Washer Dryer Combination

by Jonathan McLelland

Within this Frigidaire Front Load Stacked Washer/Dryer, Model: GLGH1642DS you will find all of the necessary features to accurately wash and dry your laundry. Since this is a stacked washer/dryer combo, it is ideal for those living in an apartment or if you have a small laundry room. The capacity of both the washer tub and drying drum are quite large and will provide you with enough room to do more laundry at one time.

Product Rating:

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Main Features and Technologies:

The washing machine within this Frigidaire stacked washer/dryer will provide you with 3.1 cubic feet of cleaning space within the stainless steel drum. There are a total of 16 different washing cycles that you can choose from. This will ensure that there is a cycle for nearly every type of fabric you need to wash.

With several automatic systems that control the water level and detergent/bleach/fabric softener dispensers, this washing machine will ensure that every aspect of washing your clothes is performed properly. Since this is a front-load washing machine, it will use up to 70% less water than traditional washers. This will save you money, as well as preserve the integrity of your fabrics by not drowning them in an excess of water.

Inside of the dryer, which is located above the washing machine, you will have a total of 5.7 cubic feet of space. This is quite large, especially for a stacked washer/dryer combo. There are a total of four different automatic drying cycles that you can choose from. With the Precision Dry Moisture Sensor, this dryer will constantly monitor your clothing to ensure that they are neither over or under dried.

There is a removable drying rack, which is a great feature for drying shoes, stuffed animals or extremely delicate items. My personal favorite drying cycle is the Press Saver Cycle, which will continually tumble your clothes to ensure that wrinkles do not set in. This will dramatically reduce the need to iron your clothes.

Pros:

With a small surface area and well-designed exterior, this stacked washer/dryer combo will professionally care for your laundry without taking up too much room. The operational noise of both the washer and dryer has been dramatically reduced through various silencing systems – ideal for those living in apartments.

Cons:

The washer door is quite small, which can be annoying when loading and unloading a full-load of laundry.

Worthy Accessory:

The Whitney Design Wall Mount Telescoping Indoor Drying Rack is a great option for those who need to air dry their dedicates, but don’t have access to an open outdoor space. This indoor drying rack can be purchased for an average price of $25.

Frigidaire GLGH1642FS Price Comparison:

Frigidaire Gallery GLGH1642FS Gas Washer/Dryer Combo 3.1 cu. ft Wash Basket / 5.7 cu. ft. stainless steel dryer drum
Shop at	Price	Rating	Stock
	$980.00		IN

Whether you live in an apartment, or you just have a really small laundry room, sometimes you don’t have enough space for the traditional side-by-side washer and dryer. If you find yourself in this situation, you can always purchase stackable washers and dryers, however, most of these appliances are extremely expensive and can cost you several thousand dollars. When you want a cost effective way of purchasing your own washer and dryer, then you will want to view the following product. The Frigidaire Front Load Stacked Washer and Dryer, Model: GLEH1642DS will give you the space-saving design of having stackable laundry units without the extremely high price tag.

Product Ratings:

User-Friendliness: 4.5/5 Stars
Washing/Drying Technologies: 3.5/5 Stars
Product Features: 4/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

Main Product Features:

The main feature that this appliance will provide you is convenience. If you have a small apartment, dorm room or just a small laundry room, then you will enjoy the space this Frigidaire Stacked Washer and Dryer will offer you. The front-loading washing machine is located on the bottom level of this appliance, and the dryer is located directly above it.

The washing machine features a total of 3.1 cubic feet of washing capacity. And with the stainless steel washing drum, you will never have to worry about rust stains on your clothing or tearing due to rips within washing drum.

There are a total of sixteen washing cycles that you can choose from, all of which are monitored by automatic water level systems as well as automatic detergent/bleach/fabric softener dispensers. Since this washer is front-loading, you will be able to enjoy higher-efficiency, which will show up as lower energy costs on your bills.

The dryer features a total of 5.7 cubic feet of space, which is quite large. There are a total of four different drying cycles you can choose from, which is plenty for the average consumer. This dryer utilizes moisture sensors to determine the water level left in your clothing, and will either shorten or elongate the drying process depending on how quickly your clothes are dried. My favorite feature of this dryer is the Press Saver Function, which will rid nearly all of the wrinkles out of your clothing so you don’t have to worry about ironing them.

The control panels of this washing machine and dryer are centrally located for easy reach, and are extremely easy to operate.

Product Price:

This advanced, and space saver, Frigidaire Stacked Washer and Dryer can be purchased online and through select retail stores for an average price of $1,100.

by Jonathan McLelland

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 general, experts say to consider the following when shopping for a laundry center, stackable washer and dryer or washer-dryer combo:

• Separate washers and dryers can often be stacked to save space. This is a good option if you have enough space, but keep in mind that only models labeled as “stackable” can safely be stacked. You’ll need to buy a kit to safely stack the machines, and keep in mind that the total height of the stack may make the dryer hard to reach.
  

• Laundry centers are easier to reach than stacked washers and dryers. However, they tend to have fewer features, and 27-inch units (the most common) take up almost as much floor space. 24-inch units will often fit in a closet or kitchen, but only hold about half as much laundry.

• All-in-one washer-dryers can be used without venting or a 220-volt power supply. This makes them a great choice for apartment-dwellers, but they do have some serious drawbacks. They have limited capacity, may take several hours to finish a load of laundry and are more prone to breakdowns.

• Front-loading washers are better than top-loading washers because they use less water and electricity. Their fast spin speed removes more water from clothing to cut drying time, they’re easier on fabrics and they use smaller amounts of regular detergents.

• It’s worth paying extra for a moisture sensor in the dryer. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, drying laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. Despite the extra cost, a moisture sensor helps save energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. Most models these days have this feature.

• A gas dryer is preferable to an electric dryer, if you have the option. Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run (they often pay back their higher purchase cost within the first year, depending on usage and local utility rates) and tend to dry a little quicker. Full-size, 27-inch laundry centers are generally available with a gas dryer, but smaller 24-inch models are usually electric-only.

Experts say that you should be sure to measure your available space before shopping, including clearance for electric cords and the dryer’s exhaust duct, doorways and potential obstructions leading to the location. Be aware that most stacked units require a 240-volt outlet. If you don’t have one where you plan to install the unit, you will need to install one.

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.

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.