Full size front load stackable washer and dryer

When you’re short on space, there’s only one way to go, and that’s up. Stacked washing machines and dryers take up less floor space than machines that sit side-by-side, which can help them fit in a smaller laundry space. Stacked laundry machines do not have to be matching, but buying a washer and dryer as a set will ensure that they are compatible.

A front-load washing machine can be paired with either an electric dryer or a gas dryer. The dryer always goes on top because it weighs less than the washer when filled with water. Not all front-loaders are stackable, and a top-load washer can't be stacked. You’ll also need to purchase a stacking bracket kit to secure the dryer to the top of the washer. Read on for our top picks of stackable washing machines and a few suggestions for matching dryers as well.

Best Stackable Washing Machines of 2022

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 10 Year Motor, 10 Year Lifetime Tub

Warranty

1 Year Limited Parts and Labor, 10 Year Limited Drum, 10 Year Limited motor

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1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Years Drum, 10 Year Motor

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 10 Year Motor, 10 Year Lifetime Tub

Warranty

1 Year Limited Parts and Labor, 10 Year Limited Drum, 10 Year Limited motor

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Years Drum, 10 Year Motor

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Warranty

1 Year Parts and Labor, 3 Year Drum (Parts Only), 10 Year Motor (Parts Only)

Electrolux 4.4-Cubic-Foot EFLS627U Front-Load Washer

Electrolux-EFLS627  »

Best Overall Washing Machine

Price (MSRP)

$1,449

The Electrolux 4.4-Cubic-Foot EFLS627U Front-Load Washer is the No. 1 pick in our Best Washing Machines of 2022 rating. Its stackable dryer counterpart, the Electrolux 8-Cubic-Foot EFME627U Electric Dryer is also first in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2022. This laundry pair is the most energy-efficient washer and dryer set in our ratings. The front-load washer uses only 85 kWh annually, and the dryer is Energy Star-rated. Both models feature Electrolux’s Perfect Steam feature for stain removal when washing and wrinkle removal when drying. The doors on both appliances are reversible, and their 27-inch width means they’ll fit in almost any laundry space. Both appliances come in white and gray; the price for each white model is $1,449.

GE Appliance 5.0-Cubic-Foot GFW850S Front-Load Washer

GE-GFW850  »

Best Smart Washing Machine

Price (MSRP)

$1,199

GE washing machines and dryers are made in the U.S. with primarily domestically sourced parts, so that might be a big draw for this stackable pair. The GE Appliance 5.0-Cubic-Foot Smart GFW850S Front-Load Washer is second in our rating of the Best Washing Machines of 2022. The GE Appliances 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer places third in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2022 Both are “smart” machines, which means they can be controlled via your smartphone with the GE SmartHQ app. This laundry pair are both fully-featured machines with 12 cycles each. Unique features include a proprietary technology in the washer that helps prevent the odor issues so prevalent in front-load washing machines and the vent sensor in the dryer that alerts you when it senses a blockage. Prices start at $1,199 for the washer, $1,299 for the dryer.

LG 4.5-Cubic-Foot Smart WM3900H Front-Load Washer

LG-WM3900  »

Price (MSRP)

$1,199

LG’s WM3900H Front-Load Washer places third in our ratings of the Best Washing Machines of 2022 and the Best Front-Load Washers of 2022. As a closet-depth model, this washing machine will fit the majority of standard laundry spaces. This is a good choice for those with allergy-prone family members, as it features an Allergiene wash cycle that is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to remove 95% of allergens like pet dander and dust mites. It’s also Wi-Fi-enabled so you can control some functions and keep track of wash cycles from your smartphone. Available colors are black and white. The price retails about $1,200 for this washer.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer

Samsung-WF45R6100A  »

Price (MSRP)

$1,049

The Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer gets kudos from experts for its stain-removing performance thanks to an unusually broad number of wash cycles that feature steam. It ties for No. 4 in our Best Stackable Washing Machines of 2022 rating. The matching dryer, the Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer, ties for No. 5 in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2022. The dryer also has a Steam Sanitize+ setting that Samsung says eliminates 95% of pollen, 99.9% of germs, and 100% of dust mites. Another steam function, Multi-Steam, can reduce wrinkles, static, and odors. At $1,049, this washing machine is the least expensive in our Best Washing Machines rating. The dryer is the same price. Both are closet-depth, so are a good choice for a smaller laundry room or nook.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6300A Front-Load Washer

Samsung-WF45R6300A  »

Price (MSRP)

$1,049

If you have an active lifestyle, the ActiveWear cycle on the Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6300A Front-Load Washer is made to clean your sweaty workout clothes. It ties for fourth in our ratings of the Best Front Load Washers of 2022. This counter-depth laundry pair is a good choice for those who have laundry closets or nooks, because it will fit in those spaces, but both appliances are large enough to accommodate a king-size comforter. Both are Wi-Fi enabled, with smart features that allow them to be controlled from your smartphone via an app. The price is about $1,100.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45K6500AV Front-Load Washer

Samsung-WF45K6500  »

Price (MSRP)

N/A

One thing that people worry about when it comes to stackable washers and dryers is vibration and noise. The Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45K6500AV Front-Load Washer tries to mitigate those issues with its Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) Plus feature, which the manufacturer claims to reduce vibration by 40% over its regular VRT. It also features the AddWash door, which allows you to add small items through a second, smaller door within the main door. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control the washer from anywhere, as well as receive alerts and notifications. Samsung says the product is not available, but it may still be available at select retailers.

