Stacking a washer and dryer is a great way to save floor space, especially in small homes or apartments. However, while stacking appliances has its benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice for your laundry room. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of stacking washers and dryers so you can make an informed decision.
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The Benefits of Stacking
Let’s start with the positives of stacking your washer and dryer:
Saves Floor Space
The #1 reason most people opt to stack their laundry appliances is the floor space savings. By placing one appliance on top of the other, you free up several square feet of floor area that can be used for other purposes. This makes stacking an excellent option for small homes, apartments, or laundry rooms.
Creates a Neater Appearance
Having two appliances stacked tidily on top of each other can provide a neater, less cluttered appearance than having separate washers and dryers sitting side-by-side. The streamlined look can make small laundry rooms appear more organized.
Allows for Easier Loading/Unloading
When your washer and dryer are stacked, it puts both at a comfortable height where you don’t have to bend down too low to load and unload clothes. This is easier on your back compared to continually crouching down to access a lower standalone unit.
May Have a Smaller Footprint
In some cases, stacked washer/dryer units actually take up less floor space than side-by-side appliances because they utilize overlapping footprints. However, this depends on the dimensions of your particular appliances.
So in summary, the main benefits are freeing up floor space, a neater appearance, ergonomic access, and possibly a smaller overall footprint. These pros make stacking an excellent configuration choice for many homeowners.
Potential Downsides of Stacking
However, there are also some disadvantages that you’ll need to consider before deciding to stack your washer and dryer:
Installation Challenges
The first issue is that stacking your units requires a specific installation kit and process. The set-up is more complex than simply placing appliances side-by-side. Often a professional installation is recommended to make sure it’s done properly, and this will add to your costs.
Increased Risk of Vibration/Noise
With any stacked unit, there is increased risk of excess vibration and noise while operating. When running simultaneously, having one appliance on top of the other can lead to slight rocking motions. This may create louder mechanical sounds from the movement. Anti-vibration pads can help, but the risk is still greater than with side-by-side units.
Potential for Uneven Appearance
If your washer and dryer are slightly different dimensions or colors, this will become more noticeable when stacked directly on top of each other. Side-by-side units can more easily blend together, while stacked units may accentuate slight differences in size or finish.
Access Challenges for Shorter Users
While loading and unloading is easier for most adults, shorter users may find it difficult to reach the controls or see into the washer/dryer when they are stacked. This may require the use of a small step stool.
Difficult to Access if Repairs Needed
If repairs or maintenance are needed, it can be trickier to access key components with stacked appliances vs. stand-alone units. You may need to partially disassemble the stack just to get at parts requiring service.
Potential for Washer Water Leaks
One risk specific to washers is that stacking them raises the water lines and drain hookups further from the floor. This can make leaks more likely, especially over time as hoses age. A leak from an upper stacked washer can cause extensive damage below.
So in summary, the potential disadvantages primarily relate to installation complexity, increased noise/vibration, uneven appearance, access for shorter people, repairs, and risks of water leaks with washers. These are important factors to weigh against the space-saving benefits.
Key Considerations Before Deciding
When determining if stacking is right for your laundry room, here are some key considerations:
- Measure carefully to ensure your washer and dryer will actually fit stacked in the space.
- Review installation requirements and determine if professional help is advisable.
- Check that utility hookups are conveniently and safely accessible.
- Test run both appliances simultaneously to check for excessive noise or vibration.
- Ensure shorter family members can comfortably access controls and interior.
- Examine the warranties – some exclude stacked configurations.
- Consider a leak protection system for added safety with a stacked washer.
Taking these factors into account will help you determine if the space-saving advantage is worth the potential downsides for your specific situation.
Best Practices for Stacked Washers and Dryers
If you do opt to stack your washer and dryer, following these best practices will help minimize any disadvantages:
Have appliances professionally installed – Hire a technician to handle the installation using an appropriate stacking kit. This will provide stability and reduce vibration.
Leave ample room around units – Allow adequate space around the stacked units for ventilation, access, and to reduce noise transfer.
Place washer on bottom – Putting the heavier washer on the bottom provides a more stable configuration.
Use anti-vibration pads – Quality pads or damping feet will isolate and reduce transferred vibration and noise.
Check leveling regularly – Occasionally verify units haven’t shifted out of level, which can increase rocking and noise. Re-adjust leveling feet as needed.
Clean lint filter frequently – Regular cleaning of the dryer lint filter improves efficiency and reduces fire risks.
Do not overload units – Overloading places strain on components and leads to excess noise and vibration.
Allow appliances to breathe – Leave sufficient clearance for air intake and ventilation around both units.
Following these tips will help ensure your stacked washer and dryer provide reliable performance with minimal downsides.
Top Stacked Washer and Dryer Models
Here are some of the top-rated stacked washer and dryer systems currently available:
| Brand | Model # | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| LG | LG STACKED WASHER DRYER COMBO : WM1388HW / DLEX1360W | Large capacity, steam cycles, allergy friendly certified cycles, LoDecibel quiet operation |
| GE Appliances | GE STACKED WASHER DRYER : GFW148SSMWW / GFDS140EDWW | Sanitize cycles, steam assist, advanced vibration control, wi-fi enabled |
| Whirlpool | WHIRLPOOL STACKED WASHER DRYER: WTW4955HW / WED4950HW | Built-in water faucet, Load & Go bulk dispenser, Advanced Vibration Control |
| Samsung | SAMSUNG STACKED WASHER DRYER: WA54R7600AV / DVE54R7600V | FlexWash, Super Speed wash and dry, VRT Plus technology, steam sanitize |
| Maytag | MAYTAG STACKED WASHER DRYER: MVW6230RHW / MED6230HC | PowerWash cycle, Extra Power button, steam enhancement, Commercial-grade components |
These represent some of the top rated and best selling stacked washer and dryer options from major home appliance brands such as LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, and Maytag. They offer the latest features and technology focused on convenience, efficiency, and effective cleaning and drying performance.
When selecting a stacked washer and dryer, be sure to measure your space, read reviews, and compare features before making a purchase. Also factor in professional installation costs. With the right stackable units and proper setup, you can enjoy the floor space savings without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about stacking washers and dryers:
Is a stacking kit required?
Yes, you must use a special stacking kit designed for safely securing the two appliances together. The kit includes brackets, couplers, and fasteners for proper installation.
How much space do I need for a stacked unit?
Most manufacturers recommend leaving at least 1-2 inches of clearance space on all sides of a stacked unit. Some may require slightly more room. Always check your owner’s manuals.
Can any washer and dryer be stacked?
Not necessarily. You’ll need to verify that your particular models are designed for stacking. The manuals or manufacturers website will specify if they are approved for stacking.
Do I need to attach them to the wall?
Yes, the stacking kit will include components for securely attaching the units to the wall for stability and to prevent tipping. At least two attachment points are required.
Should the washer or dryer go on top?
It’s recommended to place the heavier washer on the bottom and the lighter dryer on top. This provides a more stable configuration.
Conclusion
Stacking your washer and dryer allows you to maximize limited floor space, while providing a streamlined, organized appearance. However, this configuration also has some potential downsides to consider in regards to installation, noise, uneven appearance, leakage risks, and access.
Following best practices like professional installation, using anti-vibration pads, cleaning the lint filter, and not overloading the units can help minimize any negatives.
Overall, stacking can be an excellent solution for small laundry rooms and living spaces if done properly. Just be sure to realistically weigh the pros and cons before configuring your washer and dryer into a vertical stack.