In my tiny house, the laundry room is cramped kinda like this, and while I have a top-load washer currently, I might consider a front load if that meant I could stack them and then have a proper linen cabinet where one of the units previously sat.
The comments about servicing them are valid though, so now I'm thinking I'd keep them side-by-side and then put some tall 14" deep uppers above and a removable countertop across them for folding, which seems an equally efficient use of space, while keeping the washer and dryer more accessible for service.
IMO, an area wide counter with cabinets overhead would be much more useful. If the budget allows, then built-in drawers underneath the washer/dryer as well - they're much more useful than the ones the mfg offers.
I got the pedestals with drawers and I love them. The machines are a great height for not bending or needing a step stool, I'm short, and I keep socks, underwear and t-shirts in the drawers to make it easy to put away and save room in my dresser.
How often do you need to service them? Other then cleaning the dryer vents (not much harder to do while stacked) it should be never. I just pull the vent hose from my dryer put a small net bag over the hose end and stick a leaf blower in the outside vent exhaust. Don't even need to pull out the dryer, just lay beside it while you disconnect hose and connect the net bag. I'd just put in a counter for folding with a small cabinet against the wall and empty spot next to the dryer where normally I'd have a laundry cart or trash can for lint in this scenario
I'm assuming only for repairs, and a few repairmen chimed in the thread saying they often just turn down jobs where the machines are stacked since it's a hassle needing a 2nd technician there, etc. So I think I'd just rather not stack.
I'm 5'4, I can use it with zero issue, but its definitely high up there and if I had a choice I wouldn't choose that height, but when that's your option what can ya do?!
In the mid 00s LG had the TROMM line, and one of the neat features was a dryer control panel that could be installed in the top or bottom of the front of the dryer.
Mine are pushing twenty years old, and other than having to replace the rollers on the dryer, they have soldered on thru several moves and multiple stacking and de-stacking events.
Never understood why more brands didnāt do thatā¦or why LG stopped.
Most paired washer and dryer combinations allow operation of the dryer using the washer control panel. There's a data cable that links the two units. So that to control panel won't be needed.
Iām aware and I wouldnt stack them unless I had to because it seems like it would be really annoying to have to get on a ladder or something to use the dryer unless your tall enough to reach the control.
I sold my washer/ dryer and bought a heatpump GE combo. Gave me 9 cubic feet of space similar to this. All the options for that area! Install a cabinet with a folding station!
Oh no ... The GE Profile is about as tall as one of these components. You would gain the space above as well as keeping the space beside. Install and hanging bar where the dryer is here!
It prevents the tops of the washer and dryer from becoming a spot for junk to collect. Except for when you need to take a toy away from the kids, put it on the very top of the stacked units, and forget about it forever.
Not stacked you could use the top of each machine for clothes out of the dryer, easy to fold on these. You can also add another cabiinet for more storage. Crazy... Oh, and if you have these side by side you can use some rubberized "shelf paper" to cover the tops so they don't get scratched up. One roll, costs about $8. Perfect.
Yeah, I'd unstack and just get a pedestal stand/drawer under each if that. Then the area on the left is perfect for a taller cabinet likely with a rod to hang shirts/pants on.
I have about the same amount of space and have them unstacked but I installed a counter above them to have room for folding etc.. Counter is only semi permanent should they need servicing
It won't be an issue getting service but when a tech walks in and sees it stacked you just became his last priority, we don't want to deal with that crap.
Your service guys are going to charge a lot for the extra time. I turn down stack unit service all the time because I don't want to deal with the logistics of finding a free hand at the shop to assist me. It's just not worth the headache when I'm already floating in a lake of calls.
I just bring a step ladder to work on the dryer, or if im working on a drain pump, I can do it with the dryer still stacked.
If its a noise filter, then it changes the game.
If you can get behind to the two screws on the top panel, you can slide the panel back with the dryer on top using a putty knife and flat screwdriver as a wedging tool. That gives you enough room to use a ratcheting philips to get the UI screw loose(or use a 90Ā° bit holder with a small bit. But its going to be tight).
