Best Washer Dryer for Airbnbs and Short Term Rentals

Selecting the right washer dryer for your Short-Term Rental (STR) isn't as simple as choosing one for your home. It's a strategic investment that impacts guest satisfaction, review quality, and operational efficiency. The wrong choice can lead to maintenance issues, guest complaints, and unexpected expenses.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to select the best washer dryer for your Airbnb. We'll cover the important decision factors, explore the available types, and provide recommendations tailored to different rental scenarios, drawing on insights from furnishing successful STRs.

Top Washer Dryer Recommendations for Airbnb Hosts

Based on the above factors, here are top-rated washer dryer options for Airbnb/STR use, focusing on reliability, guest-friendliness, and value. We prioritize models readily available on Amazon, following Showplace's approach.

Best Overall: LG WM3400CW & DLE3400W Front Load Washer/Dryer Set

This LG pairing offers a strong balance of performance, durability, and user-friendliness, making it ideal for most STR setups.

Key Features:

• 4.5 cu. ft. washer capacity accommodates larger loads for multi-guest properties.

• 7.4 cu. ft. dryer with Sensor Dry technology prevents excessive drying.

• TrueBalance anti-vibration system reduces noise and movement.

• 10 washer cycles with easy-to-use controls

• Stackable with stacking kit (available separately) for flexible installation.

• ENERGY STAR certified for reduced utility costs

Pros:

• Excellent reliability ratings and a 10-year motor warranty

• Simple, straightforward control panel for guests.

• High efficiency lowers water and energy costs.

• Available in white or graphite finishes to complement your décor.

• Reliable performance with minimal maintenance

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment than budget models

• Requires proper venting and a 240V electrical connection

• Front-loader design needs occasional cleaning to prevent smells.

Best For: Medium to large properties hosting families or multiple guests, with space for side-by-side or stacked installation.

Best Stacked Unit: GE GUD27ESPMDG Unitized Spacemaker Washer with Dryer

This stacked washer dryer for rental properties provides great space efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Key Features:

• Single-piece design with 3.8 cu. ft. washer and 5.9 cu. ft. dryer

• 11 wash cycles and 4 dry cycles with rotary controls

• The auto-dry moisture sensor prevents excessive drying.

• Cycle status lights clearly indicate progress.

• A width of 27 inches fits standard laundry closets.

• Auto water level adjustment lowers water usage.

Pros:

• Simple mechanical controls that seldom malfunction

• Compact dimensions (75.5"H x 27"W x 30.5"D) for limited spaces

• A single purchase, delivery, and installation streamlines setup.

• More affordable than purchasing separate units.

• Designed for applications with limited space

Cons:

• Smaller capacity than individual units

• Top-loading washers use more water than front-loaders.

• Less energy efficient than some options

• Limited color options: white and diamond gray

Best For: Small to medium properties, especially condos and apartments for couples or solo travelers, with dedicated laundry closets or limited space.

Best All-in-One Combo: LG WM3998HBA Washer/Dryer Combo

This all-in-one washer dryer offers the best performance in the combo category for space-constrained rentals, though with inherent limitations.

Key Features:

• 4.5 cu. ft. capacity (larger than many combo units)

• Ventless condensing drying system requires no external vent.

• 14 wash cycles including Allergiene™ cycle (certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation)

• TurboWash® technology shortens cycle time.

• Wi-Fi enabled with smartphone monitoring features

• Runs on standard 120V power

Pros:

• Requires minimal space (27" width)

• No venting requirements enable flexible installation.

• Larger capacity than many combo units

• TrueBalance anti-vibration reduces noise.

• Can be installed under counters or in closets

Cons:

• Complete wash/dry cycles take over 3 hours.

• Higher price than several alternatives

• Using separate dryers is more effective than drying together.

• More difficult to repair if issues arise.

• Not suitable for properties with frequent turnover requiring fast laundry cycling.

Best For: Studios, tiny homes, or properties where venting is impossible and space is limited. Works best where guests stay several days and don't require quick laundry turnaround.

Why In-Unit Laundry is Essential for Your Airbnb

Adding laundry facilities to your rental property requires an upfront investment, but the returns both tangible and intangible are significant for most hosts.

Guest Benefits:

• Convenience: No searching for local laundromats or coordinating with laundry service schedules.

