What size dryer do I need?

Q: Bulky loads: Comforters, bedding and towels

For a king-size comforter, look for a large capacity dryer of about 7.0 cubic feet or more (which can pair with a large capacity washer of about 4.5 cubic feet or more). This will give the comforter enough room to tumble freely.nLarge drums can also accommodate bulky bedding and towel loads. For a sense of scale, 8.8 cubic feet is generally considered extra large capacity, and is often enough to hold about 21 bath towels at once, depending on the model and towel size.

Q: Stacked vs. side-by-side: Planning the layout

Stacking a front load pair can make sense when you have more vertical than horizontal space, while a side-by-side layout typically requires more width and less height. A stacked front load pair is nearly 80 inches tall in total, so ceiling, upper cabinetry and shelving height matter. A side-by-side pair, by comparison, needs about 56 inches of width but usually just over 39 inches in height (or more, depending on if you need lid clearance).nLarge capacity stackable sets are available too, typically pairing a front load washer with a matching dryer in the 7.0 to 7.4 cubic foot range. If you go that route, it's worth confirming that your laundry area can support the weight of stacked units, especially when fully loaded.nIf navigating stacking requirements feels overwhelming, consider a laundry tower like this Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Tower with UV Clean Technology, which comes as a single unit ideal for compact spaces.

Most dryers fall into a standard range of about 5.0 to 7.0 cubic feet, and anything above that is generally considered large capacity. The right pick usually comes down to washer compatibility, your laundry habits and your laundry room’s available space.

You may think of dryer sizes in terms of the size of your laundry load, rather than cubic feet, so finding the right size can feel like guesswork. This guide turns those numbers into everyday terms, so you can match a dryer to your washer, your family’s needs and your space.

How much dryer capacity does your household need?

Dryer capacity is about how much laundry fits in the drum at once. A large capacity dryer might be the right fit if you have a large household, wash bulky items often or like to move the week’s laundry through on a single day.

It can also help to think a few years ahead, since extra drum space may leave room for your household to grow. Exact capacity varies by model, so it helps to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Match your dryer to your washer

Pair your dryer with a washer in a similar capacity range, such as a large capacity dryer with a large capacity washer. Dryers typically have more capacity than their matching washers so loads can tumble, which means the cubic feet on the two machines may not match exactly.

When trying to decide on the size of your dryer, consider your household's laundry needs, available space and future plans.

Front load washer and dryer set in a laundry room

Front load washer and dryer sets

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Standard vs. large capacity dryers compared

A standard dryer size typically means a model with 5.0 to 7.0 cubic feet of capacity. Large capacity dryers start above 7.0 cubic feet and go up to 9.0 cubic feet, and can handle large loads or bulky loads.

For example, select Whirlpool^® Dryers feature a 7.4 cubic foot capacity, which can leave plenty of room for bulky items like comforters and sleeping bags. For a closer look at what counts as large, this guide to large capacity dryers breaks down sizes and uses.

Here's a side-by-side look at how standard and large capacity dryers compare:

	Standard capacity dryer	Large capacity dryer
Capacity	~5.0 to 7.0 cu. ft.	Over 7.0 cu. ft., typically up to 9.0 cu. ft.
Bath towels per load	About 9 to 15 towels in a 7.0 cu. ft. dryer.	Around 15 to 20 towels in one drying cycle.
Typical washer match	Many standard washers offer 3.5 to 5 cu. ft.	Large capacity washers, typically 4.5+ cu. ft.

*Exact capacity varies by model and bath towels per load varies depending on model and towel size.

Bulky loads: Comforters, bedding and towels

For a king-size comforter, look for a large capacity dryer of about 7.0 cubic feet or more (which can pair with a large capacity washer of about 4.5 cubic feet or more). This will give the comforter enough room to tumble freely.

Large drums can also accommodate bulky bedding and towel loads. For a sense of scale, 8.8 cubic feet is generally considered extra large capacity, and is often enough to hold about 21 bath towels at once, depending on the model and towel size.

Will it fit? Width, depth and clearances

Dryer dimensions for a standard model generally average about 27 inches wide, 39 inches tall and 32-34 inches deep. Keep in mind that you’ll need six inches behind the machine for the vent and hookups, plus about an inch of room on each side.

Models can vary, so check the measurements of the exact unit you're considering against your space before you buy. To learn more about stacked, compact and large capacity sizes, see this guide to washer and dryer dimensions.

