We are building a house and need to decide before the sheetrock goes up whether or not to have pedestals for our front load washer and dryer so they can be flush against the wall. We haven't had front load before. Would you recommend having them? Do they make the washer and dryer noisier because they aren't as sturdy on the ground? Would you recommend getting one with a storage drawer or not? Thanks!
Pedestals = Backsavers
If my W/D weren't on pedestals, I would be dragging clothes on the ground and falling over trying to carry and lift loads from one to the other.
I have a storage drawer pedestal and use it. I'm not sure about the noise factor...we have front loaders and the washer sounds like a jet taking off...
I didn't get it for my front loader because they were really expensive and only provided minimal storage.
We didn't get one for our washer or dryer because of the expense. All of our storage is up on top so this worked out great for us.
We didn't get them for our front loaders and I regret it. Sure, they were an added cost that I thought wasn't justified, but the bending gets old. I have to get down in catcher position to transfer clothes from washer to dryer. Some friends have them and I've never heard them complain about them being unsturdy or noisy.
We did not get them when we first got our front loaders because we just didn't want to pay for them. I quickly realized that was a mistake and we bought them 6 months later. I definately prefer having them as they make loading and unloading much more comfortable. Yes you will still have to bend over a little bit but no big deal. Go ahead and get them and you might as well get the ones with the drawers because there is no such thing as too much storage!
When we were buying we were told it does make them louder. My husband built some out of plywood that the installers said were way better than anything they had seen. They were really impressed and again said the pedestals do make the machines louder. We were planning on just covering the wood with matching tiles, but we're actually going to redo the whole room and have something built for them that's just as sturdy, but prettier. We're going through Closets by Design, or one of those. I'll get the storage, but also get the stability of a permanent build idea. Have fun building!
I am glad that I don't have the pedestals. I have had three back surgeries and still have other unresolved back injuries (I'm a diasbled vet). I prefer having front loaders and having them lower because it's easier on my back. I simply kneel down on the floor in front of them to switch laundry around which is still a better position that having a pedestal (with a pedestal you're still going to have to bend, depending on how tall you are, at least a little bit) and turn around to fold it. Easy-peasy and much easier on my back. Also, this way, my kids can switch laundry around easier when it's on their chores list. It's cheaper too!
Have Kenmore front loaders. Got both pedastals with the drawer space. What a backsaver! I would highly recommend them. Have had several friends that did not get them originally when they got their front-loaders. Within months, they were added as they hated being that low to the floor and their backs were beginning to hurt.
As far as noise from what I was told when I bought my machines...If they are on a solid floor (like cement in the basement/some first floor homes), they will be fine. If you have to put them on joists on the first floor, you might notice some 'vibrations'. The store did not recommend them on the second floor (joist in 2-story homes) as the 'vibrations' really increased and became very noticeable.
Save your back and get the pedstals...Good luck!
I recently purchased a used set with pedestals and love that they are at a height that I don't have to bend way over to move laundry from washer to dryer. We had an OLD washer, so the new set is much quieter even with the pedestals.
Our pedestals have storage and initially I was disappointed because they are not tall enough to put liquid soap containers in. I think powder would fit in them for storage. I just decided to use those drawers to store something else!
I do like the front load--just be sure to wipe the moisture out of the front ring and leave the door open so mildew doesn't build up.
Enjoy your new home!
Three years ago when we moved into our new home, we bought front loader washer & dryer. We had never had them before and I was nervous. As soon as I did the first load I was hooked. They are wonderful and you can do more laundry in one load than the normal machine. My husband insisted on the pedestals, but I was concerned about the price. All I can say is that if we had not decided to get the pedestals changing the loads would be a nightmare. I can agree that the storage drawers in the pedestal are not of much use. The drawers are to small for the laundry liquid, but easily store the dryer sheets, stain sticks and the odd socks. Never the less, I am thankful that my husband insisted on the pedestals, it makes my life much easier. I definitely recommend the front loaders and the pedestals you will love the convenience of them.
I like the pedestal mostly because of the drawer an the fact that it is easier to load and unload. Those front loaders just seem to sit so low to me. Now for the record I am almost 6 foot tall too but none-the-less, my SIL got the pedestal to get them higher too and she is only 5'3".
Good luck and enjoy your new home.
We have had front loaders without pedestals for years. I managed just fine through my second pregnancy without them. I can see if you have issues with your back that it could be a problem. I also appreciate the fact that the kids (youngest is 3) can help with laundry because they are lower. He loves to help me load them. And as mentioned before it does help reduce odors if you leave the washer door open a crack between loads.
I had a set of Maytag Neptune front loaders for years and did not have pedestals. I survived just fine, but then when we moved and got a new set of LG frontloaders we did get the pedestals and I LOVE THEM! If you are at all tall (I'm 5'10") they are a back-saver! Plus, I love that I can move the laundry from washer to dryer without leaning over 500 times and there's enough room to place a laundry basket on the floor in front of the washer to catch any clothes I may drop during the transfer.
We have not noticed any increased noise because of the pedestals. I mean, I don't talk on the phone in the laundry room, but I can't hear the washer and dryer grinding all over the house when I'm doing laundry (which is nearly always). Not a factor for us.
I noticed a comment about children helping out--this is something that is hugely important to me, too. Even my four-year-old can run a load of laundry--the pedestal height poses no problem and the doors are exactly at the right height for him to love clothes around. There's a little stool in the laundry room so he can reach the buttons (I *love* that they are on the front of the machine so he doesn't have to climb over the whole machine!) and put in soap or dryer sheets.
I don't much use the pedestals for storage becasue I have cupboards in the laundry room, but I suppose they could be useful, especially is you buy things such as dryer sheets in large quantities.
Happy building!
I purchased the pedestals for both machines. Personally, I like the storage space. Although, I don't have little kids, who could possibly, get into the drawers and risk ingesting liquids cleaners. Perhaps store towels etc... in the drawers. My W/D are Samsung brand, the washer specifically stated it is a self balancing machine, both are very quiet. Although the running time is longer for the washer than an normal top loader. The dryer runs for less time. My utility bills are less with the front load W/D.
When you get older it may be more difficult to kneel down or bend over repeatedly to load & unload the washer. If you are handy with tools, you could build a ply wood base for both machines.
Updated
I purchased the pedestals for both machines. Personally, I like the storage space. Although, I don't have little kids, who could possibly, get into the drawers and risk ingesting liquids cleaners. Perhaps store towels etc... in the drawers. My W/D are Samsung brand, the washer specifically stated it is a self balancing machine, both are very quiet. Although the running time is longer for the washer than an normal top loader. The dryer runs for less time. My utility bills are less with the front load W/D.
When you get older it may be more difficult to kneel down or bend over repeatedly to load & unload the washer. If you are handy with tools, you could build a ply wood base for both machines.
