Talk to me about stackables please!

[vacuumfreeeke]

I don't know a lot about stackables, but I was wondering if a small stackable (top load washer with dryer top mounted) would work better for me than a portable. I do not have washe dryer hookups and I only have 120 volt outlets in my apartment. That is why I was considering a portable. Stackables are cheaper and more avaiable and reviews are better on them. To they have a 120 cord for the washer and a 220 for dryer, or just one cord? Can I use the washer and dryer at the same time? Would I be able to get a hose and put it on a unicouple (like my portable dishwasher)? I have a closet by the kitchen sink that I could put the unit in and just reach the hose over to the sink if this would be a workable solution. How do they work?

Thanks!

 

[pulsator]

I know there was a Kenmore stackalbe model that had a switch on the control panel. It allowed you to use either the washer or the dryer, but not both at the same time, it had a single 110 volt cord. I'm pretty sure that the smaller stackables such as the Whirlpool Thin Twin which is identical to that Kenmore has either the single 110volt cord for either washer or dryer or a single 220 volt cord to run both. The washer is 110 and the dryer is 110.

 

[toggleswitch]

~Can I use the washer and dryer at the same time?
Usually not even on a 120v 20a circuit. If you were to plug them into two separate lines you may be able to use them at one time. Depends on size of incoming electrical service (voltage and amperage) to your apt. Adequate service ensures lack of a problem.

~Would I be able to get a hose and put it on a unicouple (like my portable dishwasher)?
Most-likely yes. Frequently the washer drain hoses are larger in diameter than the unicouple's drain line. But this can be "fanegeled."

Just remember any American 220v dryer apears to be able to be converted to 120v extremely easily. I can do that for you with a simple custom extension cord. Just order the 4-prong cord and plug. IMHO automatic sensor (electronic) dry control is best for that application. When your time of need arises please feel free to e-mail me directly with your request.

 

[maytagbear]

Uh, let's get some nomenclature

To me, "stackable" implies two separate units. "Stacked" means an all in one unit, like the Frigidaire "Skinny Mini," or the Whirlpool "Thin Twin."

Stackables can be based on portables, like Whirlpool's World Washer (and coordinating dryer), or installed units, like Mieles.

I think stackables, as opposed to a stacked unit, is what is needed here.

I am not saying this to be difficult or mean, just to try to prevent confusion, ok?

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

okay...

Well, a stacked unit is what I would need in this situation... it would be easier to be all one piece and they are cheaper more available.

Thanks for the responses guys... always something to consider!

 

[maytagbear]

Most stacked units

I have seen, needed permanent plumbing connections, even if they had 120 volt dryers.

L/Mb

 

[andrewinorlando]

Bobby - how much do you want to spend on all this? Why don't you consider something like a compact portable washer like those found on www.compactappliance.com? Something like an Avanti or Haier portable. You're looking at some conversion work if you buy a "stackable" and want to use it as a portable. It would have to be on wheels so you can roll it up to a sink. If you get portable units, you can roll them anywhere to connect, allowing you to use the washer and dryer at the same time. If you're going to have connections installed, you're talking about some serious money here, and the landlord might not allow it. Some of those portables will hold a good amount. You can even get a stationary compact dryer if you can stick it by a window to vent it and give it a separate circuit to run off of. Or, you can vent it to the inside of the apartment, but here in orlando, that's asking for major humidity problems in the summer. Venting is best. You can stick with one of the Whirlpool or GE compacts, available at Sears, or, even the Kenmore portable from Sears. But in your situation, I don't know how a stackable would be an economically feasible alternative for you given what you want to spend. Sears had their portable washer for $229 at the Outlet Store, and the dryer (115V) for around the same. Price varies at the outlet given the inventory. But check it out before you make yourself crazy! The portables give you many options now and down the road, that a fixed unit won't offer. And they hide in a closet or alcove when not in use.

 

[sudsmaster]

I suspect that something like an Equator washer/dryer combo (all in one), with no venting, but condensing drying, would be best for your apartment situation.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

thanks!

Thanks for all the opinions. I was kind of set on getting a portable and then a friend (ex actually, I should have known it was a bad idea) asked why wouldn't a stackable unit work.

I know I don't want Haier or Equator as the reviews are pretty bad from both machines.

Right now the big dilemma is vented or ventless drying system. I would love to go ventless, but the wrinkles, small capacity and 4 hour drying times do not appeal. Nor does having to leave the thing hooked up to the water all the while it is in operation.

Andrew, thanks for your insightful and considerate response. I did call the Sears outlet. They must be terribly busy... I tried off and on for an hour to get someone. Finally someone who sounded like a flamer (not that that's bad) answered (on 14th ring) and told me the portable washers go for 400 and dryers go for 200 dollars. I really need to drive out there and take a look. I don't care if it's top or front load, I just want it to work.

