Archive > August 2010

Stackable Washers and Dryers

If you live in an apartment and are tired of the weekly trip to the laundry mat, you might consider purchasing a stackable washer and dryer.  Stackable Washers and Dryers are combination units with the washer and dryer units one above the other.    Rather requiring a large area to house the appliances, stackable units have a much smaller footprint.  Most units are small enough to fit in a standard size closet.

Types of Stackable Washers and Dryers

There are two main types of stackable washers and dryers.  The first type will have a top loading washer with a front loading dryer secured over it.   This type of unit normally has a smaller capacity than its standalone counterpart.

The second type of stackable washer and dryer combo is a front loading washer combined with a front loading dryer.  These models will typically have close to the same capacity as the top load models.  As a matter of fact, kits are available to stack most standard size front load washer and dryer units.

Front Load Washer and Dryer Combos

As technology improves, so does convenience for every day household tasks.  One of the latest developments in laundry appliances is the front load washer and dryer combo.  Rather than buying two separate units to wash and dry your clothes, a combo unit will do both.  Just put your clothes in, start the cycle, and come back to fully washed and dried clothing.

The other benefit to the washer and dryer combo units is that many of them are ventless.   Most standard washing machines require a vent to the outside to operate properly.  This is a cost to consider when purchasing any type of stackable washer and dryer.  However, this is not a concern with a combo unit.  The unit can literally be placed anywhere.

The one downside to the front load washer and dryer combos is that while they do save on water and electricity, they typically take longer to dry the clothes than a separate drying unit would.  However, for the working person, this inconvenience is negligible and greatly outweighed by the benefit of not having to switch a load from the washer to the dryer.

If you are in an apartment or small home without laundry facilities, add stackable washers and dryers to your shopping list.  There is a wide selection available in washers and dryers today including stackable dual units as well as front load washer and dryer combos.  Whatever your housing situation, the right washer and dryer is out there for you.

Front Loader Washing Machines

If you are in the market for front loader washing machines, you are not alone.  Front load washers and dryers have quickly gained in popularity over the past several years due to larger capacity, increased efficiency and lower utility costs.  Home owners are buying front loading models for both convenience and savings as well as due to the increasing awareness of environmental concerns and the desire to conserve energy

New Age of Home Appliances:  Front Loader Machines

As mentioned, the purchase of front loader machines are on the rise for residential use for a number of reasons.  Not the least is that the price has dramatically decreased for home units.  In years past, front loading machines were typically only found in commercial laundry mats and residential models were prohibitively expensive.  Now, while a front loading washing machine is not as cheap as a top loader model, they are much more affordable for the average home owner.

Front Loader vs Top Loader Washing Machines

What are the advantages of a front loader washing machine vs a top loader?  First, front loaders have a greater capacity as they do not have an agitator, requiring fewer loads of laundry to be done.  Second, they require much less water than a typical top loader.  Both of these factors will result in savings in both energy and time.

Compare Front Loader Washing Machines

If you are planning on purchasing a front loader washing machine, it is always a good idea to compare models and prices.  Rather than having to drive from store to store as buyers were forced to do in days past, doing your due diligence research is now a snap with online stores and consumer review sites.

The most well know rating and review site is obviously Consumer Reports.  However, it is not the only one.  There are now many web sites that allow individual customer reviews that are unfiltered and updated in real time.   Amazon is a great site to get the scoop on real customer experience as buyers have the option of both rating the machines as well as leaving a review.

If you are looking for a way to save time on the unavoidable task of laundry and would like to save money and be eco-friendly at the same time, consider buying a front loader washing machine as your next home appliance purchase.  Join the ever growing ranks of homeowners who have made the switch .