Machines for tight spots.(stacking washer-dryers)(Buyers Guide)(Evaluation)

Stacking a washer and dryer is a space-saving option for apartments and small houses. But as with other machines, more efficiency tends to cost more up front.

* Laundry centers, which combine a washer and dryer in one unit, can be a relatively inexpensive way to go. All those we tested are full-sized machines. Lowest priced is the Frigidaire FLSE72GC, $900. It didn't wash and dry nearly as well as the $1,840 Maytag MLE2000A, however. Lack of a moisture sensor in the dryer also lowered its score.

* Compact stackable units are smaller--typically about 512 feet tall vs. more than 6 feet for laundry centers. With maximum capacities between 8 and 10 pounds, none of these models can handle the 14-pound loads that full-sized machines typically can.

A top-performing washer among these models is the front-loading Asko W660 Quattro, $1,480. It's also especially efficient. But we found the electronic controls hard to use. You'll spend far less for the GE Spacemaker WSLS1100A washer, $530, and DSKS433EB dryer, $380. Both performed well and were relatively quiet. At 32 gallons per wash, compared with 20 gallons for the Asko, however, the GE washer is thirsty.

* You can also pair a full-sized, stackable front-loading washer and a dryer with controls in front. Check the Features sections of both reports for suitable models.

 
Stacked machines 
 
Overall Ratings 
 
Full-sized laundry centers, in performance order 
 
KEY    BRAND & MODEL               PRICE        OVERALL SCORE 
NO.                                          P   F   G   VG   E 
 
1      Maytag Neptune 
       MLE2000A[YW]                $1840                 71 
 
2      Kenmore (Sears) 9081[2]       950                 65 
 
3      Maytag LSE7806A[CE]         1,130                 61 
 
4      Frigidaire FLSE72GC[S]        900             54 
 
KEY    BRAND & MODEL                 PERFORMANCES 
NO.                               WASHING    DRYING 
 
1      Maytag Neptune 
       MLE2000A[YW]                 a          b 
 
2      Kenmore (Sears) 9081[2]      b          b 
 
3      Maytag LSE7806A[CE]          b          b 
 
4      Frigidaire FLSE72GC[S]       c          c 
 
KEY    BRAND & MODEL              WASHER EFFICIENCY 
NO.                               ENERGY     WATER 
 
1      Maytag Neptune 
       MLE2000A[YW]                  a         b 
 
2      Kenmore (Sears) 9081[2]       c         d 
 
3      Maytag LSE7806A[CE]           c         c 
 
4      Frigidaire FLSE72GC[S]        d         e 
 
KEY    BRAND & MODEL               WASHER         NOISE 
NO.                               CAPACITY   WASHER    DRYER 
 
1      Maytag Neptune 
       MLE2000A[YW]                  c         b        a 
 
2      Kenmore (Sears) 9081[2]       c         b        c 
 
3      Maytag LSE7806A[CE]           d         c        b 
 
4      Frigidaire FLSE72GC[S]        d         b        c 
 
KEY    BRAND & MODEL              RECOMMENDATIONS & NOTES 
NO. 
 
1      Maytag Neptune             Capable and efficient, but pricey. 
       MLE2000A[YW]               Among the best at handling unbalanced 
                                  loads. Stainless-steel inner tub 
                                  angled for easier access. 
 
                                  Lots of performance for the price. 
2      Kenmore (Sears) 9081[2]    Dryer rack. Top-loading washer has 
                                  plastic inner tub. 
 
3      Maytag LSE7806A[CE]        Very good. Top-loading washer. 
 
                                  Less capable and water-efficient than 
4      Frigidaire FLSE72GC[S]     most. No moisture sensor. Top-loading 
                                  washer has plastic inner tub. Dryer 
                                  rack. 
 
Overall Ratings 
 
Small stackables, in relative performances order 
 
KEY  BRAND & MODEL                          PRICE     PEFORMANCE 
NO.                                                 WASHING   DRYING 
 
1    Asko W660 Quattro washer ($1,480) 
     and T760 dryer ($950)                  $2430      a         b 
 
2    Miele Novotronic ...