Washtower Units

A Washtower is an innovative and space-saving laundry solution that combines both a front-load washer and dryer into a single integrated unit. Unlike traditional stacked washer and dryer sets, a washtower features a unified control panel positioned between the washer and dryer, making it more accessible and user-friendly. This guide will walk you through the essential features, benefits, and considerations when purchasing a washtower for your home.

1. What is a Washtower?

A washtower integrates a washer and dryer into one appliance, combining the functions of both while maintaining a vertical design to save floor space. The key feature that distinguishes a washtower from traditional stacked washer-dryer sets is the central control panel that allows easy access without needing to reach over a dryer.

2. Key Features of a Washtower

a. Integrated Control Panel

One of the most significant advantages of a washtower is the centralized control panel located between the washer and dryer. This design provides:

• • • • • • Ease of Use: The controls are positioned at a convenient height, eliminating the need to reach above the dryer or crouch to access the washer controls.
          • Seamless Operation: Both washer and dryer are controlled from the same panel, making it easier to switch between wash and dry cycles.

b. Space-Saving Design

• • • • • • Compact Footprint: Washtowers are designed to fit in smaller spaces such as laundry closets or tight laundry rooms. They take up less floor space than side-by-side washers and dryers, making them ideal for homes where space is limited.
          • Best For: Apartments, condos, and homes with smaller laundry rooms or closet setups.

c. Capacity

Washtowers offer generous drum capacities despite their compact footprint:

• • • • • • Washer Capacity: Ranges from 4.5 to 5.0 cubic feet, allowing for large loads of laundry.
          • Dryer Capacity: Typically, 7.0 to 7.5 cubic feet, ideal for drying large loads, bedding, and towels.
          • Best For: Medium to large households with frequent laundry needs.

d. Energy Efficiency

Many washtower units are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they use less water and energy compared to traditional laundry appliances:

• • • • • • Energy-Saving Features: Includes moisture sensors in the dryer to prevent over-drying, saving energy, and load-sensing technology in the washer to optimize water use.
          • Best For: Households looking to reduce energy costs and their environmental impact.

3. Washer Features in Washtowers

a. Advanced Wash Cycles

Washtower washers offer various wash cycles to handle different fabrics and soil levels:

• • • • • Normal: For everyday loads of clothes, like cotton and mixed fabrics.
        • Heavy Duty: For items like towels, jeans, and heavily soiled clothing.
        • Delicate: Gentle cycle for delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and lingerie.
        • Quick Wash: Short cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
        • Sanitize: High-heat cycle to kill bacteria and remove allergens, ideal for homes with children or allergy sufferers.

b. Smart Features

Most modern washtowers are equipped with smart technology:

• • • • • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Monitor and control your washtower remotely using a smartphone app. Start, stop, and track your laundry progress from anywhere.
        • Cycle Monitoring: Receive notifications when your laundry cycle is complete or when maintenance is needed.
        • Smart Pairing: Some units automatically communicate between the washer and dryer, adjusting drying times based on the wash cycle to ensure perfectly dry clothes.

c. Steam Technology

Washtowers with steam functions provide additional cleaning power:

• • • • • Steam Wash: Helps loosen stains, deep-clean fabrics, and eliminate odors.
        • Steam Sanitize: Kills germs and bacteria, ideal for sanitizing clothes and bedding.

4. Dryer Features in Washtowers

a. Moisture Sensors

Dryers in washtowers are equipped with moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and automatically stop the cycle:

• • • • • Energy-Efficient: Prevents over-drying, reducing energy usage.
        • Fabric Care: Protects fabrics from damage caused by excessive heat and drying times.

b. Steam Dry

Steam drying options help reduce wrinkles, sanitize clothes, and freshen garments:

• • • • • Wrinkle Reduction: Steam can help release wrinkles, reducing the need for ironing.
        • Odor Removal: Steam cycles help eliminate odors from clothes and linens.

c. Dryer Cycles

Just like the washer, the dryer in a washtower offers multiple drying cycles to handle different types of laundry:

• • • • • Normal: For everyday drying needs.
        • Delicate: Gentle drying for fabrics like wool, silk, and other fragile items.
        • Heavy Duty: For towels, bedding, and large loads.
        • Quick Dry: Shorter cycle for drying small loads quickly.

5. Venting Options

a. Vented Dryers

Most washtowers feature vented dryers, which expel moisture-laden air outside through a venting system:

• • • • • • Best For: Homes with external venting options, as vented dryers tend to dry clothes faster.

b. Ventless Dryers

Some washtowers come with ventless dryer options, such as heat pump dryers or condensation dryers:

• • • • • • Best For: Apartments, condos, or homes without external venting capabilities. Ventless dryers are more energy-efficient but may take longer to dry clothes.

6. Installation and Space Considerations

a. Dimensions

Washtowers are designed to be space-saving:

• • • • • • Width: Typically, 27 to 30 inches.
          • Height: Around 74 to 77 inches, making them slightly taller than traditional stacked units.
          • Depth: Around 30 to 34 inches. Ensure that your laundry room or closet has enough space for the height of the washtower and proper door clearance.

b. Installation

• • • • • • Easy Installation: Washtowers are designed to fit into smaller spaces like laundry closets or tight laundry rooms. Since the washer and dryer are integrated into one unit, the installation is more straightforward compared to traditional stacked sets.
          • Power Requirements: Ensure that you have the necessary 120V (for the washer) and 240V (for the dryer) outlets, as well as access to hot and cold-water connections.

7. Maintenance and Durability

 a. Drum Cleaning

To keep your washtower performing optimally, many models offer a self-cleaning cycle that helps prevent mold, mildew, and odor buildup in the washer drum.

b. Lint Trap Cleaning

Regular cleaning of the dryer’s lint trap is essential to prevent lint buildup, ensure airflow, and maintain drying efficiency.

c. Long-Lasting Components

Look for washtowers with stainless steel drums in both the washer and dryer. Stainless steel drums are more durable and resistant to chipping, ensuring a longer lifespan for your machine.

8. Pros and Cons of Washtowers

Pros:

• • • • • Space-Saving: Combines a washer and dryer into one vertical unit, freeing up floor space in smaller laundry rooms.
        • Centralized Controls: The convenient control panel in the center of the unit eliminates the need to reach above the dryer, making it easier to operate.
        • High Capacity: Despite their compact footprint, washtowers offer large drum capacities suitable for families and larger laundry loads.
        • Smart Features: Many models come with Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, making laundry easier to manage remotely.

Cons:

• • • • • Limited Configurations: Washtowers cannot be separated like traditional stacked units, so once installed, the unit remains as one appliance.
        • Initial Cost: Washtowers tend to be more expensive upfront compared to purchasing separate washer and dryer units.

Conclusion

Washtowers are an excellent space-saving and efficient solution for homes with smaller laundry areas or those looking for a streamlined and convenient laundry experience. With advanced features like steam cleaning, smart technology, and high capacity, washtowers are designed to meet the needs of modern households.

At Homery.com, we offer a wide range of washtower units from leading brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Visit our showroom or browse online to explore the best washtower options for your home, and let our experts help you find the perfect fit!