For today's Airbnb guests, in-unit laundry access isn't just a nice-to-have; it's an expected amenity that can make or break a booking decision. The ability to wash clothes, beach towels, or hiking gear can transform a good stay into an exceptional one for those staying more than a few nights.
Here's the catch: the washer and dryer that work perfectly in your primary residence are often wrong for your short-term rental property. When appliances are used by a rotating cast of guests rather than a single household, the usage patterns, capacity needs, and durability requirements are fundamentally different.
This guide will help you choose the best washer dryer for your Airbnb. It focuses on critical factors: durability for frequent use, efficiency to keep costs down, and user-friendly features for guest satisfaction. By investing now, you'll provide a highly requested essential amenity while protecting your bottom line.
Best Washer Dryers for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals
After analyzing hundreds of models for short-term rental requirements, I found these standout options that deliver the best combination of durability, capacity, ease of use, and overall value for your vacation rental business. Each recommendation is tailored to specific STR scenarios, helping you find the perfect match for your property's needs.
1. Best Overall: LG Mega Capacity Front Load Washer (WM4000HWA) & Dryer (DLEX4000W)
Why It's a Top Pick: This side-by-side pair offers the ideal balance for most STR operations. The mega-capacity washer handles king-size comforters easily, while LG's direct-drive motor technology provides exceptional reliability with fewer moving parts. The interface balances sophistication for useful cycles and intuitiveness for guest operation. The TurboWash 360 feature significantly cuts cycle times, a crucial advantage during tight turnover windows.
Best For: Most STR properties (2-4 bedrooms) needing high capacity and reliability without a commercial price tag.
Key Specs:
- Washer Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
- Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
- TurboWash 360 Technology (30-minute wash cycles)
- Energy Star Certified
- 10-year motor warranty
2. Best Durability (Commercial-Grade): Speed Queen TR7/DR7 Washer & Dryer
Why It's a Top Pick: Speed Queen has built its reputation on commercial-grade durability, and this pair brings that reliability to residential settings. The machines feature all-metal components, including the transmission and cabinet, and are engineered for 25 years of continuous use. The simple mechanical controls are guest-proof and require no learning curve. For the ultimate durable washer for rental property use, Speed Queen stands alone.
Best For: High-turnover luxury properties where reliability is paramount and budget is secondary.
Key Specs:
- Washer Capacity: 3.2 cu. ft.
- Electronic controls with a dial interface
- 7-year comprehensive warranty (parts and labor)
- Wash tub made of commercial-grade stainless steel
- Made in USA
3. Best Stackable Unit for Small Spaces: LG WashTower (WKEX200HWA)
Why It's a Top Pick: The WashTower redesigns the traditional stacked unit with a centralized control panel at an accessible height, no more stretching to reach dryer controls. It maintains impressive capacity for both washer and dryer, making it the premier stacked washer dryer for Airbnb properties with limited square footage, despite its space-saving vertical format. The integrated design ensures the units work in harmony, with the dryer automatically selecting settings based on the wash cycle.
Best For: Condos, apartments, and any STR with a laundry closet instead of a full laundry room.
Key Specs:
- Total Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft. washer, 7.4 cu. ft. dryer
- Dimensions: 74.38" H x 27" W x 30.38" D
- Center Control Panel (accessible height)
- Vented (requires external exhaust)
- Compatibility for remote monitoring
4. Best All-in-One Combo Unit: GE Profile UltraFast Combo (PFQ97HSPVDS)
Why It's a Top Pick: This unit solves the biggest challenge for ventless STRs; it provides true wash-to-dry convenience in a single machine. Unlike older combo units that struggle with drying, GE's heat pump technology delivers faster drying times and excellent energy efficiency. For properties where separate units aren't feasible, this ventless washer dryer combo for condos offers the best compromise of performance and convenience.
Best For: Properties where external venting is impossible, such as high-rise condos, basements, or historic buildings.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 4.8 cu. ft.
