When replacing your washer and dryer don't assume that the new machines will fit in the same space as the old pair, especially if it's tight. Washers and dryers are getting bigger and bigger as manufacturers add capacity. Of course, you can still find standard-sized machines so take your tape measure to the store when you shop. Here are five things to know about moving in new machines.
Check all dimensions. Even washers and dryers that are 27 inches wide can be taller or deeper than your old machines. That’s important if there are cabinets or shelves over the washer or dryer, or if it needs to fit in a closet or behind doors. Many large- and jumbo-capacity machines are 2 to 3 inches wider, which could add an additional 6 inches for the pair.
Leave room behind machines. When measuring the space you have to work with, allow room behind the dryer for the vent and behind the washer for the water-line connections.
Measure all doorways. The machines will need to fit through the front (or back) door into the house and any doorways or stairwells on the way to the laundry room.
Don’t forget the pedestal. Tally the height of the machine plus pedestal, especially if you plan to install your appliances below cabinets or shelves.
Not all washers and dryers can be stacked. Though most front-loaders we test can be stacked with a dryer, the actual height of the combined units can vary slightly depending on how the dryer attaches to the washer. So check with the salesperson or look online at the models’ specs. With that height in mind, will you be able to reach the dryer controls and inside the drum?
The best matching washers and dryers
Find washer and dryer duos in which both machines were top-performers in Consumer Reports' tests of washer and dryer pairs.
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This article also appeared in the November 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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