We have full-size Maytags (TL washer) stacked in a closet at our Maui condo. It's not so much that they are stacked as it is that they're in small space. There's not enough room to store detergents, hangers, etc. There's no place to spread out a garment, to fold, to treat a stain, to hang dry. There's no laundry sink.

This is OK for a vacation stay of a month. I'm glad to get home to my laundry room.

I have Kenmore Trio's for about 4 years. They squeak during the washers fastest spin cycle and the vibration transmits through the floor. Other than that I like them quite well. Good capacity but don't believe you can wash 16 pairs of jeans at a time. The washer needs to have the door left open after use otherwise they might smell a little funky.

If the laundry is essentially a nook with room only for the machines [and hopefully, a little storage for detergent and bleach] I don't think there's anything wrong with a stacked pair. It might even be a better use of the space.

But since this is the new house forum, I have to say I think it's a mistake to deliberately design such a small area for such a major task in the modern home. I've lived in that sort of house, and always hated it when the kitchen was full of wash day clutter. Made it hard to cook, uncomfortable if people dropped by, and always made the kitchen hot and steamy.

I have full size Whirlpool Duets, and they are stacked. I have what most people would consider a large laundry room, so it's not for lack of space reasons. I purchased this set a few years ago, when we were living in out last house (which also had a giant laundry room 9x18.) When the set was delivered, I had it installed unstacked. I didn't like it at all. I think I lived with it unstacked for about a month. The large size front loaders are absolute space hogs, physically and visually. It's all I saw when I looked in that space.

When designing my new house, I intentionally planned to restack the units. I don't have any problems with the units shaking, or making any noises.

Note that at least with some of the units, if you stack them, you have to pull them further from the wall than if they are side by side. If you're in a tight closet, that may make a difference. Be sure to read the specification sheets before ordering/buying.

msu girl you have the laundry room of my dreams

We have a laundry closet tucked in under our stairs with stacked front-load Kenmore, can't remember the model. They are quiet, like nyc's the washer does squeak a little, but no big vibration, and I notice the same thing about leaving the washer door cracked or it gets a little funky smelling. You have to clean the seals periodically.

But it's so much better than at our last house where the laundry was in the back entry and the noise and vibration from the old top load went through the house. In general I think the front loads get the laundry cleaner, and appreciate that they use less water and soap and take less drying time.

Ideally, it would be nice to have a larger laundry space with a hanging bar and laundry sink (I miss the laundry sink most), but it's convenient and works for us. Our bedroom is just steps away so I fold on the bed and can hang everything straight into the closet. DS just went back to college so we are empty-nesters for the most part. For a large family with lots of laundry it probably wouldn't be the best set up.

Jill

If you have a break or sprain or become handicapped, you won't be able to reach the dryer.

We're planning on putting a stacked set in our main level master closet and having the primary laundry set-up on the upper level near all the kids (4 kids w/ tons of laundry). The theory being that someday we won't need the large washer/dryer and won't need to go up for laundry if we don't want/or can't make the climb. I'm hoping I like the smaller stacked setup enough that I don't end up just hauling all of it upstairs. They all just look so small.

MSU Girl - Love the your cabinets; the color is gorgeous!