The Best Stackable Washers and Dryers, Tested by Cleaning Experts
We found the best stackable washer and dryer sets for saving space and tackling stains.
Expert consulted: Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Stackable washers and dryers free up valuable floor space to help you make the most out of your laundry room. Thanks to the smaller footprint, a combo solution can give you extra room for folding clothes or storing additional appliances. Compared to their predecessors, today's stackable combos have come a long way, offering increased capacity, improved efficiency and quieter operation. Many newer washing machines have helpful features like improved venting systems that prevent mold build-up. Some dryers boast smart features that allow them to communicate with the washer and automatically select the ideal drying cycle and time based on your recently washed clothes.
Want even more from our cleaning experts? Sign up for Good Housekeeping's FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter!
To find the best stackable washers and dryers, the experts and analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab regularly test the latest models from a variety of brands to find the ones that perform well and offer tangible results. If you’re ready to upgrade your washing machine and clothes dryer, the GH Cleaning Lab has vetted the following space-saving, stackable models that pack a powerful cleaning punch to keep your clothing fresh and your laundry room organized.
Samsung Bespoke Stackable Front-Load Washer and Electric Dryer Set
Pros
- Washer detects soil level to automatically adjust wash settings
- App is easy to use
- You can control the dryer from the washer when appliances are stacked
Cons
- The stacking kit is sold separately
Washer dimensions: 27" x 38.7" x 34.5" | Washer capacity: 5.3 cu ft | Dryer dimensions: 27" x 38.7" x 31.4" | Dryer capacity: 7.5 cu ft
The Samsung washer in this set is a larger, updated version of a model we've previously tested. It has the same top-notch performance and many of the smart features that helped it earn a spot in our guide to the best washers.
In our tests, we appreciated the app for its user-friendliness. It made it easy to control the units remotely, including starting and stopping washes, scheduling cycles and receiving alerts when a cycle is finished.
It only took a few uses for the washer to learn our favorite wash cycle settings, which eliminated the need to make manual selections whenever we ran another load. It also detects the soil level on clothes and automatically adjusts wash settings for proper cleaning. On top of its impressive cleaning ability, the washer was quiet during operation.
The matching dryer offers flexible installation options, allowing for stacking or side-by-side placement. In the stacked configuration, you can control the dryer directly from the washer's control panel, eliminating the need to stretch in order to reach the dryer’s high control panel. The stacking kit is sold separately.
Pros
- Steam functionality
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Android, Google and iOS smart home devices
- The appliances' drums are illuminated
Cons
- Some reviewers say the washer is loud
Washer dimensions: 28" x 32" x 39.75" | Washer capacity: 5 cu ft| Dryer dimensions: 28" x 32" x 39.75" | Dryer capacity: 7.8 cu ft
This sleek GE washer and dryer set comes at a great price for two full-size, fully-featured machines (you just have to buy the washer and dryer separately). The washing machine's detergent dispenser holds up to 32 loads worth of detergent so you don't have to worry about refilling it constantly, and it automatically dispenses the correct amount for each cycle.
While front-loading washing machines are prone to becoming musty, the washer in this set counteracts this with a fresh air venting cycle to dry the drum interior and door gasket, which should prevent the water or mold build-up that can lead to odors. Plus, moisture-prone areas like the gasket, dispenser drawer and hose are treated with Microban to further control smells by eliminating bacteria growth.
The washing machine has another helpful feature. For small loads or single pieces of clothing, you can wash and dry in the washing machine. This one-step wash and dry cycle is eight hours long and is designed to run overnight, which is especially useful if you won't be home to transfer your laundry into the dryer.
The venting feature and overnight dry cycle (and all the other cycles, for that matter) can be activated within the app. It's easy to use and allows for voice control on Amazon Alexa, Android, Google, Sonos and iOS smart home devices.
In addition to the efficiency and effectiveness of the wash cycles, reviewers loved the visibility provided by the drum light and its ability to dry the door gasket of residual moisture thoroughly. On the downside, some reviewers reported that the washer is loud. The dryer can be connected to the washer so it automatically selects the correct cycle for the load coming its way.
RELATED: Best Affordable Washing Machines That Won't Break the Bank
LG WashTower Laundry Center
Pros
- Easy-to-reach controls
- Luxurious-looking exterior and tempered-glass doors
- Excellent stain removal
Cons
- The machines can be separated for repairs but not to fully replace one or the other
Dimensions: 27" x 74.34" x 30.34" | Washer capacity: 4.5 cu ft | Dryer capacity: 7.4 cu ft
LG's WashTower pioneered the modernized laundry center. Its innovative design combines a washer with either a gas or electric dryer in a single unit (with the dryer stacked on top). Better yet, it's 3.5 inches shorter than a traditional stacked washer-dryer pair, so it can more easily be tucked away in a closet or other tight spaces.