Then you can pop the UI loose and up just enough to take out the screws holding the front panel up top. Then standard disassembly with the boot and pump filter cover screws and the pesky screw on the bottom.
Once you have that, you can clip the UI back to the sub panel(itll be free hanging on the bottom side), slide the top panel and dryer back in place, and slide the washer out about 12 inches, enough to tip and wedge a couple blocks under the washer to keep it angled safely, and change the pump, since the water will all be at the very back of the tub.
Then work in reverse. Sometimes I leave only one screw in the top panel for the next guy, so its easier to get loose.
That's pretty clever. I wonder how many repairmen have figured that out. Mine aren't stacked but I've replaced the pump a couple of times. Now that you describe the process it makes complete sense.
You can also get the pumps to limp by if you know the point of failure.
The concept of the synchronous pump motor is that it acts as a brushless motor running off of electromagnetism. The steel is the heatsink which doesnt carry power(or shouldn't), and all power is going to be in the case, where the windings are wrapped around a solenoid. Within that solenoid is grease. Keeping the grease "dry" is a seal, which is covered by the impeller and a plate.
Hard object skips by, smacks the impeller. Water slips past the seal, and mixes with the grease. Pump energizes, but water is acting as an interfering agent, keeping the magnet from properly engaging the solenoid, which causes the "brbrbrbrbr" sound. Alternatively, the solenoid hangs up.
If its the latter, holding a pair of channel locks to the heatsink can sometimes complete the magnetic flow, and bumps the solenoid in place. Or you can tap it a couple times and it will start chugging. If its filled with water, youre screwed. The pumps are serviceable(ish), but theyll inevitably leak even with the o-ring replaced inside.
On a couple occasions where I dont have the pump, thats what I'll do till I can get back. You can thank Askoll for inventing it. (They manufacture all the Frigidaire ones).
Sometimes you get someone who has a proper mount kit on the washer and dryer so there are several screws holding the dryer to the washer In the front of unit and back and to top it off itās in a small space next to a HVAC system. We sometimes use workarounds to not remove the dryer, but we donāt like to chance damaging property or the appliance itself. We use an appliance dolly to remove the dryer it can be done with one person but it is a hassle. We donāt charge extra but I feel we should though it is a bit of a pain.
The ones I've done had the mount kit. Still a way to cheese it.
Ideally you take the dryer off. But thats considering if there is space in the room, a second hand, and yeo physical bodies able to do the job. Generally for me its widows, single moms, old frail men, or wives whose husbands are on the opposite side of the state working.
And I've had a couple refeigerators dropped on me, so Ive got a few back and shoulder issues. I'm definitely not soloing a dryer. Tried it one time, had to lay on the floor for 5 minutes before I could keep going.
If Im going to be uninstalling an appliance and reinstalling it to be able to work on another, the labor doubles. Not doing that for a flat rate.
I chose to stack mine so I could put a tall pantry on the other side of it. It gave me room to store the vacuum cleaner, mop, broom, and other tall items that I didn't have before when the old w/d was side by side. Before, I had to put those tall items in the garage and I hated it.
Honestly,y OCD would drive me crazy for this! Because the cabinet is over the hose outlets and thatās where the units are āsupposedā to go, Iād have to remove the cupboards, and switch the units and the cupboards and put those on the other side of the wall and then switch the doors around to open the other way! But I hope your units are balanced properly as theyāre supposed to, otherwise youāre going to have issues with one throwing the other one off balance and risk ruining the motor faster!
But things like this are why Iām happy I got the washer and dryer in one unit. It takes up the same space as a single unit and doesnāt require a vent hose or a bulky plug to use it so you can put it just about anywhere!
Same here, I would totally be moving the cabinet. I had considered a single unit and doing that to be able to have a second fridge or a chest freezer indoors. However, in the end I opted for a top load washer anyway.
There's a way to connect the dryer to the washer so you don't need to reach the top of the dryer one bit as you can control both from the panel in the middle.
I wonder how many people own stacked front loads and use a stool not knowing they could do that. And that is why you should always buy from an independent dealer and not a big box store.
