The Best Stackable Washer and Dryer That Pair Perfectly and Perform Wonderfully

If you're short on space, a stackable washer and dryer will give you more room to move around in your laundry room, store supplies, or make better use of the space in creative new ways. In addition to being ideal for tight quarters, stackable washer and dryer pairs can oftentimes save you some money since some retailers lower the total price when you bundle a washer and dryer together. But before you invest in a new stackable washer and dryer, there are some key items to take into consideration.

Best Stackable Washer and Dryer Pairs of 2023

What to Consider

Size

The most important factor to consider when it comes to buying a stackable washer and dryer pair is its size. Make sure you measure the location of where the new appliances are going to ensure they'll fit, and if you're planning on installing them in a closet, be mindful of the space required for the appliance doors to open. Pay attention to which way the appliance doors open, too, since some of them are not reversible. Also, make sure you have 6 inches of clearance between your dryer and the wall to allow space for the hookups and venting.

Gas or Electric

You’ll need to decide whether the dryer runs on gas or electricity. Gas dryers require a gas line hookup and a 120-volt outlet, and electric dryers need a 240-volt connection. If you have the choice between the two, our colleagues at Popular Mechanics recommend gas dryers over electricity-powered dryers since they're less expensive to run, and dry substantially faster — but they are usually about $100 more expensive.

Standalone Appliances Versus a Laundry Center

→What is a laundry center?

A laundry center combines both the washer and dryer into one single unit with a front-loading dryer located on the top, a top-loading washer below, and a control panel separating the two in the center. By combining the appliances into one single appliance you are able to save even more room, making them a good choice for condominiums, apartments, closets, and small laundry rooms.

→What's the difference between the two?

Laundry centers almost always have smaller capacities, so you won't be able to wash and dry as many clothes as you would with standalone stacked appliances. The exception to this is LG's WashTower, which is equipped with a 4.5-cubic-foot washer and 7.4-cubic-foot dryer. For comparison, the GE Electric Stacked Laundry Center we recommend has a 3.8-cubic-foot washer and 5.9-cubic-foot dryer. A size of 4 cubic feet is enough to wash 12 to 16 pounds of laundry. At 4.5 cubic feet, a unit can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry. A king-size comforter will fit into a 3.8-cubic-foot machine, but you shouldn't add anything else to the load while you're washing it.

If you decide to opt for two standalone appliances and stack them, make sure you purchase the appropriate stacking kit since they're usually sold separately.

→What are the downsides to laundry centers?

You should also consider what style you find most comfortable for loading and unloading. Stacked front-loading machines require you to squat down to empty and load, having the potential of being difficult to reach in and grab your clothes after the dry cycle is finished or adjust cycles if you're on the shorter side.

Lastly, in the unfortunate event your laundry center malfunctions, there's a chance both the washer and dryer will be inoperable, while with a stacked set, you'd still be able to use the other model while the other is being repaired.

If you’re ready for an upgrade to your washing machine or dryer, we’ve narrowed down the best stackable washer and dryer pairs for your laundry room. Check out our top picks below that are sure to make wash day a little more bearable.