I want to keep the total cost under or close to 500 dollars... especially since I will have to pay delivery (my car is a 2 seater). I don't mind spending extra for delivery, above the 500 that I want to spend for the machines. I'm excited about the prospect of owning my own laundry processor and I'm enjoying doing the research. Right now as I type, all three washers in my building have out of order signs on them. The portable dishwasher dramatically improved my quality of life and I am expecting the same thing from a laundry processor.

Andrew, have you been to the new Ikea yet?

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I *think* I made a decision

The Haier portable washers actually got pretty good reviews, just not the combos.

I think I've decided what I need/want. I think I am going to go with an all in one machine that has vented drying.

I do not want two appliances rolling around the apartment and taking up floor space. I think a dishwasher and a laundry processor are enough... I don't want two laundry machines. Plus, I think a front load system would be easier on the clothes, something that I hadn't considered before.

I would like a vented (I'd probably get a water box or run it at night sticking the exhaust out the window) system because I do not want to tie up the kitchen sink for all those hours.

I MAY consider a ventless IF I can hook it up in the bathroom instead... Then I can leave it there and it will not matter how long it takes. Do they make adaptors that bathroom sink or bathtub operation? I'd still be concerned about wrinkles though.

Another reason that I want an all in one is because they heat their own water... I do not want to have to control the water with the faucet handles.

 

[toggleswitch]

two check valves on the hot and cold supply may be in order.

~I do not want to have to control the water with the faucet handles.

Assuming your hot water is provided by the lanlord, and not by individual hot water heaters in each apt:

A wise idea in that when "warm" is selected at the faucet, the neighbors can get some funky water tempertures at their points of use if the cold short-circuits back into the hot pipe (at your location) and then flows out of the neighbors hot tap, for example.

 

[panthera]

Sounds like the right direction

but there are a few things you might want to consider.
The all-in-one units can only dry half a washed load at a time without major wrinkles (and I mean seriously bad, not just a minor annoyance) and enormously long drying times.
Yes, there are adapters for both situations. I would be a bit cautious of any such setup, regardless of kitchen sink, bathtub or washbasin. Too many stories of leaks and bursts for me to ever leave such a machine alone.
The water boxes are shit and worthless. Forget them. They are a total waste of time, they don't even stop the lint from spreading around much less lower the humidity.
A small addition which would lower the drying time enormously is a separate extractor. Or centrifuge. Or Schleuder. Depends on where you live in the US or Canada. There are two kinds, cheap junk from Pakistan which breaks instantly or European based units which last indefinitely. They cut the drying time in 110V units down from two and a half hours to less than one hour for towels.
The Whirlmore portables built in the 1980's and early 90's were built extremely well, are often available for very little money. Parts aren't a problem, the spin speed is much higher than most American TLs and the washing results, for a TL, excellent. You can pick up a pair in perfect condition for less than $500, easily. If I had to chose between Haier and 15 year old Whirlmore portable, stakables, I'd take the Whirlmores.
(If Sears tells you there aren't parts, just got to www.applianceparts.com or Whirlpool. Sears service has gone to hell the last years.)

 

[andrewinorlando]

Bobby - haven't been to Ikea yet, but going next week since I'm off and can go in the daytime. Traffic around there on weekends is a nightmare.

If you need help shopping, just let me and Shane know...we'll be glad to help you out. I go to that Sears Outlet regularly, and I know those portable prices vary greatly, as low as $249 for the washers. It's all in the timing though.

 

[jamiel]

Agree w/Panthera...you'll be much better served by the Whirlmore set with a stacking rack, and potentially the extractor. I had one in the early 90s which was new in about 1972 and had been passed down through a family (college apartments) for several go-arounds, and I used it for several years and sold it for what I'd paid for it.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I may have something

A guy on Craig's List is selling a Edge Star ventless Combo for 300 bucks... he said he's moving Sat and if I can get it by then he'll let me have it for 200 dollars. I know what they go for new... that's quite a deal... he said he's only used it 2 months which may or may not be true...

Does anyone want to talk me out of it before I go for it?

 

[tomturbomatic]

Well, if you had the dryer supported on a rack and left in place and just had to roll the washer to the sink, you would not be rolling both around or were you thinking about having the washer stay in place and just use longer fill and drain hoses to reach the sink? Whirlpool used to make a rack like that and might still. If you had the one piece stack or the stacked washer and dryer, they would not be able to be portable because of stability issues--man crushed under fallen washer-dryer. Whirlpool and possibly other portable washers used a reducer in the drain hose so that when the water was pumped out, it would not overwhelm a sink drain.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

gtk

Good to know about a rack... If this Edgestar thing doesn't work out or I change my mind it would be nice to have the dryer supported on a rack.

If I had gone with a stacked unit I would have just wanted to use longer hoses and keep it in the closet... that was the original idea of this post, but don't think I'll be doing that anymore!