considering stackable washer/dryer

[VinSanto]

I'm considering switching to stackable as my washing machine is on it's last leg. My w/d is located in an el cove off the garage. Does a new dryer vent hole have to installed because the dryer is located over the washer? The current location is aprox 12'' above the floor. Also it's several feet from the water lines and drain pipe. Anyone have experience with this?

[Toymeister]

No you don't have to instal a new dryer vent hole. The installets will run a flex pipe to it.

[Pondboy]

We had a stacked Samsung at our last house. Loved it! It reduces the amount of bending you will need to do. It also frees up space.

You will not need to move the vent pipe. However, I’d recommend buying a rigid vent pipe that has a dedicated 90 degree angle vs. a bend. think I got it on Amazon, it’s designed specifically for minimum space behind unit. I’d also recommend stainless steel hoses vs rubber.

The distance should not be an issue if you have good water pressure, which you should have. I’d also recommend cleaning out your dryer exhaust vent (leaf blower or brush) while you have easy access to that area.

[Djean1981]

We have a Frigidaire stacked unit. We did not need any modifications to the vent.

[Dusty_Star]

I also had a Frigidaire stacked unit, having the dryer at eye level is a convenience. Also, like other posters, no new vent opening, just maybe slightly longer vent tubing.

[MrTwister]

Im on the other side of this one. We are coming from a stackable to a full sized. I will never go stackable again! Too small! Cant fit nearly as much clothes. Yes, you can make due. But no big bed clothes whatsoever. We love our new whirlpool full sized! Plus the new ones spin the clothes so fast they are basically dry coming out! Also dont forget when one breaks they are connected so its a mega pain to work on and have to replace entire unit if only one goes bad! Ask me how i know…If you absolutely must get a stackable, speed queen makes a good one that will last. The others are just ok.

[twoplanekid]

We replaced our small stackable unit with this LG full size unit in our condo in Hudson. We had to reposition water lines because of space limitations but no change to the vent line. My wife liked the placement of all controls for easy reach.

[Djean1981]

Our Frigidaire combo seems full size or close to it - 3.9 cu. ft. Washer and 5.6 cu. ft. Gas Dryer

[Topspinmo]

If it was me I’d get simple washer, the simpler the better, electronics digital appliances are too expensive, to expensive to repair if they can without exceeding the original price. It’s just washing machine to wash cloths. But that’s me I don’t have to have the latest and greatest.

[Topspinmo]

We replaced our small stackable unit with this LG full size unit in our condo in Hudson. We had to reposition water lines because of space limitations but no change to the vent line. My wife liked the placement of all controls for easy reach.


I had bad experience with LG, couldn’t give me an LG anything.

[Topspinmo]

I also had a Frigidaire stacked unit, having the dryer at eye level is a convenience. Also, like other posters, no new vent opening, just maybe slightly longer vent tubing.

I hope not talking about the cheap plastic vent ducts. Disaster waiting to happen unless you are very preventative maintenance person?

[Blackbird45]

If this is an issue of saving room, there is all in one washer/dryers. I don't know anything about them, but maybe it's worth a look.

[Elizhi]

I'm considering switching to stackable as my washing machine is on it's last leg. My w/d is located in an el cove off the garage. Does a new dryer vent hole have to installed because the dryer is located over the washer? The current location is aprox 12'' above the floor. Also it's several feet from the water lines and drain pipe. Anyone have experience with this?


We installed our full size as a stackable. I love it! I have so much room. I’m guessing if you are shorter than 5’6”, the dryer setting will be hard to reach so you just have to think about the tall reach.

[coffeebean]

We installed our full size as a stackable. I love it! I have so much room. I’m guessing if you are shorter than 5’6”, the dryer setting will be hard to reach so you just have to think about the tall reach.

I like the surface that side by side appliances provide so I have a work surface. That surface is not only for sorting clothes but for folding too not to mention other projects I get myself into.

When we purchased our current home, the washer/dryer were on pedestals. I could not reach the cabinet doors that were above the appliances without a step stool. That did not work for me so I had the pedestals removed.

[asianthree]

If this is an issue of saving room, there is all in one washer/dryers. I don't know anything about them, but maybe it's worth a look.

Our GE washer has all in one feature. Have used it twice for super small load. Worked well, and no complaints, but this W/D set can do everything WiFi.
Last week I threw in sheets programming to wash then dry at certain time, went to dinner. Finished near bedtime, Warm sheets on a cool night is very appealing for some:clap2:

[CharlieRoy]

I'm considering switching to stackable as my washing machine is on it's last leg. My w/d is located in an el cove off the garage. Does a new dryer vent hole have to installed because the dryer is located over the washer? The current location is aprox 12'' above the floor. Also it's several feet from the water lines and drain pipe. Anyone have experience with this?

Having retired from a 40 year career in the appliance industry (Maytag, Whirlpool, Electrolux/Frigidaire), here are a few suggestions that may offer some benefit to you in making your decision. There are all-in-one units called Laundry Centers offered by the major manufacturers. There is typically one model per brand, but there may be color options. These are reasonably good machines, with a few limitations regarding capacity, colors, control placement. The option preferred by others is to buy full size units in which the dryer can be stacked above the washer. This provides the largest capacity as well as features, color, and brand choices. Additional considerations are whether to choose a Laundry Center with a top-loading washer vs a front loading washer. The top-loader provides easy access to the clothes without bending much, but is less water efficient and provides generally rougher physical action for the fabrics. Many of these are unable to handle king size bed linens effectively. Front load washers provide greater efficiency, soil removing capability, and gentler treatment of the fabrics. Whatever configuration that you choose, you might consider brands in the following order, based on their known performance, reliability, and availability of repair service. First choice in Electrolux as it has for years topped the industry in cleaning performance. Second would be Whirlpool as these machines provide good results and have a significant service network available. The final choice (in my opinion) would be LG, as they have made the commitment to improved reliability and increasing their reach in service capability. The installation concern can be addressed as many previous responders have indicated, so determine what works best for you, and Happy Shopping!

[JRcorvette]

Check out the new All-in-one units at Home Depot… they are also ventless. Great for just two person family.

[DonnaNi4os]

It recently occurred to me how much extra storage space I would have in my garage had I opted for a stacked unit. When one of my machines go I will definitely be switching

[charlieboy]

I'm considering switching to stackable as my washing machine is on it's last leg. My w/d is located in an el cove off the garage. Does a new dryer vent hole have to installed because the dryer is located over the washer? The current location is aprox 12'' above the floor. Also it's several feet from the water lines and drain pipe. Anyone have experience with this?

Keep in mind that if the bottom machine ever needs repair you may have to unstack them. I had warranty work done. The repair was covered. The unstacking and restacking not covered.

[hamsterfay]

I have the GE Profile washer/dryer combo & it's awesome! One machine that washes AND dries. Takes up the space of one machine. It's electric (so I capped off my gas connection) & the other beauty is you don't need a lint vent to the outside because it's self-contained. I was able to also cap off my lint vent so no more hiring someone every year or two to clean it.

[VinSanto]

Great information from all. I thank you. What I will do is visit everyone that sells these appliances and look at the laundry centers first. I'm intrigued by the concept. I will also have to do my own research. Maybe consumer reports has some info for me. I appreciate the input, thanks again.