Side by side or on top? Laundry

[FantaIsFine]

Hi

By virtue of my building works I'm able to move my - separate - washing machine and tumble drier to the airing cupboard.

Intention is that the cupboard exterior won't need to be damaged and there is loads of room for them with TD on top [cool]

However if the cupboard needs decimating and building from scratch there is JUST enough room for them to go side by side.

I'm overthinking by this point but would it be the more sensible thing to do given choice? Boiler related moves is what is creating the space so there will be a boiler up high either way. The cupboard goes to ceiling. I'm just thinking shelving might work out more practicable

Thanks!

If the easier option then stacking works just fine. You can get a kit with a pull out shelf so empty the washing machine into a basket, pop it on the shelf and load the dryer (which is obviously on top)

If there's the space, I'd go side by side to get some extra counter space on top.

I'm currently trying to decide this too. My new laundry cupboard would allow side by side OR stacked and I can't decide which I prefer. Initially was thinking side by side, counter on top, shelving on the wall above and one of those dryers that go up to the ceiling (ceiling vaulted in that part of the property so great height) but I've been wondering about stacking so I can have a cupboard next to them... I shall read what people say with interest.

I have this dilemma too. Stacking seems to make sense, but every drier I’ve has has had the condenser drawer at the top and I’m worried about the weight of it pulling it out above head height.

Am I overthinking it?!

No. You're being sensible.

I'd go side by side and have shelf space on top.

Ours are stacked with the pull out shelf that @TheOneWithUnagi mentions. I use the shelf all the time.

Our tumble dryer is also a condenser - no problem at all with pulling out the unit for emptying (and I can be spectacularly clumsy.)

If it's slightly tight to put the units side by side, it might be difficult to open the doors past 90°, which could make loading difficult. That's why we decided to stack instead.

Edited to add: we got someone in to build shelving down the side of the stacked machines. Loads of space for storage, and replaced the need for cabinets above the side by side washer/dryer. Cheaper too.

If you have space to go side by side then that is useful as it means you can have a worktop on top for eg spraying any stains before things go in the machine, and you can also have a rail or rack above for drying non tumble items. (I wouldn’t do shelves).

However it’s not worth rebuilding the cupboard for, stacked is fine!

The condenser drawer water can go down the same drain pipe as the WM. Mine has a tube at the back

I have this set up and manage to empty the condenser from the top drawer of the dryer without any problems- and I'm not particularly tall or fit!

OMG

My WHOLE ADULT LIFE I have operated on the belief a condenser dryer needs a drawer emptying of water from time to time and never bothered considering them. Wait what?! It can just drain???

Please believe me I am pretty switched on, on most things

@gingercat02 really?! That’s a game-changer! Does the dryer come with an option to do that or does it have to be adapted?

Mine just had a tube at the back, we bought a double adapter thing in B&Q so they both go down the same drain hole.

I have mine stacked with a small sink in the worktop next to them so I can soak stuff and do hand washing. It's really useful.

Our condenser drier is plumbed in so that the water goes into the external drain. It’s an AEG so we got the specific part from the AEG site for £15. You just need to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation space around the drier if it’s one that gets hot to avoid condensation.

I had a choice but went with side by side. I'm glad I did as I use my counter to pre-treat, folding and store baskets of ironing.

If you have room for a rail or a shelia's maid then all the better, I use my sheila's maid all year round.

I've recently added ornate hanging basket hooks to the inside of my boiler room/airing cupboard I can use it as a drying room now.