Traditionally, washers and dryers are placed side by side in the laundry area. However, they can also be stacked to save space. This is especially appropriate for small apartment and condo dwellers as well as people who simply want to get more space out of their laundry room.

In homes where space is not an issue or a major consideration, washers and dryers are places side by side in the laundry room. But if you have limited space or you don’t have a laundry room, you can work around it by stacking these units. This is especially recommended if you live in a small apartment or condo, or if you simply want to free up space in your laundry room.

There are several ways to achieve this. Stackable washer dryer units come in two forms: one is an all-in-one unit called a laundry center and the other is stacking separate washer and dryer units. Combined washer-dryer units, where clothes are washed and dried in the same drum, are also available in the market.

Another disadvantage is that the washer and dryer are sold as a pair, and there are instances where the quality of one unit is better than the other. You may find that the washer breaks down first, or vice versa. You may need to replace the entire set up when either the washer or dryer breaks down completely and is beyond repair, even if the other unit is still in working condition.

Also, in some cases, getting the washer and dryer as a pair is not necessarily an advantage. The washer may break down first, or vice versa. The damage may be extensive enough that it cannot be repaired, so that you have to buy another laundry center.

You can opt to purchase separate washer and dryer units instead. The search may take longer, but you will be able to get the best possible combination for your needs. You are not tied to any particular capacity or feature or obligated to buy the same brand for the two appliances.

However, only certain models can be stacked safely. Even so, bigger units need a kit or supporting frame to make the set-up more stable. Also, you should check if the combined height of the stack does not inconvenience you by making the dryer controls hard to reach.

However, capacity may be an issue with this option, since the choices for this kind of appliance is less extensive than for stand-alone washers and dryers.

Wes Sims specializes in writing about refrigerators and other greatappliances. It’s important to read reviews and articles discussing appliances for your home like a washer, dryer, or other heavily used appliances so you know you are getting the best products. For additional information see his/her other resources.