The Cleaning Lab was particularly impressed by the appliance’s luxurious-looking exterior and tempered glass doors. The control panel controls both the washer and dryer, and it's located between the two machines. It eliminated the need for the excessive stretching sometimes necessary to reach the dryer’s controls, which was especially valued by our shorter testers. It was also easy to load and unload.
The steam option which allows for quick refreshes of lightly worn garments was a welcome bonus, but most impressive were its speedy yet effective cleaning cycles with excellent stain removal. The appliance uses AI to automatically select water temperature, spin speed and drying temperature for each load to help save energy and reduce laundry times.
It’s also worth noting that even after two years of use, our test machine continues to function flawlessly and has remained odor-free. That said, while the machines can be separated for repairs, they cannot be replaced or swapped out on their own — they come as a single unit.
Miele Stacked Washer & Dryer Set with Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer in White
Pros
- Variety of specialty cycles available
- Only about 23 inches wide
Cons
- Not ideal for larger loads of laundry
Washer dimensions: 23.5" x 33.5" x 25.4" | Washer capacity: 2.26 cu ft | Dryer dimensions: 23.5" x 33.5" x 25.4" | Dryer capacity: 4.3 cu ft
At just under 24 inches wide, this combo unit is great for those who don't have enough space for full-size units. The drum of the washer is surprisingly large at 2.26 cubic feet, while the drum of the matching dryer is 4.2 cubic feet — roomy enough to accommodate average loads for smaller families.
Despite its small size, it packs in many convenient features like self-dispensing detergent and SoftSteam, which allows you to steam your clothing inside the machine. The washing machine also has cycles tailored to synthetic and outdoor fabrics. As for the dryer, it has a honeycomb structure that, according to the brand, is more gentle on clothing and helps the laundry to dry more uniformly.
Our Cleaning Lab tests also found that it was incredibly effective, removing stains and whitening cotton swatches in under an hour. Miele said it also tested this product by running it for more than 10,000 hours, checking for longevity to make sure it could hold up to years of use. While the drum sizes are impressive considering the units' small footprint, they are not designed to handle large loads of laundry.
RELATED: Best Laundry Detergents, According to Cleaning Pros
GE Unitized Spacemaker Washer and Dryer
Pros
- Good value for a combo unit
- Good for limited spaces
- Offers the benefits of a top loader in a stackable unit
Cons
- Some reviewers report that it's noisy
- Machines cannot be swapped or replaced independently
Dimensions: 26.75" x 30.88" x 75.88" | Washer capacity: 3.8 cu ft | Dryer capacity: 7.4 cu ft
For those who prefer the speed, loading ease and cleaning power of a traditional top-load washer, but lack the space for separate units, GE offers a unique laundry center solution. The GE Unitized Spacemaker combines the space-saving design of stackable washers and dryers with the benefits of a top loader, including a built-in agitator for tough stains.
While this option lacks some of the more premium features, such as an accompanying app and delay start, it comes at a great value. Not only does it have the unique quality of a top-loading washer, but it also has 11 different wash cycles and sensors that determine the load size so the machine automatically adds the right amount of water. And while there is no app for live updates on your laundry, indicator lights show the cycle's progress as it runs.
Measuring in at 3.8 cubic feet, the washer is spacious enough for bulkier loads like bedding. The appliances’ biggest downfall is that if one machine breaks, you will have to replace both since they are fully attached. Also, some reviewers reported that it's noisy.
Electrolux Smartboost Front-Load Washer and Electric Dryer Set
Pros
- Has convenient features like a reversible door, interior light, and 15-minute speed cycle
- SmartBoost and StainSoak features effectively eliminate stains
- Detergent dispenser has a place to insert packs
Cons
- It doesn’t have Wi-Fi for monitoring or controlling cycles remotely
Washer dimensions: 27" x 38" x 32" | Washer capacity: 4.5 cu ft | Dryer dimensions: 27" x 38" x 32" | Dryer capacity: 8 cu ft
Electrolux’s Smartboost washing machine mixes the detergent with water before it enters the drum for better penetration and stain removal. This feature helped the unit ace our stain removal tests. It also has a steam mode for sanitizing clothes and lifting dirt out of fabrics. We also appreciated convenient features like its reversible door, interior light and 15-minute speed cycle.
The washer includes an Adaptive Dispenser with a dedicated chamber for detergent packs so there’s no need to toss packs directly into the tub. This solves the occasional but annoying problem of partially undissolved laundry packs. As the water hits the chamber, the pack opens, flushing the detergent into your load.
