To stack or not to stack? (washing machine + tumble dryer)

[NoIdeasForWittyNickname]

We're considering a single-storey rear extension + reconfig of other parts of the ground floor, which may give us an option for a (very modest) utility / laundry room space. It'll be big enough to house a separate washing machine and a tumble dryer on the floor level, but if they're stacked, we can have a bit more storage and add a utility sink. I've always wanted to banish washing/drying machines away from the kitchen and it's the first time I may be able to do so, which is very exciting But I'd be grateful for a bit of advice. Would you rather have (a) a modes storage upgrade + a utility sink but stacked appliances or (b) floor-level washing machine and tumble dryer but slightly more modest storage and no utility sink?

I have found I do not need a 1200 my wide worktop in the laundry. I use the drainer of gather sink (which is plumbed in for hand wash draining) and around 600 mm which is the work top on top of the wine fridge. It’s perfectly adequate for washing baskets etc.

I am not short but I cannot see why anyone could not reach the dryer controls. Also my dryer has a cooing cycle and is not hot when I open it. It’s a Miele. If the laundry room is large, I still would to change anything. I like having the machines above each other and not bending down for both. Both are plumbed in.

Definitely stack. You can get a stacking kit that has a pull out shelf to put the basket on, if you are worried about the weight.

what's the floor like? if it's bouncy (wooden beams) then I would advise against.

We have stacked and love it, no problems whatsoever

We stacked, but I got a piece of kitchen worktop from Freecycle and we put the tumble dryer above the washing machine on that. Really solid and the washing machine can still be moved out easily if it blocks or leaks.

Definitely stack.
Ours are stacked in a small utility area, we don't have a stacking kit (I had no idea they existed), the tumble dryer is on a wooden worksurface with the washing machine below it. I'm in my 60s and short, no problems reaching dryer controls and I think it's easier unloading the tumble dryer at eye level, rather than having to bend and lift stuff in and out. Our dryer (which is 7 or 8 years old) has a cooling cycle too I think - anyway it's only warm when I remove the laundry, not hot.

Stack. Lift wet laundry out, straight into drier above. When they are side by side you have to get around the door in the middle. More counter space on either side.
Our cat has a basket on top of the drier and loves the cosiness in the winter.

After reading all the comments I'm now re-assessing how much worktop space I would REALLY need in that room and changing my mind about some other aspects. It's so interesting and valuable to learn about how you all use the space, thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and tips.

@purplesequins, the floor is a solid slab of concrete, so no issues with the weight load or bounciness.

Also so many of you have made a good point about floor level drier meaning spending more time bending down - haven't looked at this dilemma from that angle!

I have a tiny utility and have recently stacked them and added a small sink. I love it. I can leave things to soak, (my son is a stain magnet) no longer need buckets sitting in the bath or kitchen sink which for some reason really bothered me.
I have a top box above the appliances and open shelving with baskets above the sink.
When I had a larger worktop space it became a dumping ground for random things so looked messy, I'm really pleased with the change.

Stack and use a pull out kit for a shelf - really hands and clever use of space

Don’t you end over to get washing out of a washing machine? Ido. If anything, that’s the more difficult bit. An eye level dryer is wonderful. 1200 mm of work surface is a lot in a laundry for a basket. I use 600 mm work surface and a big draining area of my sink.

Another vote for stacking. Just double spin heavy laundry (e.g. towels) to remove all excess water and lighten load before lifting into dryer.

1400 spin gets the towels dry enough to lift.

The drawer on my condenser dryer would be high up and tricky to lift out - but I assume if I had a sink next to it there'd be a way to run the water out to it?

I don't have a utility room ( used to and I miss it ) but I have a cupboard upstairs with no sink . literally just a cupboard with stacked washer and dryer.

What I would say re @Iggi999 - which is a very practical point - mine is a condenser dryer but it is plumbed in so I don't have to do the emptying the water tray/ drawer thing thing - the magic water pipe fairies just take the water away. I love them.

Also for back things - mine are stacked and bending down to load washer is far more onerous IMHO than shoving the things in the dryer in at eye level . I am not tall so @bouncydog - that is a good point but my dryer's controls are about forehead height for me ( I am about 5'4 ) . I do get your point though etc and if one of the taller people in my family shoves the packet of washing tablets / powder etc too far back on the shelf above the dryer that can result in industrial language -

We have ours stacked with a pull out shelf. Dryer has the water container on the bottom so easy to remove and empty.

Stacking meant we could fit in a sink and a shower for teens and the dog which is really handy.

I have just made a utility cupboard out of an old side return. It's just over a meter wide and is the best thing I have done in the house. I have the stacky pull out shelf, it's great! I used wall cupboards as base units and the width is just enough.