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For apartment dwellers or those who just want to save space, a stackable washer-dryer can be a lifesaver. Stackable units can be set up anywhere from a kitchen, to a laundry room, to a bathroom, allowing you to use the rest of your space how you want. Stackable washer-dryers should perform just as well as side-by-side washer-dryers. To help you find the best stackable sets for your home, we researched and reviewed the best models on the market. Here are our top picks.
Top 5 Stackable Washer Dryers
- Largest Capacity: Samsung High Efficiency Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer
- Best Design: LG Smart Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer WashTower
- Best Top-Load Washer: GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer Laundry Center
- Best for Commercial Use: Whirlpool Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer with Space Saving Configuration
- Best Efficiency: Maytag High Efficiency Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer
Best Large Capacity Stackable Washer Dryer
- Type: Stand-alone
- Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
- Dryer Capacity: 7.5 cubic feet
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Yes
What We Like
This ENERGY STAR-certified heavy-duty washing machine uses a swirl drum pattern to extract water faster. Despite its large capacity, we were impressed with its space-saving design that’s perfect for a closet setup. This washer includes a self-cleaning feature that eliminates 99% of bacteria in the drum.
The included dryer comes with a reversible door, over nine drying options, and a lint filter indicator that tells you when it needs to be cleaned out.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who like this washer are impressed by its easy-to-use settings, high durability, and excellent value. The dryer gets shoutouts for its easy installation and large load capacity. However, customers have had issues with water leakage.
“It works so well. It fits a king size comforter easily and washes it thoroughly! The wash settings are awesome!!” — McHughs via Best Buy
“The washer and dryer stackable unit work just great. The stackable kit is easy to assemble. The only problem we had was our top of the washer was crushed in and bent out the back. … It must have been from stacking in the warehouse as the styrofoam wrap on the unit was not damaged.” —Rapid12 via Best Buy
“Had to return the first washer we received. It had a major water leak the first time we turned it on. We waited a week for it to be replaced. [The new one] seems OK. now.” —Samsungwasher via Best Buy
Stackable Washer Dryer with Best Design
- Type: Laundry center
- Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
- Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Yes
What We Like
We appreciate that this smart washer comes with several useful features, such as built-in sensors that use AI technology to determine the most efficient washing and drying motions and temperature based on the material. You can use the included smartphone app to help the washer and dryer remember your preferred settings and suggest preferred drying cycle times.
It also includes advanced washing and drying with its Turbo Wash 360° feature, which uses five different jets with variable sprays to deliver a thorough clean in only a half hour. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses a TrueBalance anti-vibration system to reduce noise and vibration even in larger loads.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team notes that this washer-dryer set receives excellent reviews for its accessibility, unique color choices, and variety of wash settings. However, some customers feel this unit is overly loud, and others say it doesn’t work well on pet hair.
“Love this machine—laundry is agitated beautifully, everything is much cleaner, and materials are softer without using softeners. Dryer does a terrific job in less time than my previous machine. Very happy so far. I have a small laundry closet—with a stack only option—and love the controls at the middle height of the unit.” —Pac1 via Best Buy
“Sleek looking machine that goes great in the house. Great for smaller spaces! I love the steam and wrinkle care settings on the dryer; they work great! Washer seems to get the job done as well.” —Jeremy via Best Buy
“It cleans and dries well. Much more thorough than my last set. But the washer makes an odd knocking sound with no real pattern.” —Toro via Best Buy
Best Top-Load Washer Stackable Washer Dryer
- Type: Laundry center
- Washer Capacity: 2.3 cubic feet
- Dryer Capacity: 4.4 cubic feet
- ENERGY STAR Certified: No
What We Like
This unit has half a dozen wash and rinse temperatures to choose from to ensure you can find the right setting for your clothes. It also includes a status cycle light that indicates where the load is in the cleaning process.
Our team found this model to be more budget-friendly than other units on this list, so it’s a good choice for those who don’t care to spend the extra cash on special features they may never use. It has rotary controls that allow you to easily control the settings for both units. Its smaller capacity makes it a solid choice for couples who run small loads or those who live alone and don’t need extra capacity.
What Customers Are Saying
We note that customers who like this product are impressed with its space-saving design, quiet operation, and straightforward installation. Others claim it’s difficult to operate and that it has a smaller capacity than they expected.
