Save space with stacked washers and dryers

Not much space in your laundry room? Then maybe buying a stacked washer and dryer set is right for you. But what do you need to know before you shop? Here are some pointers to help guide you.

As it sounds, this washer and dryer can sit on top of each other, usually with the washer on the bottom and the dryer on the top.

• This is slightly different than the units billed as “stackable” – these are usually smaller appliances commonly found in small living spaces such as townhouses or condos, where space is a premium.
• Take note, though, that these are usually front-loading systems, rather than top loading. And because they’re front loading, these units are generally longer than top loaders, so accurately measure the space you’re going to put them in, both width and height, as well as the entry points to the space, such as the hallway or doorway you’ll bring the units in through.

For one, they’re often are more energy-efficient units than top loaders. What's more, the loads they can take in are significant – between 7 and 11 kilograms – often using less water than a top-loading unit. However, these front loaders are notably different from compact, stacked versions, which are as they sound:

• Smaller units can generally handle only about half that load, yet are small enough to fit in closets.

Washers in particular also function differently than top loaders:

• Top loaders generally have a central agitator that helps push the clothes around to wash them and spin them out.
• Front loaders turn in a circle and spin the clothes to the top of the bin and then let them drop into the soapy water and rub up against the bin to get them clean.

It’s best to buy units that are built by the same manufacturer and are built as a set—they’re made to work together, after all.

• You should budget more money to buy a stacked washer and dryer set and also for repairs.

While you can buy some units already stacked, others you can buy separately and stack at home. If so, you can purchase hardware to mount the dryer on top of the washer in your laundry room.

• When you do install your machines, remember you have to install them in a place where you have power supply, access to water, a place to drain the water and a dryer vent.