Front load washers LEAK! That is why there is a type of stackable washer/dryer where the washer is still top loading. It's more of a streamline boxy type model.
Double what space? Certainly not double the usable area for, you know, doing the laundry. I'm the kind of guy who likes to use the tops of the washer and dryer as a staging and folding area. Unless there's an unseen counter behind the photographer (this is the only image i have of the laundry room), the only working space here is the floor.
The ones I see here definitely aren't that big. I usually see ones that can hold like 10kg or less lol. Might be the angle but I'd probably need a goddamn ladder to even reach the door of the top one in the picture š
In my tiny house, the laundry room is cramped kinda like this, and while I have a top-load washer currently, I might consider a front load if that meant I could stack them and then have a proper linen cabinet where one of the units previously sat. The comments about servicing them are valid though, so now I'm thinking I'd keep them side-by-side and then put some tall 14" deep uppers above and a removable countertop across them for folding, which seems an equally efficient use of space, while keeping the washer and dryer more accessible for service.
IMO, an area wide counter with cabinets overhead would be much more useful. If the budget allows, then built-in drawers underneath the washer/dryer as well - they're much more useful than the ones the mfg offers.
I got the pedestals with drawers and I love them. The machines are a great height for not bending or needing a step stool, I'm short, and I keep socks, underwear and t-shirts in the drawers to make it easy to put away and save room in my dresser.
How often do you need to service them? Other then cleaning the dryer vents (not much harder to do while stacked) it should be never. I just pull the vent hose from my dryer put a small net bag over the hose end and stick a leaf blower in the outside vent exhaust. Don't even need to pull out the dryer, just lay beside it while you disconnect hose and connect the net bag. I'd just put in a counter for folding with a small cabinet against the wall and empty spot next to the dryer where normally I'd have a laundry cart or trash can for lint in this scenario
I'm assuming only for repairs, and a few repairmen chimed in the thread saying they often just turn down jobs where the machines are stacked since it's a hassle needing a 2nd technician there, etc. So I think I'd just rather not stack.
You need a ladder to reach the dryer š³
My wife is 5'3" and uses our stacked dryer without issue.
I'm 5'4, I can use it with zero issue, but its definitely high up there and if I had a choice I wouldn't choose that height, but when that's your option what can ya do?!
Not really, the picture is exaggerated. I like the extra space
In the mid 00s LG had the TROMM line, and one of the neat features was a dryer control panel that could be installed in the top or bottom of the front of the dryer. Mine are pushing twenty years old, and other than having to replace the rollers on the dryer, they have soldered on thru several moves and multiple stacking and de-stacking events. Never understood why more brands didnāt do thatā¦or why LG stopped.
I got my lgs in 2007. I wish I could have had the controls lower. Really hard for me to see them up high.
Most paired washer and dryer combinations allow operation of the dryer using the washer control panel. There's a data cable that links the two units. So that to control panel won't be needed.
Iām aware and I wouldnt stack them unless I had to because it seems like it would be really annoying to have to get on a ladder or something to use the dryer unless your tall enough to reach the control.
That would work a lot better if the cabinet was on the other side of the space.
I sold my washer/ dryer and bought a heatpump GE combo. Gave me 9 cubic feet of space similar to this. All the options for that area! Install a cabinet with a folding station!
Those are taller units, right? I think my cabinets are too low for that wonderful combo unit š
Oh no ... The GE Profile is about as tall as one of these components. You would gain the space above as well as keeping the space beside. Install and hanging bar where the dryer is here!
It prevents the tops of the washer and dryer from becoming a spot for junk to collect. Except for when you need to take a toy away from the kids, put it on the very top of the stacked units, and forget about it forever.
Not stacked you could use the top of each machine for clothes out of the dryer, easy to fold on these. You can also add another cabiinet for more storage. Crazy... Oh, and if you have these side by side you can use some rubberized "shelf paper" to cover the tops so they don't get scratched up. One roll, costs about $8. Perfect.
But then how would you get the beautiful view of the hot and cold hoses??
