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The 5 Best Stackable Washers and Dryers of 2024

Your laundry room is about to get a major upgrade

Best Stackable Washers and Dryers

The Spruce / David Hattan

Stackable washer-and-dryer sets combine powerful cleaning with a small footprint, giving you back valuable space in your laundry room. And even better news? You can add one of these duos to your home even if you're short on space. 

Since 2023, we have been busy putting stackable washers and dryers through our heaviest laundry loads to find the best options for you. Some were tested in The Lab, and others were used at home—and with over 2,000 hours of testing and use, we carefully evaluated their cleaning and drying capabilities, efficiency, and overall value.

Our findings showed that we love units with quick cycles and surprisingly spacious interiors. Plus, we realized how much noise comes into play, especially if you live in an apartment, townhouse, or other small living space.

We've also surveyed users with sets from reliable brands like LG, Electrolux, Maytag, GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, and more. So far, we've assessed a total of 22 washer-and-dryer sets, ultimately selecting our five stackable favorites for this roundup.

What We Like
  • Mostly quiet

  • Quick, intuitive cycles

  • Spacious washer

What We Don't Like
  • No lint trap indicator

The LG WM400HWA washer and LG DLEX400W dryer outperformed every option we tested, offering 17 quick and impressive washing cycles with effective stain removal capabilities. We love this set because it includes technology specifically designed to clean quickly. The washer uses AI to take the guesswork out of finding the right settings for your different fabrics and types of clothing—meaning your dress shirts will get the best care.

LG’s TurboWash360 technology uses five powerful jets to deliver variable sprays that help detergent penetrate deep into fabrics and provide a more thorough clean in less time. We were able to wash two sets of sheets at a time in the washer, despite the pretty average amount of space.

This set works great using just the basic modes or its additional features. It has an allergy mode certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to remove more than 95 percent of common household allergens like pet dander, dust, or pollen using steam. The dryer also leverages steam power to reduce wrinkles and odors in clothes.

Now, the dryer gave us some trouble when we over- or under-filled it. When we loaded the dryer all the way up, items took more time to dry completely. If we only dried a few sheets at once, they would get tangled up, be a bit damp in the middle, and need a second cycle. This is hardly a deal-breaker though; using wool dryer balls that keep items separated, or running a smaller load, fixes the problem.

The washer and dryer are also both remarkably quiet, to the point that you can’t tell they’re on from the next room. A short, sing-song chime lets you know when a cycle ends. There's no lint trap indicator on the dryer (which tells you when the lint trap is full), and the spin cycle of the washer can be noisy—but that’s a typical complaint with washing machines.

One last note: To stack these units, you'll need to buy an LG KSTK4 stacking kit.

Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 17 | Dryer Fuel Type: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 12

What We Like
  • Speed-wash cycle

  • Washer features a cycle for cleaning the tub

What We Don't Like
  • Longer normal wash cycle

The LG WM3400CW washer and DLE3400W dryer provide a whole lot of value, with specs and features that compare very similarly to our best overall pick. The biggest difference is that this set includes fewer cycles, lacking the TurboWash and TurboSteam cycles. If you can live without these cycles that offer quicker wash times and steam, it could save you as much as $400 in comparison.

The washer and dryer are just as big as our best overall, and very capable of handling a range of loads, from towels and clothes to bulky bedding items. Our favorite washer feature is the speed-wash cycle, which gets small loads done in about 15 to 20 minutes (compared to 60 to 90 minutes normally), even if they’re fairly soiled.

Fun Facts from Our Survey

Our survey results confirmed that LG was the most popular brand of washers and dryers among our participants. So, it's no surprise that this stackable washer-and-dryer set is at the top of our list.

We also like the inclusion of LG’s SenseClean system that automatically adjusts the wash time and water level based on the load; it simplifies the start of your laundry routine. The washer has a cycle designed to clean and dry out the tub and gasket to prevent mold growth, which can be an issue with front-loading washers.

To stack these units, you'll need to buy an LG KSTK4 stacking kit.

Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 14 | Dryer Fuel Type: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 8

What We Like
  • Intuitive presets and options

  • Especially large dryer capacity

  • Washer received Energy Star Most Efficient rating

What We Don't Like
  • Cycle chime isn’t very loud

The Electrolux ELFW7537AW washer and ELFE7537AW dryer are packed with useful features and topped off with an Energy Star certification, which is why this combo is our pick for the best energy-efficient, stackable washer-and-dryer set. It isn’t just Energy Star-approved, either—this set edges out our best overall pick in terms of actual operating cost and water use, which is no easy feat.

The dryer also fits more clothes than any of the other models we looked at, so this set is a particularly great option for larger households that do multiple loads per week.

The controls on both machines are intuitive and easy to understand, with options that include a 15-minute fast wash. Other useful modes include an allergen option that’s NSF-certified, a stain-removal mode that lets you select the specific type of stain you’re dealing with, and a steam function.

