What is a Stackable Washer Dryer?
Normally, the washing machine and the dryer are purchased and set up as separate entities. Each occupies a width of 2 to 3 feet (standard full size is 27 inches across) so that the combined spatial width is approximately 4 to 5 feet.
In some houses there is a lot of space for a spacious laundry room that can accommodate these two separate appliances. However, in apartments, condominiums, small houses and even mobile homes, space is at a premium and homeowners will find the stackable washer dryer to be the best choice for a washing and drying combination appliance.
Hence the name washer dryer combo. Why does the stackable washer dryer use up less space? The secret lies in its vertical alignment of (stacking) the washer and dryer, usually with the dryer placed over the washer. The washer unit, which is on the bottom, is usually top loading so clothes are inserted through a top opening panel. The drying unit is stacked over the washer with the help of a support structure that sits against the wall and along the top edge of the washer.
Energy Savings
Stackables save on space but energy savings will require a little more diligence. Check out the government website on energy-saving washers and dryers.
More vertical space and less horizontal space
While the width and depth (and therefore the square footage area) requirements of the washer dryer combo is less than that of two separate units, one must keep in mind that the combination unit is now much taller and can run into low ceilings. One should not be surprised to find that the unit reaches a height of 7 feet. At 7 feet the stacked appliance should fit under the ceilings of most rooms except in very special cases. But the problem is not always the ceiling height but also wall-mounted shelves or cabinets that get in the way. You may have to do some major renovation by removing or moving the wall-mounted objects to accommodate the stacked appliance.
The Washer Unit
The washer unit usually sits on the bottom and is top or front loading. Like the standalone counterparts, stacked washer dryers come in no-frills versions or with fancy options. One basic option is multiple wash speeds, with each speed suitable for different types of fabric. Some washers may in fact not be suitable for very delicate clothing so check the specifications early. Another basic option is the choice of water temperature. The standard is three, cold, medium/warm and hot. More fancy options include being able to choose water levels, as small loads can use less water which saves on water bill where applicable. Water levels can be even controlled by an automated sensor.
The Dryer Unit
The dryer unit usually sits on the top and is front loading. A top loading top unit would be impossible to use as its upper face sits against the ceiling about 7 feet above ground. The most basic dryer functions include three or more temperature settings, each being suitable for a class of fabrics. Another basic function is a timer to use when you are good as estimating how much drying is needed. More complicated dryer functions are available too. Some modern dryers have fabric sensing built in to protect against damaging clothing through overheating. Other modern dryers include an extended tumbling setting which helps diminish wrinkling.
Popular Brands
Popular brands in use today include some Ameican stalwarts such as General Electric (GE), Frigidaire, Maytag and Whirlpool. In recent years foreign products such as the LG (the largest Korean manufacturer of electronic goods after Samsung) and Bosch (a German company) have made great strides in capturing the American market.
