Disadvantages Of Stacking Washer And Dryer? 4 issues and great tips

Making sure your laundry area has the most space can be tricky. What are the disadvantages of stacking washer and dryer?

Making your appliances easily accessible, while still having room to turn around with a basket in hand, all comes down to choosing the right placement. This article will discuss several options and key points to consider.

We will explain why there is no need for you to stack them, there are other ways. Also, the stackable units come with many disadvantages.

What’s the issue with stacking?

There are a number of disadvantages of using a stacked washer and dryer, from the setup to the falling hazard, other options are simply better. 

And when you consider additional items you’ll have to purchase to make your stacked unit safe, like stacking kits or rubber mats, then it is just not worth it.

Overall setup

As you know, there are no stackable units without, well… stacking.

When purchasing a washer and dryer you want to stack, you will usually need to hire professionals to lift your dryer onto the washer.

It is unsafe for you to do this alone, two people are necessary in this case as the dryer can weigh up to 110 pounds (50kg).

So consider this when choosing your setup, as it does add on your overall purchase price.

Stackable units are just not cost effective, and there are other variables that pop up, the more you think about it.

Switching clothes

You’ll find that it is much harder to switch the clothes from the washer to the dryer comparing to the side-by-side setup.

With stacked machines, you don’t have a choice between front-loader and top-loader.

You basically have to go with a front-loader, unless you get one of those laundry centers that can blow out your budget.

So, switching clothes between your washer and dryer is a chore on its own which you can easily avoid.

Why bend and reach, bend and reach, when you can just pick up and place, comfortably and without exertion?

Things get even worse if you want those stacking kits

Closely connected to this is the fact that the dryer door is too high for many to reach comfortably.

Height problem: disadvantages of stacking washer and dryer

If you can’t reach that top shelf in your kitchen, then it is certain you will have trouble reaching your dryer’s control panel.

Sure, stacked washer and dryer save horizontal space and can seem like a perfect choice when you have a small laundry area. But the height of your dryer can be difficult to deal with, especially if your unit is on the higher side.

Imagine having to step on a small ladder or a stool each time you want to turn on, adjust, and fill your dryer. It sounds like a nightmare.

Possibility of falling

Another issue that you may not think of at first is balance. This is why it’s always crucial to get a stacking kit. If you don’t, your dryer sits on top of your machine without support. Tumbling of either can make it fall out of place or even fall to the ground which is dangerous and will most likely damage both your machine and your floor.  

If you decide to stack it by yourself, without proper equipment, it will definitely end up falling out of place and you’ll have to get at least two people to place it back where it should be.

If you don’t have anyone who can safely move the dryer, you will need professional help, which is costly, so in the long run it doesn’t pay off to have a stacked setup.

 

Additional information

But we’re not done. Read on to find out more about the stackable unit and why you should avoid it. After this, you will be thankful that you didn’t choose to stack.

Space required for stackable washer dryer

As mentioned, stacked machines take two times less space than a standard side-by-side option. And you can build the rest of the laundry area around your machines, creating a perfect little nook. It sounds great when we put it that way, but so far you’ve seen how uncomfortable stacked units can become.

We will discuss alternatives later but let us just put something important out there.

Stacked washer and dryer simply fall short compared to side-by-side unit. First of all, you can choose either a front-loader or a top-loader. And, you have more room for a large capacity machine.

What’s more, your side-by-side unit can be tucked under a counter for convenience and you gain plenty of space above. The doors will be lower to the ground, and for more comfort you can even put them on a raised surface, so you don’t sprain your back reaching down all the time.

Stackable washer and dryer dimensions

Size of a stackable washer and dryer depends on the brand and model, but in general most of them reach up to 80 inches in height, they are almost 30 inches wide and up to 34 inches deep.

Laundry centers are another way to go when choosing your perfect unit, and they are similar in size to stackable washer and dryer, although they can get a bit wider.

And when it comes to stacking, you can stack two models of the same size, or you can stack a smaller dryer onto a larger washer. Of course, you can never have a larger dryer as that would be impossible to stack on a smaller machine.

Is it safe to put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine?

When choosing to stack your washer and dryer, you should always make sure to do so by using a stacking kit that is usually sold separately. This is the best way to have a safely stacked unit.

It will distribute the weight of the dryer evenly over the washer and fix it in space so the tumbling of either of the machines doesn’t tumble your dryer to the floor.

There are simple stacking kits that will just securely fit two machines together, however, there are those that offer special benefits, like a pull-out shelf for folding laundry. This does sound good, but it will add to the overall height of your unit, which you might not be happy about.

And, have in mind that stacking kits are only compatible with machines they are made for, so always check you purchased the right kit for your unit.

Even though a stacking kit is recommended for use, as it is made specifically for stacking needs, you can use a rubber mat designed to absorb any vibrations caused by your machine.

Can you stack a front-load washer and dryer on a pedestal?

According to research, placing a stacked unit on pedestal is not safe and it impedes accessibility. So, it can’t be done. This is yet another reason for you to consider other options for your laundry area.

If you want more room under your washer and dryer for clutter or whatever you plan on putting there, you will need to get a side-by-side setup. Additionally, doing this is a great way to add height to your machines so you don’t have to bend down as much to open the doors.

Alternatives

If you had your heart set on an affordable and seemingly suitable stacked unit, we are sorry to burst your bubble. But we are not about to leave you hopeless.

There are other options out there for your perfect laundry. We give you all the reasons why you should pick them over the stackable unit.

Side-by-side setup

We mentioned that placing your washer and dryer side by side is great because you can choose to have top-loaders or front-loaders, and even mix and match.

Moreover, you may want to purchase different brands, and if you have a stacked unit, that is just not recommended. Different brands offer different prices, so if you find a washer that you absolutely love at a price that is perfect for you budget, but the dryer of the same brand is just too expensive, choosing either of the alternatives helps ensure you have just the machine you want.

Hanging the dryer

Maybe this is not something that would initially come to mind, but having your dryer hanged above the washer is another great way to save space. 

By use of special brackets, professionals will do just this in no time. And what an interesting look for your laundry! What’s more, you can have a top-loading washer because of all that space between the machines.

 

Washer-dryer combo

The all-in-one option is by far the best for saving space. There is a single machine that fits any laundry, and even spaces that have no laundry area at all. 

These machines look amazing and they have all the same specifications as separate units. The biggest problem with the combo is that the pricing is high and may breach your budged considerably. 

Say ‘no’ to stacking

Now that you are packed with knowledge about stacking washer and dryer, we hope you heed our warnings. Stacking may seem convenient, but there are much better options available for any type of laundry.