Whether you’re living the city life in a small apartment or moving into your first home, you can have a laundry room designed to fit your needs. One of the major decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase a side-by-side washer and dryer or a stacked washer and dryer.

Learning the pros and cons can help you make the most of your space.

How Do Stacked Units Stack Up Against the Competition?

Small space? No problem.

Apartments and condos may have limited space for laundry equipment, often without a dedicated laundry room. Stacked washers and dryers are designed to save much-needed space so you can make the most of every inch of your square footage.

Units such as Speed Queen’s® SF7 Stacked Washer-Electric Dryer allow you to conveniently take care of all your laundry needs in half the space. It’s the ideal solution for close quarters. 

Need a Hand?

For those who are vertically challenged, reaching the dryer on a stacked unit can be difficult and could require a step stool. Just how tall is a stacked washer and dryer? Speed Queen’s stacked units, for example, reach 78 1/8 inches.

People who use wheelchairs, the elderly and those with limited mobility may not be able to reach the dryer, so it’s something to consider as you compare a stacked washer vs side-by-side units.

The Scoop on Side-by-side Washers and Dryers

Flexibility is in Style

With side-by-side units, you have the flexibility to select the style of your washer—either a top load or front load washer. We’ll cover some of the differences to help you decide what works best for your laundry needs. 

Get Comfortable

Save stress on your back and knees as you comfortably load laundry at waist level with top load washers. At a convenient height of 42 ¾ inches, Speed Queen’s® TC5 top load model makes loading laundry a breeze with less joint stress.

A front load washer may require more bending to load your laundry. However, this can easily be solved with a laundry pedestal to raise the height of your machine.

Time to Fold 

Front load side-by-side washers and dryers conveniently fit under a counter to allow for a shelf to store detergent and other laundry essentials. The units themselves can also double as a space to fold freshly washed laundry. The combined width of Speed Queen’s FF7 front load washer and DR7 dryer, for example, gives you 53 ¾ inches of potential folding space.

Top load washers, on the other hand, may offer some folding space when not in use, but otherwise need to be clear to open the lid. 

Wait, There’s More

We’ve all started a load of laundry and then realized we forgot to add something. A top load washer, such as Speed Queen’s TC5 top load model, makes it easy to simply lift the lid and throw in the extra towel you used to dry off your dog after it escapes on a rainy day.

Adding an item to a load that’s already started can take a little more time with a front load washer. You may need to pause the machine and wait for it to come to a stopping point. Then the door will unlock so you can toss in your extra item.

Stacked Washer vs Side-by-Side—Maximize Your Laundry Space

Are stacked washers and dryers good solutions for your limited space? Are side-by-side washers and dryers more convenient for your dream laundry room? You’re sure to find the perfect fit based on your individual needs. Happy washing!