What is in that ledge that is the issue? If nothing then remove it and you will space for whatever you choose. If that is not possible get a stacking apartment sized front loading washer . I think moving the gas line might be abig deal in a condo Go to AJ Madison it is a great place to compare sizes easily LG makes a smaller washer and dryer front load washer and BTW front loads old a lot of stuff much better than a top load and they aslo spin out better so the dryer can easily handle the load.

Thanks! That is our first though is to knock out that ledge which is just drywall. The issue is still going to be the gas line though, wonder if we can push it back a few inches?

Agree you don't want anything sticking out into the hall.

Knock out the ledge if possible and install stacking full sized W/D. If gas line is issue, with the stacking units, just moving it a few inches to the right will keep it clear of the washer and that should be extremely easy to do (and I'd argue, minor enough not to alert the HOA--just use a licensed plumber).

If the gas line is an insurmountable obstacle, switch to electric dryer, as long as you have amperage/circuits to spare--the Feds are coming for your gas appliances anyway :-)

If you can stack, you actually will have a lot of usable space--could put in a counter for folding with hamper underneath, shelving above for supplies, etc.

Appreciate those ideas!

There are compact machines on the market -- Miele comes to mind. I would consider a ventless dryer and get rid of the whole vent issue altogether; but, they're electric, not gas, so you do have to ensure your electrical panel can accommodate that. I would also consider front-loaders for both machines, that way you can run a nice countertop right across the top of both machines and have a lot of useable counter space for folding or whatnot. Or stacking, but personally that would be my 2nd choice, you will get more useable counterspace if you don't stack, and you wouldn't have to forgo shelving or cabinetry on the walls if you do both top-loaders with a span of countertop over them.

@mxk3 z5b_MI: Regarding compact Mieles, I would want to know if the OP's budget will cover these pricey units--I'm seeing W/D combos running from around $3K up to $10K or more. Ventless dryers are also pricey--starting at around $1K up to more than double that. And we can argue all the pros and cons of ventless, but for me, with multiple loads of laundry on the floor, a 2 hour dry cycle would drive me nuts.

As for the stacking vs side by side configuration--it is true that SxS will allow a full width countertop. But remember that this counter will be a full 30" deep, making it impossible to reach any storage above the counter without using a stepladder (I can vouch for that from personal expernience). In contrast, stacking the units will allow you to install a narrower counter, but at a standard 24" counter depth, with easily accessed storage below the counter, and much more easily accessed upper cabs or shelves. To me that's the more useful option.

GE makes a stacking set that can also be installed unstacked. It is a 24" frontload washer and 24" frontload dryer (available gas or electric). I bought it for a rental I own that has a very small closet for laundry. Although a stacker, the interior capacity on both is not as small as some stackers. I got them both last year for $1600 during a sale at Lowes.

Thanks for your supplying lots of details and pictures with your question.

This is a shout-out to the hometown appliance stores that are quickly becoming extinct. I know that the one in our town could probably give you three viable options with the info you provided They know it all and have seen it all! I love the big-box stores for some things, but when it comes to appliances, I try to always give the local shop my business.

Wait, wait, wait, you are missing the most obvious. The easiest solution is to purchase a new washer and use your current dryer. Dyers typically last longer than washers and there is no reason you have to have matching ones or buy a pair at the same time. Perhaps your dyer will last another 2-5 years, by which time there could be new dyers on the market that will fit your space better. Your situation begs a new phrase: Don't open a new can of worms before they hatch.

Thanks for all these suggestions over the past few days! Completely agree that local stores are becoming extinct, and we'll try to stop in to see what options they have.

• Miele is indeed out of our budget. Miele and Speed Queen come so highly rated and recommended, but sounds like completely worth the investment!
• Love the idea of extra counter space with either front load or stackables
• We don't love the idea of downsizing to 24' stackables. We would consider full-size stackable, but most of those also are 30 inches so we'll have to find 1-2 inches in depth regardless for that space
• Replacing only the washer... we were worried about if we were to sell down the road. We're starting to realize people don't care (I think), so this is a very viable option!

Thanks for all the advice!

Have you thought about full size stacked turned sideways?

I want to caution you against changing the doors (though it seems as though that is off the table). Our laundry room is just off the kitchen, at the edge of the great room. There is a solid door to the laundry, so with the door closed, we can barely hear the machines from the living room. Door open is another story! having a good door is the difference between having a conversation in the living room or not.

We actually have not thought about a full size stacked turned sideways - such a simple, but good idea!

Agreed, my partner thought about taking off doors... and replacing with curtains but I nixed that idea... the machines are downstairs in our 2nd living room (we don't use much), but noise travels around our place.