Stackable Washer/Dryer Combos are becoming the normal type of washers and dryers to purchase for many renters and homeowners alike. It used to be whenever you bought a washer and dryer you would buy a top loading model for a washer and front loader for your dryer. However, new front loading models are offering better energy, water efficiency, and treatment of garments when compared to top loading models.
Stackable washers and dryers offer one of the best energy and space efficiencies. This type of unit is great for anyone who does not have a large home or apartment. Most of the these are front loading, which means that they use gravity to agitate your clothes instead of a tumbler used in traditional washers. You may wonder why this is important. Front loaders use gravity to put less wear and tear on your clothes, which means that they will last longer than if they were washed in a traditional unit.
Prices for this type of unit are often cheaper than many standard units that are sold individually. The disadvantages to stackables are that many have one component that is made of a higher quality than another. For example, you may have a unit that has a great dryer, but the washing unit breaks down or has other issues. And, vise-versa, you may have a great working dryer but a pesky washer. Some people have rigged up their own unit to avoid this exact issue. What they do is purchase front loading models of each and make their own unit, one on top of the other. This only works when the controls are positioned correctly, and if a support structure can be implemented so that it doesn't tip over. While many of these units are great for saving space, they do not have anywhere near the features that a traditional unit does. This is due to the tight constraints that they have to be built in.
Stackable washers and dryers are great for anyone who lives in a small home, apartment, or house with a small laundry room. However, they are not for everyone. They do have some drawbacks; they do not have anywhere near the wide selection of features that regular features, the loads may be smaller, and you may have issues with one part of the unit or another. They also may not be built to the same standard as regular side-by-side models. Always make sure to shop around before purchasing any appliance. Stackables are like most other types of appliances, you get what you pay for.