Stacking Duets ---Washers that is...

[mattl]

Just wondering if anyone has stacked 2 FL washers.  I've got one too many for my space and have been wondering if it's feasible to get a stacking kit and wrestle one up top.  My concern is two fold, one the weight of the unit sitting on the bottom one may be too much, and two vibration.

 

I really guess I should get rid of one or two but tossing in 2 loads at once is habit forming...

 

[frigilux]

If I may paraphrase Monty Python: "The washing machine is not a creature of the air."

Everything about your idea screams "looming disaster"....but if you decide to try it, be sure to stand at least 10 feet away and have the video camera running.

Good luck, Matt!

 

[laundromat]

They can be stacked but you'll need a step stool to use the dispensers.I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[frontloaderfan]

I know they're Whirlpools but...

the owner's manual to my 2012 Frigidaire FL says that two washers must not be stacked on top of each other as they are not designed to carry that much weight. Add to that a rough spin cycle and, as they say in Germany, "you've got your salad".

 

[launderess]

Even In Commercial Settings

Don't think you'll ever see two front loaders stacked, and that should tell you something. Dryers yes, but never washers.

Front loaders require firm and stable foundations for safe and proper operations, something that just is not possible when on is stacked atop the other. Using the laws of physics H-Axis washers send forces down through their bases into the flooring to be dissipated by the building's structure. With two units stacked the upper machine is going to send it's forces down to the lower unit. There is now way to ensure all of that energy will make it down the lower machine and into the flooring. More likely than not some to much will be taken up by the lower machine.

So if the top machine spins an out of balance load, Whoaa Nellie! You are going to have some *fun* on your hands!

 

[oldskool]

An Idea?

I understand and appreciate the convenience of washing 2 loads at a time.

If I were to attempt what you propose, I would build a quite sturdy elevated platform that washer #1 would fit under washer #2, thereby not stressing the lower machine by carrying the additional weight. Sturdy as in legs of 4 x 4 lumber, 2 x 4 platform construction with 3/4 inch plywood on top of 2 x 4s with 2 x 4 cross bars on the side. I've seen similar designs in organ speaker elevation when we ran clusters of 4 Leslie Speakers 8 ft high on each side of a large room (8000 seat capacity). While the speaker application does not have the physical movement associated with the washer, the vibration of the bass coming from the speakers was a force to reckon with. The speakers never came down.

 

[mattl]

Thanks, that is pretty much what I thought -- impractical idea.  I didn't think about the dispenser issue, even at 6'4" it might be an reach....

 

[ozzie908]

I didn't think about the dispenser issue, even at 6&#39

and you would need a really tall standpipe because if the hose is lower than the washer it will constantly siphon water out.

If you have a dryer there is no reason why you could not have 2 washers side by side with 2 dryers on top. If your lacking space but have lots of laundry get a twin tub and all its all done real quick )

Austin