Washing machines that fit down narrow stairwell

[justind]

Hi All,

I just moved and could use your expertise. My new home has the washer drier hookups (prior owner left his drier) in the basement, but unfortunately the only access to the basement is through a narrow stairway with a bump, which at its narrowest point is only 23 inches wide. I have done a fair amount of research (mainly through reading prior threads on the site) and the best solution I have come up with so far is the SpeedQueen 3.3cu.ft. top loading washing machine. My concern is that even that might not fit disassembled. Does anyone know the dimensions of the speed queen disassembled? Also, does anyone know of a larger unit that can be disassembled and reassembled to fit down the narrow stairwell.

Thank you all in advance!

Justin

 

[justind]

Here are the photos (not sure they both uploaded last attempt)

 

[mrb627]

Your Best Bet

I would recommend finding the best condition whirlpool DD machine you can, remove the cabinet, and work it down those stairs. They are pretty narrow, light weight, and easy to breakdown and reassemble.

Malcolm

 

[iej]

You could get one of those French style narrow top loaders, but you'd be unlikely to find one in the USA.

They're basically H-axis with a hatch in the drum and are taller and narrower than normal machines.

 

[henene4]

What might fit as well would be the Miele washer and dryer. No disassembly would be required as both are only 22 1/2 inches wide.

 

[maytagbear]

Could you

acess the basement through the garage? That's how we did it when we owned our house....and the door between the basement and the garage was standard 30 inches....

Lawrence/Maytagbear.

 

[yogitunes]

I was thinking something like this Maytag FLer......granted a smaller capacity, but how big do you need it to be?....should be fine for 2 to 4 people.....and its only 24 inches wide all around....

http://www.maytag.com/-[MHWC7500YW]-1106610/MHWC7500YW/

 

[yogitunes]

or even an Avanti TL....this is somewhat along the lines of a portable, but can be hooked up permanently....it will hold a 12lb load, that basically is a set of queen size set of sheets, and then some....

http://www.designerappliances.com/avanti-w7571.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=pla&utm_term=32253&utm_campaign=BingPLA&utm_content=Avanti

 

[combo52]

Fitting a washer through a 23" opening

Here in the DC area we do many of these difficult installations every year in older homes and even newer ones that have been remolded in stupid ways.

The new SQ TLer will probably fit [ if you disassemble it ], I can measure one we have at the warehouse tomorrow.

Malcolm s suggestion to get a used WP built DD washer is also a good one as they are easier to disassemble than a new SQ TL washer [ they are also better machines in many ways ].

Martins suggestion to get the little MT-WP 2 cubic foot washer is also a good one, this little washer has a larger usable capacity than a new SQ TL washer and will easily keep with a family of 6 or more. [ when comparing the capacity of FL and TL washers you usually have to double the CF size of a FLer when comparing to a TL washer ]

 

[justind]

Thank you all

Thanks everyone! Yes, I would really appreciate the measurements to make sure itll fit before ordering. Do you deliver to NYC?

Thanks again guys!
Justin

 

[justind]

Pref

I would prefer a larger washing machine to fit a king comforter... The larger the better in my mind.

 

[justind]

WP DD

Is there a common model number or product name for the WP DDs that I should be looking for? I would prefer to buy new, but if a used washer is a better option, then Ill have to look around! Also, no, there is no other access to the basement.

 

[henene4]

Though the Miele is small, anything up to 6ft on 6ft medium filled blankets should fit.
Keep in mind: Any disassembling means loss of warranty.

 

[henene4]

And actually: How often do you wash such big items? Lots of times, even if a comforter fits, you'd probably be better of going to a laundromat. The washers there are even bigger, use more water and are bolted to floor. So you'd probably get better wash and rinse results while putting less wear on the suspension system.

 

[justind]

My old apartment had a massive commercial washing machine, and i just hate the idea of doing laundry more frequently with my hectic work schedule.

 

[henene4]

So...

You want a washer with a big drum yet small dimensions?
Something should tell you that can't work.
Doing laundry more often depends on what you had and how you used it till now.
If you got an old TL and filled it loosely, you won't have a problem with a EU sized washer (just what a Miele FL is basicly).
If you had a 4 ft³ monster and cramed it full to the top, well, you can either move or live with what you have.
Size is not everything. LG's and WP's are designed for loads about ¾ full of laundry in the max. So, cut away 1ft³ at 4ft³ capacity. LG's rating load for a TurboWash model is 8 lbs. Nothing at all for a 4ft³ washer.
To break it down: Depending on what you have/had till now, a compact washer dosen't need to be a cut back.

 

[yogitunes]

well, if you can take it apart and get it down the stairs....theres a lot of choices....you could even go with a Whirlpool Cabrio VMW...or any washer that could be taken apart and put back together, they all started as a bunch of parts.......probably the most issue would be flexing the body to get it down the stairs....

you under estimate capacity of a FLer......I have several Neptunes, and wash my king comforter AND the sheets in the same load, and its a little more than 3 cu ft....unless your washing a life raft, I don't see the issue....even a Neptune can be disassembled, find a used one that needs a bearing job, and your more than half way there....

 

[justind]

Thanks for all your replies! Very helpful. My last question... Does anyone know the width of the outside of the tub in the SpeedQueen AWN series? I just want to make sure they will fit down the stairs before I order.

 

[washdaddy]

If the only access to your basement is the stairway that you've mentioned and the dryer was left in the house from the previous owner you could use that as a templet for measurements. That dryer didn't just mysteriously appear in the basement. They had to get it down there somehow. Measure how deep the drum and how wide it is and you'll know you have at least that to work with. Also check the measurements on the cabinet size of the dryer. Even that should be able to give you an estimate on what you can get down the steps even if you have to partially take the machine apart and put it back together once it's down there.

Good Luck!