Washing machines 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 might be wondering:
How much do washing machines and dryers weigh?
On average, washing machines weigh 170 pounds, and dryers weigh 124 pounds.
However, the weight of these appliances varies significantly based on type, capacity, features, and brand.
Small-load washers can weigh as little as 99 pounds while extra-large washers can weigh up to 300 pounds.
The range is narrower for dryers. Small dryers can weigh as little as 100 pounds while larger ones can weigh up to 170 pounds.
Let’s break this down further.
Here’s the average weight based on the type of washer and dryer.
| Type | Average Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| Top-Loading washing machines | 135 |
| Front-Loading washing machines | 205 |
| Standard dryers | 124 |
| Washer and dryer combos | 185 |
| Stacked washer-dryer laundry centers | 238 |
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 instance, refers to the size of the washer or dryer’s drum, not the size of the entire unit.
| Type | Average Weight Per Cubic Foot (pounds) |
|---|---|
| Top-Loading washing machines | 32 |
| Front-Loading washing machines | 56 |
| Standard dryers | 18 |
| Washer and dryer combos | 84 |
| Stacked washer-dryer laundry centers | 85 |
In the following sections of this article, I provide 40 real examples of popular washers, dryers, washer-dryer combos, and stacked laundry centers and reveal to you exactly how much they weigh.
Also, I explain why washing machines are so heavy and provide tips for moving these clunky appliances.
Let’s jump right in.
Use the links below to navigate this article:
- How Much Do Washing Machines and Dryers Weigh? (40 Real Examples)
- Why Are Washing Machines So Heavy?
- Tips for Moving Washing Machines and Dryers
- Final Thoughts
How Much Do Washing Machines and Dryers Weigh? (40 Real Examples)
You already know that washing machines and dryers are heavy, but how much do they actually weigh?
In the chart below, you’ll find 40 of the most popular washing machines and dryers compared by weight, type, and capacity.
Swipe left and right on mobile to view the entire chart.
| Appliance | Type | Weight (pounds) | Capacity (cubic feet) | See Product Listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 300 Series | Front-Loading Washer | 158 | 2.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG High-Efficiency | Front-Loading Washer | 148 | 2.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE High-Efficiency | Front-Loading Washer | 166 | 2.4 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool High-Efficiency Commercial | Front-Loading Washer | 235 | 3.1 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG Ultra Large Capacity | Front-Loading Washer | 169 | 4.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung High-Efficiency | Front-Loading Washer | 194 | 4.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE High-Efficiency | Front-Loading Washer | 245 | 4.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG Ultra Large Capacity | Front-Loading Washer | 203 | 4.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung High-Efficiency FlexWash | Front-Loading Washer | 293 | 5.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG Signature High-Efficiency | Front-Loading Washer | 239 | 5.8 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE Capacity Stationary | Top-Loading Washer | 99 | 2.8 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool White Commercial | Top-Loading Washer | 120 | 3.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool High-Efficiency White | Top-Loading Washer | 135 | 4.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| Maytag High-Efficiency | Top-Loading Washer | 152 | 4.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE White | Top-Loading Washer | 147 | 4.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung High-Efficiency | Top-Loading Washer | 126 | 4.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE High-Efficiency White | Top-Loading Washer | 138 | 4.6 | HomeDepot.com |
| Maytag High-Efficiency White | Top-Loading Washer | 159 | 4.7 | HomeDepot.com |
| Maytag High-Efficiency White | Top-Loading Washer | 134 | 5.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung High-Efficiency | Top-Loading Washer | 143 | 5.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG White Electric Ventless | Dryer | 105 | 4.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool White Commercial Electric Vented | Dryer | 147 | 6.7 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG Electronics Ultra Large Capacity Electric Dryer | Dryer | 122 | 7.4 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung Electric Dryer White | Dryer | 126 | 7.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung Electric FlexDry | Dryer | 167 | 7.5 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool White Electric Vented | Dryer | 109 | 7 | HomeDepot.com |
| Maytag White Gas Vented | Dryer | 113 | 7 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE White Electric Vented | Dryer | 107 | 7.2 | HomeDepot.com |
| Samsung Electric Dryer | Dryer | 126 | 7.4 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE White Gas Vented | Dryer | 118 | 7.4 | HomeDepot.com |
| Haier Ventless Electric | Washer-Dryer Combo | 148 | 2.0 | HomeDepot.com |
| LG Graphite Steel | Washer-Dryer Combo | 256 | 2.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool Cashmere Ventless Smart All-In-One | Washer-Dryer Combo | 200 | 2.8 | HomeDepot.com |
| Deco Electric All-in-One | Washer-Dryer Combo | 161 | 1.57 | HomeDepot.com |
| Magic Chef | Washer-Dryer Combo | 160 | 2.7 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool Electric Stacked | Laundry Center | 190 | 1.6 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE | Laundry Center | 221 | 2.3 | HomeDepot.com |
| Frigidaire | Laundry Center | 280 | 3.9 | HomeDepot.com |
| GE | Laundry Center | 249 | 3.8 | HomeDepot.com |
| Whirlpool | Laundry Center | 250 | 3.5 | HomeDepot.com |
A handful of quick notes about the chart:
Capacity
The capacity of every washer and dryer is measured in cubic feet. This number tells you how much laundry the unit can handle in a single load.
