Are you shopping for laundry machines that need to fit in a somewhat awkward space? Do you have a corner in a bathroom or an odd-shaped closet that won’t allow for a traditional side-by-side laundry setup? If yes, you’ll want to explore the options available in stackable washer and dryer sets and “apartment-sized” stacked units instead of shopping traditional machines that can only be installed next to each other directly on the floor.
After all, not everyone has the luxury of an entire spacious room dedicated to washing clothes—and sometimes you have to “build up” when you can’t “build out!” This is the concept behind stackable and stacked washer/dryer combos, in which the dryer is placed above the washing machine.
Both of these laundry machine types—stackable and stacked—share the common advantage of saving you space by being vertically configured. However, they are slightly different from one another and have various pros and cons to consider. Let’s take a closer look so you can choose the best laundry solution for your home and family.
Why Choose Stackable Washer and Dryer Sets?
Stackable washer and dryer sets are not much different today than their non-stackable counterparts in terms of the most significant factors you need to think about when shopping for laundry appliances—capacity and available cycles/features.
The key difference between machines that can be stacked and those that cannot is the fact that all stackable washers are front-loaders. (All clothes dryers, whether they can be stacked or not, tend to be front-loading.) The good news with front-loading washers is that they tend to be more energy-efficient than many top-loading alternative models, though you will have to make sure you use only high-efficiency (HE) detergents in these machines.
If you prefer a top-loading washing machine for any reason, you will need to look to stacked units (more on those in a moment) or figure out a way to fit your laundry machines into your home in a traditional side-by-side configuration.
Drawbacks of Stackable Laundry Machines
While there are not many entries on the cons list for stackable laundry machines—they’re available in a wide range of models, sizes, and price points to suit different budgets—there is one big thing you’ll want to consider with a stackable washer and dryer set. When stacked vertically, you may have to stretch to reach the dryer controls—or even load the dryer—if you’re a shorter individual.
Additionally, not all stackable models come ready to be stacked. You may have to buy an add-on stacking kit from the appliance manufacturer or dealer to securely attach the dryer on top of the washer. While these aren’t extremely expensive, they do represent an added cost. Of course, if you purchase your washer and dryer set from K&A Appliance, we can save you up to 70% off MSRP—your wallet will hardly notice the cost of the stacking kit!
Low on Space? Try a Stackable Washer and Dryer Unit
While stacked or apartment-sized washer/dryer units come already attached to one another in a vertical configuration, they can’t actually be un-stacked.
As we talked about in an earlier blog post about washer and dryer shopping, apartment-sized washer/dryer units are incredibly space-saving. Additionally, many don’t have to sacrifice capacity to fit in a smaller area. The integrated washers in these so-called laundry centers might be either top-loading or front-loading, and shorter people will appreciate that the controls for the top-level dryer are generally located beneath the drum and door of the machine.
Disadvantages of Stacked Laundry Centers
Stacked washer/dryer combos can be more expensive, depending on the features you want than comparable individual machines. They’re built for convenience, and so there simply aren’t as many individual models available on the market since they have a limited appeal versus stackable and traditional laundry machines. And they don’t necessarily have all the bells and whistles available on separate machines.
Additionally, if one machine in the integrated unit fails before the other, you may have to replace the entire laundry center instead of merely buying a new washer or a new dryer only.
Considerations When Shopping for Washers and Dryers
If you haven’t checked out our Ultimate Washer and Dryer Buying Guide yet, you’ll want to give that a read before you begin shopping for a new washer, dryer, or set of laundry machines.
In addition to understanding your capacity needs, you’ll want to think about your space requirements, tolerance for noise, and other factors we discuss in greater detail in that guide. You’ll also need to understand the universe of cycles and features available now—including WiFi connectivity and smartphone controls!
If you’re in the market for new laundry machines, whether traditional, stackable, apartment-sized, or even newer, all-in-one washer/dryers that combine washing and drying processes into a single standalone machine with just one chamber/drum, K&A Appliance is here to save you money.
Find the Washer/Dryer Combos You Want at K&A Appliance—And So Much More!
We pride ourselves on being Central PA’s Scratch & Dent Appliance Giant! Stop by our showrooms in Lancaster and Willow Street to see our ever-changing inventory of washers, dryers, and many more brand-new, name-brand appliances at unbelievably low prices. Have a question? Get in touch with us now!