One Washer, Two Dryers?

[lowefficiency]

As we prepare to remodel a section of our basement into a new expanded laundry room, I've had this thought in the back of my mind that a nice setup would be to have a second dryer hooked up. We typically end up doing several loads of laundry back-to-back, and it's usually the drying that holds up the process.

Aside from your rotating collections, does anyone here run this type of three-machine setup for their regular use laundry?

It's an arrangement that would be cost prohibitive to set up with a lot of the newer machines... But is surprisingly affordable when using these vintage machines. With the value of your time saved, that second dryer could pay itself off pretty quickly.

A few examples found in a quick Google search:

 

[henene4]

Reverse setup

With the amount of line drying we do, we actually do use a reverse setup. 2 washers, one dryer.

But I guess this could work out verry well. Maybe you could plan in an additional spin dryer, that could shorten drying time as well.
Further, depending on the loads you do, sometimes combining 2 loads of laundry in 1 drying cycle can work out and safe some time.

This setup allows for some flexibility as well in terms of what dryer you get. You know, some dryers are known for their speed, some for their gentleness.

Or, get something stackable or prestacked. Even though load size might be limited on the stacked pair, you still would have the option of the second washer as a "boost" in wash capacity or the dryer likewise for drying capacity.

Only thing in mind would be power requirements, especialy if you use electric dryers.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Hey why not?   I have 4 washers & 3 dryers connected (well, 5 and 4 if I count the pair in the house).

 

Kevin

 

[kb0nes]

If you had a large capacity frontloader it may make sense to have two dryers to split the loads into.

Somehow I can't see the need for two dryers with a topload machine. Unless perhaps it is a slow spinning vintage machine extending the dry periods

 

[swestoyz]

I'm with Phil here.  I like having a more modern front loader paired with a vintage top loader (Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, etc.), along with a few dryers (29 inch Whirlpool matched with a Frigidaire Filtrator for winter towel drying). 

 

You can tackle a ton of varied laundry with this arsenal.

 

Ben

 

[launderess]

Apparently the set up you mention is quite common

Pipe: http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/app/5684583850.html

Traditional top loading washers always finished faster than dryers IIRC. When laundry was hung on lines this probably didn't matter, but when that changed you can see where a bottleneck could develop.

Am assuming as dryer design lowered temps from "broil" to merely "hot" again things slowed down so you probably would welcome a second dryer. Especially given top loading washers never were known to spin laundry very dry but for a few exceptions.

Of course the other option would be to use an hydro-extractor (spin dryer) before putting wash into the dryer. Those devices have never been popular for domestic use however, though commercial/laundromat is another matter.

To break that bottle neck my mother like one assumes other housewives would send thngs that either didn't need much or any drying first through the wash, leaving the heavy stuff that required long drying times for last. This and or just hanging certain things up to dry for start such as shirts.

 

[yogitunes]

there are options of many varieties.....

even a newer FL set, placing two side by side, dryers stacked on top......

a second set/laundry room in the home can save time, one on the main floor, one near the bedrooms......and has been shown to add value to your home for resale of two laundry areas....

but you have to look at personalize for yourself, or the home....and in what configuration fits your needs, some have 2 washers and 1 dryer, others are the other way around......

in the country house, I have 3 washers, 2 dryers, and a stacked set.....I think a Neptune drying cabinet would be a great addition, serving many purposes...

as the guys mentioned, I would go with gas dryers, cheaper to run, but also easier to hook up versus needing two high voltage lines...

I know you guys have seen this a thousand times of the lower level, plus theres a full set in the main bathroom......

depending too of where this is set up, there are ideas of cabinets for storage, a laundry tub, or even a shower stall for hanging drip dry items, multi purpose of a mud room....if close enough to the kitchen, throw in another dishwasher for backup such as holiday gatherings.....its all about making your life easier.....

 

[brucelucenta]

Not a problem I would ever have, since I don't live in a mansion.

 

[henene4]

In most places where you can fit a washer and a dryer side by side, you could stack 2 pairs.

 

[moparwash]

Here is the setup for multiples...now when I get the W dryer going it will be 3 washers and 3 dyers..

 

[mrb627]

Caution

If your laundry area is part of the air conditioned space, that is a lot of draft to put on your ac.
Additionally, if your hot water heater is gas and in the same place, pulling heater exhaust gases back into your space could be dangerous.

Just saying...

Malcolm

 

[volvoguy87]

Multiples.

I typically find that a top loading washer takes about 30 minutes to run a cycle. Dryers take about 45 minutes. Having 2 dryers will give you the time to keep the washer running pretty much constantly while you have the time to let the dryers finish, fold the clothes, and then re-load.

I have a few more machines than that, but that is atypical for most people, but a staple around here!

Dave

Speed Queen makes stacked dryers, so you can have 2 dryers in the footprint of one.

 

[estesguy]

One up, one down

In my last house we had a washer/dryer in the main floor laundry half bath, and another set in the downstairs utility room. 2 bedrooms were up, and 2 down. That way laundry wasn't required to be toted up the stairs and back down. That being the main advantage. But in the event of any additional need to get things done, we had a double set at our disposal. Very good arrangement I think. Both sets were GE Hydrowaves.

 

[lowefficiency]

Some great ideas here!

In our case, our problem is that some loads we wouldn't combine (ie: our nice clothes and pet items), and some wash loads by color produce sets of items that have to be dried differently. So it's almost always the drying that holds things up for us.

Two of each would give all kinds of flexibility, but I'll live a longer and happier life if I follow the wishes of "don't make it look like a laundromat". Unfortunately we don't have room for redundancy on different floors, so I think the 1+2 arrangement downstairs is the best option. Tons of space down there, and the electrical & gas hookups are nearby if rework is required.

 

[lowefficiency]

Thanks Malcolm for the words of caution (venting). How does a builder typically compensate for this in a building? An "intake" air vent to balance the dryer's outflow would probably have to be a little distance away from the outlet to avoid recirculating fumes, etc... Is it enough of a draw that a fan or other small forced air venting would be required?

Henrik- hadn't thought about using a spin dryer to shorten the drying times. Did anyone ever make a "full size" spin dryer that looks right next to the other machines, or were they always the smallish freestanding cylindrical shaped units?