Just like their side-by-side counterparts, stacked washers and dryers and laundry centers should receive checks and be cleaned thoroughly to maintain their long-term performance. “Make sure to conduct regular maintenance of your machine, including tasks like cleaning your washing machine drum or cleaning the lint drawer of your dryer,” advises Jennifer Ahoni, P&G’s fabric care principal scientist and laundry expert. We’re not strangers to the regular maintenance required for most large appliances or to the washers and dryers that should be on your radar if you’re in the market for a stackable set. To select the top picks for your home, we researched top models available based on features, capacity, ease and use, and coveted automated maintenance cycles. Our top pick is the Maytag MHW5630HW 27 in. Front Load Washer and MED5630HW 27 in. Electric Dryer, because they’re compact yet still equipped with larger capacities and competitive features, such as wrinkle-prevention and 12-hour fresh hold cycles. Here are the best stackable washers and dryers for you, whether you’re short on space or simply want a reliable pair in your laundry room. An Affresh cycle on the washing machine also helps to keep the drum and liner clean every 30 cycles. Simply pop in an Affresh cleanser tablet or liquid chlorine bleach, and run the cycle to avoid detergent buildup as well as unpleasant odors. If you can’t get to your clothes immediately after washing or drying them, both machines are also equipped with respective cycles to prevent odors and wrinkles. In the washer, you can make use of a 12-hour fresh hold cycle. In the dryer, a wrinkle prevent cycle will tumble clothes for up to 150 minutes to keep them feeling fresh until you get around to unloading and folding them. Both machines are also Energy Star certified and ADA compliant (when not stacked). Plus, 10-year warranties are included on specific parts, so you can feel good about the investment you’re making. Although you can find these machines sold in a set with the needed stacking kit through online retailers like AJ Madison, most other retailers sell the stacking kit separately. While this is very common among stackable sets, you will need the kit at the time of installation in order to stack your machines, so you’ll want to keep this in mind when shopping. Keep in mind that the controls on the dryer may be difficult to reach for short users when the two machines are stacked. This is also very common among stackable machines, so it isn’t a total dealbreaker for us. However, it is something to remember, as it will impact your daily or weekly use of the dryer. Despite these common flaws, this washer and dryer combo is still a great option for anyone looking for a set that’s compact, powerful, and quiet. Price at time of publish: $866 for washer, $778 for dryer The dryer also has automatic temperature control settings, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite T-shirts overheating in a dry cycle. This cycle also automatically senses the dry time needed for each clothing load. Cycle status lights indicate when wash and dry loads are completed, so you don’t have to do any guesswork. We do wish the dryer portion had a few more cycle options, like a steam function, but the temperature sensing does help with efficiency. Although this machine is pretty simple in form and function, it still has Wi-Fi capabilities, which allows you to remotely monitor your laundry cycles from a smartphone. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase the U+ Connect Module separately to initiate these Wi-Fi capabilities. Price at time of publish: $1,299 Although we love how space-saving this laundry center is, we recognize that the front-load washer eliminates added storage that a top-load washer offers. However, we don’t completely count that as a negative, as you’re still saving space with a stackable set in your home. Just like our budget pick, this laundry center is also Wi-Fi compatible and can be remotely monitored through LG’s ThinQ app, but setting up the Wi-Fi can be a bit tricky. Nonetheless, this Energy Star-certified wash tower earns high marks in our book for its capacity, AI technology, and modern design. Price at time of publish: $1,798