“I have had this machine for a few weeks now, and I love it! … I had a very hard time deciding what brand and model to buy, and there were not very many options for a combo washer/dryer that would fit in my small closet. Most of the reviews on this one were good, and it seemed to be the right size. But there were a couple of really bad reviews that scared me, and some that made me wonder —like the person who said be prepared to re-sew a lot of buttons, or the one who said the lint falls out of the door when you open it, or the one that went on about how noisy it is. … But it’s great! It’s beautiful, works great, and I have had none of these problems. It is big enough to fit my comforter plus some towels in one wash. The dryer is fast.” —Mojo via Best Buy
“The laundry center exceeds my expectations. I have a small space so I selected it. Washed laundry is very well cleaned! The tub holds much more than I expected. Drying is quick and thorough. Noise level for washing is reasonable with the dryer being quiet. There is no vibration for either function. It is basically easy to use, but may take a while to figure out how to set the controls as there are so many options. I am not sure when to add liquid detergent. I love the central agitator and metal tub. Overall, I am very happy and recommend this center to all!” —Lynz via Best Buy
“Good capacity for one or two people. However, it is noisy, and you cannot choose the water level. Each setting has a built in water level. It takes a while to learn how to use this washer. The dryer is ok.” —Adnil43 via Best Buy
Best Stackable Washer Dryer for Commercial Use
- Type: Laundry center
- Washer Capacity: 3.1 cubic feet
- Dryer Capacity: 6.7 cubic feet
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Yes
What We Like
This high-quality unit comes with a factory-installed coin drop box, allowing for pricing flexibility. It uses microprocessor controls, so users can fully customize wash and dry cycles.
It comes with a high-efficiency washing system that uses an agitator to reduce energy usage without sacrificing performance. The dryer also includes high-speed extraction with speeds up to 1,000 RPM, which helps reduce drying time. Another feature we liked from this ENERGY STAR-certified product was its super cycle feature, which offers three extra minutes of washing time.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who reviewed this product like that it is easy to use, is made with durable materials, and takes up minimal space. However, we noted that at least one customer claims this machine’s washer is off-balance.
“I purchased two of these for a small apartment building. They are great, and the tenants like them also. Easy to program, they have doors like a volkswagon.” —1234 via Best Buy
“Only had a few weeks, but the machines are easy to install and take up minimal space. It’s working great so far.” —Petr via Best Buy
“The only complaint I have is that it seems to have a balance issue on the washer side. Any load big or small makes the machine shake. And the coin box is rather stiff to put back in. But it is quiet compared to the unit it replaced.” —mkott via Best Buy
Best Energy Efficient Stackable Washer Dryer
- Type: Stand-alone
- Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
- Dryer Capacity: 7.3 cubic feet
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Yes
What We Like
This washer’s convenience really makes it stand out. We love its 12-hour fresh spin option, which helps reduce wrinkles by allowing you to run additional tumbling for up to 12 hours when you can’t immediately transfer clothes to the dryer. Additionally, it comes with useful features such as a quick-wash cycle, cycle memory, and an internal heater that increases water temperature when dealing with tough stains.
The dryer comes with 7.3 cubic feet of capacity and has a quick dry cycle option. Its wrinkle-prevention cycle allows for additional tumbles after the cycle has concluded, and it uses advanced moisture sensing to monitor the water level and temperature.
What Customers Are Saying
This washer is popular among customers because of its energy-efficient design and high efficiency. The separate dryer receives positive reviews for its fast-drying capabilities. However, some customers find the washer to be overly loud, and others feel the dryer doesn’t always completely dry clothes when a load is completed.
“I’m very happy to have switched to a front load washing machine. The saving of water is a big deal to me, and the results are even better than I have before. The price was a little more than what I wanted to spend, but the performance, quality, and the results that I get make it worth it.” —Dasame via Best Buy
“I absolutely love my new Maytag washer and dryer! It’s energy efficient. It’s very easy to use, and it’s the perfect size to handle large loads of clothes for my family of 7! This was my first large appliance purchase and I couldn’t be happier!!” —CamilleG via Best Buy
“This washer is good for light loads, but when you wash heavy loads such as a little throw rug with a towel it is really loud and shakes a lot when spinning out. Sounds like a plane about to take off! Shook so much that it moved a little.” —NancyC via Best Buy
What to Look For in a Stackable Washer-Dryer
While stackable washer-dryers are an efficient way to get your laundry done, there are some important things you should keep in mind before choosing the best model for your needs. Here are the top factors to consider when buying a stackable washer-dryer.
