Why Should I Consider a Stacked Laundry Center?
There are several reasons that a laundry room stacked washer and dryer is a good consideration.
Space Savers
Stacked laundry centers are big space savers. By having a washer and dryer stacked on top of one another, you're using half the floor space. This is especially useful for people that live in small homes, condos, apartments, RVs and mobile homes. If you'd prefer to have your washer and dryer in the primary bedroom closet, using a stacked laundry center is also a good choice.
Energy Savings
The majority of stacked laundry centers are front-load. Front-load washers typically use less water than a top-load washer, saving you on water and energy bills.
Easy Accessibility
By having a stacked laundry center, the dryer is at a comfortable height, making loading and unloading clothes, sheets and towels an easier task. It's great for those with mobility issues because you're not bending or crouching, putting less strain on your knees and back.
By freeing up floor space with a stacked unit, there's room to install a small sink, a folding table or cabinets and shelving to store laundry supplies.
How to Measure For a Stacked Laundry Center
Before you purchase a stacked laundry center, you'll need to ensure they'll fit in your closet or laundry room. Measure the space, so that you can determine the dimensions and capacity of your unit.
Dimensions
A typical stacked washer and dryer height is 74 inches. Therefore, we recommend placing in a location with 8-foot tall ceilings. Overall, a standard laundry center is 27 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 74 inches high. But you may require a laundry center that's larger or smaller than this. The measurements range from:
Width: 23.5 - 27.25 inches
Depth: 21.85 - 34.44 inches
Height: 60 - 76.25 inches
Capacity
Do you have a large household that does a lot of laundry? Or are you a single dweller that does a couple of loads a week? This will help you determine the capacity that's needed for your home. Washers can vary from 1-6 cubic feet. The average-sized washer is 4.5 cubic feet, which works well for a family of four.
A stacked dryer can have a capacity ranging from 3-8 cubic feet. The average dryer has a capacity of 7.4 cubic feet.
How to Measure
Using a tape measure, determine the width, depth and height of the area where you plan on placing the stacked laundry center. If you're putting a laundry center in a closet, we recommend that it's at least 5 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It's also important to take the closet door into account, so that it can easily open and close. Sliding doors or doors that swing open work the best.
To ensure there's room for plugs and hoses, leave at least four inches of space between the laundry center and the back wall. Allow at least an inch on each side for ventilation.
Stacked Laundry Center Features
Our laundry centers have numerous smart technology and energy-saving features. We'll explain some of the features and benefits when deciding on the best stacked laundry center for your home.
Washer and Dryer Features
Colors
If you'd like to match your washer and dryer to your laundry room -- or if you're just looking for a pop of color -- choose from silver, gray, black stainless steel, red, green or white.
Energy Savings
By selecting an Energy Star Certified washer and dryer, you can save energy and money on your electricity or gas bills.
ADA Compliant
If a washer and dryer is ADA compliant, it'll include controls, bleach compartments, detergent compartments and doors that are within easy reach using one hand.
Smart Technology
Control your laundry remotely from your phone. The app will also send alerts and maintenance reminders.
Additional Washer Features
Steam Cycle
Some washers have a steam cycle that can remove over 95% of dust and pet dander.
Sanitizer
A sanitize washer setting can remove bacteria from your clothing, sheets and towels.
Additional Dryer Features
Interior Light
A light helps to quickly identify the articles that are dry and can be removed.
LP Convertible
If a gas dryer is labeled LP convertible, it can be converted for liquid propane gas. This will require an LP conversion kit.
Dryer Sensors
Some dryers can detect moisture and automatically adjust the drying time, saving energy with less wear on your clothes.
Instant Refresh
For lightly-worn clothes that need a quick refresh, there's a dryer setting that can remove wrinkles and refresh clothing in just ten minutes.
Connections and Installation
Power Source
Stacked laundry centers are available in gas or electric models. There are pros and cons to each. Typically, electric models are easy to install and less expensive than gas models, but the operating costs are higher. Electric dryers come in vented or ventless models.
Gas models can be more expensive to install and repair, but they cost significantly less to operate in the long run. Gas washers and dryers have faster drying times and can heat up water quicker than electric models. However, you'll need a gas hookup and it needs to be vented your home's exterior.
Installation
Electric washers and dryers are relatively easy to install. But it's highly recommended that you hire a professional to install gas stacked laundry centers.
If you don't already have a gas line to your home, we recommend purchasing electric appliances.
However, if you plan on staying in your home for more than five years, installing a gas line and using gas appliances could be more cost effective in the long run.
Call your local gas company for questions about professional installation and utility rates in your area.
Are you ready to purchase a stacked laundry center? Lowe's can take away your old washer and dryer and install the new ones. Learn more.
Additional Small Space Options
Laundry Stacking Kits
Rather than purchasing a new stacked laundry center, it's possible to stack your existing side-by-side washer and dryer. Stacking a washer and dryer can only be done with front-load washers and dryers. Most major laundry brands offer a stacking kit for some of their products. Check to see if your current brand and model can be stacked. If it can, then purchase a kit to safely secure your dryer to the top of the washer.
All-In-One Washers and Dryers
If you have a very small home, apartment or RV, consider an all-in-one washer-dryer combo. These small but mighty appliances can wash and dry in one unit, saving you the hassle of transferring clothes. Most normal loads can be washed and dried in two hours. They also have many of the same features that larger individual units have including smart technology, a sanitizing feature, allergen and pet hair removal cycles and more.