What Is the Water Capacity for a Washing Machine?

About Water Capacity

• A washer's water capacity measures the amount of water that it would take to fill up the drum with water. The water capacity is especially important if you plan to wash large loads. You must have enough water to adequately wash the load within it. Just because your washing machine is able to handle a certain amount of water does not necessarily mean it will use this much water during a cycle. Energy-efficient washers are designed to use the minimum amount of water needed.

Water Capacity Levels

• The amount of water that a washer is able to handle depends on the size of the washer drum. Generally speaking, the average water capacity of a standard washer is about 40 gallons. Washers that have smaller capacities are typically those that look smaller on the outside although this is not always true. Some dual washer/dryers that are made for apartments are built smaller and have less water capacity and cubic feet.

Cubic-Foot Capacity

• The cubic-foot capacity of a washer varies significantly, depending on the size, make and model of the washer in question. Many popular models have a cubic-foot capacity in the 3.2- to 3.7-cubic-foot range. A 3.7-cubic-foot washer is just large enough to fit in a load of bedding: a comforter, two sheets and four pillowcases.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

• Just because one washer appears to be larger than another doesn't mean that the larger washer has a greater water or cubic-foot capacity. Whereas front-load washers have nothing inside the drum to take up space, top-load washers have an agitator inside that decreases the cubic-foot capacity as well as the water capacity. Even if the drums on a front-load and top-load washer are identical sizes, they may not hold the same amount of laundry.