Written by Deirdre Mundorf | Published 12:33 PM, April 11, 2021

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The stackable washer and dryer combination is an ideal solution for individuals with smaller laundry rooms, as the two machines only occupy the same floor space as a single washer or dryer. With a stackable washer and dryer combination, you can also choose top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines; the laundry center tower usually provides top-loading washing machines, while stacking washing machines and dryers are front-loading.

When you are looking for a stackable model, choosing the best washer and dryer combination can be a challenge. Use this guide to help determine important criteria to consider when you find the best stackable washer and dryer combination for your laundry room, and then review some of the top options on the market today.

When you buy the best stackable washer and dryer, use the features outlined below to guide your search. Consider size, capacity, power source (electricity or gas), wash cycle settings, water and energy efficiency, and any other features or smart technologies provided by every stackable washer and dryer combination you might want to buy.

One of the first items to consider when buying a new stackable washer and dryer is the amount of space available in the laundry room. Measure this space first, and then look for a unit that is comfortable and not too tight. Keep in mind that standard-size stackable washers and dryers are usually about 27 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 76 inches high, while compact models are about 24 inches wide, 25 inches deep, and 67 inches high.

Also, remember to consider the height of everyone in your home who will use these stackable units, as it can be more challenging for shorter people to reach a stackable dryer.

The capacity of a washing machine or dryer is measured in cubic feet. Models with larger capacity can hold a larger amount of laundry. The capacity of a standard-size stackable washing machine is usually between 4.0 and 5.5 cubic feet, and the capacity of a standard-size stackable dryer is usually between 7.0 and 8.0 cubic feet.

Although there is no portable washer or dryer with a stackable design, there do exist more compact models. The capacity of a stackable compact washing machine is usually between 2.0 and 2.5 cubic feet, while the capacity of a stackable compact dryer is usually between 3.5 and 4.2 cubic feet.

When you buy the best stackable washer and dryer, you must look for a model that can meet your laundry needs. Compact models are usually suitable for individuals who live alone or with only one or two other people, while standard size models are usually best for families of four or more people.

Although all stackable washing machines are powered by electricity, clothes dryers are powered by electricity or gas. If you have a gas pipe in your home, you can choose gas or an electric clothes dryer, as long as you have a 240-volt power outlet. Gasoline models will be slightly more expensive; however, over time, they can save money because of their lower operating costs. The gas dryer is also gentler on clothes. Therefore, if you have a gas pipeline, please consider the benefits of choosing a gas dryer.

Consult each manufacturer’s information to determine the number and type of wash cycles provided by each model. Every washing machine is different, and some may provide a more professional cycle, which can meet your washing needs well.

Most stackable washing machines on the market will include cycles such as normal, heavy, white, delicate, rinse and spin. Some additional professional cycles available only on certain models include disinfection, permanent ironing, bulky items/towels, color, hand washing, deep filling, soaking, and additional rinsing.

Choosing efficient washing machines and dryers can reduce monthly utility bills and limit the family's environmental footprint. Energy Star-certified washing machines and dryers consume less energy than other similar models, making them a more efficient choice.

Compared with standard washing machines, ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use at least 25% less energy and water consumption by 33%, and ENERGY STAR-certified dryers use approximately 20% less energy than standard models. Similarly, an Energy Star-certified washing machine can save approximately US$370 in energy costs during the entire life cycle of the device, while an Energy Star-certified dryer can save approximately US$165 in energy costs over the entire life cycle of the device .

Stackable washing machines and dryers that provide smart technology can simplify the process of completing laundry, making them an attractive choice for many people. These models connect to Wi-Fi at home and can send notifications to users when a cycle is complete. Smart washing machines and dryers also allow users to use smartphones or tablets to start and stop washing or drying cycles, and even create laundry schedules.

Some smart washing machines and dryers are compatible with smart home assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With these models, you will be able to start the washing machine or dryer using voice commands.

Finally, determine if you want to see any other features in the stackable washer and dryer. Some possible functions include:

Considering the aforementioned features, overall quality and efficiency, and price, the following top picks represent some of the best stackable washer and dryer units on the market today. Keep reading to discover selected models in various categories that suit any laundry room.

The Electrolux front-loading washing machine is an Energy Star certified model with a capacity of 4.3 cubic feet. It offers nine washing cycles, including 18-minute fast washing, hand washing, steam and disinfection options. The unique LuxCare washing system ensures thorough cleaning of items through the use of enhanced washing action, temperature regulation and smart sensors. This model also offers a stainless steel bathtub, automatic water level adjustment, electronic LED control, and an adaptive dispenser compatible with liquid detergent and detergent packs.

The 8.0 cubic foot electric Electrolux clothes dryer is also ENERGY STAR certified, which can reduce utility bills to a minimum. It has eight cycle options and five temperature settings to create the best drying conditions for each load. The dryer also provides a perfect steam option to eliminate wrinkles in the clothes and reduce static electricity. The instant refresh setting only takes 10 minutes to use the steam to refresh the project. This model also includes the Luxury Quiet sound pack, which reduces the noise of the dryer to limit interference.

Amana's 4.3 cubic foot front-mounted washing machine is a reasonably priced option, offering 14 washing cycles, which can be customized according to the needs of each laundry. Some special cycles include quick wash, cold wash and extra rinse. It also provides an Oxi disinfection cycle, which mixes detergent with Oxi additives to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on clothes and sheets. The washing machine has also passed Energy Star certification.