- Ventless Heat Pump Technology
- UltraFast wash-to-dry cycle
- Dimensions: 33.25" H x 27" W x 28.5" D
- Enabled Smart Home
5. Best Budget Option: Whirlpool Top Load Washer (WTW5000DW) & Dryer (WED5000DW)
Why It's a Top Pick: This no-frills pair focuses on what matters most for STRs: reliability and simplicity. The top-loading design is familiar to guests of all ages, eliminating confusion. While it lacks advanced features, it delivers consistently clean laundry with minimal maintenance and a competitive price. The straightforward mechanical controls minimize potential failure points.
Best For: Hosts on a tight budget or properties in lower-ADR (Average Daily Rate) markets.
Key Specs:
- Washer Capacity: 4.3 cu. ft.
- Traditional agitator design, which is excellent for heavy soiling.
- Dryer Capacity: 7.0 cu. ft.
- Mechanical control dials
- Made in USA
How the Right Laundry Setup Impacts Your Business
The washer and dryer in your vacation rental do more than clean clothes. They are operational powerhouses that directly influence profitability, guest satisfaction, and host stress levels. Understanding these impacts will help you appreciate why this purchase deserves careful consideration:
- Faster Turnovers: High-capacity, efficient machines allow your cleaning team to wash all linens, from sheets to towels to duvet covers, within the tight window between guest departures and arrivals. An undersized or slow machine creates a major bottleneck in streamlining your turnover process, potentially forcing you to purchase duplicate linens or risk delays.
- Guest Satisfaction & Longer Stays: Remote workers, families with children, and travelers staying more than a few days filter for properties with laundry facilities. This amenity attracts higher-value, longer-term bookings that yield better margins and fewer turnovers.
- Reduced Operational Costs: A durable, reliable machine means fewer emergency service calls, replacement expenses, and happier guests. An energy efficient washer dryer translates to lower water and electricity bills, savings that add up significantly over a year.
- Protecting Your Linens: Quality machines with appropriate cycles extend the life of your expensive sheets, towels, and other textiles by treating them gently. This protection pays dividends through reduced replacement costs since linens represent a large recurring expense for hosts.
6 Key Factors for Choosing a Rental-Ready Washer Dryer
Type: Stacked vs. Side-by-Side vs. All-in-One Combo
Your first decision, the laundry setup configuration, carries significant implications for your short-term rental operation.
Stacked units are ideal for properties with limited space. These vertical arrangements maximize floor space, making them perfect for urban condos or smaller vacation homes. The main trade-off is reduced capacity. Many stacked models offer smaller drums than their side-by-side counterparts, increasing the number of loads needed during turnovers.
The traditional choice for STRs is side-by-side configurations, which offer distinct advantages. They provide larger capacity, which is crucial for washing king-size comforters or multiple bedding sets simultaneously. They are also easier to service when repairs are needed, as components are more accessible. The obvious drawback is the greater floor space requirement.
All-in-one combo units combine washing and drying functions in a single machine and are the most space-efficient option. These units are typically ventless, making them ideal for condos, apartments, or properties without external venting. If you're searching for a ventless washer dryer combo for condos, this is your solution. Be aware that these units generally have smaller capacities and longer cycle times, which can create bottlenecks during same-day turnovers.
Capacity: Sizing for a Full Linen Flip
For short-term rentals, standard residential sizing guidelines don't apply. Instead, think in terms of "how many sets of king-size sheets and towels can this wash at once?"
For properties that sleep four or more guests, look for washers with a minimum capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and dryers with at least 7.0 cubic feet. This size enables staff to wash an entire bed's worth of linens (fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, and duvet cover) in a single load, reducing turnover time.
King-size comforters and duvet inserts require larger capacity; at least 5.2 cubic feet for a washer. If your property has king beds and you want to avoid expensive commercial laundry services for these bulky items, sizing up is non-negotiable.