• Longer Stays: Makes extended bookings more attractive, especially for remote workers.

• Packing Light: Guests can pack fewer clothes, making travel easier for families.

• Family/Business Traveler Appeal: Important for these lucrative guest segments who stay longer and pay more.

• Feeling 'At Home': Creates a residential experience that distinguishes your property from hotel options.

Benefits for Hosts:

• Competitive Advantage: Stand out among listings without laundry facilities, especially in urban areas.

• Potential for Higher Rates/Occupancy: Justifies premium pricing and attracts longer bookings.

• Positive Reviews: In-unit laundry is mentioned in five-star reviews.

• Operational Control: Simplifies turnover cleaning when linens are laundered on-site.

• Property Marketability: Increases appeal to a wider range of guest demographics.

Key Factors When Choosing a Washer Dryer for Your Rental

The "best" washer dryer for your Airbnb depends on your property's characteristics and the typical guest profile. Before investing, here are the important factors to consider:

Size and space constraints

Physical space often becomes the primary limiting factor. Before shopping, measure your laundry area carefully, including:

• Width, height, and depth of the available area

• Door clearance (for the appliance and room door)

• Any obstructions such as pipes, vents, or electrical outlets

For smaller properties, consider laundry closets, kitchen nooks, or bathroom placements. Vented dryers need external exhaust access, while ventless models offer flexible placement but longer drying times.

Always add 3-6 inches to manufacturer dimensions for connections, ventilation, and anti-vibration spacing. Overlooking this mistake can lead to an expensive return process.

Capacity Needs

Match your washer-dryer capacity to your property size and guest count:

• Studio/1BR (1-2 guests): 2.2-3.5 cubic feet may suffice

• 2BR (2-4 guests): 3.5-4.2 cubic feet provides more options

• 3BR+ (4+ guests): 4.5+ cubic feet needed for family-sized loads

Undersized units force guests to run multiple loads, while oversized ones waste energy and water for smaller loads. For properties hosting families or longer stays, emphasizing capacity is crucial.

Unit Type Overview

Each main washer dryer configuration has distinct advantages for STRs:

• Stacked units save space on the floor.

• All-in-one combos maximize space efficiency but have restrictions.

• Side-by-side sets offer larger capacity but require more space.

• Portable options work for properties with installation limitations.

Later in this guide, we will explore each type in detail, linking them to specific rental scenarios.

Durability & Longevity

STR appliances face more use and misuse than typical residential machines. Your durable washer dryer needs to withstand:

• Multiple users with varying laundry experience

• More frequent cycles than in private homes

• Potential overloading or misuse

Look for commercial-grade components, solid metal (not plastic) parts in high-wear areas, and reliable brands over fancy features. Many hosts find that mid-tier models from reliable manufacturers outperform budget options and premium models with many features in the STR context.

A good warranty is important, especially one that covers rental property use (some exclude commercial applications, including STRs).

Ease of Use (Guest Proofing)

Your rental unit will be used by unfamiliar guests, unlike your personal washer dryer. Prioritize:

• Intuitive controls with clear labels in multiple languages

• Simple cycle options that don't need a manual.

• Clear, interpretable error indicators for guests

• Straightforward detergent dispensing systems

Avoid models with complicated startup sequences, confusing touch panels, or excessive features that most guests won't use. The goal is for any guest to operate the machine without assistance or difficulty.

Noise Level

In smaller properties or open floor plans where laundry noise can disturb sleep or relaxation, a quiet washer dryer Airbnb setup is important. Consider:

• Location in relation to bedrooms and living areas

• Building construction (especially in condos with adjoining walls)

• Anti-vibration features and shock-absorbing mounts

Look for models advertising quieter operation, measured in decibels (dBA). Front-loading washers run quieter than top-loaders, and units with direct-drive motors produce less noise than belt-driven ones.

Energy & Water Efficiency

Efficiency impacts your bottom line since you're paying the utility bills. ENERGY STAR certified models typically use:

• Uses 25% less energy and 33% less water than typical models

• Advanced moisture sensors to prevent excessive drying

• Higher spin speeds to extract more water before drying begins.

The initial price premium for efficient models is recovered through utility savings, especially in frequently booked properties. Eco-friendly amenities attract environmentally conscious guests.

