The 8 Best Portable Dryers for the Tiniest Spaces

Best Overall

Euhomy 2.6 cu. ft. Compact Electric Dryer

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Euhomy’s powerful but compact electric dryer is a marvel of a machine. At 2.6 cubic feet, the stainless steel dryer can hold an impressive 9 pounds of laundry, though some customers recommend keeping loads smaller than that to ensure clothes are thoroughly dry. Speaking of drying, this tiny machine boasts four drying modes: Strong (which uses high temperatures to dry larger items quickly), Intelligent (which automatically adjusts drying time based on humidity levels), Eco, and Normal. Euhomy’s mighty machine also utilizes reverse tumble action to keep your clothing fluffy and wrinkle-free, eliminating the need to iron afterward. 

This dryer is meant to simplify things. The LCD display makes it easy to operate, the sturdy handle makes it a breeze to move, and the wide-angle door opening makes loading and unloading clothes a simple process. And in addition to saving you time and sanity, this portable dryer saves space. This front load dryer comes with a wall mounting kit so you can hang the machine and free up coveted floor space. 

If you like what the Euhomy drying machine has to offer but need it to handle larger loads, there is a 3.5-cubic foot model that holds 13 pounds of laundry.

Price at time of publish: $350

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: 2.6 cubic feet | Vent Type: Vented | Cycles: 4 | Drying Temperatures: Not Listed | Control Type: Electric | Stackable: Yes}

Best Budget

Panda 110V Electric Portable Compact Laundry Clothes Dryer

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Panda’s portable dryer is a great option for those who have limited space and a smaller budget. The 1.5-cubic-foot machine comes with four dryer temperature selections—Cold, Warm, Hot, and Air Dry—and adjustable heating times to ensure proper fabric care with each use. The machine’s rust-resistant, stainless steel dum ensures that it will last well beyond a few cycles.

The manufacturers note that the machine has a lower energy input than standard dryers, which means it’ll take longer to dry your laundry. This, however, is typical for compact dryers and results in lower electricity bills, furthering the Panda’s budget-friendly aspect.

Many customers were shocked by the amount of laundry the dryer can handle: Panda says its machine can tackle up to 6.6 pounds of clothing, though some users suggest limiting your load to 5.5 pounds to get the driest clothes each time. 

Price at time of publish: $254

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet | Vent Type: Vented | Cycles: 4| Drying Temperatures: 4 | Control Type: Mechanical | Stackable: Yes}

Best Splurge

Whirlpool LDR3822PQ 3.4 cu. ft. Stackable Electric Dryer

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With Whirpool’s portable electric dryer, you never have to stress about your clothes shrinking or fading due to over-drying. The machine’s AccuDry sensor technology adjusts drying settings and stops cycles accordingly by monitoring moisture levels in the drum. Additionally, the auto dry control manages temperature levels to prevent clothing damage as well.

Measuring 3.4 cubic feet, this machine may be larger than other models on the list, but there are plenty of space-saving options to store it. You can purchase machine-specific wall and floor mounts to hang your dryer out of the way or add casters so you can roll the dryer in and out of a closet when it’s not in use. In addition to making the machine work with your space, you can make it work for your height by adjusting the feet.

Price at time of publish: $849

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: 3.4 cubic feet | Vent Type: Vented | Cycles: 3 | Drying Temperatures: 2 | Control Type: Electric | Stackable: Yes}

Best High-Capacity

Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer

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You’d be surprised how much laundry the Homelabs mini dryer can handle. Despite being relatively small at 3.2 cubic feet, the front-loading dryer can handle a whopping 13.2 pounds of clothes—and not just those made of thin materials. One Amazon reviewer wrote that the machine successfully dried a twin-sized comforter, seven towels, and four sets of twin-sized sheets in three different loads. This is due, in part, to the machine’s advanced three-layer filter, which helps prevent lint buildup for quicker and better drying. However, you have to clean the filter regularly to maintain quality results. Some customers noted that it can be tricky and recommended using a vacuum or brush to help. 

The flexible placement options—freestanding, stacked, rack-mounted, or wall-mounted—make it easy for the machine to work within your space. And if you prefer to have it out only when in use, the built-in handle makes it easy to move the dryer to and from a closet.

Price at time of publish: $330

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Vent Type: Vented | Cycles: 5 | Drying Temperatures: 1 | Control Type: Electric | Stackable: Yes}

Best Non-Electric

WAWLIVING Compact Spin Dryer

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Not every laundry scenario requires a large—or even electric—dryer. Measuring 16.5 x 13 x 15.5 inches and weighing 8 pounds, WAWLIVING’s compact dryer is powered by your own two hands. To operate, simply place your laundry in the basket, close the lid, and crank the handles. Now, this machine alone won’t completely dry your clothes: It lacks the speed and heat. Rather, the spinning motion squeezes out the water to make laundry damp, not wet, which reduces the time it needs to line dry.

When using the machine, former customers say it’s best to crank slowly at the start of a load. This helps you build a consistent rhythm and keeps the machine steady. Once you’ve drained enough water, you’ll have the energy and speed to go faster. Because of the dryer’s size and manual operation, it works best on small loads of lighter fabrics. Most customers report that each load holds three shirts and shorts, two sweaters, or one to two pairs of jeans. 

Price at time of publish: $189

_{Fuel Type: Not Applicable | Capacity: Not Listed | Vent Type: Not Applicable | Cycles: Not Applicable | Drying Temperatures: Not Applicable | Control Type: Manual | Stackable: No}

Best for Apartments

Magic Chef Compact Electric Dryer

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Perfect for those with limited space and light loads, Magic Chef’s electric dryer can handle 5.5 pounds of laundry. The sleek control panel makes it easy for you to select the right drying cycle and temperature each time, resulting in optimal fabric care. Magic Chef’s machine also has an anti-wrinkle option to select at the end of a drying cycle to keep your laundry smooth and ready to wear. 

The Magic Chef can handle larger, thicker items, like blankets and sweaters. But, as some customers note, it will take longer and require a higher temperature. 

If you have room for a slightly larger drying machine, Magic Chef has a 2.6-cubic-foot model that holds 9 pounds of laundry and a 3.5-cubic-foot model that holds 13 pounds of laundry.

Price at time of publish: $258

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet | Vent Type: Vented | Cycles: 3 | Drying Temperatures: 2 | Control Type: Electric | Stackable: Yes} 

Best for RVs

Nekithia Portable Clothes Dryer

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You may not want to waste your limited RV space on a clothes dryer, but the Nekithia portable dryer actually folds, so you can put it away when not in use.  

Though the Nekithia dryer measures 43.5 x 20.8 inches, it is packed into an 11 x 6-inch bag that can be thrown into a closet, drawer, or even stowed beneath a seat. Made of stainless steel tubes and stents, the machine uses heat and rotation to dry up to 13 pounds of laundry in one load. Just be sure not to overload the machine, as that will result in a much longer drying time. 

The Nekithia only offers one cycle and temperature, so you will have to adjust the time of each load depending on the material and size. And if you’re not around when the time is up, the machine will automatically shut off.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Fuel Type: Electric | Capacity: Not listed | Vent Type: Ventless | Cycles: 1 | Drying Temperatures: 1 | Control Type: Motor | Stackable: No}