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When space, uptime and efficiency matter, the way you configure your laundry is just as important as the machines themselves.

For many commercial laundries, the decision between a stacked washer and dryer or a side-by-side setup can define daily performance and long-term costs.

At Dependable Laundry Solutions, we’ve helped countless Australian businesses design laundries that fit their space, workflow and operational demands. Here’s how to decide which system works best for you.

Stacked washer and dryer: performance that fits anywhere

A stackable washer and dryer combo is exactly what it sounds like – a vertical pair that saves space without sacrificing output. They’re ideal for operations where every square metre counts.

Why laundries choose stacked units:

• Space efficiency: Double your capacity in the same footprint. Perfect for smaller laundries, shared facilities, and back-of-house areas.
• Compact design: These systems deliver full commercial performance in a smaller, streamlined format.
• Faster turnover: Washer and dryer stacked units keep workflow tight – wash below, dry above, transfer and repeat.
• Lower installation costs: Fewer utility lines and a single footprint mean simpler setup and less plumbing or venting work.

Side-by-side washer and dryer: built for accessibility and capacity

While stacking helps where space is tight, side-by-side washer and dryer systems still lead in many large-scale or specialised facilities. They’re easier to access, service, and configure – ideal for laundries with frequent use, larger loads, or accessibility needs.

Why laundries choose side-by-side:

• Ease of access: Machines are at waist height, reducing strain for frequent users.
• Simpler maintenance: Each machine operates independently – if one needs servicing, the other stays online.
• Flexible layout: Allows different capacities, top-load or front-load combinations, and custom benching or folding space.
• High volume capability: Ideal for sites with space to spare and high throughput demands.

In facilities like hospitals, aged care homes or industrial sites, side-by-side units offer the flexibility to configure laundries for different fabric types, hygiene zones, or workflow requirements.

Comparing cost and long-term performance

While the compact washer and dryer setup may cost slightly more upfront, the savings often come through space efficiency and energy use.

Maytag’s commercial front loaders use roughly 40L per cycle, compared to around 100L for some traditional top loaders – a difference that quickly adds up in high-turnover environments.

Whether stacked or side-by-side, the real savings come from reliability.

Choosing the right setup for your space

Stacked washer-dryer systems are best for:

• Hotels, motels, and caravan parks with limited floor space
• Student and staff accommodation
• Mining or remote sites with shared laundry areas
• Businesses wanting maximum output from a compact footprint

Side-by-side washer-dryer systems are best for:

• Healthcare and aged care facilities
• Commercial laundromats or high-throughput operations
• Sites prioritising accessibility and easy maintenance
• Facilities with large laundry rooms or custom workflows

Not sure what fits your operation?

Our team can scope your space, load volumes and service access to recommend a solution that’s dependable from day one.

Dependable from design to delivery

For over 55 years, Dependable Laundry Solutions has supported Australian businesses with Maytag Commercial equipment that’s built to last – combining strength, efficiency, and long-term serviceability.

From installation and preventive maintenance to spare parts and national technical support, we make sure your laundry keeps working, day after day.

Start with a system that works as hard as you do.

Looking to improve your laundry’s water efficiency?

Speak with the Dependable team about the latest Maytag Commercial solutions and servicing options that can make your laundry more sustainable — and more cost-effective — this dry season.

📞  1800 629 824
📧  [email protected]
👉 View our stacked washer and dryer range