Stackable Washer Dryer

Washer-Dryer Combos: What To Look For
Stacked washer-and-dryer units come in two forms. Some are all-in-one units called laundry centers. The other configuration is to mount a separately purchased dryer on top of a front-load washer. Not all washers can be stacked this way. The last option is a washer-dryer combo, which washes and dries clothing in the same drum. In ...
Cash for Appliances Rebate Program
By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will be able to take advantage of a federal “cash for appliances” program offering rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program. Backed by an initial $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the ...
Washer Dryer Combination Basics
What is a washer dryer combination?A washer dryer combination is one appliance that both washes and dries clothes. These units have only one chamber for clothes; they are not stackable washer/dryers. Washer dryer combos have been popular in Europe and the Far East for many years; due to the small apartments and living spaces common in ...

Best stackable washers and dryers

Another option is to go with a stackable washer and separately purchased dryer. Not all models can be stacked. Only washers with flat, smooth tops can support a dryer, so that limits your choice to front-loading washers with controls on the front. Once you stack a dryer on top, however, be aware that the dryer controls may be too high to reach comfortably. An advantage to buying stackable but separate washers and dryers is that you can opt for more features on both units. Note that you may need to purchase a kit to safely stack the machines.

Most experts agree that front-loading washing machines are better overall than top-loaders. Front-loaders are gentler on clothes and cause less tangling. In addition, they remove more water from clothing, thereby reducing drying time. “HE” or “high-efficiency” machines require special laundry detergents. One disadvantage of front-loading and high-efficiency washing machines is that, because they use less water during the wash cycle, they may leave behind powdered-detergent residue. This can be avoided by using a liquid laundry detergent.

stakable-washer-and-dryer

Several of the top washing machines on the market right now are stackable. In our report on washing machines, we highlight the LG Tromm SteamWasher (*Est. $1,500). The two steam cycles offered by this machine sanitize clothes and prepare them for ironing. It has ten wash cycles and a 4-cubic-foot capacity. In a study of major appliances from J.D. Power and Associates, LG washing machines in general have the highest customer satisfaction rating of all brands. The matching dryer (*est. $1,050) receives good marks in our report on dryers; only its high price prevents it from being a top pick. It is quiet, large enough to fit comforters and quilts and gentle with delicates. Plus, you get many added features, such as a remote that tells you when clothes are dry. Both the Tromm washer and dryer are 39 inches high, so your dryer controls will be almost 6.5 feet off the floor.

A stackable washer and dryer from Frigidaire also receive good reviews, and the set is several hundred dollars less than the Tromm SteamWasher and dryer. Although some fancier front-loading washing machines have more bells and whistles, better efficiency and a larger capacity, the 3.5-cubic-foot Frigidaire GLTF2940F washer (*Est. $650) is less expensive and cleans clothes well, reviews say. The Frigidaire doesn’t have a huge range of cycles and temperature options, but it does have automatic wash level and temperature control. Because of the placement of its controls, it can be stacked with a dryer, including the matching electric Frigidaire GLEQ2152E (*Est. $500) or gas Frigidaire GLGQ2152E (*Est. $650). The washer and dryer are each 36″ tall and come in either black or white.