The 6 Best Stackable Washer and Dryer Sets of 2024, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

If you’re after the best stackable washer/dryer set, we recommend the LG WM4000HWA 4.5 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Smart wi-fi Enabled Front Load Washer and LG DLEX4000W 7.4 cu. ft. Large Capacity Vented Smart Stackable Electric Dryer. During testing, we found these machines easy to use, efficient, and an excellent value for money.

Our Testing Process

To find the best stackable washer dryer sets, we’ve researched and tested 26 of the most popular models on the market over a testing period of three months, using each machine at least twice a week during this time. 

We set the washes and dryers up, noting any difficulties, and paying particular attention to the stacking process, and what tools and extras, like stacking kits, were needed to do so. We tried out all the cycles and settings on each washing and dryer, evaluating them on efficiency and performance. 

During testing, we noted how easy each machine was to use, load, and unload, how long each cycle took, how dry/wet the clothes were after each setting, how effectively the clothes were rinsed, how well stains were removed, and noted the quality of the clothes after each wash. 

We also took into consideration how noisy each machine was. Where applicable, we tested out any smart features, and noted how easy the machines were to pair to the compatible app, and then operate and monitor within the app. Finally we looked at our energy bills to evaluate each machine’s energy and water efficiency.

What to Know About Stackable Washer Dryers Before Shopping

Dimensions

When choosing the best stackable washer/dryer set for your home, dimensions are a key detail to consider. In addition to needing a tall enough ceiling, you’ll also want to ensure that there’s enough room to open the unit’s doors. 

“Most consumers opt for stackable machines to save floor space, so it's worth understanding a few of the fundamental differences between a standard washer dryer versus a stackable,” says Brown. “Standard machines tend to be 27, 29, or 30 inches wide, whereas stackable options range between 24 inches for a compact model, and up to 27 inches for the conventional full-size machine.”

Brown also adds that modern machines are roughly three inches deeper than old machines, so if you’re upgrading to newer machines, it’s a good idea to account for both width and depth. 

“Also, allow two inches for your pipework to prevent kinking or crushing your water drain pipe,” he says. “This will prevent the drain pump from clearing the drum of water at the end of the cycle.”

It’s also worth noting that 24-inch compact dryers are often available as ventless machines, making them ideal for interior rooms where there is no external ventilation. Choosing either a vented or ventless option according to your space is a critical requirement for moisture control. 

“Ventless dryers are a great option if you live in an apartment, as you can be space efficient and not have to worry about external ventilation,” Brown says. 

Capacity

Drum capacities for stackable washing machines are usually 4–5 cubic feet, with more compact models providing 2–3 cubic feet of capacity. Stackable dryers tend to have around 7–8 cubic feet of capacity, with compact options offering approximately four cubic feet.

In stackable washer dryers, the dryer will typically have two more cubic feet of capacity than the washer. 

“The capacity of the washer and dryer should be able to handle your household's laundry,” says Brown. “No one wants to be doing load after load when a larger drum size could have solved the problem. It’s best not to scrimp on the drum capacity as you might regret it later.”

Number of Wash Cycles

Stackable washing machines are commonly front-loading models, and just like regular front-loaders, these types of washers can have 10-30 wash cycles, and sometimes even more, depending on the model.

Cycles include your regular normal load, quick wash, delicates, heavy-duty, and rinse and spin. Extras, typically featured on more expensive models, will be cycles like permanent press, and even steam and sanitizing options.

Number of Dry Cycles

Dryers can come with any number of cycles, typically between five and 15 settings. Common cycles that you’ll find on most dryers are regular or timed (with preset minutes), heavy (for a full load), quick (for one or two items), and bulky (for comforters and towels). 

Some dryers, like the LG DLE3400W Electric Dryer, have an automatic function that senses how moist the clothes are and will stay on accordingly, and even set the appropriate cycle automatically. 

You’ll also find settings based on material, like towels, bedding, denim, or delicates. Other cycles include gentle, wrinkle control, sanitizing, and more advanced dryers can offer permanent press, steam, and air fluff, or steam refresh cycles, too.

Other Considerations

A few other considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the best stackable washer/dryer set for your needs include noise level, location of controls, warranty, and how the units are powered. 

Noise Level: Some models operate below 50 dB, so they’re great choices for kitchen areas or smaller homes where noise travels. “Opt for a model that offers quieter operation, anything below 60 dB is an acceptable level similar to that of a conversation,” Brown says.

Location of Controls: It may seem obvious but stacking two machines on top of each other places the dryer controls at the top of the stack, which can be up to 75 inches high. “This can make programming your dryer cycle unpracticable for some,” Brown says. “Look out for machines with both control panels located at waist height in the center of the stack.”

Warranty: Don't forget to check the warranty to ensure you are sufficiently covered in case of any issues that may arise. Some companies offer a longer warranty as an add-on that might be worth purchasing for peace of mind.

Gas vs Electric Dryer: The best stackable washer/dryer sets are typically offered as either electric or gas options. While you shop, Brown says it’s more cost-efficient to stick with the technology you already have at home. 

Your Questions, Answered

Can any washer and dryer be stacked?

Not all washers and dryers can be stacked, so you’ll want to ensure that the models you’re considering are equipped for it with the help of a stacking hit. 

“Some have curved tops or other design features that prevent safe stacking,” says Brown. “Only select models of washers and dryers of the same brand and size can be stacked. Make sure that the washer and dryer you are interested in are compatible with each other and that the stacking is done according to the manufacturer's instructions.”

Do you need to use a stacking kit for installation?

For safety reasons, Patel advises that a stacking kit is necessary for installation. A good stacking kit allows you to safely stack one unit atop the other, and ensure it stays in place. Stacking your washer and dryer without a stacking kit is a major safety hazard. For example the machines’ vibrations when in operation could potentially cause the top unit to fall off.

It’s worth noting that stacking kits are typically sold separately, and will add cost to your purchase. 

Can a stackable set be used side-by-side?

Some of the best stackable washer/dryer sets can be unstacked and used side by side if need be. However, this is only convenient if the control panels are located at the top of the machines. 

“Some stackable sets have the washer and dryer control panel in the center of the stack, at waist height,” Brown says. “Putting these side by side would mean the dryer control panel would be at floor level, making it impractical.”

Patel also mentions that stackable washers and dryers, and laundry centers, while similar, have vastly different attributes. “Laundry centers cannot be used side by side and often have smaller capacities than stackable units, but can fit into more compact spaces than stacked washers and dryers as well.”

How much can I expect to spend on a stackable washer dryer set?

A stackable washer dryer set can be priced anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, so can be an investment. Machines priced at the lower end of this spectrum may come with features than some of the more higher-end options, but this doesn’t mean that they won’t be efficient and able to fulfill all your laundry needs. 

After testing our best budget set, the LG WM3400CW Washer and DLE3400W Dryer, we still thought it was high-quality and efficient, while also being fairly easy to use. 

Are all washers and dryers sold as sets?

Most manufacturers will offer a matching dryer for every washer. While you can, in most instances, put any front-loading washer and dryer model from any brand or line next to each other and call it a set, buying matching machines will not only look nicer, but will likely be easier to operate as these will typically operate in a similar way. 

Plus, many washers and dryers are designed to work together, as they may have cycles that compliment one another, and some smart machines may even be able to communicate with each other. 

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. Kat has also covered the best top-loading washing machines. 

For this article, Kat used testing insights from our at-home testing. She also spoke to Andrew Brown, an appliance repair technician at This Fixed House, and Brad Patel, the owner at Mr. Appliance of Greater Little Rock.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.