Durability & Reliability: Choosing a Workhorse, Not a Show Pony
In the short-term rental business, appliance usage patterns resemble light commercial applications rather than typical residential use. Your Airbnb can handle 15-20 loads during turnovers and guest stays, while a family home runs 5-8 loads weekly.
When selecting a durable washer for rental properties, prioritize machines with simple, robust controls. Mechanical dials outlast fancy touchscreens that can malfunction or confuse guests. Look for models with metal components, particularly direct-drive motors that eliminate the belt (a common failure point). Stainless steel wash tubs resist corrosion better than plastic and maintain their appearance longer.
Some hosts with luxury properties or high occupancy rates opt for entry-level commercial-grade washers for Airbnb use. These come at a premium price, but their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs can justify the investment for properties with 70%+ occupancy rates.
Efficiency: Keeping Utility Bills in Check
Energy and water efficiency impact your bottom line, especially in areas with high utility costs. Energy Star certified machines use 25% less electricity and 33% less water than non-certified models, delivering savings over their operational life.
High-Efficiency (HE) washers are the current standard for water conservation, using roughly half the water of conventional machines. These front-loading or top-loading impeller designs require specialized HE detergent. This is an important detail to include in your guest instructions to prevent over-sudsing that can damage the machine.
Heat pump technology in dryers is the pinnacle of energy efficiency, using up to 50% less energy than conventional models. These have a higher upfront cost, but they can deliver substantial savings in high-usage STR environments where the dryer runs multiple times daily.
Vented vs. Ventless Dryers: Installation Flexibility is Key
This distinction is crucial for many STR owners, especially those with condos or apartments.
Vented dryers (the traditional type) expel hot, humid air through a duct to the outside. They are faster and cheaper upfront, but installation requires access to an exterior wall or dedicated ductwork.
Ventless dryers use condensation or heat pump systems to remove moisture without external venting. This makes them invaluable for condos, basements, or interior rooms where installing ductwork is impossible or expensive. They take longer to dry clothes, but their installation flexibility can be a game-changer for many STR properties.
Smart Features: Help or Hindrance?
Connected Wi-Fi appliances and smartphone apps offer advantages for remote hosts. Cleaning teams get notifications when cycles finish, optimizing turnover efficiency. Hosts can remotely check if guests left wet laundry in machines, preventing mildew issues or damage.
However, these benefits come with potential downsides. Wi-Fi adds another potential failure point in your property's systems. Complex interfaces can confuse guests unfamiliar with the technology, leading to improper usage or support calls. Consider your guest demographic; for most properties, reliability and intuitive operation should take precedence over cutting-edge smart features.
Effortless Property Management
Selecting, installing, and maintaining the right washer and dryer is one of dozens of operational decisions that successful short-term rental hosts navigate weekly. The demands of professional hosting can quickly become overwhelming, including coordinating cleaners between tight guest turnovers, communicating with travelers, handling maintenance issues, and optimizing your pricing strategy.
A true operational partner can transform your experience. Checkmate Rentals offers full-service property management that handles every detail, allowing you to enjoy STR ownership benefits without the daily headaches. Our co-hosting model ensures you retain full ownership of your listing and its reviews, while our local teams provide genuine support. With transparent pricing and a contract-free approach, we're committed to earning your business daily. If you're ready to make your rental property truly passive, consider a partner who has your back.
Conclusion
When selecting the best washer dryer for your Airbnb, the most important factors aren't flashy features or trendy designs. Instead, they are durability, capacity, and intuitive operation. Prioritizing these practical considerations ensures a strategic investment in your business's efficiency and your guests' satisfaction.
The right laundry equipment works quietly in the background, enabling seamless turnovers, preventing maintenance emergencies, and giving guests expected amenities. With the guidance in this article, you are equipped to make a confident choice for your short-term rental business for years to come.