Tip From an Expert

Since these appliances are operated every single week (maybe multiple times per week!), it’s important to think about energy usage. Gary Childers, fabric care scientist and appliance expert for Procter & Gamble, notes Energy Star certifications are something to look out for (in addition to a cold-water option, since there's nothing to heat with a cold cycle).

The LuxCare Wash technology included in the washer is a real time-saver since it uses smart load-sensing to adjust the water and detergent automatically, temperature controls to accommodate the needs of different types of fabrics, and a variety of tumbling and spinning actions to get rid of tough stains.

We also like the dispenser system you can find in the washer; it accepts laundry pods, plus standard detergent, so you can happily stock up on and use your favorite laundry detergent in any form.

The dryer also stands out with a predictive-dry feature that avoids over-drying and wasted energy, and a large 8-cubic-foot capacity to fit bulky comforters and other large items. The instant-refresh option is a nice touch since it removes wrinkles and freshens up clothes that have been lightly worn or stored for a long period of time without rewashing.

To stack these units, you'll need to pick up an Electrolux STACKIT7X stacking kit.

Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 17 | Dryer Fuel Type: Electric (gas is also available) | Dryer Capacity: 8.0 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 10

What We Like
  • Easy-to-access control panel

  • Quiet and smooth operation

  • Fast-wash option

  • Rack-dry cycle

What We Don't Like
  • No tumble-dry option

  • Some cycles require the app

Laundry centers are stackable washer-and-dryer sets that you can’t unstack, with the main benefit being a centralized control panel. The other benefit is that this set comes already stacked as an integrated unit, so you don’t need any extra hardware to hold them together. Overall, they're often easier to use than standard and compact stackable washers and dryers.

Aside from those key features, the LG WKEX200HWA WashTower is our favorite laundry center because it includes all of the most important capabilities of our best overall pick, making it the perfect option if you prefer an integrated laundry center over a washer-and-dryer pair that can be unstacked.

This laundry center is a little smaller than we’d like, but acceptable for a stackable unit (and deceptively accommodating). The dryer is huge too, so there’s no issue drying large comforters, dog beds, and other bulky items.

We love that this laundry center includes the same TurboWash 360 technology used by our best overall washer because it enables remarkably fast wash cycles without compromising on soil and stain removal. It also comes with LG’s TurboSteam function and an allergen wash cycle.

The dryer lacks a tumble-dry or no-heat setting, but it does have some useful options like a rack-dry feature for drying items that could damage the drum (like shoes), and delicate items that shouldn’t be tumbled. Some of the wash and dry cycles are locked behind the ThinQ phone app (you need to download them), but connecting the app has other benefits like notifications when your laundry is done.

Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 10 | Dryer Fuel Type: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 9

What We Like
  • Spin cycle is very effective

  • Wi-Fi and app connectivity

  • Stacking kit included with dryer

What We Don't Like
  • Not efficient if you do a ton of laundry per week

The LG WM1455HWA (and its matching dryer) takes the cake for our favorite compact pick, and is really perfect for tiny spaces. Not all of us have large, dedicated laundry rooms, and this washer (and matching dryer) stack perfectly for space-saving in a closet or corner. The set is a bit smaller than your standard washing machine, but you would never know with the amount of clothes it can safely hold and clean to perfection.

We are so impressed with the efficiency of this compact washer, noting that during our testing, we transferred clothes from the dryer and they weren't sopping wet like they can be with other models. The touchscreen was also incredibly intuitive, and the set has Wi-Fi and app connectivity to take your loads to the next level. On the app, you can check how much time is remaining and get alerts when your load is finished, too.

It's quiet, effective, and efficient, but just smaller than your standard set, which can be a real perk for those in an apartment, condo, or townhome. It might not work for a large household with lots of laundry. But to us, this is the perfect pick for a compact space.

Notably, the stacking kit is included with the purchase of the dryer.

Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 10 | Dryer Fuel Type: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 9

Final Verdict

The LG WM400HWA Smart Front Load Washer and LG DLEX400W Smart Stackable Electric Dryer are our top pick for a stackable washer-and-dryer set. If you’re looking for one unit that doesn't require a separate purchase of a stacking kit, check out the LG WKEX200HWA WashTower. It also houses all of the controls in the center part of the unit for easier access.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Stackable Washer and Dryer

Consider the Size and Capacity of the Set

Your new washer-and-dryer set obviously needs to fit in your laundry space, and the size you choose also impacts capacity (how much laundry the set fits per load). Capacity determines how often you’ll need to run the washer and dryer to keep up with your household's laundry needs.

Standard washers and dryers:

  • Medium-sized washers with less than 4.5 cubic feet capacity are good for smaller households,
  • Large families will need 4.5 cubic feet or more.
  • You’ll need a space in your laundry area about 30 inches wide, 34 inches deep, and 80 inches tall to accommodate a standard, stackable washer-and-dryer set, although sets can be a bit bigger or smaller.
  • Most of our recommendations fall in this range, with capacities of around 4 to 5 cubic feet for washers and 7 to 8 cubic feet for dryers.