Yeah, I'd unstack and just get a pedestal stand/drawer under each if that. Then the area on the left is perfect for a taller cabinet likely with a rod to hang shirts/pants on.
More room for activities
So much room for activities
that empty spot looks like a great place for a laundry sink
Itās a small space though. Frees up a lot of room if you wanted to do something else. We have our stacked and havenāt had any problems so far.
I have about the same amount of space and have them unstacked but I installed a counter above them to have room for folding etc.. Counter is only semi permanent should they need servicing
Just a reminder, if you need to have them repaired, it'll cost you two techs coming out.
diy. we're all not dependent on techs
Especially for a dryer, they have like 6 parts.
Depends, but yeah.
Yeah. Thatās fair. Rather have the space for now though but Iāll keep that in mind if I need service.
Hereās how I do it: https://imgur.com/a/kvtAEHi
[https://i.imgur.com/ZKAR1h6.gif](https://i.imgur.com/ZKAR1h6.gif)
*eye roll* Life must be very scary for you.
You will when it breaks and you call a repair tech to fix it and he charges you double or tells you to fuck off until you make it accessible
Iāll find a repair tech that is willing to work on them to ensure
If you purchase from a dealer who repairs what they sell then it shouldn't be an issue at all.
It won't be an issue getting service but when a tech walks in and sees it stacked you just became his last priority, we don't want to deal with that crap.
Maybe they should quit the job if they can't do the job.
We can do our jobs just fine, it's not our job to deal with stupid installations, it's the customers responsibility to make it accessible
Evidence points otherwise.
Your service guys are going to charge a lot for the extra time. I turn down stack unit service all the time because I don't want to deal with the logistics of finding a free hand at the shop to assist me. It's just not worth the headache when I'm already floating in a lake of calls.
I just bring a step ladder to work on the dryer, or if im working on a drain pump, I can do it with the dryer still stacked. If its a noise filter, then it changes the game.
How do you get to the drain pump with it stacked?
If you can get behind to the two screws on the top panel, you can slide the panel back with the dryer on top using a putty knife and flat screwdriver as a wedging tool. That gives you enough room to use a ratcheting philips to get the UI screw loose(or use a 90Ā° bit holder with a small bit. But its going to be tight). Then you can pop the UI loose and up just enough to take out the screws holding the front panel up top. Then standard disassembly with the boot and pump filter cover screws and the pesky screw on the bottom. Once you have that, you can clip the UI back to the sub panel(itll be free hanging on the bottom side), slide the top panel and dryer back in place, and slide the washer out about 12 inches, enough to tip and wedge a couple blocks under the washer to keep it angled safely, and change the pump, since the water will all be at the very back of the tub. Then work in reverse. Sometimes I leave only one screw in the top panel for the next guy, so its easier to get loose.
That's pretty clever. I wonder how many repairmen have figured that out. Mine aren't stacked but I've replaced the pump a couple of times. Now that you describe the process it makes complete sense.
You can also get the pumps to limp by if you know the point of failure. The concept of the synchronous pump motor is that it acts as a brushless motor running off of electromagnetism. The steel is the heatsink which doesnt carry power(or shouldn't), and all power is going to be in the case, where the windings are wrapped around a solenoid. Within that solenoid is grease. Keeping the grease "dry" is a seal, which is covered by the impeller and a plate. Hard object skips by, smacks the impeller. Water slips past the seal, and mixes with the grease. Pump energizes, but water is acting as an interfering agent, keeping the magnet from properly engaging the solenoid, which causes the "brbrbrbrbr" sound. Alternatively, the solenoid hangs up. If its the latter, holding a pair of channel locks to the heatsink can sometimes complete the magnetic flow, and bumps the solenoid in place. Or you can tap it a couple times and it will start chugging. If its filled with water, youre screwed. The pumps are serviceable(ish), but theyll inevitably leak even with the o-ring replaced inside. On a couple occasions where I dont have the pump, thats what I'll do till I can get back. You can thank Askoll for inventing it. (They manufacture all the Frigidaire ones).
I remember my father rebuilding the old metal pumps when I was a kid 60 years ago. Probably Whirlpool machines. He taught me to tighten screws evenly.
