A stackable washer and dryer is a good low-cost option and tends to be an ideal choice for small homes. This article is aimed at giving you a thorough review of some of the best products currently available in the market.
| Choose Front-loading Machines A top-loading machine tends to be power hungry and requires a large amount of water. On the other hand, front-loading stackable washers and dryers consume less power, as well as water. |
Using the space in your apartment efficiently is very important, as it leaves room for other things. Appliances often take a lot of prime real estate in your house. So it is better to plan and buy products, which are customized to your needs. Washing machines are an integral part of every house today. If your apartment does not have enough space for full-sized machines, an alternative in the form of stackable washers and dryers exists. Combo units are available too, which could serve the same purpose. Here are short reviews of the best products available in the market.
A Short Buying Guide
To begin with, before buying these units, measure the space in your apartment or house, that will be allocated to the machines so that you can ensure that the appliance fits the allocated space. Also ensure that it is the right purchase for your height.
Ensure that you are actually buying a stackable combination (these appliances are generally labeled if they are), as not all products can be stacked. Gas and electric-powered ones are available. Gas-based washers are expensive initially, but make up for the cost over time, due to their relatively higher efficiency. However, electric ones are most common. Top-loader machines are notorious for being water-guzzling and consume a heavy amount of power, compared to front-loaded machines. Lastly, look for machines with the right capacity, that will match your washing load requirements.
The washers come in two varieties, including the front-loading and top-loading type. The former is more efficient in terms of water and power usage, as it spins faster and generates greater centrifugal force to dry out clothes quickly. Look for Energy Star rating, as well as warranties. Some of the best brands to look out for are Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Kenmore, and General Electric.
Top 4 Best Stackable Washers and Dryers: Reviews
A stackable washer and dryer is a good choice for bachelor apartments and for people who want to save money and space. These machines have separately stacked washers and dryers, which makes them very compact, compared to other types. Here are reviews of the best products available in the market.
LG TurboWash Series WM8000HWA and SteamDryer Series DLGX8001W
LG has been known to offer some of the most feature-rich and energy-efficient washers and dryers in the market. The Korean giant is one of the top players in this consumer electronics segment. The TurboWash series has enjoyed wide popularity due to its range of features, coupled with high efficiency.
The Washer
The WM8000HWA holds the distinction of having a world record breaking capacity of 5.2 cubic feet, besides being crowned as the most efficient washer by Energy Star in 2014. This front-load washer with a dual LED display and electronic controls, provides 14 different wash programs and fabric care features, besides being equipped with a 1,300 RPM motor and automatic water level adjustment, according to load levels.
With a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, lifetime warranty on the drum, and a 10-year warranty on the motor, this product is offered by LG at a suggested price of USD 1399.99 and is available in retail outlets at a price hovering around USD 1100.
The Dryer
The stackable dryer counterpart of this LG washer (DLGX8001W) is launched in the SteamDryer series. Offering 9.0 cu. ft. capacity, this is a stackable machine with 14 different drying programs, equipped to handle different fabrics and loads. Its steam technology helps reduce wrinkling in clothes. With a one year warranty on parts, this dryer is priced at around USD 1200
Both machines are known to be quiet and extremely efficient in their operation, making them excellent purchases for the long term.
Samsung WF457ARGSGR and DV457EVGSGR
Samsung is known for its innovative and path-breaking products and the washer and dryer series launched by the company is no exception to this.
The Washer
The WF457ARGSGR (Onyx) washer comes loaded with an 8″ LCD control panel, along with a smartphone app, that lets you remotely control and monitor its activity. Samsung has channeled its smartphone technology spin-offs into these electronic appliances.
With 4.5 cu. ft. capacity, it comes equipped with SpeedSpray technology, which sprays clothes for 15 minutes before washing, which mixes the detergent thoroughly and cuts down process time. Also impressive, is its unique PowerFoam technology that enables washing of large loads, in a short amount of time.
With 5 temperature settings, 5 spin speeds, and 5 soil levels, along with 21 wash cycles, it provides a complete washing solution. Besides the 10-year motor warranty, 3-year warranty on the stainless steel tub, 2 years on the control board, a 1-year parts warranty is also offered. With a potpourri of features loaded in, this machine costs around >USD 1350.
The Dryer
With a price tag of about USD 1100, the Onyx electric dryer launched by Samsung, offers a capacity of 7.5 cu. ft., 14 preset cycles, and steam treatment to reduce wrinkles. A reversible door, drying racks (for woolens), and steam drying technology (detects moisture and automatically adjusts drying time accordingly) are some of the other features that enhance the utility of this machine.
Whirlpool WFW70HEBW and WED70HEBW
A leader in washing technology for years and known for constant innovation, Whirlpool offers a set of stackable dryers and washers that will suit your needs.
The Washer
Another front-loaded machine, the 4.1 cu. ft. capacity Whirlpool Duet washer is competitively priced at USD 648. It offers a range of features including a cold wash cycle, precision dispensing of the detergent, and delayed wash. With a spinning speed of 1,200 RPM, this Energy Star qualified machine offers 4 temperature settings, LED display, and 7 automatic wash cycles. It also provides an adaptive clean wash system (it changes water requirement and cleaning force, according to load size) and adjustable soil level settings. The washer may not have the advanced features found in Samsung or LG, but it will get the work done, and at a sub-USD 700 price tag, it is surely a bargain.
The Dryer
Its companion, the Whirlpool Duet electric dryer (WED70HEBW) offers a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet and advanced moisture sensing. An LED display, an adjustable end-of-cycle signal, Wrinkle Shield technology, a noise-reduction system, along with a reversible door, are some of the prime features offered by the dryer at a price tag of just USD 650.
Maytag MHW6000AG and MGD6000AG
Maytag has been a household name among consumers for decades. Backed by years of assured performance of its products, the company has kept up with time, offering dependable washing and drying solutions.
The Washer
Offering 4.3 cu. ft. of washing capacity, this CEE Tier III rated machine is known for its power wash and cold wash cycles that surely deliver the goods. With 11 wash cycles, quad baffles, 5 spin speeds, 3 soil levels, and a spinning speed topping at 1400 RPM, this washer can effectively sense the load and take in water accordingly. At USD 1200, it is a tad expensive, but the 10-year warranty on basket and motor, justifies the price.
The Dryer
This 7.3 cu. ft. capacity Maytag dryer has matching features with its washer counterpart. It offers an automatic moisture sensing mechanism and quad baffles that ensure that the small clothes keep tumbling in the machine to enhance drying rate. An in-built wrinkle prevention mechanism that smooths out clothes, a total of nine dry cycles, multiple drying temperatures, reversible swing door, interior light, five temperature levels, and steam-enhanced drying, are some of the other features to look out for. With a 1-year parts and labor warranty, the price of the dryer is about USD 1000.
These are some of the products that have garnered the best reviews from users and experts alike. Go for the ones which exactly suit your requirements and budget.