Too Tall? Measure Twice Before Buying Stackable Washers and Dryers
Last year, we decided to update the laundry room in our small apartment. Eager to maximize every inch, we opted for stackable washer and dryer units. But when delivery day arrived, we realized our measurements were way off. The stacked appliances were far too tall for the room! If only we had double-checked the dimensions first.
Like us, you may be considering stackable washers and dryers. Their narrow design can fit into tight spaces that traditional side-by-side units cannot. However, their measurements differ in important ways. Before purchasing, be sure to get the tape measure out. Carefully check room dimensions, door clearances, and space around plumbing and ventilation. Avoid potential surprises by measuring twice before bringing stackable laundry home.
Stackable Washer and Dryer Dimensions
First, understand how stackable units differ dimension-wise from conventional washers and dryers:
- Width - Stackable washers and dryers are typically 22-28 inches wide. This narrow size allows them to fit in compact laundry rooms.
- Height - When stacked, most units stand between 74-80 inches tall. This provides significant height.
- Depth - Around 27-30 inches deep, the depth is similar to traditional models.
Dimensions can vary slightly across brands and models. However, this gives a general idea of the narrow width yet tall height of stackable laundry compared to conventional side-by-side units.
How Stackables Differ from Traditional Washers and Dryers
Stackable units achieve their slim footprint in ways that impact their use:
- Traditional washers and dryers are wider at 27-30 inches but far shorter at just 32-46 inches tall.
- They sit side-by-side, while stackable units literally stack on top of each other.
- Stackable washers often have lower laundry capacity than conventional models.
Knowing these key differences helps when deciding whether stackable units will suit your needs.
Before Buying, Measure Your Space Carefully
To avoid surprises, measure the exact laundry room dimensions before selecting stackable units:
- Confirm doorways and hallways can fit the height of a stacked unit.
- Check for sufficient space around plumbing and electrical connections.
- Ensure room for ventilation around the sides.
- Consider clearance required to comfortably access controls and openings.
- Account for space needed if using pedestals or stacking kits.
Careful measurement helps guarantee your exciting new stackable appliances will fit at delivery.
What to Measure
When taking laundry room measurements, make sure to capture:
- Width, height, and depth of the full room.
- Width and height of any doorways the appliances must pass through.
- Ceiling height for the stacked height.
- Location of existing appliances, sinks, cabinets, etc.
- Where the water supply, drain, and electrical outlets are situated.
Having all these dimensions accurately measured will make shopping for the right stackable units much easier.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
As we learned first-hand, inaccurate measurements can lead to major headaches. After our delivery fiasco, we had to scramble to rearrange our laundry room and find shorter stackable units. Not fun!
Be diligent upfront in measuring, double-checking all the key dimensions. This small effort helps ensure your exciting stackable appliance purchase goes smoothly. So break out the tape measure, and start mapping out the laundry room. Stackable washers and dryers need special consideration to fit right, but are worth the effort for tight spaces. Just be sure to measure twice before making this important purchase decision.
Stackable washers and dryers offer space-saving options for small laundry rooms. However, their dimensions differ substantially from traditional units. Carefully measuring room size, doorway clearance, and space needed around the appliances prevents surprises. Be sure to double-check all measurements before selecting stackable washer and dryers. With good planning, you can enjoy these space-saving machines for years to come.