This high-efficiency duo from LG puts complete laundry control in your hands through Wi-Fi pairing and remote control on the ThinQ app. Plus, the set is Energy Star certified. The washer and dryer sync to each other, which allows the dryer to suggest cycles that best pair with your current washer load in the ThinQ app. A TurboSteam cycle on the dryer also allows you to refresh any laundry that may have wrinkles or set in odors in 10 minutes. When you notice that the washer starts to appear less than clean, you can run the tub clean cycle. It cleans and dries the basket, gaskets, and door—a necessity for any long-lasting, front-load washer. We do wish the washer had a reversible door, but with some strategic arranging you can avoid any door bumps and limitations. It’s key to also keep in mind that the stacking kit for this set is sold separately. However, thankfully, it’s not too much of an additional cost. Price at time of publish: $898 for washer, $898 for dryer TrueSteam technology in the dryer means you’ll spend less time at the ironing board and more time tending to more pressing needs. The washer also has TurboWash 2.0 technology, which helps save water and can reduce wash times by up to 30 minutes. If you can stomach the more expensive upfront cost, the energy efficiency—not to mention the time efficiency—make this washer and dryer duo a worthy splurge in our book. Price at time of publish: $1,485 for washer, $1,100 for dryer The washer’s PowerSteam cycle safely penetrates fabrics to loosen stains, and the sanitize cycle can remove up to 99 percent of common household allergens, according to the manufacturer. While we’re very impressed by this washer’s bulk detergent dispenser, which holds up to 50 ounces, we wish there were a way to empty it, in case we switch to a new detergent or leave home for an extended period of time. However, it’s still a useful feature that’s worth looking out for. Notably, “most machines in the market today use a mechanical pumping system that can adjust the dispensing of detergent with high precision,” says Childers. This washer’s other smart features make up for this design oversight, too. The dryer is also equipped with an innumerable amount of features, like a static reduction setting and damp alert, which signals when delicates have reached ideal dampness for steaming or ironing. Ultimately, this stackable set may be a bit of a splurge, but it’s certainly worth the cost if you’re looking for a cleaning duo that truly takes the headache out of your laundry routine. Price at time of publish: $948 for washer, $943 for dryer Under the lid of the washer, you’ll find a stainless steel wash basket, which won’t wear down over time, and an impeller plate, which maximizes the otherwise minimal capacity of this washer. The dryer is equipped with an air-dry cycle, which is especially useful for fluffing delicate clothing items or quickly refreshing sweaters. While there are plenty of other stackable options on the market, this compact duo is a great choice for small spaces, and features reliable, simple clothes-cleaning potential.  Price at time of publish: $999 for washer, $799 for dryer Notably, the adaptive dispenser in the washer allows you to use any format of HE detergent for the ultimate clean: pods, powder, or liquid detergent. You just have to make sure, of course, your detergent is compatible with HE machines. “Because high-efficiency washers are smarter, larger, and more efficient, the role of the detergent has significantly increased,” says Ahoni. “Since they use less water, it’s important you use a high-efficiency detergent that is designed to operate in such low-water conditions.” Detergent aside, both machines in this set feature 15-minute fast cycles, so you can squeeze 30 minutes of laundry into your day, and finish both the washing and drying in a timely manner. If you’re frustrated by hand-washing and air-drying your activewear, you can set your frustrations aside because this washer and dryer set also feature activewear cycles, which are specifically designed to delicately wash and dry exercise materials. All in all, although this duo doesn’t have any smart features or Wi-Fi capabilities, they make up for it with their innovative cycles and stain-fighting power. Plus, their energy efficiency is very noteworthy. Price at time of publish: $800 for washer, $880 for dryer
In contrast, a laundry center or tower doesn’t usually have a large capacity, but it can offer a central control panel and be a streamlined option for those looking for a set for their laundry closet, RV, or apartment. A laundry center features a top-load washer and a front-load dryer, most commonly. If you prefer to have two front-loading models, there are additional options on the market, including the LG WashTower.

Power Source

A dryer, whether it’s a part of a laundry center or a standalone model, can be powered by electricity or gas. When shopping, you’ll need to pick which power source suits your home and budget best. Usually, a gas-powered model is a bit more expensive upfront, as it requires professional installation. However, once it’s installed, a gas model will be cheaper to operate and will be more gentle on your clothes. Any home with a 240-volt outlet can opt for an electric model, but you should be prepared for a slight increase in your electric bill.

