Stackable Washer and Dryer Guide: Sizes and Kits

Stacking puts the dryer on top of the washer and turns a laundry room into a laundry closet. It is one way to fit full-size laundry into a condo, an ADU or a hallway. This guide covers which machines can stack, what holds them together, the single-unit alternative, and the measurements and hookups to check before you order.

Three ways to fit laundry in less space

• A stacked pair. A front-load washer and its matching dryer, joined with the maker's stacking kit.
• A laundry center. One appliance with the washer below and the dryer above, built as a single unit.
• An all-in-one washer dryer. One drum that washes and dries, so there is nothing to stack. Our guide to how an all-in-one combo works covers it.

For 24-inch machines that sit side by side or fit under a counter, see our compact washer and dryer guide.

Which washers and dryers can be stacked

Stacking two separate machines is a front-load arrangement. A separate top-load washer opens from above, so nothing can sit on it. For a front-load pair, the maker has to list the washer and dryer as stackable together, and it sells a stacking kit for that pair that locks the dryer in place on the washer. Use the kit the maker names for your two models; the installation instructions list it.

Measuring a closet for a stacked pair

1. Width. Measure the opening at several heights and use the smallest figure.
2. Height. Measure floor to ceiling and to any shelf or soffit, then compare it with the stacked height on the maker's sheet, plus room to reach the dryer controls.
3. Depth. Measure to the back wall, then add the room the hoses, cord and vent need behind the machines.
4. Door swing. Check that the washer door opens fully and that you can stand in front of it with a basket.
5. Service room. The maker's instructions list the space each model needs at the sides, top and back, and any closet door ventilation.

Single-unit laundry centers

A laundry center is built as one appliance, so there is no kit to fit and the controls can sit at a reachable height in the middle. LG builds its WashTower this way, with gas or electric drying depending on the model. Whirlpool laundry centers are on our storefront too; ask our team for the current models and spec sheets.

• LG

  Single Unit Front Load LG WashTower with Center Control 4.5 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer

  Model WKG101HVA

  • One stacked unit with a gas dryer.
  • 4.5 cu. ft. washer and 7.4 cu. ft. dryer, per LG.
  View it on our storefront

• LG

  Single Unit LG WashTower with Center Control 5.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washer and 7.8 cu. ft. Electric Ventless Heat Pump Dryer

  Model WKHC252HWA

  • One stacked unit with Center Control.
  • Electric ventless heat pump dryer, per LG.
  View it on our storefront

Venting and power for a stacked closet

A gas or vented electric dryer at the top of the stack still needs a vent path to the outside, and the length and number of turns the maker allows are on its installation sheet. A ventless heat-pump dryer avoids the vent run, which is why it suits interior closets. Electric dryers list their circuit on the spec sheet; many full-size vented models call for 240 volts. Our heat pump dryer guide covers the ventless option.

Next steps in the Sacramento area

Bring the closet measurements and a photo showing the vent, water and power to the Roseville showroom, and our team will check the makers' stacking requirements against your space. Our washers and dryers page lists every format we cover.