When looking to purchase a dryer, there are a lot of things to consider. Style, brand, and features, plus a ton of options to choose from. But the most important part of choosing a new dryer is actually the size of the appliance you’re considering. It has to fit in the space you have, and it needs to be able to keep up with your laundry needs.
We’re here to help you understand standard dryer machine sizes and dimensions for all of the common kinds of dryers. This way, you’ll be ready to select the right appliance in no time.
Start shopping for your new dryer at Coast Appliances today.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is the Standard Size of a Dryer?
- What are the 3 Types of Tumble Dryers?
- What Are the Different Size Dryers?
- Dryer Size Chart
- Other Helpful Tips for Sizing Your Dryer
- FAQs About Dryer Dimensions & Sizes
What is the Standard Size of a Dryer?
Unfortunately, there really isn’t just one single standard size for dryers. Instead, they come in a range of sizes. However, there are ranges of dimensions most dryers will fall between. More often than not, a dryer width will be between 27-28” (68.5-71.1 cm), and the depth will fall somewhere between 30-35” (76.2-88.9 cm). Heights can vary slightly, but you can expect a dryer to be at least 39” tall (99 cm).
What Are the 3 Types of Tumble Dryers?
In general, tumble dryers work by applying heat to clothes to help water evaporate much more quickly than if you were just to hang dry things on a clothesline. While there are different types of dryers, most tumble dryers work in 1 of 3 ways with the use of condensers, heat pumps, and/or vents.
- Condenser dryers work similarly to an air conditioner, but instead of venting the heat, it’s applied to clothes to help them dry.
- Heat pump dryers aim to dry clothes at lower temperatures, and they can be much more efficient.
- Vented dryers are the standard dryer that you’ve probably seen before. They use a heating element (or natural gas) to apply heat, and the warm, wet air is vented through a tube.
Check out our blog on Types of Dryers to learn more.
What Are the Different Size Dryers?
For the most part, you’ll find that dryers come in a few basic size options: full size, stackable, compact, and large capacity. These sizes reference the size of the whole appliance and the size of the laundry load a machine can handle.
Full Size Dryer Dimensions
A full-size dryer is also known as a standard-size dryer. They're usually typically around:
- Width: 27” wide (68.5 cm)
- Height: 39-44” tall (99-111.8 cm)
- Depth: 27-34” deep (68.5-86.4 cm)
Stackable Washer Dryer Dimensions
Stackable washer/dryer combinations are designed to save space. Washer dryer dimensions are typically:
- Width: 24-28” wide (61-71 cm)
- Height: 39” tall (99 cm)
- Depth: 32-34” deep (81.3-86.4 cm)
Keep in mind that you’ll need to roughly double the height dimension to cover both the washer and dryer, as they’re a combination unit.
Compact Dryer Dimensions
Compact dryers are also designed to save space, but they are not part of a combined unit that includes the washer. These dryers are usually around:
- Width: 24” wide (61 cm)
- Height: 33-36” tall (83.8-91.4 cm)
- Depth: 24-26” deep (61-66 cm)
Many of these dryers are designed to support stacking with the washer, even though it’s a separate appliance.
Large Capacity Dryer Dimensions
Large-capacity dryers can hold and service larger loads of laundry. To accommodate the bigger loads, the appliance itself does need to be bigger than a standard dryer. The dimensions will vary on just how high the capacity is, but they start around:
- Width: 27” wide (68.6 cm)
- Height: 41” tall (104 cm)
- Depth: 30” deep (76.2 cm)
They can get bigger from here.
Dryer Size Chart
When browsing different dryer options, it’s sometimes easiest to use a chart to look at all your options. The chart below shows common dryer sizes and dimensions to make comparisons simple.
Other Helpful Tips for Sizing Your Dryer
When you’re trying to size your dryer, don’t overcomplicate things. You’re just comparing the size of the space where you intend to keep your dryer against an appliance’s actual dimensions. Every dryer has listed dimensions, so you can quickly determine whether or not you have enough space. Aim for at least 2” of extra space to give you room to maneuver the dryer.
FAQs About Dryer Dimensions & Sizes
How is dryer depth measured?
The depth covers the full length of measure from the front of the dryer to the most protruding part of the back. Remember that you typically need about 4” behind a dryer for plugs and vents.
How much space do you need around the dryer?
Typically, you want at least 1” on either side of the dryer and 4” in the back for proper venting and the power cords. You need enough space above the dryer to work the controls, and the most important part is making sure you have adequate room to open the door.
How do you put a dryer in a small space?
You want to get the dryer close to where it will sit permanently, then connect power and venting as needed. Finally, slowly walk or shimmy the dryer into place, one corner at a time.
How do I make my dryer closer to the wall?
The easiest trick is to shorten the venting hose, so it doesn’t push the dryer away from the wall as much.
What is the smallest dryer size?
The smallest dryers are compact and range around 28” in depth, 10.5” wide, and 23.8” tall.
What is a compact dryer?
A compact dryer is an appliance designed to take up less space. It usually handles smaller loads as a result of its small design.
What size is a small tumble dryer?
A small dryer is usually around 34” high, 24” deep, and 24” wide.
No matter what size dryer you need, Coast Appliances has something that will fit perfectly within your budget and your space.
Browse our full selection today…we’re confident you’ll find something you love.