You’ll want to choose a stackable washer-dryer set in much the same way you would buy any washing machine and dryer.

1. First, consider your budget. You’re essentially buying two appliances, so take that into account, as well as any accessories you’ll need for installation, such as stacking bracket kits, water hoses, and vents.
2. Measure your available space. Most people buy stacking laundry machines because they have a smaller footprint. However, be sure you have the space to stack. For example, if you have cabinets, you have to either remove, remodel, or opt for side-by-side machines.
3. Be sure the washer and dryer are both stackable AND compatible. All stackable washing machines are front-loaders, but not all front-loaders are stackable. Be sure the washing machine you are considering can be stacked with a dryer, and be sure it can be stacked with the dryer you're considering. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase a matching washer and dryer set.

Beyond those basics, you’ll want to be sure that both the washer and the dryer have the features you want. That may include:

• A large enough capacity for king-size bedding.
• Plenty of useful wash cycles.
• A variety of dry cycles.
• A steam function for sanitizing and de-wrinkling.
• A self-clean feature to minimize mold and odors in the washer.
• Energy Star certification for energy efficiency.
• Wi-Fi or other smart features.

What Is a Stackable Washing Machine?

A stackable washing machine is a front-load washer that can hold a dryer on top. These washer and dryer pairs are held together with an optional bracket kit to securely attach the dryer to the washing machine. The two machines do not have to be matching, but it’s important that they are compatible.

Stackable washers are always front-load machines with controls on the front instead of a rear panel. Dryers have designs for easy-to-use controls that are as accessible as possible since you have to reach up to use them.

How Do Stackable Washers and Dryers Work?

Stackable washers and dryers are standard-sized or compact front-load washers paired with a matching or compatible dryer. They work just like any washer or dryer, but they’re positioned vertically rather than side by side. They can be unstacked at any time and set up in the traditional side-by-side configuration.

Here is how to stack a washer and dryer:

1. Measure your space to be sure the washer and dryer will fit. Measure height, width, and depth. Allow enough space for any hoses and ventilation.
2. Using the manufacturer’s website, estimate the height of the dryer control panel to be sure the shortest person who is going to use the machine can reach the controls. Alternatively, you can keep a small stool nearby.
3. Be sure the washer and dryer are compatible. Not all front-load washers can hold a dryer, and not all front-loaders are compatible with all dryers. This is where matching washing machine and dryer sets can come in handy. See our ratings of the Best Matching Washers and Dryers of 2022 for stackable options.
4. Choose a bracket stacking kit that is compatible with the washer and dryer. The manufacturer’s website will usually have the right kits available under accessories.
5. Recruit a couple of helpers to lift the dryer onto the washing machine. It’s a heavy, awkward lift, so don’t attempt to do it alone. You can also check with the store where you purchased your washer to see if they can stack it when it is delivered.
6. Secure the washer and dryer with the stacking kit.
7. Plug in the appliances and attach the vent and drain hoses. Push the laundry tower into place.
8. Once stacked, test both machines to be sure they feel sturdy and secure when you run a load.

(JazzIRT)

Do I Need a Stackable Washer and Dryer Combo?

You may not need a stacked washer and dryer combo, but there are situations where stacked washer and dryer sets can come in handy. If you have a small laundry room, for example, stacking your washing machine and dryer is a space-saving strategy that will give you extra floor space. This could allow you to build in a drying rack, shelf for folding, or laundry room sink, or simply fit two appliances in a smaller space.

Even if you have a larger laundry room, stacking a washer and dryer can give you flexibility if you want to do more with your floor space. On the downside, that means that the washer, which is always a front-loader, will be below your normal height and you'll have to stoop or bend to load and unload a load of laundry. If you have issues that would make that difficult but have your heart sent on a front-loader, you might want to consider a side-by-side washer and dryer paired with risers or pedestals. We recommend some top-rated matching washing machines and dryers in our Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2022. Alternatively, you could consider a traditional top-loading washing machine, which is easier to load and unload. We review those in our Best Top-Loading Washing Machines of 2022 ratings.

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Why You Can Trust Us: 32 Washing Machines Researched

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 32 washing machines and analyzed 11 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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