What Are The Pros And Cons of A Stackable Washer And Dryer?

Stackable washer and dryer sets have grown in popularity, especially in urban environments and small living spaces. Stackable washers and dryers offer a compact solution for laundry needs, especially in homes with limited space.

If you have limited space in your laundry area, it can be tempting to buy a washing machine shelf, but you should first consider the pros and cons.

Is it Better to Have a Stackable Washer and Dryer?

A stackable washer-dryer has several benefits, including:

Flexibility

Stackable units can be placed in closets, under counters, or in other tight spots where a traditional side-by-side might not fit. Due to its free-standing capabilities, a Universal stacking kit for washer and dryer allows you to rearrange your space. The two machines can operate side to side, too, if you move to a more spacious home.

Back-friendly

Having your washing machine on the bottom and the tumble dryer stacking kit on the upper part lets you conveniently remove your dry clothes from the unit with a good view of the inside, saving your back from stress.

Space-saver

The main advantage of stackable units is that they take up half the floor space of side-by-side models.
Stackable washer and dryer kits are designed to take up a small space of about two feet; hence suitable if you live in a condo or a small apartment. They fit in awkward corners of your laundry room or entryway of your garage, including deep and tall closets, as the width is fine.

Consistent aesthetic

With one brand and model for both the washer and dryer, they tend to match well aesthetically.

Energy Efficient

Stacking kits for washers and dryers are used with front loading machines, meaning they are effective when it comes to energy-efficient compared to their top-loading counterparts. Many modern stackable washers and dryers come with energy- and water-saving features, which can be beneficial for both the environment and your utility bills.

Variety of options

Most leading appliance brands offer stackable washers and dryers, giving consumers various models and features to choose from. 

What are the Disadvantages of Stacked Washer-Dryers?

Just like everything else, stacked washer-dryers have their downsides too. Some of the cons are:

Safety

Improper installation can pose a dangerous safety hazard to you and your loved ones.

Load Capacity

Stackable units can come with a smaller loading capacity compared to their single counterparts. Bulky items like comforters might not fit or wash/dry as effectively in some stackable models as they would in larger, standalone units.

Accessibility

If you have a disability, using a stacking machine can be challenging because of its height. You might be forced to use a stepping stool when doing your laundry.

Limited capacity

Generally, stackable units might have a smaller capacity than some side-by-side models, making them potentially less suitable for large families or those with significant laundry needs.

Ergonomics

The bottom unit (usually the washer) might require bending down to load or unload, which can be tough on the back. Conversely, the top unit (the dryer) might be too high for some people to comfortably reach.

Maintenance

If one unit breaks down, it can be cumbersome to repair or replace just one without disturbing the other. The stacked configuration can also make accessing parts for repair more challenging.

Price

Stackable units can sometimes be more expensive than comparable side-by-side models.

Additional costs

Some models may require a stacking kit to securely stack them. This is an additional purchase and another step in the installation process.

Is it Good to Have a Washer and Dryer Combo?

To consider purchasing a washer and dryer combo has desirable benefits. Some of the notable ones are:

• A combo unit naturally takes half the space of two separate machines resulting in more space in your house. You don’t need extra plug outlets as you plug in only one appliance.
• A washer combo allows you to run the wash and drying cycles separately or combined based on your preference.
• The purchase and operating costs are comparable to owning a single front-load washer and a dryer with equal energy consumption.
  
• Combo units are labor-saving. You don't need to transfer your clothes to a dryer after washing, making your work easier.
• It offers efficient cleaning services like stand-alone machines, especially with a front-loading washer.

Although the stacking dryer has a few shortcomings, they can be very beneficial for smaller homes. With a washer-dryer stacking kit, you can enjoy full laundry services despite space limitations. Washer-dryer combinations are ideal for compact homes and smaller families. They occupy less space than individual machines, and their drying capacity is optimal for households with one or two members.