According to BestBuy.com, “regular-sized” washers 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 washers because they need to fit an entire load of laundry AND have enough space for hot air to circulate.
As a general rule of thumb, a dryer’s capacity should be about twice as much as its accompanying washer.
Most of the time, washer and dryers are sold in sets, so you won’t have to worry about matching up the sizes of the two appliances–unless you are buying only one at a time.
As you see in the chart above, I list out a wide range of washers and dryers so you can compare the weight of appliances with only 2.2 cubic feet of capacity, all the way up to 7.5 cubic feet.
Washer-Dryer Combos
Washer-dryer combos, as their name suggests, are appliances that wash and dry your clothes within a single unit.
They are often used in small apartments and lofts and are especially popular in Europe and Asia. Their obvious advantage is that they’re compact and can fit in small spaces. But, despite their smaller size, they are 50 pounds heavier than top-loading washing machines (185 vs. 135 lbs.) on average.
Laundry Centers
A laundry center is a vertically stacked unit that typically has the washer on the bottom and 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’re very heavy (238 pounds on average) since it’s two appliances attached.
Sources
I got the weight of each washer and dryer in this chart from the following sources:
If you’re considering buying a specific washing machine or dryer and need to know the exact weigh to ensure you can transport it safely, you should check directly with the manufacturer.
Why Are Washing Machines So Heavy?
Almost all washing machines are constructed with a solid block of concrete at the base to add balance and stability so that the machine doesn’t move or tip, especially during spin cycles.
According to Vibrobeton DLC, a manufacturer of washing machine counterweights, these concrete blocks alone can weigh a whopping 55 pounds!
Also, washing machines have several other heavy components. As outlined in this HowStuffWorks article, most washers have two steel tubs (inner and outer), a gearbox, a motor, and a solid metal frame. When we’re talking about machines that are around 40 inches tall, 28 inches wide and 33 inches deep, that’s a lot of metal!
All of these components add up to significant weight, 170 pounds on average, according to our research.
Tips for Moving Washing Machines and Dryers
Like most large home appliances, washing machines and dryers are heavy, clunky, and awkward to move.
I’m not going to lie, moving them can be difficult—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you’re bringing a new washer and dryer into your house or moving your current washer and dryer out, the following are tips that will make the process more manageable.
Clean
As you prepare to move your washer and dryer, the first step is to clean.
If your washer doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, fill the drum with hot water and bleach and let it soak for an hour. Then run a full wash cycle. If the drum smells like bleach after, rerun it with just water.
Helpful Resource: This guide on wikiHow.com has a bunch of great tips and tricks for cleaning the inside of your washer.
Scrub the rubber door seal, dispensers, and exterior of the washer and dryer with a microfiber cloth and a mixture of water and vinegar.
Clean your dryer’s lint trap thoroughly.
Gather Equipment and Supplies
The next step is to gather the necessary supplies and equipment.
You’ll need furniture blankets, moving tape, an appliance dolly (I highly recommend this one on Amazon), and moving straps (like these).
Disconnect the Washer and Dryer
Disconnecting your appliances might seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.
Before you move your washer and dryer, you need to disconnect all of the cords, tubes, vents, and pipes.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, stop right here and talk to a professional. It will take a plumber, electrician, or HVAC pro a matter of minutes to get the job done. It’ll cost you a little bit but, if you’re clueless, it’s worth it.
In my experience, HomeAdvisor is the best place to find a pro for a job like this. Just enter your zip code, a few details about the job, and you’ll have a handful of free quotes in minutes.
Now, if you’re confident in your ability to safely disconnect your appliances, go for it.
Just remember, before disconnecting anything, shut off the electricity via your circuit breaker panel and turn off the water and gas supply.