Our biggest complaint is its longer wash cycles — some are as long as two hours. It’s also worth mentioning that the Electrolux lacks Wi-Fi connectivity so there’s no way to remotely monitor cycles.
The stackable dryer features a convenient 15-minute quick cycle to freshen clothes whether you want to smooth wrinkles or remove odors.
RELATED: The Best Laundry Day Upgrades
How we test stackable washers and dryers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab regularly tests washers and dryers to find the units best suited to your cleaning needs. We evaluate them based on industry standards set by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
In our most recent washing machine tests, we washed pre-stained fabric strips on several cycles to see the scope of each machine's soil removal abilities. From there, we took color measurements of the stained areas to calculate how well the machines removed the stains.
We also washed cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes to see how much fraying occurred, noted whether the load items tangled excessively and considered the user-friendliness of the control panel. Finally, we verified with the manufacturer’s data that any machine with a sanitizing cycle can kill bacteria.
To test clothes dryers, we installed each one (provided it was a separate appliance from the washer) in a climatology chamber on a special platform balance to ensure uniform temperature, humidity and venting conditions. This helped us measure how long a wet load of laundry takes to return to its dry weight. Based on AHAM protocols, we attached temperature-measuring strips to individual items to confirm the inside of the dryer doesn't reach fabric-damaging temperatures.
We tested how quickly the machines dry the items and checked for twisting and tangling as well. We also checked for wrinkles after steam and refresh cycles to make sure they worked as well as they said.
What to look for in a stackable washer and dryer
✔️ Overall size: If you are stacking your appliances, you probably have size constraints, so this is crucial. If the stack is too tall or wide to fit in your space, nothing else matters. Also, remember to account for an extra 6 inches at the back for venting hoses and materials.
✔️ Capacity: We suggest choosing the largest capacity washer and dryer that will fit in your space. This will allow you to wash and dry loads of larger sizes.
✔️ Cycles and settings: Although newer models offer tons of high-end features, Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, suggests prioritizing the wash cycles and options you'll actually use. For example, if you have a lot of delicate items, make sure the machine has a well-reviewed gentle cycle. If you have kids or a large family, prioritize machines with power-wash features and large drums.
✔️ Warranty and availability of service: Most washing machines and dryers offer a one- to two-year full warranty on all parts and labor, and some have longer warranties on certain parts like the drums or transmission. It also pays to check what kind of authorized service is available in your area for any brand you are considering, should something go wrong. You can find this out by calling the manufacturer’s customer service line.
Are front-loading washers and dryers less powerful than top-loaders?
After conducting GH Cleaning Lab tests, Forté reiterated that there are typically very few differences between front-loading and top-loading washing machines. And while some (not all!) front-loading washing machines may have an edge, Forté urged folks to realize that "more aggressive washing action is not always better as it can be more damaging to fabrics. Gentleness is something we also evaluate at GH, and in our opinion, the best washers offer the best combination of good cleaning and gentle fabric care. They can be either top- or front-loading.”
The most consistent difference between top-loaders and front-loaders is the most obvious: how you load them. It can be convenient to dump items directly into a top-loading machine, but they will need to be lifted out at the end of the cycle. For a front-loading machine, you will have to bend down both while loading and emptying the machine.
What are the negatives of a stackable washer-dryer?
The only pitfalls are in regard to convenience, not functionality. "The controls on the dryer may be difficult or impossible for short people to reach," explained Forté. "Also, when stacked, the appliances are heavy to move if they can be moved at all." Forté said this can make the washer and dryer harder to service.
You should also make sure you have enough vertical space for a stacked set. "If you have low ceilings or cabinets above where you keep your washer and dryer, stackable units may not fit," said Forté.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brandon Carte, a contributing commerce editor at Good Housekeeping co-wrote this guide. He has over a decade of experience testing and researching products, from cleaning appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, to home goods and consumer tech. In addition to urging people to clean the dryer's lint trap after every load, he urges people to clean the dryer vent annually, since it's a major fire hazard.
Carolyn Forté is the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. For more than 40 years she has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits, researches and writes our laundry how-tos and oversees all of the testing done for all of the Cleaning Lab's product guides
Noah Pinsonnault, works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He is currently leading an ongoing, comprehensive test of several of the industry's latest washing machines to find out which are the most worthwhile.
Brandon Carte is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering technology, gadgets and appliances. His reporting has been featured on Best Products, Top Ten Revies, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
The 7 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Pet Stains
The Best Eye Creams
The Best Ice Cream Makers
7 Mini Flat Irons for Travel and Touchups
