Large capacity dryers: the right fit for large laundry needs
What if you could do laundry less often? While a washer and dryer can't reduce the amount of laundry your family creates, they can offer the capacity to turn two laundry loads into one. A large capacity dryer might be the right fit if you live in a large household, frequently wash bulky items like comforters or just want to consolidate smaller loads throughout the week into a single laundry day. Whatever your needs, read on to learn more about your large capacity dryer options.
What is considered a large capacity dryer?
While there’s no official definition of large capacity or extra-large capacity in a dryer, you can consider anything over 7.0 cubic feet (cu. ft.) to be large capacity. Most standard dryers offer between 5.0 and 7.0 cubic feet of capacity.
To help translate cubic footage into real-life laundry loads, consider that a 7.0 cu. ft. dryer can usually fit about 9-15 full-sized bath towels per load. Exact capacity varies by model so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What is the largest capacity electric dryer?
The largest capacity electric dryer typically ranges from 7 to 9 cubic feet. Whirlpool brand offers several 7.4 cu. ft. dryer models. These high capacity dryers can handle large loads, including bulky items like quilts, making them ideal for large families or frequent launderers.
Larger capacity dryers offer several benefits:
They can dry more clothes in a single load, potentially saving time and energy.
They easily accommodate large items like bedding and towels.
Clothes have more room to tumble, potentially reducing wrinkles and fabric stress.
When choosing a large capacity dryer, it's important to consider your laundry needs, available space and whether your washer can handle equivalent load sizes.
Shop Whirlpool® Large Capacity Electric Dryers
What is the largest capacity gas dryer?
The largest capacity gas dryer is typically 7 to 9 cubic feet. Whirlpool brand offers several models in this range. These large dryers can handle bulky items like comforters and are ideal for big families.
Shop Whirlpool Large® Capacity Gas Dryers
Are there extra large capacity dryers?
There is no official “extra large” dryer designation, but between 8.0 and 9.0 cubic feet of space could be considered extra large capacity. For an idea about what an extra large dryer may be able to do, 8.8 cubic feet of capacity is generally enough to hold about 21 bath towels at once. Since exact capacity varies by model, make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What size is a large capacity washer and dryer set?
Large capacity washers typically have about 5 or more cu. ft. of capacity, while large capacity dryers range from 7 to 9 cu. ft. When combined, they create a large capacity set that could be well suited for bulky loads.
Are there large capacity stackable washer and dryer sets?
There are large capacity stackable washer and dryer sets available. These typically feature front-load designs with washers offering 4.5 to 5.0 cu. ft. capacity and matching dryers with 7.0 to 7.4 cu. ft. capacity. They combine space-saving vertical installation with the ability to handle larger loads.
When considering a large capacity stackable set, it's important to measure your available space carefully. These units typically require about 80 inches of vertical clearance when stacked, and you'll need to ensure proper ventilation and access for maintenance. Also, check that your laundry area can support the weight of stacked units, especially when fully loaded.
Large capacity dryer benefits
Large capacity dryers can add convenience to your laundry routine in more ways than one:
Allow you to easily wash big, bulky items like king-sized comforters, so you don’t have to go to the laundromat or get them professionally cleaned.
Let you consolidate laundry loads. When two loads become one, you can spend less time doing laundry.
Help reduce dry times. Large dryer capacities can help encourage better airflow, which helps laundry dry faster. Use these additional tips to dry clothes faster.
Gives your family room to grow. With a large capacity dryer, you can rest assured that you’ll have the room you need no matter your family’s future plans.
Make the most of laundry day—take full advantage of a large capacity dryer with a matching large capacity washer.
What size dryer do I need?
To determine the right dryer size, some people aim for about twice the capacity of their washer. For instance, standard dryers range from 5 to 7 cubic feet of capacity, while many standard washers offer 3.5 to 5 cubic feet. It’s also important to consider your household's laundry needs, available space and potential future requirements when choosing between compact, standard or large capacity models.
Shop Whirlpool® Large Capacity Dryers
Whirlpool brand offers a range of large capacity dryers to suit your laundry needs. Whether you prefer an electric dryer or a gas dryer, you'll find models with ample space for your largest loads. These dryers combine spacious drums with innovative features to deliver optimal drying performance.
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
Learn more with Whirlpool brand
home heartbeat
Ready for more tips, home hacks and appliance guides?