rust.

Bosch 300 Series 24 in. 4 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Electric Ventless Compact Dryer

No ducting is required for this dryer. Bosch is one of the most recognizable makers of dryers and washers in the industry, so you know you are dealing with a quality dryer.

General Electric 4.3 cu. ft. 240 Volt White Electric Dryer with Stainless Steel Basket, ENERGY STAR

This dryer’s HE Sensor Dry helps protects your clothes from excessive drying. The best part is that you can monitor the drying progress from your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi connection. It provides up to 13 drying cycles.

Bosch 500 Series 24 in. 4 cu. ft. 240-Volt White with Silver Accents Electric Ventless Compact Dryer, ENERGY STAR

The 4 cu. ft. capacity is enough for your medium-sized family living in a mobile home. The end-of-Cycle notification system lets you know when the drying process is complete. The stainless-steel construction is corrosion-resistant and protects your clothes from rust.

Medium Sized Dryers – Between 6.0 – 7.0 cu. ft.

Unless your household consists of over five members, there is no need for this class of dryers. But, because they are compact to fit in limited spaces and comes with a larger capacity (even though we regard this class to be medium), we felt the need to list the following options:

General Electric 6.2 cu. ft. 240 Volt White Electric Vented Dryer (https://thd.co/3gIQ7CU) – Cost: About: $600.00

The small capacity of 6.2 cu. ft. (capable of drying over 20 lbs. of load in one cycle) is all you want in a mobile home with a medium-sized family. Quiet-by-Design technology helps cut the amount of noise produced.

General Electric 6.2 cu. ft. 240 Volt White Electric Vented Dryer

This is one of General Electric’s mid-size dryers that comes with the Wrinkle Care Cycle option that tumbles the dryer and prevents the formation of wrinkles on your clothes. The electromechanical controls make it is easy to control even for rookies.

Whirlpool 6.7 cu. ft. 120 Volt White Commercial Electric Vented Dryer Coin Operated

If you are a fan of Whirlpool’s cutting-edge washing and drying products, you might want to buy this premium porcelain-enamel finished dryer. It comes with 3 cycle sections: Colors/Delicates, Permanent Press, and Cotton/Whites.

Whirlpool 6.7 cu. ft. 120 Volt White Commercial Electric Vented Dryer

As you would expect from premium dryers from Whirlpool, the surface is coated with porcelain enamel. The front-access panel provides the user with a quick entry for service.

Large (7.0 – 7.35 cu. ft. and 7.35 – 8.0 cu. ft) and Extra Large (8.0 – 8.0 cu. ft and 8.5 cu. ft or greater)

Dryers in these classes are either too large for a compact mobile home or come with a capacity that is too large for the typical needs of a family living in a mobile home. For that reason, we will leave them unmentioned.

Conclusion

Washer and dryers are some of the must-have appliances in any functioning home.

The most important feature to pay great attention to in a washer or dryer is its capacity, measured in cu. Ft. Typically, you would accompany the washer with a dryer twice its cu. ft. capacity.

Another thing is whether it is equipped with a steel drum or not. Other factors such as the type and presence of moisture sensors are important as well.