Stacking your washer and dryer cuts your laundry footprint in half, which makes it possible to fit a full-size laundry setup into a closet, bathroom, or hallway alcove. Whirlpool has been a dominant name in laundry appliances for decades, and their Whirlpool stackable washer and dryer lineup offers options from budget-friendly basics to feature-packed smart units. Here is a breakdown of the best current models, what they cost, and which one makes sense for your home.
Best Whirlpool Stackable Models for 2026
Whirlpool WFW5605MW Washer + WED5605MW Dryer
This is Whirlpool’s mid-range front-load pair and arguably the best value in their stackable lineup. The washer offers 4.5 cu ft capacity with a 37-minute quick wash cycle. The electric dryer matches at 7.4 cu ft with a moisture sensor that prevents over-drying. Expect to pay around $900-1,000 per unit, or $1,800-2,000 for the pair before installation.
Key features include steam cleaning on the washer, a built-in water faucet for pre-treating stains, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. Energy Star certified, so you save on utilities and may qualify for local rebates.
Whirlpool WFW6605MW Washer + WED6605MW Dryer
The step-up model adds WiFi connectivity and a larger 5.0 cu ft washer drum. Remote start from your phone, cycle notifications, and smart diagnostics that help troubleshoot error codes without a service call. The dryer bumps to 7.4 cu ft and adds a wrinkle shield option that tumbles intermittently for up to 12 hours after the cycle ends. Priced around $1,100-1,200 per unit.
Whirlpool WET4024HW Stacked Laundry Center
This is a single-unit combo where the washer and dryer are permanently stacked in one chassis. At 24 inches wide, it fits where no side-by-side setup could. The washer is 1.6 cu ft and the electric dryer is 3.4 cu ft. Perfect for apartments, condos, or secondary laundry stations. Priced at $1,200-1,400.
The obvious trade-off is capacity. This unit handles 8-10 items per load, fine for one or two people but impractical for a family. You will also run longer cycles since the smaller drum means more frequent loads.
Stacking Kit Requirements
If you buy separate front-load units, you need a stacking kit to connect them safely. The Whirlpool W10869845 stacking kit costs $25-40 and is required for warranty coverage. It bolts the dryer to the washer to prevent shifting during high-speed spin cycles. Never stack a dryer on a washer without the proper kit — vibration can walk an unsecured dryer right off the edge.
The stacking kit also includes a work surface that installs between the units, giving you a small platform to sort socks or fold items.
Space Requirements
A stacked full-size Whirlpool stackable washer and dryer pair measures roughly 27 inches wide, 31-33 inches deep (including door clearance and hookups), and 76-80 inches tall. You need a minimum ceiling height of 80 inches, plus 1-2 inches of clearance on each side for ventilation and vibration.
Before buying, measure your space carefully. Account for the dryer vent path, water hookups, the electrical outlet location, and whether the doors open in a direction that works with your layout. Most Whirlpool front-loaders have reversible doors, allowing you to configure them for left or right opening.
Electric vs. Gas Dryer
Whirlpool offers both electric and gas versions of most dryers. Electric models use a standard 240V outlet and cost $50-100 less upfront. Gas models require a dedicated gas line and 120V outlet but typically cost $0.15-0.25 less per load to operate. Over 10 years of average use, the gas model saves roughly $100-200 in energy costs, which roughly breaks even with the higher purchase price.
If you do not already have a gas line in your laundry area, running one costs $200-500 through a plumber, making the electric option more practical for most installations.
Installation Tips
- Use braided stainless steel water hoses instead of the rubber ones included in the box. They resist bursting and last significantly longer. A pair costs $15-20
- Install an automatic water shut-off valve ($30-50) that detects leaks and closes the supply. This protects against flooding if a hose fails while you are away
- Ensure the dryer vent run is under 25 feet with no more than two 90-degree elbows. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, never flexible foil or vinyl
- Level the washer precisely using a bubble level on top. An unlevel washer vibrates excessively, creates noise, and wears out bearings faster
- Leave the washer door slightly open between loads to prevent mold and odor buildup in the gasket
Warranty and Reliability
Whirlpool covers parts and labor for 1 year on all stackable models, with a 10-year limited warranty on the washer motor and drum. Extended warranty plans through Whirlpool or retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot run $100-200 for 3-5 years of additional coverage. Given that the average front-load washer repair costs $200-400, an extended warranty can pay for itself with a single repair.
Where to Buy
Lowe’s and Home Depot are the primary brick-and-mortar retailers for Whirlpool laundry. Both offer free delivery on orders over $396 and haul-away of your old units. Costco occasionally carries Whirlpool bundles at a discount for members. Shopping during holiday sales events typically saves $200-400 on a pair.
