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How Much Does a Washing Machine Weigh?

Updated
If you’ve ever wondered how heavy a washing machine is, here’s your chance to find out!

Have you ever wondered how heavy a washing machine is? It’s something you may wish to consider if you need to place a washing machine on a rickety floor or wish to move a washing machine to a new house. If the machine is too heavy, the floor may give way underneath it as the floor will not be able to hold the weight of the machine, water, and clothing.

You’ll also need to know how to move the heavy machine safely and whether you need an extra person to help. So today we’re discussing just how heavy a washing machine is.

Key Takeaways

  • Washing machines weigh between 99 and 300 pounds, with the average machine weighing about 170 pounds.
  • Front load washers are generally heavier than top load washers due to added counterweights.
  • A washing machine filled with water can weigh between 322 and 485 pounds, depending on the type and capacity.
  • When moving a washing machine, use a dolly and proper supplies, and consider hiring professional movers for safety.


Average Washing Machine Weight

The average mid-sized top loading washing machine weighs around 150 pounds. The typical mid-size front loader averages around 200-250 pounds.

How Much Does a Washing Machine Weigh?

A small washing machine may only weigh 99 pounds while an extra-large machine can weigh up to 300 pounds. The reason is that the washing machine’s weight varies with the size of the machine, its capacity, and the type of washer.

In addition, a front load washing machine tends to be heavier than a top load washer. It uses less water and so more weight, or counterweight, is needed. This way your washing machine has enough balance and movement control not to dance across your laundry room floor.

However, the weight of washing machines does vary between different brands and models. An LG high-efficiency front load washing machine with only 2.3 cu ft of capacity may only weigh 148 pounds, while a Maytag high-efficiency top load washing machine with 4.7 cu ft of capacity weighs about 159 pounds.

The Samsung high-efficiency Flexwash front load washing machine with 5.8 cu ft of capacity weighs around 239 pounds. However, a Whirlpool high-efficiency top load washing machine with 4.3 cu ft of capacity weighs about 135 pounds.

Here’s a chart showing the average weight of various styles of washing machines.

How Much Does a Washer Weigh?

Type of Washing Machine Average Weight in pounds Average Weight in kg
Top load washing machine 135 61
Front load washing machine 205 93
Washer-dryer combos 185 84
Stackable washer and dryer units 238 108
Dryers 124 56

How Much Does a Washing Machine With Water Weigh?

A washing machine is heavy. Adding water to the washing machine makes it much heavier. One gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds.

This means that an old-fashioned washing machine that uses 40 gallons of water would increase its weight by 332 pounds. It weighs around 467 pounds, not counting the additional weight of the clothing itself. With laundry added, the total weight could be as much as 485 pounds.

A new standard top load washing machine will use around 27 gallons of water. It increases its weight by 225 pounds. The weight of the average new top load washing machine filled with water will be around 360 pounds.

However, the new front load high-efficiency washers may only use 14 gallons of water to run a cycle of laundry. It only increases its weight by 117 pounds. An average front load washing machine filled with water will only weigh around 322 pounds.

How Much Does a Load of Laundry Weigh?

The clothing added to a laundry machine does not add as much weight as the water and machine itself.

The weight of the clothing added to the washing machine will add to the weight of a washer as well. A small-capacity machine may only fit around 6 pounds of clothing into it.

A medium top load washing machine usually holds around 7-8 pounds of laundry. The larger standard capacity top load washing machine will hold about 12 pounds of clothing.

A standard front load washing machine will hold 15-18 pounds of clothing, while an extra-large capacity front load washer may hold as much as 20-22 pounds of laundry.

Why Are Washing Machines So Heavy?

Washing machines are heavy for several reasons. A light machine is not able to withstand the force of the washing cycle. So the weight is needed to be sure that a washing machine doesn’t start dancing a jig across your laundry room floor during the spin cycle.

This is why concrete counterweights are added inside of washing machines to control movement and balance. These counterweights can weigh as much as 55 pounds.

Washing machines are made of heavy components. For instance, two heavy steel drums are inside of a washing machine, an inner tub and an outer tub. In addition, there’s the metal gearbox, the washing machine’s motor, and the solid metal frame around the washing machine.

All of these parts add up to one extremely heavy machine.

How Much Does a Dryer Weigh?

You will not need to worry as much about how much your dryer weighs, as dryers will not have the additional weight of water being added to the machine. Also, dryers do not vary as much in weight as washing machines do.

A smaller dryer will only weigh around 100 pounds while a large dryer may weigh as much as 170 pounds. The average dryer usually weighs around 124 pounds.

Tips For Moving a Washing Machine

Two repairmen in red moving a front load washer

Be careful when moving a washing machine as they are heavy. Here are a few tips that will help you move your washer safely.

  • Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies such as furniture blankets, moving tape, and a dolly.
  • Clean your washing machine before you begin moving it. Leave the lid open so the machine is able to completely dry before the move. This will prevent mildew, mold, and bacteria from developing and causing your washing machine to stink.
  • Install the washer’s shipping rod or locking kit. The locking kit may also be called transit bolts. The shipping rod, locking kit, or transit bolts are used to keep all the moving parts of a washing machine still during transit. It will prevent the suspension system from breaking.
  • Place foam or cardboard around the drum of your washing machine to prevent excessive vibrations during the move.
  • Tape your washing machine’s loose cords to the back of the washing machine with moving tape so that they don’t dangle and trip someone.
  • Wrap your washing machine with furniture blankets to protect it from scratches.
  • Plan how you’re going to move your washer before you start. This will prevent unpleasant surprises.
  • Make sure you have someone to help you move your washing machine.
  • If you are moving the washing machine over slopes or on a ramp, remain on the dolly’s high side for safety. Gravity will pull the washing machine downhill, making it seem even heavier than it is.
  • Consider hiring professional movers if you’re uncertain about your ability to move your washing machine safely.

FAQs

How Heavy is a Washing Machine Drum?

It is tricky to answer how much a washing machine drum weighs, but most have a capacity ranging from 4 kg to 8 kg.

How Much Concrete is in a Washing Machine?

Knowing how much concrete is in a washing machine depends on the make, size, and model. Typically, most washing machines have 25 kg of concrete to anchor them to the ground when they spin.

Can a Heavy Load Break a Washing Machine?

A heavy load can break a washing machine because it puts enormous strain on the circuits and moving parts inside the machine.

How Do You Move Heavy Appliances By Yourself?

The easiest way to move a heavy appliance by yourself is to use a sack truck or dolly. Tilt the machine, slide the sack truck under, lay the machine down, and ease it backwards onto the truck. Now you can maneuver the washer with ease.

How Do You Load a Washing Machine Into a Car?

The easiest way to load a washing machine into a car is to place two planks of wood on the lip of the trunk and get someone to help you slide it up the wood and into the car.


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About the Author

Sara Dennis

Sara Dennis is a coffee-loving freelance writer, homeschool blogger, and mom of six kids. In her free time, Sara loves reading books and researching more efficient and effective ways to keep a clean house, homeschool her children, and blog better while making a home for her large family.