Creative compact washer-dryer installation?

7 years ago

So we are nearing the deadline when we have to tell our contractor what we want to do about our terrible laundry closet. As previously posted here (ad nauseam) it is a small space inside a guest bath tucked behind solid oak doors, and we are stuck with it. Ideally, I would like to stack a 24” compact set. We were looking at the GE, because we do have a vent, and GE makes the only 24” vented dryer. But the Bosch set is so much better.

So, two questions:

Can I stack a GE dryer on top of a Bosch washer?

Alternately, could I retrofit my dryer vent with some sort of exhaust fan I could use to help pull out the Bosch dryer’s heat in the summer? This house is in the Blue Ridge, so most of the year, we would welcome any heat and any moisture we could get. But in July-September it would be nice to have a vent we could switch on. Right now I have a fantastic in-line FanTech booster in the attic which speeds my drying, so I was thinking maybe of something similar to that. Or just a regular bathroom exhaust fan mounted on the wall?

Thanks in advance for any creative ideas.

Featured Answer

hcbm

7 years ago

I'll post a picture when I get home, but my stacked set is in the tiniest laundry closet I've ever seen. It works perfectly. It happens to be vented through the ceiling. However, on the first floor of my 5 story building there are no vents and those units have either stacked non-vented machines or combo machines. No one has any issues. And my unit happens to be in the entrance of the apartment others are in the bathrooms. No issues. Over the years as washers have broken several people have stacked dryers on top of different manufactures' machines. Some have built a shelf, most haven't. No issues.

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Comments (14)

rococogurl
7 years ago
If you are worried about residual heat from a non-vented dryer I think it is overthink. No big deal unless you are living in a studio apartment. The closet door needs to be left open.
dan1888
7 years ago
No problem stacking. Also look at Miele for the washer. I have a different gas dryer on top of my Miele. Be sure and perfectly level both ways the washer to get a vibration free spin cycle.
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MizLizzie
Original Author
7 years ago
Roc, the situation is so awkward I can’t leave the door open. Thus my pondering a way to use the existing dryer vent to draw off some heat. You go in the guest bath and must shut that door behind you to open the bifold to the laundry closet. It folds open behind the entrance door. To leave the room, you must shut the bifold. How the previous owner raised three kids in that house I will never know.
MizLizzie
Original Author
7 years ago
Eventually I will get my dream laundry back, but have to wait on the housing crash (which is coming) to find contractors. Our current guy could only to the main floor, time wise. We have finally persuaded him to install us a hookup in the basement for our big Speed Queen stack. But I don’t really want, at my age, to ALWAYS haul laundry down two flights of stairs.
hcbm
7 years ago
As promised here is a photo of my laundry closet.

As you can see I must take the door down to service the machines. I also included a water shut off alarm in case of a leak and manual electronic shut off valves. They are turned off every time I am finished doing the laundry. It has been this way for 13 years with no issues. I would change the doors to your laundry closet or cut off an inch from both the bottom and top and cal it a day. And yes, I think you can just add a bathroom type fan to vent the closet.
hcbm
7 years ago
Oh I forgot I run the dryer with the door closed all the time with no issues.
wdccruise
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
GE GNW128SSMWW with GE DSKS433EBWW vented dryer stacked above. However, that's not a great dryer per anecdotal customer reviews. Alternative: LG DLEC888W (ventless) but you'd have to build a shelf above the washer for the dryer and controls would be high up.

Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/join) recently tested new Miele compact washers and dryers. Excellent performance but at least $3K for the pair plus $80 stacking kit. Ouch!

(I have the GE washer and LG dryer.)
Rolando Z
7 years ago
I'd call & check out a few appliance dealers inventory, craigslist, and even eBay. I know someone who just purchased a Brand New Miele W3038 for $1,000. It had been a floor model and was in flawless shape. Definitely worth the time to look.
MizLizzie
Original Author
7 years ago
Good ideas, all. Thanks. Love the snug laundry closet, hcbm.
MizLizzie
Original Author
7 years ago
I guess I could leave half the bifold open, and just run the bathroom fan to pull some heat out. Hmm.
rococogurl
7 years ago
The dryer needs to have some ventilation. Half the bifold with the bathroom fan should work. My new one generates much less heat than the old one.
wdccruise
7 years ago
All washers and dryers require ventilation. Before purchasing, review the installation manuals for requirements. When in a closet, doors must have vents cut into them. Ventless dryers emit a lot of moist heat into the room.
Sarah
7 years ago
FYI - asko, blomberg and samsung also make 24 inch wide vented machines