Does anyone have a laundry center or thoughts about them? (Washer/dryer combo)

**Kimberlina** · 11-20-2005, 10:42 AM

We are looking into getting a stackable washer/dryer set, and the one with the best ratings and best price I can find is a "laundry center" which means they are attached. The obvious drawback to this is that if there is a problem with one, the whole thing is kaplooey. So I don't really know how I feel about them. But on the other hand, it occurs to me that is I buy the much more exoensive and not as well-rated separate units, in 10 or 15 yars when it is most likely that I might begin to have trouble with one, I wouldn't be able to get a "matching" replacement anyway and wouldn't be able to use them as stackables anyhow.

Any thoughts or comments, even if y ou don't have personal experience?

**amysh** · 11-22-2005, 12:14 AM

We have a matching Sears washer (front-loading) and dryer. The dryer can be stacked on the washer (my sil has the same set and does this.) BUT...even though my washer has been leveled, and sits on what I believe is a level floor, it still shakes quite violently during the spin cycle. I can't imagine putting the dryer on top of it. It works great for my sil, though, as they have a very small laundry room that she was trying to also use as a pantry (to aid their small kitchen!) Stacking allowed them to add some shelves in the laundry. That said, I really like the front loader. Saves a tremendous amount of water.

I've never had a washer and dryer go out at the same time, so it would be a bummer if one breaks and you have to replace both. But if you are handy, most things are generally fixable. (OTOH, is it harder to repair an attached dryer over a freestanding one?) We have a combination microwave oven/oven, and it's a bummer because the microwave only sort of works (it may or may not work when the oven has been recently used!) But I can't bring myself to pay $1000+ to replace it when the oven works fine, an the mw *mostly* works!!

So I understand your hesitation in getting a combo unit.

**favesis37** · 11-22-2005, 08:28 AM

my son had one and hated it, it was great as far as the room it saved, but he felt the loads were smaller( hehas a familyof 5) and the washer shook all the time,

**bridge** · 11-22-2005, 05:19 PM

I would also pay close attention the the energy rating.
That will save you in the long run......

**SSGWilkesWife** · 11-22-2005, 05:51 PM

We are redoing our wash area, putting a countertop in. We are purchasing under the counter washer and dryer. Then I will have somewhere to fold and leave my clothes other than the dining room table. Our washer and dryer are in a closet in the bathroom. I thought of the stackables but was concerned about the shaking also.

**Mom23boys** · 11-23-2005, 11:03 AM

I have "thought" I always wanted one for the space it would save until reading the posts. I never thought about the shaking of the washer and the possibilities of one going out and having to replace the whole unit. UGH! Maybe I will stick with what I have. I think I would prefer the front loading washer and build a counter over the top of them for folding as SSGWilkesWife suggested.

**midwestgal** · 11-23-2005, 11:28 AM

When we rented a townhouse for a year, a stack washer/dryer set was included. It was a little different from the one described above, though, I think. They were not two separate appliances but a one-piece unit, and nothing ever shook or rattled. Our family of 6 was down to 3 by that time, and it was great. I'm not sure if it would be adequate for larger families. It was tucked in a corner of the kitchen as tidy can be!