Drum
The rotating cylindrical compartment inside a washer or dryer where the load tumbles.
Definition
The drum is the rotating cylindrical compartment inside a washer or dryer where the load tumbles. Washer drums are perforated stainless steel; dryer drums are typically smooth galvanized steel or porcelain-coated steel. Drum size in cubic feet is the standard capacity rating, but usable capacity is typically 75-90% of the listed volume because the load needs space to tumble. Drum bearings (especially on front-load washers) are a common late-life failure point that can damage the outer tub if not addressed early — listen for a low rumble during spin that gets louder over the course of a load.
Where this term appears
Drum comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.