Advice for Selecting the Best Washer and Dryer Size

Washer and dryer sets can vary—big time. From tech features to color, overall size to door position, the choices can be mind-boggling.

We’re here to help you narrow down your options and pick the best washer and dryer set for your family’s laundry needs, starting with the right size. Just follow these four steps!

Step #1: Measure Your Laundry Area

Before you settle on a washer and dryer set, you’ll need to measure the space where the set will be installed in your laundry room.

Use a tape measure to calculate the width, depth, and height of the space.

After you’ve measured the space, you’ll need to account for how much extra space the washer and dryer will require.

You’ll need:

• About 4” in front of the washer and dryer set so you can load and unload clothes.
• About 6” behind the washer and dryer to accommodate hoses and vents.
• About 1” on each side of the washer and dryer, as well as in between them, to allow for air circulation and to cut down on noise.
• Up to 80” in height for a stackable washer and dryer. The stack typically measures 70 to 75”.

Step #2: Research Types of Washer and Dryer Sets

Once you’ve measured your laundry area, you can start looking into the type of washer and dryer set you want for your home.

With a stackable washer and dryer set, the dryer sits on top of the washing machine instead of next to it. These sets are perfect for tight spaces. A typical stackable washer and dryer set requires an area at least:

• 32” wide
• 40” deep

A side-by-side set is exactly what it sounds like! The washer sits next to the dryer. A typical side-by-side washer and dryer set requires a space at least:

• 56” wide
• 40” deep

For quick reference, a full-size washer or dryer is usually about 27” wide, 28” to 34” deep, and 34” to 43” tall. If you put the washer and dryer on pedestals, that’ll make the set about 12” taller. And if you’re getting a side-by-side washer and dryer set, make sure you provide enough space for the appliance doors to open.

Step #3: Account for “the Other Stuff”

Lastly, measure the width of doorways, hallways, and stairways to make sure there’s enough room to get the appliances into and out of your home. There’s nothing worse than getting excited about a new appliance, only to find that it won’t fit through the front door. Thankfully, when you order a washer and dryer set from Rent-A-Center, we take care of the heavy lifting for you—for free! You can relax with professional delivery and set up at no extra charge.

You’ll also want to leave enough room so you can regularly inspect your set and remove dust, lint, and fiber, especially from the dryer. Failure to properly clean is the #1 cause of fires involving clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Step #4: Choose Your Washer and Dryer Set

You know the size of your laundry area and the type of washer-dryer set it will accommodate. Now, you’re ready to find the washer and dryer of your dreams!

Search by model number, brand, or feature on RentACenter.com. Then check the width, depth, and height of a washer and dryer set under the “specifications” section for each product. At a store, look for the dimensions on each appliance or ask a sales associate.

Here are dimensions for two popular sets sold at our stores:

Whirlpool 4.8/7.4 Set

• Washer: 27.5“W x 28”D x 42”H
• Dryer: 27”W x 30”D x 39.68”H

Amana 3.5/6.5 Set

• Washer: 27.5” W x 27” D x 42” H
• Dryer: 29”W x 28.2”D x 44”H

You’ll find that we have the perfect washer and dryer size for any home. Start your order online and stop by your nearest Rent-A-Center location to find the right rent-to-own Maytag, Whirlpool, or Amana washer and dryer today.