When stacking does it matter which is on top?

8 years ago

So in my laundry update it will give me a lot more storage and the ability to have some countertop for folding if I stack the washe/dryer. Because of the existing location of the vent it makes sense to have the dryer on the bottom. It is a log cabin so cutting holes in walls, especially exterior is not advisable.

To me it seems like taking wet clothes from above and putting them below would be easier. I checked out an Electrolux set that I liked, and I had no trouble reaching all the way into get clothes out of the upper unit. The controls are a bit high but I could do it. At least the controls don’t angle back like on the Samsung units.

I think the biggest problem with having the washer on the top is that the detergent dispenser is out of range. But I use the pods, so I just throw those in the drum with the clothes. I use bleach maybe once a year as I’m highly allergic to it.

Here’s the plan if I do stacked,

Here is the Electrolux set.

Featured Answer

armjim

8 years ago

Annette: The washer is too heavy to sit on top of the dryer-it would be unsafe. One of the experts here will elaborate. I think the general construction of a dryer would not support the weight of the washer, particularly with water and wet laundry inside of the washer. Also, since the washer is going to go into a high spin speed, that could be deadly. I am not sure bolting them to the wall would help.

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Comments (9)

cooper8828
8 years ago
I agree with armjim. Mine are stacked and the dryer vent goes into the floor - it was that way when we bought the house. It works fine with a longer vent hose, for me.
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dadoes
8 years ago
The washer must be on the bottom. You won't find any installation servicers who would do otherwise. Stacking kits to anchor the machines together are designed as such. The washer is much heavier with concrete ballast blocks and generates forces during spin such that it's not safe to be on top.
Annette Holbrook(z7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
So my vent hose would go straight down from the back and then a 90 degree turn to run behind cabinets to exterior wall.
enduring
8 years ago
Annette, yes. You need to be able to access the vent duct for maintenance, without taking the set out from the wall.

Moving clothes from below to above is not an issue. I have 3 stacked sets. If the laundry is heavy unload to a basket and then take pieces out of the basket to the dryer. A basket at the washer always helps from clothing falling to the ground.

Last, what size are those sets? I'm looking at your other thread, and thinking about your layout.
ci_lantro
8 years ago
Annette, a side venting dryer would work best for that set-up. Make sure side venting is an option on the machine you purchase.
Annette Holbrook(z7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
The units I’m looking at are 27” wide by 38” high by 32” deep. The vent is dead center bottom of dryer.
dadoes
8 years ago
I assume you mean back of the dryer, not bottom. Bottom would be a problem when it's sitting atop a washer. Check the installation instructions. Many can be adjusted for side-venting.
Annette Holbrook(z7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
I mean it’s center on back down at floor level, not on the bottom, sorry.