Here's what you’ll need to measure, from height, width and depth to the path your dryer takes to get there:

Width: A standard side-by-side washer and dryer set usually measures about 54 inches wide, so plan for a space at least 56 inches wide.
Side clearance: Allow one inch of space on each side for ventilation.
Depth: Standard units are typically 32 to 34 inches deep. Add about six inches behind the appliances for hoses and venting.
Height: Standard units are typically about 39 inches tall. Top load units need at least two feet of clearance above for the lid.
Front clearance: Front load units need about four feet in front for loading and unloading.
Door swing: Make sure the door can open fully without hitting walls or cabinets, especially if your units are in a closet.
Delivery path: Measure doorways and hallways, from the entrance to the laundry room, to make sure your new model can clear the space.
Vent run: Plan the vent run to use as few elbows and turns as possible.

Stacked vs. side-by-side: Planning the layout

Stacking a front load pair can make sense when you have more vertical than horizontal space, while a side-by-side layout typically requires more width and less height. A stacked front load pair is nearly 80 inches tall in total, so ceiling, upper cabinetry and shelving height matter. A side-by-side pair, by comparison, needs about 56 inches of width but usually just over 39 inches in height (or more, depending on if you need lid clearance).

Large capacity stackable sets are available too, typically pairing a front load washer with a matching dryer in the 7.0 to 7.4 cubic foot range. If you go that route, it's worth confirming that your laundry area can support the weight of stacked units, especially when fully loaded.

If navigating stacking requirements feels overwhelming, consider a laundry tower like this Whirlpool^® Front Load Laundry Tower with UV Clean Technology, which comes as a single unit ideal for compact spaces.

Explore stackable washer and dryer pairs from Whirlpool brand

Whether you’re furnishing a small apartment or want to maximize your laundry room space, stackable washers and dryers from Whirlpool brand offer the features you need to tackle your chore list. Select models integrate smart features, flexible settings and Intuitive Controls to help make laundry day easier.

Gas or electric: Check your hookups first

Unless you’re planning a remodel, or are willing to have new utility hookups installed, your laundry room’s current hookups will likely dictate whether you choose a gas or electric dryer. Gas dryers need a 120-volt standard electrical outlet plus a capped-off gas line, while electric dryers need a 240-volt outlet that's larger than a standard one. Here's how the two dryer types compare at a glance:

	Gas dryers	Electric dryers
Hookups	A standard 120-volt outlet plus a capped-off gas line	A 240-volt outlet
Gas line	Requires a gas hookup to generate heat	Does not require a gas hookup to operate
Purchase price	Can be more expensive initially	Often costs less than a gas dryer
Operating costs	Often lower, though costs can vary with energy rates	May cost more to operate over time

FAQs

Confidently shopping for your next dryer means understanding the capacity and dimensions that fit your space and routines. For more clarity, get answers to common questions about washer and dryer sizes below.

A large capacity dryer, typically at least 7.0 cubic feet, can usually handle a king-size comforter. Check your comforter’s care tag first, since it has the final word on how to dry it, and if your dryer is too small, you can hang the comforter outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Standard washers and dryers usually average about 27 inches wide, 39 inches tall and 32-34 inches deep. Standard washers offer about three to five cubic feet of space, while dryers generally offer five to seven cubic feet.

Dryers typically need a four-inch diameter vent that carries exhaust outdoors. Be sure to use a rigid or flexible metal vent, rather than plastic or metal foil, when setting up your dryer.

A stackable front load pair is usually nearly 80 inches tall, 24-28 inches wide and 32-34 inches deep. Models vary, so check product-specific dimensions and measure your space before you shop.

A 4.7 cubic foot washer falls in the large capacity range, which typically starts at 4.5 cubic feet, so a large capacity dryer of about 7.0 cubic feet or more is typically an ideal match. Keep in mind that dryers usually have more capacity than compatible washers, so the numbers may not line up exactly.

Shop dryers from Whirlpool brand

Whether you’re looking for a gas or electric model, Whirlpool brand offers a range of standard and large capacity dryers to help you keep up on laundry day. Intuitive Controls on select Whirlpool^® Dryers let the dryer guide you to the right cycle combinations or customize up to 35 of your own to get the right type of fabric care for whatever you’re drying.