- Capacity: No matter what type of washer and dryer set you purchase, capacity should be one of the first factors you consider. Think about how often you do laundry and how big your family is. If you will be running multiple loads a day, focus on larger sets with at least four cubic feet of washer space and seven cubic feet of dryer space.
- Design: While you should generally consider effectiveness over design, you still want your washer-dryer to fit aesthetically in your home. Several models, such as the LG Smart Load Washer and Electric Dryer WashTower, come in multiple color options to best match your style.
- Dimensions and installation: Measure the space where the washer-dryer hookup is in your home to ensure you find a stackable unit that will fit properly. When it comes time to install it, make sure the necessary stacking kit and hardware are included unless you are planning on getting the unit professionally installed.
- Energy efficiency: Finding a stackable washer-dryer that’s ENERGY STAR certified will help reduce water usage and your electric bill.
- Features: When buying a new washer and dryer, consider what extra features mean the most to you. Some have a wide variety of cycle options, while others include Wi-Fi connectivity and other smart capabilities that allow you to control the unit via your smartphone. Others have features such as quick-wash and quick-dry cycles, sensor drying, self-cleaning capabilities, temperature control, and more.
- Noise level: If your stackable washer-dryer is in your bedroom or close to your living room area, vibration and noise level could be a significant factor, as stackable units are more prone to loud vibration than side-by-side units. Look for models that have vibration reduction technology or some other form of vibration control to help reduce the overall noise level.
- Type: The majority of stackable units will be front-load washers and dryers, meaning the door will open outwards, allowing you to place your clothes directly inside. However, if you prefer a top-load washer, there are stackable units known as laundry centers that configure their setups for top-loading.
Our Recommendation
When choosing a stackable washer and dryer for your needs, consider how often you do laundry, how much space you have, and what the most important features are to you. Overall, our top choices are the Samsung High Efficiency Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer for stand-alone units and the LG Smart Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer WashTower for those who prefer an all-in-one laundry center. Both of these models have large-capacity washers and dryers and several unique features that help them stand out from the competition.
Stackable Washer-Dryers FAQ
What’s the difference between laundry center models and standable models?
A stackable unit that is labeled as a “laundry center” is one unit that has a washer and dryer combined that are already stacked on top of one another. These models are efficient and prevent you from having to purchase separate stacking materials, but they are less flexible and typically have a smaller capacity.Stand-alone stackable units can be purchased separately or together but will require stacking hardware to be stacked on top of one another. However, the benefit of buying a separate washer and dryer is that it gives you the option to separate them if you ever decide to change your layout. Additionally, separate models typically have a higher capacity than laundry centers.
Do stackable washer dryers require a separate vent?
Just like stand-alone dryers, stackable dryer units need to be vented to the outside to allow heat and moisture to escape. However, you can purchase a ventless dryer that catches materials in a chamber that needs to be regularly emptied.
Where can I install a stackable washer-dryer?
Stackable washer-dryers can be installed anywhere as long as there is a water source for the washer and a vent for the dryer. However, because of their limited footprint, they’re most useful in small spaces such as closets, apartments, kitchens, or small laundry rooms.
Can stackable washer-dryers ever be separated?
If you buy a laundry-center unit, you won’t be able to separate the dryer and washer units. However, if you buy a separate washer and dryer and then use stacking hardware to put them together, you can always decide to remove them and use the appliances as stand-alone, side-by-side units.
How We Chose the Top Stackable Washer Dryers
Over the years, our team has vetted thousands of products to help you select the top stackable washer dryers for your home. We update our data points and review content regularly to account for shifts in customer consensus, product availability, new releases, and overall quality.
To steer the product selection process, our reviewers conduct detailed research that focuses on several key factors:
- Brand research: We cast a wide net by first looking at the latest, most reputable models available through trusted retailers.
- Ratings: We then scope our list down to products with a high number of verified-buyer reviews and average customer rating between four and five stars.
- Expert and consumer insights: Next, we look at what independent product testers, subject matter experts, and other publications have to say about each model we review.
- User needs: Finally, we compare each item’s features, specs, and warranty information to find a best-in-class option for every type of consumer and price point.