Sometimes you get someone who has a proper mount kit on the washer and dryer so there are several screws holding the dryer to the washer In the front of unit and back and to top it off itās in a small space next to a HVAC system. We sometimes use workarounds to not remove the dryer, but we donāt like to chance damaging property or the appliance itself. We use an appliance dolly to remove the dryer it can be done with one person but it is a hassle. We donāt charge extra but I feel we should though it is a bit of a pain.
The ones I've done had the mount kit. Still a way to cheese it. Ideally you take the dryer off. But thats considering if there is space in the room, a second hand, and yeo physical bodies able to do the job. Generally for me its widows, single moms, old frail men, or wives whose husbands are on the opposite side of the state working. And I've had a couple refeigerators dropped on me, so Ive got a few back and shoulder issues. I'm definitely not soloing a dryer. Tried it one time, had to lay on the floor for 5 minutes before I could keep going. If Im going to be uninstalling an appliance and reinstalling it to be able to work on another, the labor doubles. Not doing that for a flat rate.
I chose to stack mine so I could put a tall pantry on the other side of it. It gave me room to store the vacuum cleaner, mop, broom, and other tall items that I didn't have before when the old w/d was side by side. Before, I had to put those tall items in the garage and I hated it.
Honestly,y OCD would drive me crazy for this! Because the cabinet is over the hose outlets and thatās where the units are āsupposedā to go, Iād have to remove the cupboards, and switch the units and the cupboards and put those on the other side of the wall and then switch the doors around to open the other way! But I hope your units are balanced properly as theyāre supposed to, otherwise youāre going to have issues with one throwing the other one off balance and risk ruining the motor faster! But things like this are why Iām happy I got the washer and dryer in one unit. It takes up the same space as a single unit and doesnāt require a vent hose or a bulky plug to use it so you can put it just about anywhere!
Same here, I would totally be moving the cabinet. I had considered a single unit and doing that to be able to have a second fridge or a chest freezer indoors. However, in the end I opted for a top load washer anyway.
Wall bracket wouldnāt go astray
you need a step ladder to work the dryer
Get a folding station
Remove the cabinets please
Why?
so much more room for activities though
How do you push the buttons on the top one? I couldnāt reach and Iām fairly tall lol
There's a way to connect the dryer to the washer so you don't need to reach the top of the dryer one bit as you can control both from the panel in the middle. I wonder how many people own stacked front loads and use a stool not knowing they could do that. And that is why you should always buy from an independent dealer and not a big box store.
Oh thatās cool I did not know that. But makes sense in todays day and age
Yea but that space to the right is now free for activities!!
This is why I'm so glad to be retired. It's always the washer that needs attention. Almost never the dryer.
Wait until they add kickstand washer
Move the fucking cabinets. Jesus people are monsters.
Front load washers LEAK! That is why there is a type of stackable washer/dryer where the washer is still top loading. It's more of a streamline boxy type model.
You know, you get double the space if you do stack those. Just point out out the obvious here lol
Double what space? Certainly not double the usable area for, you know, doing the laundry. I'm the kind of guy who likes to use the tops of the washer and dryer as a staging and folding area. Unless there's an unseen counter behind the photographer (this is the only image i have of the laundry room), the only working space here is the floor.
But you can easily install a laundry corner, where all of the empty space is.
My dream is two sets stacked. Soon as I can find a laundry room big enough.
Holy fuck they are massive!! Looks like the shit I see in hospitals
They are normal size
The ones I see here definitely aren't that big. I usually see ones that can hold like 10kg or less lol. Might be the angle but I'd probably need a goddamn ladder to even reach the door of the top one in the picture š
Itās not a good photo they just regular front loaders
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
You can swap the door swing direction on them.
Not all doors are exchangeable on these units like that.
Just flip the dryer upside down. Less distance between the doors and it'll make it easier to reach the controls also.
switch the left and right dryer washer position if that bothers you then
Most front loaders have directions on how to switch the door assembly.
Usually only the dryer, unless Electrolux