Stackable washers and dryers are quickly becoming the most popular option for customers shopping
for a new set of laundry.
In this video, we'll explain why they're so popular and give you 6 quick tips to help
you make the right buying decision.
Hi this is John with Designer Appliances in Bedminster New Jersey.
Everyday we help customers like you pick the right appliance
for their homes.
Stackable washer and dryer sets are an increasingly popular option for home
owner.
Many brands now allow you to vertically stack their models instead of arranging them
side-by-side.
There is no shortage of options when it comes to brands or price points.
But what benefits can stacking offer and what do you need
know before purchasing a set?
So why choose stackable in the first place?
You either don’t have a choice with the amount
of space available in your home or you have the room but want to maximize your storage
and organization capability.
If you’re watching this video, you obviously fall into one of these
categories but if you’re worried about vertical stacking being a complicated or costly process,
let’s set your fears to rest.
The only parts involved are a front-loading dryer, front-loading
washer, and a stacking kit.
This kit, generally sold separately, secures the two machines
together safely.
You should never try to stack your washer and dryer without a stacking kit.
Even minimal vibrations could cause them to shift,
resulting in the top machine falling off and damaging itself, your home, and potentially
you or your family.
Also, the washer always goes to the bottom in a stacked arrangement
since its much heavier than the dryer, making it a
more secure, sturdy foundation.
As for installing your stackable set, it’s the same as side by side.
You’ll need a standard 110 volt connection for the washer plus a water line
and drain.
The dryer will either use gas or a 220 volt electric connection.
Some dryers offer a steam feature, but these units generally require
an additional y-adapter and a water line that will allow them to share a water supply line
with the washer.
If you're looking for the bare minumum in terms of installation requirements, our top
recommended set from Miele is the only set on the market that can run the dryer and washer
on a single 120V outlet and it doesn't require a vent to the outside.
Now let’s go over our 6 quick tips to help you select the right washer and dryer set
for your home.
Number one, measure your space.
You may be surprised how many consumers forget about
this step, assuming every washer and dryer will fit since their last set did.
So make sure to measure height, width and depth of the space
you have before you purchase.
Pay special attention to the depth since this is the most overlooked dimension and leads
to the most problems, especially in closet installations.
Also, if you have a stairwell, make sure the width of the stairwell including the handrails
can accomodate the size of the units, otherwise there may be delivery issues.
Number two, double check the height.
Remember, you’ll have to reach any controls on the top
of your dyer, so make sure the shortest person in your household can access these buttons
as well.
Number three, know your dryer.
There are various types of dryers available based on how
they’re powered and how they vent heat.
Gas dryers use gas to power their functions, while electrically powered dryers will use
a 220V connection, with the exception of the Miele we mentioned earlier that runs on 110V.
Vented dryers connect using a vent duct to move air from your laundry space to the outside.
Ventless dryers are typically seen in apartments that do not have direct access to be able
to vent to the outside.
They use a condenser to get rid of excess moisture, and do not require a vent
or connection hose.
Ideally, you’ll want to go with a vented dryer because they’re easier to find
and do a better job of drying your clothes quickly
and effectively.
If you have to get a ventless dryer, look for one based on heat pump drying technology
which is also ventless but offers better energy usage and drying performance than condensating
dryers due to the efficiency of their design.
Number four, get prepped.
Save yourself trouble by purchasing ALL the parts you’ll need before
you install, for example a set of two intake water hoses (hot and cold), a dryer vent kit,
a 220V electric cord or gas line, and a y-adapter and extra water line if you purchased a steam
dryer.
Number five, don’t forget the hinges.
Take note of the direction your washer and dryer doors open.
Some come with reversible hinges customizable to your space but some don’t.
In particular, dryer doors are almost always reversible while washer doors are almost never
reversible.
Regardless, you’ll need to make sure you can load and unload your laundry comfortably
so if hinge location is important for your installation, make sure the units you choose
are compatible.
And last tip, number six - lose the pedestals.
If you had pedestals for your side by side washer
and dryer, you won’t need them for your stacked set.
Mainly because it would stack too high for normal reach.
We hope this video has given you a starting point to finding the best stackable washer
and dryer for your home.
If you have any questions, comment below, give us a call, browse our website or
visit one of our showrooms in Bedminster or Montclair NJ.
Thanks for watching!
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