Software
Houzz Logo Print
annemarie29_gw

very tight space in old home need stackable

17 years ago

I have a very tight space where I am going to try and fit a stackable w/d for the upstairs. In the garage I will have a bigger unit. Any suggestions on small units that work well. Need to keep depth low as possible.

Comments (4)

  • 17 years ago

    How deep is the space? Frigidaire makes stackable front loaders that will fit in a standard size closet. See their web site for more information on sizes.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Frigidaire

  • 17 years ago

    In the space you described, does it has a exhaust for vent? I wasn't sure given that your description sounded like this space was reclaimed from another purposed. If not, you might need to look into a condenser dryer. This won't require a vent exhaust but it takes a lot longer to dry (like 2x).

    Miele has stack-able units. Kind of pricey

  • 17 years ago

    Asko also makes smaller-size stackables that hold as much as a typical large capacity TL. They also make, or used to, a condenser dryer, though they are not as efficient as direct exhaust dryers (they make those, too.) Condenser dryers, which because of their adaptability to non-standard spaces, seem to find themselves in laundry rooms made from closets. This is not always a good thing, because condenser dryers really work best with unfettered access to fresh room air to operate as efficiently as possible. My own (ASKO) condenser dryer is in a very large room, and on some days it performs even less efficiently than normal when it certain room air temperature and humidity parameters are reached. They'd be reached much more quickly in a smaller, less-ventilated space like a closet.

    OTOH, Asko, which has a unique type of suspension, seems to perform better than some other brands when installed on second floors of old houses. I have both Miele and Asko machines installed side by side and the ASKO has less case vibration than the Mieles.

    I don't want to leave you with the impression that I only recommend ASKO for second floor installations. Both Bosch and Miele make similar machines, but at least some people have had vibration problems (perhaps due to unresolved installation issues, as well) in second-story installations. My own machines have always been on concrete floors so I have no personal info on that, other than observing my machines, all correctly installed, side by side.

    One other advantage of ASKO machines is that they need only have a cold water plumbed in as they heat all their own water during the cycle. On older models of Miele machines (mine for instance) it is possible to jury-rig a satisfactory cold water only feed, but I am not sure about Bosch or the newer Mieles. Not having to run a new, long hot water line is some savings.

    It is offset by the need for a 220V service, but you were likely to have to have one anyway since most closet-installed dryers are electric, not gas, because of gas ventilation issues. And all of these brands/models (Asko, Miele, Bosch) require only one 220V service line as the washers and dryers are interconnected and fed from the same plug.

    As for sizes, I think ASKO now makes a stackable 220v model that handles 13 lbs of dry laundry. To assess this for your own use, try weighing a couple baskets of laundry the way you are now sorting it. If your typical loads are now 13 lbs, or less, you'd need no change in your regimen to adapt to a FL. (The machines look small, but hold a quite surprising amount.)

    HTH,

    Molly

  • 17 years ago

    Compactappliances.com have many WD models in many sizes, you can check them out. It gives you an idea before you spend money.

Sponsored
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Average rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars35 Reviews
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations