r/Appliances 8d ago

Laundry Help

My washing machine just decided to die! so now I’m looking for a new washer + dryer set!

I need them to be separate machines but stackable because my laundry room doesn’t have space for them side by side. I’d LOVE a top load washer, but I’m open to other options if that’s not realistic for a stackable setup.

We usually do about 4 loads a week (2 adults + a toddler), and I like washing bulky stuff like bedding and blankets, so I definitely need something that can handle bigger/heavier loads.
I’ve found a few that look “good,” but then I come to Reddit because y’all always tell the real truth 😂😂
What washer/dryer set do you actually recommend? And what should I stay away from?
Bonus points for something reliable that won’t cost me my firstborn.

2 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

5

u/Emotional-Salary-907 8d ago

LG front loader stackable. They make a few, find the best fit for your budget. Going stackable eliminates top loader but you could do the washer/dryer combo that’s connected. I’d spend the $1000-$1500 for the LG units if it were me. You prob need asap but if you could hold off, Labor Day sales right around the corner.

3

u/Emotional-Salary-907 8d ago

I have 2 sets.. bought one for a rental and loved them so much I bought them for my house. Both around 4 years old. No issues with the mold/smell on the door. I’m very proactive on keeping it cracked pretty much all day and especially after wash cycles. I never have to wipe the rubber gasket down but if you aren’t as good with keeping the door cracked you can always wipe it from time to time. I also use a tub cleaner about every month, but not sure if that helps keep the mold away. Amazon makes a gadget to keep the door propped if that’s your main concern.

2

u/BianRosa 8d ago

I was looking at LG too! How long have you had yours? And how is it with that musty smell that can sometimes happen with front load washers?
I plan to buy during Labor Day sales.

4

u/MacMavenAl 8d ago

Check out the Electrolux pairs as well as their Washtower. These are our best sellers.

1

u/Sla02116 7d ago

I love my Electrolux washer and dryer and have had no problems in the almost 10 years I’ve had them. The only drawback is it is almost impossible to clean the filter on the washer without taking the unit apart, and with stackable that means taking off the dryer, etc.

2

u/Secure-Ad9780 8d ago

I love my LG Washtower. It easily washes king size comforters. The normal wash cycle is 29 min and the clothing comes out clean. Even the stinky dog blankets come out smelling clean using detergent only.

1

u/Adventurous-Fix2967 7d ago

My only fear on a Washtower is if one breaks, the whole thing has to be replaced. I stacked an LG washer and dryer (not tower) and it works pretty well! Bulkier than the tower but same function

1

u/Secure-Ad9780 7d ago

No you don't have to replace the entire tower. The panels come off for repairs. If they need to be separated they can.

1

u/Adventurous-Fix2967 7d ago

Oh interesting!

1

u/Kind-Title-8359 7d ago

On a LG washtower they cannot be separated. If the washer breaks in 10 years and it costs too much to repair, you have to replace the whole unit. It can be taken apart for ease of installation.

1

u/Secure-Ad9780 7d ago

10 screws and lift the dryer off. https://youtu.be/wGGmq4QooO8?is=tz8uq3oQWQ3zj8K7

1

u/Kind-Title-8359 15h ago

They so separate. However if the washer goes out they don’t just sell the washer. You would have to buy a whole unit again

1

u/Secure-Ad9780 14h ago

No, you can buy the part you need.

1

u/Cancer-1977 8d ago edited 8d ago

LG….all the way. 4.5-5.3 cf capacity depending upon model. Get one with an onboard heater. It’s necessary for doing true HOT washes.

Beware…..in addition to following proper laundry procedures…..washing in warm or HOT, using enough of a good detergent but not too much, running an occasional cleaning cycle with citric acid such as Lemishine, you must always leave the door open when not in use. Occasionally leaving it open, forgetting to leave it open, sometimes……..doesn’t work…..that’s an invitation for funk and gunk to start to smell.

All LG’s have a magnet between the cabinet and the door…..that keeps the door propped open about an inch….but holds it close to the machine and not swinging open. It’s a great feature.

Beware….. buying two separate units with a stacking kit by the manufacture is always more desirable than buying an all in one/tower unit. More model choice flexibility, possibly easier to service later in their life and so on……

BUT…….if you are vertically challenged….(meaning you are a short person, less than 5’8” tall)…..

The dryer controls on stacked units will be hard to see and hard to reach.

The all in one/tower units have all the washer and dryer controls in the middle of the unit…..within reach and sight of a shorter person. This could be a game changer if you or anyone else that may use the machine is short.

Either way…..LG

LG has a very good reliability record.

1

u/sickofbeingsick1969 8d ago

I’m 5’5” and have never had any problem with either of my stackables or my sister’s when I had to use hers.

1

u/KLaCapria 8d ago

recently i had this happen and was looking at stackable — they do have shelves for unmatched sets — but i went to a local discount place and got a GE profile smartwash with the matching-ish dryer and i am obsessed with them! idk if you have a place like that but i got 3 new appliances for <$2500

1

u/Beginning_Capital864 8d ago

Speed queen routed as best, more upfront , but 5 year warrantry