If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, a stackable washer and dryer is great for getting your clothes clear. Before you purchase one, though, be sure you know what to look for in one.
The first thing you need to do is measure the available space you have in your home. This might seem obvious but because a stackable washer and dryer are more efficient about space, many people skip this step and simply assume they’ll be able to accommodate these machines.
One thing a lot of people forget about when they’re considering the size of a stackable washer and dryer is your height. You may have plenty of room to stack your two machines, but if you can’t safely access the dryer on top, you’re going to have a problem.
Therefore, just take some measurements and figure out where you can safely reach to without issue.
Next, check to see whether your dryer will need to use gas or electricity. Most homes should be able to use both.
When you have these two factors figured out, you can now begin to shop for stackable washers and dryers. Technically, any two machines can be stacked on top of one another, but that’s not necessarily going to be safe. You may know people who have been able to pull this off; be that as it may, you’re going to be better off looking for washers and dryers that are labeled “stackable” and, thus, designed for this specific purpose.
Remember that when you go to look at these machines you should practice reaching up to the dryer to ensure it’s convenient and safe to do so. Worst-case scenario, if you need to use a step stool, it’s not going to be the end of the world.
Ideally, you should look for a front-loading washer. Some of these load from the top, but front-loading machines spin faster, which cuts down on the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes.
Another feature you should look for is a dryer with a moisture sensor. That’s because it can detect how much moisture is included in every load and, thus, shut itself off when the clothes are truly dry. While this will cost you more than other dryers will, you’ll save money on your utility bill and your clothes will avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Now that you understand what to look for in a stackable washer and dryer, you should have no problem finding the perfect model for your needs.
Sources:
http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Stackable-Washer-and-Dryer