Alternatives: Small Stackable Washers and Dryers

Stackable Washer and Dryer

This is the fourth alternative in the series on finding space saving alternatives to washing machines and clothes dryers. You can find the first post, which is the entire tip list, here for washing machines and here for clothes dryers.

If you have the vertical space–that is, if you have the space to store a washer and dryer from floor to ceiling, but not side by side, a stackable washer and dryer set might be what you need.

The gist of it is that the dryer generally stacks on top of the washer, so although you have two units, it’s a lot like having one. Both the washer and dryer of are, of course, front-loading.

A serious con you risk facing with front-loading washing machines are odor, mold and mildew issues, which can be sidestepped by leaving the front door of the washer open so it may dry.

However, beware that sometimes this doesn’t always work so, as a precaution I’d recommend checking out the comments and suggestions that others have had to solve this problem if you are dead set on getting a front-loading washing machine.

Pros that come with the stackable washer and dryer are relatively obvious, you don’t sacrifice function. For example, like with the small countertop washing machines which do not include a spin cycle or the washer and dryer combo which has a slower drying time.

As for what to get… you can either get washers and dryers that say they are stackable or you can get a stacking kit which will help you turn other unobvious washers and dryers into a stackable units.

So, in short you can turn any front-loading machine into a stackable unit as long as there’s a stacking kit out there that will allow you to do it for that make and model.

Just remember, it must be a front-loading washer and dryer, otherwise you won’t be able to open it up. The stacking kits usually also have to be the same brand as the washer and dryer and sometimes a specific model. Usually in the product description of the stacking kit, will explain which front-loading washing machine model it will work with.

For example, this stacking kit is said to work with all LG brand washers and dryers. Whereas, this stacking kit says it will only work with models LG WM0532HW for the washer and DLE2532W or DLG2532W for the dryer.

So, I would recommend doing a search for stacking kits first and then deciding which models you like that work with the stacking kits. Then you can fall back on units that say they are stackable if you don’t like what units the stacking kits work with and if the stacking kits don’t lead you to them already.

As for what stacking kits area available I have compiled a small example list below. Just beware that this isn’t all that’s out there…

Lastly, as for washers and dryers that say they are already stackable, you can choose from Frigidaire, Ariston and there’s some LG machines as well.

Having done a fair amount of searching, I’d be cautious about Frigidaire’s stackable units. The consumer reviews weren’t too good. One large complaint was loud buzzer noises (at least on one of the units). As for Ariston, there wasn’t enough information to be certain, but LG faired out pretty good compared to the other two.

So, between all three I would recommend starting your search there first–in all cases, with units that say they are stackable and with stacking kits.

Then after that you might want to venture out into other brands if you don’t like the sound of LG units. You may want to consider the LG WM2233H stackable washer and dryer. It seemed like a fair portion of people were pretty happy with it.

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Tags: alternatives, laundry rooms, washer and dryer combos, washing machines

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