Budget (Upfront vs. Ongoing Costs)

When budgeting for your washer dryer, consider:

• Expected lifespan in a rental environment (typically 5-8 years for quality models)

• Energy and water costs over that period

• Potential maintenance and repair expenses

• Impact on your property's marketability and pricing potential

A $1,200 unit lasting 8 years is cheaper than a $700 unit needing replacement after 3 years, considering installation costs and replacement effort.

Smart Features: Are They Valuable?

Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone controls, and other "smart" features present a varied value proposition for STRs:

• Potential Benefits: Remote diagnostics, usage monitoring, and maintenance alerts can help hosts identify issues before they become significant.

• Drawbacks: Added complexity, potential connectivity issues with changing guest devices, and increased repair costs when smart systems fail.

Standard models with physical controls offer better reliability and user experience in rentals, unless you need remote monitoring or are marketing to tech-savvy guests.

Understanding Washer Dryer Types for STRs

Let's examine the four main washer dryer configurations for short-term rentals:

Stacked Washer Dryer Units

Stacked washer-dryer units come in two variations: purpose-built laundry centers (single unit) or separate machines designed to stack vertically. They require 240V electrical outlets for the dryer and proper venting.

Pros:

• Vertical design for closets and compact laundry areas

• Separate drums allow washing and drying.

• Comparable capacity and performance to standard machines

• Most visitors are familiar with the operation.

• A diverse range of models at various price points.

Cons:

• Require a minimum height clearance of 75-80 inches

• Shorter guests may find it difficult to reach top control panels.

• Installation is more complex than single-unit systems.

• May need reinforced flooring in older buildings due to weight and vibration.

Best For: Properties with limited floor space but adequate vertical clearance, particularly condos, apartments, and urban rentals where square footage is valuable.

All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo Units

All-in-one washer dryer combo units wash and dry in a single drum. Most use ventless condensation drying technology and operate on standard 120V outlets, making installation convenient.

Pros:

• Maximum space efficiency with the smallest size

• Simplified installation requires just a water line and drain.

• In most models, there is no need for external venting.

• Works in unconventional spaces like kitchens or bathrooms where traditional setups do not fit

• Uses standard 120V power (no special electrical requirements)

Cons:

• Smaller capacity (typically 2.0-2.5 cubic feet)

• Very long cycle times. Wash and dry cycles take 3-6+ hours.

• Less effective drying than specific dryers

• Often leaves clothes more creased.

• Shorter lifespan than individual units

• When they fail, repair costs increase.

Properties that are extremely space-constrained (studios, tiny homes), properties where venting is impossible, or locations with severely limited installation options. It works best for properties that host 1-2 guests for brief stays.

Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer

The traditional side-by-side configuration places separate washer and dryer units next to each other, typically under a counter or in a dedicated laundry room.

Pros:

• Largest capacity options (up to 5+ cubic feet)

• Best performance and fastest cycle times

• Familiar to guests of various backgrounds

• Extensive selection of models, features, and price points

• Easier to service or replace individually if a unit fails.

Cons:

• Requires the most floor space (at least 60 inches in width)

• Requires a dedicated laundry room or ample space.

• Full installation needs (240V electrical, venting, water lines)

Best For: Larger properties marketing to families or hosting multiple guests. Ideal when space isn’t the primary constraint and optimal performance is desired.

Portable/Compact Washer Dryers

Portable washers connect temporarily to sink faucets, while compact dryers may be ventless or require minimal venting. These units operate on standard 120V power.

Pros:

• Lowest initial investment

• Minimum installation requirements

• Can be stored away when not in use

• Works in properties where permanent installation is not possible

• Good solution for historic properties with installation limitations.

Cons:

• Very limited capacity, often under 2 cubic feet.

• The manual hookup process can confuse guests.

• If not properly configured, it is less stable and more prone to leaks.

• Performance significantly below standard levels

• May seem "budget" to guests expecting larger appliances.

Best For: Budget renovations, tiny properties, historic buildings with installation restrictions, or properties where traditional hookups aren't feasible. Works as a temporary solution but not ideal for premium listings.

Bottom Line

Investing in the right washer dryer for your Airbnb or short-term rental is a strategic decision that can significantly impact guest satisfaction and your bottom line. By carefully considering factors like size, capacity, durability, ease of use, and energy efficiency, you can select a model that meets your property's specific needs and enhances the overall guest experience, leading to better reviews, increased bookings, and long-term success in the competitive rental market.