Connect Transit Bolts to the Washer
Your washer’s drum hangs on a suspension mechanism that allows it to move and spin during cycles.
If you don’t secure the drum before moving the washer, the drum will move freely, and you risk damaging this suspension mechanism.
So how do you secure the washer’s drum? It’s easy, use transit bolts.
Most washing machines come with transit bolts, but if you can’t find yours, just Google “[your washer model] + transit/shipping bolts,” and you should be able to find them.
Installing transit bolts is relatively simple, but I won’t get into the details because every manufacturer is slightly different. My best advice is to read your specific washer’s user manual.
Protect Your Appliances and Home
Washers and dryers are expensive—and so is your house—so take the proper 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 during the move.
Wrap each appliance with furniture pads and secure them with moving tape, shrink-wrap, or moving bands. If you’re not sure how, check out this quick video.
Create a plan for exactly how you are going to navigate the move and clear out any furniture blocking your path.
Drape handrails with furniture pads in case you bump into them and cover the floor with cardboard in any areas you think you might need to put down the appliance to rest (the bottom or top of the stairs are great spots for this).
Get a Friend to Help
Never move your washer or dryer by yourself!
Helpful Resource: How to Get Friends to Help You Move (Moving.com).
Even with the proper preparation and equipment, it’s not safe to maneuver such heavy and awkward appliances alone.
At the very least, you’ll need someone to spot you on the other side of the dolly and make sure you don’t slam into any walls or clip any furniture.
Speaking of which…
Move Your Washer and Dryer With a Dolly
When it comes to moving your washer and dryer, I highly recommend using an appliance dolly, like this one on Amazon.
Appliance dollies have built-in straps that allow you to secure each appliance to the dolly, so there’s no chance it slides off.
Position the dolly in the back or the side of the washer or dryer. Most professionals recommend the side to avoid the cords and tubes that are located 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 appliance and secure it according to your dolly’s instructions.
Tilt the dolly back so that the dolly to bears the majority of the weight. It shouldn’t be tipped so far back that it feels like your carrying the appliance, but it also shouldn’t be so upright that it feels like it’s going to tip forward.
Your helper should always be standing on the other side of the appliance helping to balance, steer, and avoid bumping into walls or any other object.
If any of these steps are unclear, check out this quick video that demonstrates how to position, secure, and move a washer with an appliance dolly.
Helpful Resource: Check out this article from Dolly.com to find more helpful tips on moving heavy washers and dryers. It includes special tips for moving these appliances up and down staircases, loading them onto a truck, and storing them safely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreading the day that you have to move your washer and dryer, consider this.
Almost every appliance retailer, including home improvement stores like Home Depot, will deliver and install your washer and dryer for you.
So, if you’re buying new, you don’t have to worry about breaking your back operating an appliance dolly for the first time.
If you’re moving to a new home and taking your appliances with you, you have a few options.
The first option is to hire professional movers. Generally, moving companies charge by the total weight of the job or by the hour. Adding two appliances to the packing list won’t make much of a difference cost-wise. Don’t believe me? Get free quotes from local moving companies in minutes on HomeAdvisor.com.
The second option is to leave your washer and dryer behind. Most sellers include the washer and dryer as part of the sale since they are such a hassle to move, and the dimensions may not match up perfectly in the new house. You might even be able to negotiate the price of the appliances into the sale price (with depreciation).
The last option is to move them yourself (with a friend, of course). If you don’t have to lug them up or down a long flight of stairs, it’s not that bad. Just remember to clean, prepare, gather the equipment, and enlist your strongest friend.
If you found this article helpful, you should also check out:
- The Most Reliable Washer and Dryer Brands (and Brands to Avoid)
- Vented vs. Ventless Dryers: Key Differences & How to Choose
- Speed Queen TC5 vs. TR5 Washers: 8 Differences Explained
- How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use? (With 28 Real Examples)
- How to Fix a Dryer That’s Not Drying (10 DIY Solutions)
- How Much Does a Dishwasher Weigh? (With 27 Examples)
- Do Dryer Balls Work? Surprising Results From In-Home Test
- Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets: What Are the Differences?
- How Long Do Dishwashers Last on Average? (How to Extend Their Life)
- Average Refrigerator Weight (With 14 Examples)
- Average Cast Iron Bathtub Weight (With 15 Examples)
- Tankless Water Heaters: 7 Pros and 6 Cons You Need to Know
- How Much Does a Water Heater Weigh? (With 37 Examples)
