Solution to the "duet" problem

4 years ago

In case anyone else has "stupidly" installed and built in a front-load duet washer/dryer and found that if the washer has problems or "breaks" it's not easy to get repairs because it requires two people to service the machine. First, I would suggest that ANYONE and EVERYONE planning to do a built-in duet consider this simple option. Build a table OVER the washer so the washer can be moved independently and does not require moving the dryer off before the washer can be serviced.

I learned this lesson too late; and the only way I could save a very expensive rebuild was to buy a smaller 2.2 cu. ft. washer/dryer combo and build the table over the smaller washer prior to new installation. I would have had to remodel the entire area in order to fit another 4 cu. ft. set. Here is the "before" photo with my original duet and the "after" with the new smaller 2.2 and the table above it.

Again, if you are thinking about a washer/dryer duet - rethink....separate them with a table!!! tj

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Comments (13)

suezbell
4 years ago
Well done. Excellent advise.

Not sure I'd want straw baskets directly atop the dryer. You might at least check to see how hot the top gets after a longer drying time.
Terry Joiner
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks, I will check; but, normally not much heat comes out of these machines...goes out the vent. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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Suki Mom
4 years ago
Oh my, what a headache. good that you figured out a cost effective solution.
Terry Joiner
Original Author
4 years ago
Washer did a fine job when it worked; but, it used to drive me crazy because I had to reboot all the time. It was so hard to get a service date when 2 men were needed to do the dryer lifting. So, yes, I'm quite proud of myself for figuring this out. I'm not sure why anyone would ever, ever want to stack these machines as they are no longer built to last.....as many of you know.
dadoes
4 years ago
This is a factor for any stacked washer/dryer set. Your original installation wasn't as bad as some situations that have the machines nestled tightly into a recessed space or obstructed by surrounding fixtures.
Terry Joiner
Original Author
4 years ago
Actually, this should be something that is written as "cautionary" message on every duet set sold. DO NOT INSTALL in a tight space or if you want high-priced repair bills."" It looks great when it's built in; but, is really a stupid thing to do with today's ornery appliances.
dadoes
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You keep referencing Duet, which is a Whirlpool marketing label that I don't think they use any longer. The situation is not specific to that brand/model. It affects all models of stackable frontloaders from all brands.
Terry Joiner
Original Author
4 years ago
I totally agree. My comments apply to ALL stackable washer/dryer sets. People should think twice before "stacking" their BUILT-IN appliances.
vinmarks
4 years ago
How do people use the controls on the dryer with these stacked units? It is so high up. My daughter has an all in one apartment size top load washer with dryer on top in her apartment. The controls are below the dryer door. When I visit and do laundry I can reach the controls but I can not see if everything is out of the dryer. I have to feel around. With the front load stacked units the dryer would not even be useable to me without a ladder.
Terry Joiner
Original Author
4 years ago
I have no problem with controls or emptying dryer and I'm only 5'3"...that being said the "all in one" has it's own problems in that, I believe, the dryer can only take 120 (same as washer) and it takes forever for things to dry. But, again, I do not recommend stacking a front load washer and dryer, period! That's why I am recommending that people sit the dryer on a table above the washer if they like the look of a stack. It was a stupid thing to do having dryer sit directly on top of washer.
vinmarks
4 years ago
@Terry Joiner I think your table idea between units is smart if you have to stack. Having had to pull our front load dryer out to replace heating element and pull our front load washer out to do something with the water supply I would never stack units. I didn’t think people stacked units because they like the look of them. I always thought it was because of space contraints but maybe I am wrong,

I have never used front load stackables but when I see pictures of them the controls just look too high for me. I am only 5 ft.

This is the unit my daughter has in her apartment, The clothes do not take any longer to dry than my Electrolux front load but they are much smaller loads. I can not see over the rim below the dryer door if there are any smaller articles of clothing still left in there.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Electric-Stacked-Laundry-Center-with-1-6-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Dryer-White/1000401125?cm_mmc=shp--c--prd--app--ggl--PLA_APP_174_Laundry--1000401125--online--0-_-0&ds_rl=1286890&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwqCOBhCdARIsAEPyW9kJQ00oNKqXvHdGzOe9yXjlNrq4PKmWjWjudpoUfxm20dYu5Tpu4eIaAqEJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
dadoes
4 years ago
There are unitary-stacked models available for both 120v and 240v power.
chispa
4 years ago
We know washer and dryers have gotten bulky over the years, yet most designs seem to be scaled to older smaller machines. I am building and even though I thought we were leaving extra space, If I could turn the clock back, I would add another 2 feet width to my laundry room. Probably doesn't help that I added a fridge to this room too and those also stick out!