Why would you buy a new washer & dryer for a $20 to $30 dryer belt? ... unless that's just an excuse to get updated machines. :-)

Do you mean a pair of machines that are separate but can be stacked (optionally stackable), which can only be a frontload washer?

Or do you mean a unitary stacked set (cannot be separated), which can be either a frontload or topload washer?

I'm guessing it's the dryer belt based on Google, but that's a totally uninformed guess - it could easily be something more serious. And unfortunately I don't have the skills or time to attempt to fix any appliance myself, and in my area a service call for even a minor issue will easily cost a few hundred dollars.

When I said stackable, I meant full-sized units that can be stacked on top of one another. Is my terminology off? I got the term from the AJ Madison site.

I ran out to a local Sears and HD, and it looks like I'm leaning toward an LG model (the controls are more visible when they're stacked.) But that's just based on a day of googling - I'd be grateful for any feedback from others who have their machines stacked.

I would get a front loader. One with a heater. I have a Miele set and love it. There are other front loaders that people love too.

We've got a Kenmore front loader with matching dryer that are made by LG. Going on 5 years now with no issues whatsoever. They come as separates but you purchase a stacking kit which is basically a set of rails that lock the 2 machines together. Stacked they are very easy to use but about 6 ft tall.

Hope that helps.

Good luck with the search. The LG and Kenmore are fine units. I went Kenmore because they could get them to us when we needed them (2 days) vs a wait for the LG.

As for figuring who made it - if it looks like an LG (controls, front, etc) it most likely is. If you see it in person you can use this handy article http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml to figure out who made it,

I could be wrong but I think Lg makes all front load Kenmores.

We installed the Miele set several months ago. Ours is in our bedroom so it was worth it to us to spend more to get something that looks really good. Functionally we've been very happy with the results so far.

A Whirlpool Duet front loading pair with a heater (you can tell by whether the washer has a sanitize cycle) would suit fine. The "stacking kit" is a foam strip and a couple of clamps, and is less than $20. That's what we have.

Another fan of the Duets, stacked. Mine have been excellent machines. I had them stacked the first 10 years, and side by side almost that long.

I really like the compact Electrolux, they are stackable. I bought the Electrolux washer and I'm using a GE compact electric vented dryer. You need to figure out whether you will be able to vent the dryer from the bathroom or not.

Practigal, can you tell us more about the compact Electrolux? I don't think anyone has posted with details and personal experience on this particular machine.

Here you go Electrolux review

Thanks very much Practigal. Good to hear :)

I have an LG. Next time it will be Maytag Maxima (made in U.S.) or Electrolux.

I feel that water heating is the most important feature in a front load.

I currently have a set of Duet HT that are stacked and really like them. However based on the performance of my parents new Speed Queen's, when my Duets give up the ghost this is what will be replacing them:

http://www.speedqueen.com/products/stacked-washer-dryers.aspx?mn=ATEE9AGP173TW01#build-your-own

The things are whisper quiet on the spin cycle and even though I have the duet HT with the high speed spin, my clothes are rarely stuck to the inside of the drum as regularly as with the Speed Queens on high speed. For the stuff that tolerates high spin speed that cuts down on the drying time too.

Electrolux makes a solid pair. Should be around the same price point for a basic set of them.

LG makes the higher end machines for Kenmore, Electrolux still makes some of the lower end Kenmore models to my knowledge. Whirlpool might make one or two still as well - not certain on that at this moment.

I bought a Speed Queen top loader in December after the advice of the appliance store owner who is a friend. I really was thinking about a stackable, but both of my daughters have had problems with their front loaders. They were not SQ's.

smalloldhouse_gw What did you settle on? We are trying to decide and would love your feedback, after a year.