Cleaning and Steam Functions

As Jennifer Ahoni, P&G’s fabric care principal scientist and laundry expert, noted, taking care of your machines by performing regular maintenance is key to extending their lifespan. Any cleaning functions that your set can provide are a major help, especially if you opt for a front-loading washer. In most cases, front-load washers are harder to maintain because they’re more prone to odors, mold growth, and residue buildup. Some machines feature a self-cleaning cycle, though, to clean up the drum and dry it, the gaskets, and the seals. Our “best overall” set features a washer with a cleaning cycle that sparkles up the interior of the machine every 30 cycles: the Maytag MHW5630HW 27 in. Front Load Washer. A steam function, which can be found in both a washer and dryer, helps reduce wrinkles in clothes, tackle odors and stains, and quickly freshen items you don’t want to put through an entire cycle. In the pursuit of clean clothes, in addition to a clean set of machines, this function can be very helpful to have. This feature is fairly common in washers and dryers but may not be found in your laundry centers or more budget-friendly picks. Although it’s not an absolute necessity, it definitely makes your routine easier and more thorough, which is why it’s worth considering when shopping.

Efficiency and Cycle Options

It’s quite possible that saving space isn’t the only thing on your mind when you’re shopping for your stackable washer and dryer set. You may also be looking to save energy, water, electricity, and time. In the case of saving natural resources, you’ll want to look for a high-efficiency machine with Energy Star and CEE Tier ratings. While these machines may have longer cycle times and require special HE detergent, they conserve energy and water during their routines, so they’re a more budget-friendly, eco-friendly option. In the case of saving time, you may want to look for a machine with a large selection of cycles. Some picks—including our “best with gas dryer” pick, the Electrolux EFLS627UTT washer and EFMG627UTT dryer—feature quick cycles that last for only 15 minutes. Other picks have cycles for targeting all of the common allergens, washing your activewear with care, or tumbling your items until you can collect them. All of these could potentially be beneficial to your laundry day routine—it is key to think about your lifestyle and needs before splurging on anything, though.

Standout Features

Wi-Fi Compatibility

Smart washers and dryers often can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and offer a more customizable laundry routine through automation and more cycle options. Wi-Fi compatibility also allows you to sync your washer and dryer to each other, which allows for cycle predictions and remote monitoring via your smartphone. Some washer and dryer brands even offer the ability to delay your wash or dry cycle for a scheduled time, all through an app. Of course, these features can come at a higher price point, so it’s key to consider what’s actually going to be helpful for you before splurging.

Washer and Dryer Syncing

As mentioned, if you have a smart washer and dryer with Wi-Fi capabilities, you can often sync your washer and dryer loads. The two appliances connect, and then the washer shares the details of your wash cycles so the dryer can match them with an appropriate dry cycle. This feature is ideal if you wash activewear, wool, baby wear, or delicates. It’s also the most suitable for people who trust their appliances to do the work for them and don’t mind a hands-free experience.

Allergy- and Asthma-Friendly Cycles

Many washer and dryer brands are now focusing on ensuring that the process of completing laundry does not irritate allergies caused by household dust, dirt, dander, and other particles. If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, it might be worth investing in a washer and dryer duo that have a cycle specifically designed to eliminate household allergens from clothing. This is especially helpful if you have pets that sleep in bed with you, or if they have blankets and bedding of their own that become soiled more easily, too. Notably, our “best high-capacity” pick, the LG WM8100HVA washer and DLEX8100V dryer, is certified by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America to remove 95 percent of common household allergens.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Phelps is an updates writer for The Spruce who has completed hundreds of hours of research on large appliances. She not only knows the ins and outs of all the major large appliance brands, but also stays up to date on new product releases and innovations. For this roundup, she considered each model’s capacity, agitator, drum material, and potential lifespan. She also considered smart features offered and innovative time-saving designs. Emma currently lives in a small apartment and understands the need to save space when washing and drying clothes. She currently has a Whirlpool laundry center and appreciates its efficiency and ease of operation. Most units will require you to purchase a separate stacking kit, which helps to stabilize the two appliances and might add an inch or so to the overall height of your laundry machines. You can make up for this by adjusting the legs of your machine, so it sits lower. In contrast, a laundry center measures a bit smaller at just 75 inches tall and 25 inches wide and will save you the most space. Emma also reached out to two specialists at P&G: Gary Childers, fabric care scientist and appliance expert, and Jennifer Ahoni, fabric care principal scientist and laundry expert. They offered insights for purchasing washer and dryer sets, and the best practices for maintaining them.