What makes a washer stackable

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Updated July Written by Jennifer Blair. Table of Contents Buying guide for best stackable washers and dryers What is a stackable washer and dryer? Benefits of a stackable washer and dryer Stackable washer and dryer features to consider Stackable washer and dryer prices FAQ.

Buying guide for best stackable washers and dryers Having a washer and dryer in your home makes doing laundry as easy as can be. Stackable units with a front-loading washer often require a V outlet.

Because of its compact size, a stackable washer and dryer is an ideal option for an apartment. No more lugging your dirty clothes to the laundromat! Other Products We Considered. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.

Unitized Washer and Electric Dryer. Washer and Gas Dryer. Washer and Electric Dryer. Stacking Kit for Samsung Washer and Dryer. Electric Laundry Center with 3. Electrolux Products. Titanium Front Load Laundry Pair. Front Load Laundry Pair. Our Top Picks. Shop Now. Electric Stacked Laundry Center. Model: W Color: Other. Model: Color: Other. Laundry Appliance Stacking Kit. Step 4: Place your washer and check levelness Move your washer to its installation spot, leaving enough room to work behind to finish installation.

Step 5: Install the stacking feet on your dryer Set a piece of cardboard on the floor and tilt your dryer onto its back, then use an adjustable wrench to remove the dryer feet, if it has any. Step 6: Lift your dryer on top of the washer With the help of a friend, carefully lift the dryer on top of your washing machine. Step 7: Attach clips and brackets Your stacking kit may come with plastic clips.

Learn more about washers and dryers from Whirlpool. Top Load Washers Front load vs. Washer Dryer Combos for Your Tight Quarters See how you can fit laundry where you need it with small apartment laundry solutions like a stackable washer dryer, washer dryer combos and other compact options.

What Is a Ventless Dryer? A ventless dryer offers flexible installation and space-saving options. Appliance IQ. Want more answers to your kitchen and laundry questions? Browse All Articles. Was this article helpful? Pass it on.

Item added to the compare list, you can find it at the end of this page. Comparing 0 Items. Model: Color: Quantity: Subscribe to Receive :. Proceed to Cart Continue Shopping. Learn More. In contrast, a laundry center or tower doesn't usually have a large capacity but can offer a central control panel. A laundry center features a top-load washer and a front-load dryer most commonly. If you prefer to have two front-loading models, there are additional options on the market. A dryer, whether it's a part of a laundry center or a standalone model, can be powered by electricity or gas.

When shopping, you'll need to pick which power source suits your home and budget best. Usually, a gas-powered model is a bit more expensive upfront, as it requires professional installation. However, once it's installed, a gas model will be cheaper to operate and will be more gentle on your clothes. Any home with a volt outlet can opt for an electric model but should be prepared for a slight increase in their electric bill. A steam function, which can be found in both a washer and dryer, helps to reduce wrinkles in clothes, tackle odors and stains, and quickly freshen items that you don't want to put through an entire cycle.

This feature is fairly common in washers and dryers but might not be found in laundry centers or more budget-friendly picks. Although it's not an absolute necessity, it definitely makes your routine easier and more thorough, which is why it's worth considering when shopping.

Top-loading washer units, which can be found in laundry centers, can have a central agitator or an impeller plate. An impeller plate is a newer and more gentle option that's built into the bottom of the washer's drum. It moves so your clothes are thoroughly spun, soaked, and mixed with soap, but it does not have attached fans, which helps it be more gentle on a variety of fabrics.

It's a great feature for households that run delicate cycles or wash activewear often. Dryer syncing allows a washer to "speak" to its matching dryer and automatically choose settings for your loads. The two models connect, and then the washer sends over the details of your wash cycles so the dryer can match them. This feature is ideal if you wash activewear, wool, baby wear, or clothes that need special treatment often.

It's also most suitable for people who trust their appliances to do the work for them and don't mind a hands-free experience. A standalone, stackable washer or dryer is typically about 40 inches tall and 28 inches wide. When it's stacked with its counterpart, the set is then 80 inches tall but remains 28 inches wide.

Most units will require you to purchase a separate stacking kit, which helps to stabilize the two appliances and might add an inch or so to the overall height of your laundry machines. You can make up for this by adjusting the legs of your machine, so it sits lower. In contrast, a laundry center measures a bit smaller at just 75 inches tall and 25 inches wide and will save you the most space. To install a stackable set that's made of two standalone units, you'll first need to buy the compatible stacking kit.

This kit will contain screws, spacers, and brackets for stabilizing the dryer on top of the washer. From there, remove the dryer's legs if it has them, and attach the spacers very securely. You will want to have the dryer carefully leaned on its side for this step. Next, add the correct brackets to the washer, and prepare to lift the dryer on top of the washer and secure these brackets. Ask someone to help you, as large appliances can be heavy and bulky. Once the two models are stacked, you can set up the necessary ducts, lines, and power cords.

Each stackable set is a little different, so be sure to follow your user manual for proper installation. Most but not all standalone, front-loading washers and dryers are stackable. For that reason, it's key to read the specifications for an appliance before purchasing it if you'd like to have the flexibility of stacking your models.

In addition, plan to purchase a washer and dryer at the same time, as certain standalone models are made to be a stackable set. Certain retailers may bundle them, so you can save money.

Plus, this will make installing and using the features much easier. If you purchase a standalone washer and dryer that's stackable, you have the option to stack the two models or install them separately. This is convenient if you're hoping to renovate your laundry room or see yourself taking the machines to another space.

Laundry centers don't have this flexibility and will have to remain stacked because the washer and dryer are completely attached.

Having tested and researched dozens of laundry machines, we vetted for reliability, functionality, and value when recommending the best stackable washers and dryers on the market. We considered each model's capacity, agitator, drum material, and potential lifespan.

For additional insight, we spoke with: Marilee Nelson , a certified building biologist and environmental consultant and co-founder of Branch Basics; Shira Gill , a home organizing expert and author of Minimalista; and Brittney Castro , a certified financial planner for Mint. Marisa Casciano is the large appliance expert for The Spruce and has researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, and more in the home and lifestyle space.

She's lived in many apartments and understands the need to conserve space but also have a reliable setup to wash and dry clothes. For this piece, she compared the specifications and features for dozens of sets and laundry centers, read through user manuals, and scoured verified customer reviews on major retailers' websites. Steam Clothing Care System. Janeway, Kimberly. Published April 3, Mott Children's Hospital. University of Michigan Health. Updated April 30, Ranck, Scott.

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Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Marisa Casciano. Marisa Casciano. Marisa Casciano is the Senior Commerce Editor for The Spruce who specializes in content focused on appliances, cleaning, and organizing. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Fact checked by Sarah Scott. Reviewed by Deane Biermeier.

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and holds other certifications and is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. The set comes with a boatload of features, including steam settings, so your laundry is always cared for quickly and properly.

Best Budget:. At a budget-friendly price, this set covers the bases with a stainless steel drum, tub clean setting, and solid warranty. Best Laundry Center, Gas:. Equipped with an impeller plate and stainless steel tub, this piece can handle different types of clothing items with care.