I would never position a washer and dryer such that they're touching. I've seen machines that were run that way and the vibrations during operation abraded the finish.

Also there's the angle that moving the machines for service (and installation) is more difficult when there's no space around them.

How about a stacking machine layout? You could also use the compact models that are only 24 " wide.

Not sure, but check if you void the warranties if you don't follow installation guidelines on spacing.

Good idea to take measurements myself. Hopefully the machines are slightly smaller than the published specs. Even a half inch each in my case will make a big difference.

I have four inches behind the machines so it's not so tight there. It's the width that I'm concerned about. Published specs are 54" wide (combined) and I have 55.5".

On that note, Samsung advises 5.9" clear in back but my contractor said that he can make it work with 4".

Measured the machine and it wasn't great news.

It has rounded corners which made it difficult to get an accurate measurement with a tape measure. It MIGHT be 1/8 - 1/4 inch smaller but it's more likely exactly 27" as listed in the specs.

Wedging them in is only half the battle, you may also need to take one or the other back out...

I have never tried a Samsung but I hope you are researching them thoroughly not just checking the specs....

I'm not too worried about getting them in or out, they will fit but I will have less than 1" on each side as recommended by Samsung but if they're lined up straight it shouldn't be too hard to get them in or out.

The issue is that Samsung states 1" on the sides is the "minimum clearance for stable operation". Just not sure what the repercussions are of having less.

Reviews I've read of Samsung washers are pretty positive. However, right now this is the only internet connected washing machine on the market that will give you updates on your phone. All things being equal, this is a feature I really like. There was a Whirlpool smart washer & dryer that I made a deposit on but they were discontinued before I could take delivery.

Have you checked out the new Electrolux models. They don't seem to have the clearance requirenents, are supposed to be very stable, vibration free, and reasonably priced.

Thanks for the tip. They have no clearance requirements. The minimum clearance listed in the installation instructions says 0".

Alas, this does not have the smart connected features I want.

I wonder if smart connected features will work as long as the washer. How long will they maintain the app for that model of washer, as mobile OS's change?

This x 10000

It is something I constantly think about as I consider products that rely on apps. Apps are here today and gone tomorrow. Or if the app isn't updated tomorrow's devices might not work with today's apps. There are a lot of things that could go wrong.

But on the flip side the app might be maintained for as long as I own the washer. This is kind of an easy decision because I will get at least a few years of use with the app and perhaps many years of use. If the app goes away the washer will still work just fine for the duration of its life.

Contrast this with other devices which are completely dependent on their app and if the app goes away you own a brick. Or a compromised device that can't do as much without its app. Building a connected and automated home these are issues that I am often thinking about.

Not to mention the services that rely on the manufacturing company's servers to operate. Like Ring for example. If Ring goes belly up, or is ever shut down by a future buyer, all those Ring doorbells and cameras become paper weights.