Commercial stacked washers and dryers

What is the downside to a stackable washer and dryer?

While there are very few downsides to using stackable laundry equipment, key things to consider include:

• Stacked washers and dryers use more vertical space, potentially reducing the amount of horizontal space you have for organising laundry and storing sundries.
• Stackable washing machines and tumble dryers are very heavy and awkward to manoeuvre. As such, professional installation and maintenance are always recommended for stacked laundry systems.
• Washer and dryer stacks may be more expensive than freestanding appliances.

Are stacked washers and dryers louder?

No, stackable laundry equipment is no louder than standalone appliances – provided the machinery is installed and maintained to a professional standard.

How do stacked washer and dryer units compare to side-by-side models?

Stacked washer and dryer systems have one obvious difference from standard side-by-side models: they incorporate two appliances into a single machine footprint.

Commercial tower washer-dryer systems utilise vertical as opposed to horizontal space, so they’re ideal for laundry rooms with limited square footage. One drawback to these machines versus their side-by-side counterparts, however, is the fact that you lose wall space that may otherwise have been used for storage and shelving.

Do stackable washers and dryers take longer to dry clothes?

No, there should be no difference in drying time between stackable washers and dryers and freestanding units – provided they’re installed and maintained correctly.

Are stacked washers and dryers energy-efficient?

JLA stacked washers and dryers utilise the latest commercial laundry technology to guarantee all-round performance and efficiency. So, while we can’t speak for all stacked washer and dryer combination towers, you can rest assured that our systems are every bit as energy-efficient as our standard commercial washing machines and tumble dryers.

How much weight can a stacked washer and dryer handle?

Provided they’re installed correctly in line with manufacturer recommendations, a stacked washer and dryer system can handle the equivalent loads of a freestanding unit. For example, there’s no difference in weight capacity between the JLA 98 Washing Machine (9kg) and the JLA 98 -98 Washer/Dryer Stack.

What do I need to know before stacking my washer and dryer?

It’s critical that you only ever attempt to stack commercial washers and dryers that are designed to be stackable; it’s unsafe to stack two standard washers and dryers together. You should never stack the washing machine on top of a tumble dryer, either; washers should always be at the base to ensure optimal load bearing.

Note, too, that stacking commercial laundry equipment should only ever be attempted by a qualified technician, as these appliances can be significantly heavy and awkward to handle.

Can I stack my washer and dryer without a kit?

No, not unless the appliances are specifically designed to be stacked without a stacking kit. We don’t recommend attempting to stack commercial laundry equipment without the help and advice of a qualified engineer.

Can you stack a washer and dryer of different brands?

It isn’t recommended to stack washers and dryers from different manufacturers, as there’s a high likelihood that the machines will have different fittings and will not be compatible with one another.

Do stacked units require more maintenance than side-by-side ones?

Not Necessarily, no. Provided they’re serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations, stacked washers and dryers should have the same maintenance requirements as side-by-side machines.

Are stackable washer and dryer units more expensive?

Often, there’s no significant difference in cost between stackable washer and dryer units and their freestanding counterparts. However, if you opt for a stacked unit (wherein two appliances are permanently fixed together in one seamless appliance), you can expect to pay more since you’re effectively getting a 2-in-1 machine.

How long do stacked washers and dryers last?

JLA commercial stacked washer-dryer systems are built to an exceptionally high standard, so you can expect 8-10 years of reliable performance from your machine based on continuous daily use. Plus, thanks to our Total Care guarantee, servicing and maintenance are all included in the monthly price you pay – meaning minimal downtime and optimal performance over the lifespan of your appliance.

What maintenance is required for stacked washer and dryer units?

Regular servicing and maintenance are recommended for stacked washing machines and tumble dryers. This extends from duct cleaning and pipework inspections to replacing internal parts that are showing signs of wear and tear.

Are repair costs higher for stacked washer and dryer units?

Not necessarily, although this does depend on the appliance in question. Since stacked units comprise a seamless, fixed machine, repairs may be more complex and thus more expensive.

What should I look for when buying a stackable washer and dryer?

When shopping around for commercial stackable laundry equipment, look for appliances that are pre-stacked or compatible to be stacked with one another. It’s often not possible to stack just any washing machines and dryers together; you’ll need to select washers and dryers that fit together safely in line with manufacturer recommendations.

Do stackable washers and dryers require special installation?

Potentially, yes. We would advise that all stackable commercial laundry systems be installed by a qualified engineer, as these systems can be heavy and awkward to handle.

Are there safety considerations for stacking washer and dryer units?

It is important to ensure you buy stackable models that are professionally installed. You should not attempt to stack two standalone pieces of equipment for safety reasons.

How do you install a stacked washer and dryer?

Installing a stacked washer and dryer ought to be easier than setting up a stackable system. That’s because a stacked tower comprises one seamless appliance, whereas a stackable system means adding one machine on top of another (which, naturally, has its unique challenges).

In either case, professional installation is recommended to maximise safety and ongoing performance.

Do stacked washer and dryer units need special plumbing?

Yes, they may. Since a stacked system incorporates both a washing machine and a tumble dryer, this will require a combination of plumbing, pipework, ducting, and ventilation to ensure that the appliance can perform at its efficient best.

What kind of venting is needed for a stacked washer and dryer?

Most dryers require venting, therefore should be located in a place where a vent can easily reach the exterior of the building. 

Do stackable washers and dryers use more water than regular units?

No. A stackable commercial washing machine will use the same amount of water as a side-by-side appliance. The only difference here is that stackable washers are designed to accommodate a dryer on top.

Can stackable washers and dryers be Energy Star-rated?

Yes, the majority of commercial stackable washers and dryers in the UK are Energy Star-rated. Simply look for the Energy Star certification label when comparing different appliances.