Amana's 7.4 cubic feet electric dryer is ideal for washing machines and is affordable. It has a humidity detection sensor to ensure that each load is completely dry while preventing excessive drying. The four temperature settings also allow for better customization and control. This ENERGY STAR-certified model offers an ecological drying setting that reduces total energy consumption by using longer cycle times with less heat. It also has a disinfection cycle function that can remove up to 99.9% of household bacteria from clothes, towels, sheets and other items.

The LG Electronics washing machine has a capacity of 5.2 cubic feet and can wash extra-large bedding and quilts under the same load. This front-loading washing machine also provides powerful cleaning capabilities with TurboWash 20-minute cycle and steam cleaning options. Other notable features include 14 washing cycles, electronic control panel with LCD display, allergy cycle, anti-vibration system to reduce vibration and noise, and Energy Star certification.

LG Electronics' spacious 9.0 cubic foot gas dryer provides 14 drying programs to meet various drying needs. Some multi-function settings include steam fresh, steam sanitary, quick-drying, super-drying and air-drying. The dryer also has a sensory drying system that can adjust the drying time according to the moisture content. In addition, this model also includes a flow-sensing pipe blockage indicator to remind the user if the pipe needs to be cleaned.

GE's 4.8 cubic feet front-loading washing machine is designed for quiet operation. It uses patented dynamic balancing technology to ensure that each load remains balanced and stable, thereby reducing vibration and achieving a quieter cycle. This washing machine also has an UltraFresh ventilation system with OdorBlock and built-in Microban technology to keep the interior clean and free of bacteria. It also supports Wi-Fi, allowing users to control and monitor the washing cycle through a smartphone. Other key features include reversible doors, 20-minute quick wash cycle, 32-inch closet depth and Energy Star certification.

GE's 7.8 cubic feet smart electric clothes dryer has also passed Energy Star certification, allowing users to control and monitor settings from any location using a smartphone. It provides a quick-drying setting that can completely dry small loads in 23 minutes or less, a disinfection cycle, an eco-drying energy-saving cycle, and five drying temperatures. The dryer also has reversible doors, four-way ventilation flexibility, LED interior lighting and ventilation sensors to identify potential problems in the dryer vents.

This 4.5 cubic foot Samsung ENERGY STAR certified washing machine is ideal for individuals who want to use smart devices to simplify their laundry tasks. It provides Wi-Fi connectivity and supports Bixby, allowing users to use their smartphones to start or stop laundry, create schedules and receive notifications when the cycle is complete. The front-loading washing machine also offers 12 preset washing cycles, five temperature levels, nine additional washing options, VRT Plus technology to reduce vibration, and powerful steam decontamination functions.

Samsung’s 7.5 cubic foot smart electric clothes dryer provides individuals with the same control options as a smartphone; users can start and stop loading, create schedules, and receive periodic status notifications. It has a sensor drying function to ensure that the clothes are completely dry without being damaged by heat. The dryer also offers Steam Sanitize settings to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria, a ventilation sensor to monitor air ducts, and Energy Star certification to reduce electricity bills.

Individuals looking for a stackable electric laundry center should consider this model from Whirlpool. The package is equipped with a 1.6 cubic feet top-mounted washing machine and a 3.4 cubic feet electric dryer. The washing machine is provided with rust- and chip-proof stainless steel baskets to prevent hooking. It also provides a slowly closing glass cover, allowing individuals to check the progress of the load without opening the cover. The bleach dispenser will automatically add bleach at the beginning of the washing cycle and dilute it for best results.

The dryer provides four drying cycles to meet the needs of each piece of clothing. It also has an AutoDry drying system, which uses sensors to prevent excessive drying. Compared with many other stackable washing machines and dryers, this package offers greater space saving advantages. It is only 23.8 inches wide, 26.6 inches deep and 74.2 inches high.

GE's stackable gas laundry center is an Energy Star certified option. It has a compact design with 3.9 cubic feet of washing machine and 5.9 cubic feet of gas dryer. Both the washing machine and the dryer use high-quality, rust-proof stainless steel drums and Wi-Fi capabilities; users can check the status of their clothes with their smartphones (after purchasing additional parts from GE).

Choose from 11 washing cycles and use a top-load washing machine to customize the temperature settings for each cycle. The washing machine also uses precise filling technology to add the optimal amount of water according to the size of each load. Dryer and less drier settings are provided on the dryer for further customization.

A stackable washer and dryer combination is a big purchase, so if you still have some doubts about choosing the right product, this is understandable. Use the frequently asked questions below as a resource to learn more about stackable washers and dryers.

The standard size stackable washer and dryer is approximately 27 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 76 inches high. The compact stackable washer and dryer is approximately 24 inches wide, 25 inches deep, and 67 inches high. However, specific measurements may vary from brand to brand, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the model under consideration.

Some stackable washing machines and dryers require ventilation, while others (mainly compact appliances) do not. Check the manufacturer's requirements to determine whether a specific model needs to be vented.

Stackable washing machines and dryers with independent units have two separate plugs: one for the washing machine and the other for the clothes dryer. The model built as a single unit has only one plug.

Electrical requirements may vary depending on the stackable washer and dryer model you choose. However, most standard-sized devices require a 220-volt power outlet, and a 110-volt power outlet may be sufficient for compact devices. If you are not sure whether the laundry room is equipped with stackable washing machines and dryers, please consult an electrician.

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