Stackable washers and dryers are independent appliances that can be installed separately, side by side, or stacked using a kit provided by the manufacturer so that the dryer rests on top of the washer. They’re not to be confused with laundry centers—a single, compact space-saving tower housing both a washer and dryer—that you see in many apartment buildings and condos.
Stackable washers are almost always full-sized front-loaders, or front-load compacts that manufacturers design to work with a specific dryer. But not every washer or dryer is stackable. The lid of top-load machines (both agitator washers and HE washers), for example, typically prevents dryers from being stacked above them. Front-load washers with control panels mounted on top of the machine can’t be stacked, either. Only front-load machines with touchpad or dial control panels on the front of the washer can be stacked.
Stackable machines typically have similar cycles for optimized performance. So if the washer has a wrinkle-free or delicate cycle, the dryer will as well. Some communicate with each other as well. For example, GE and LG offer some front-loaders with intelligent stacking kits that allow you to control both wash and dry cycles from the washer control panel. This is convenient if you have trouble reaching the higher dryer controls.
“Compatibility is really important because the stack kit can only work with the compatible washer and dryer, and some features, like Dryer Control, can only work between a compatible pair,” says Chris Naber, senior director of product management for clothes care at GE Appliances. “Beyond space savings, there are no differences between stacking units and using them side by side.”