Compact washers and dryers:

  • If you live in a small space, a compact washer with a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet is enough for one or two people.
  • Because it's smaller than the standard size, a compact washer is typically around 1.6 cubic feet and the dryer is around 3.5 cubic feet.

Opt for Standalone Stackable Units or a Laundry Center

One of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy standalone units capable of stacking or a laundry center that can't be separated.

  • Standalone stackable washers and dryers: The most important characteristic of standalone units is that they’re more flexible. If you remodel or change the layout of your laundry room in the future, a standalone, stackable washer-and-dryer set gives you the option to unstack them and use them side-by-side. You can also replace them separately if one fails earlier than the other.
  • Laundry centers: Laundry centers (not to be confused with all-in-one washer-dryers that use a single drum for washing and drying) aren't as flexible, because they come stacked and can't be unstacked. The main benefit is that the controls can be centrally located. Our best laundry center pick has large washer and dryer capacities with convenient central controls.

Think About Installation Requirements

Stackable washer-and-dryer sets have a few installation requirements you should consider before you place an order, especially if you pay for installation along with delivery. The installation location needs to have enough space for the stacked set, including vertical space, and 1 to 5 inches in the back and on each side to allow for ventilation and vibration.

Depending on the set you choose, you might also need to buy a power cord for the dryer, or a ventilation hose. In many cases, a stacking bracket or mounting kit is also required, but will not be included in your original purchase—make sure to add that to your cart before you check out (when relevant, we included links in each of our descriptions above).

Notably, you'll also want to make sure your space is set up to meet the power requirements of your new machines. Power requirements can differ, depending on whether your set has a gas or electric dryer.

  • Washers: Washing machines require access to a 120-volt wall outlet that’s wired to a 20-amp circuit that’s designated specifically for laundry.
  • Electric Dryers: Electric dryers need a special 120/240-volt receptacle on a 30-amp circuit because they need more power for their heating elements.
  • Gas Dryers: Gas dryers need access to a 120-volt wall outlet to run their electronics. They don’t need a 240-volt outlet, but they do need access to natural gas for the heating element.

Additional Mounting Kits

Stackable washers and dryers don’t often come with the installation kits and hardware you need to make one vertical unit, but you'll definitely need it. We've included a link to the required stacking kits for each of our recommendations, but you'll need to identify the correct hardware yourself if you buy a different stackable set.

Look for Other Available Features

Stackable washer-and-dryer sets are available with all of the same features you’d find in a set that’s not stackable. Some useful features to look out for include:

  • Wi-Fi compatibility: Washers and dryers that include Wi-Fi connectivity have useful features such as remote monitoring and operation.
  • Washer and dryer syncing: This smart feature connects the washer and dryer wirelessly, which enables the washer to send commands to the dryer and saves you the time of choosing the right settings. Our best overall pick includes this sync feature, allowing the washer to automatically choose settings for the dryer based on the contents of the current load.
  • Allergen cycle: This specialized wash cycle is designed to reduce allergens, often using steam. Our best for energy efficiency pick includes an allergy mode that’s NSF-certified to remove more than 95 percent of allergens.
  • Energy efficiency: If you go through a lot of laundry, then look for an Energy Star rating or even the Energy Star Most Efficient rating. Energy Star-rated washing machines use about 20 percent less energy and 30 percent less water, so they help you save on two monthly bills.
  • Self-clean function: Most washers include a self-clean cycle, which can help with the overall maintenance of your machine. Make sure to conduct regular maintenance of your machine, including tasks like cleaning your washing machine drum and cleaning the lint drawer of your dryer, says Jennifer Ahoni, director of fabric care communications for Procter & Gamble. This is especially true for front-loading washing machines that can smell musty after a few months of use.

The Checkout Counter

A few recommendations to help keep your new washer and dryer in tip-top shape.

  1. A reliable washing machine cleaner: There are a number of good options for a solution specifically formulated for your appliances (we recommend them here), or you can use vinegar.
  2. A dryer vent cleaning kit: For the hard-to-reach fluff that gets stuck in the deep crevices of your machine, a specialized tool can help you get the job done in minutes.
  3. Dryer balls: The right set of dryer balls can help optimize each dryer cycle.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jeremy Laukkonen is an updates writer for The Spruce with over 10 years of experience writing about and reviewing appliances, electronics, and other big-ticket home items. He has experience using a laundry center in commercial and home spaces; his current setup allows enough space for a traditional, side-by-side arrangement.

When working on this piece, Laukkonen relied on hands-on testing insights from The Lab and our homes, as well as insights from our survey respondents, to identify the best stackable washers and dryers based on real-world results.

Stackable washers and dryers from popular manufacturers were considered, researched, tested, and chatted about in our survey results, including Samsung, GE, LG, Electrolux, and more.

Our Experts: 

  • Gary Childers, fabric care scientist and appliance expert for Procter & Gamble
  • Jennifer Ahoni, director of Fabric Care Scientific Communications for Procter & Gamble
  • Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. AAFA’s Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, AAFA.