Frigidaire Stacked Front Load Washer Dryer Review: Model GLEH1642DS

Price Range: $1200
With prices at about $1200, this stacked unit can be an economical choice for those homeowners who are limited in the floorspace in their laundry areas. With a smaller footprint than stacking a typical front load washer and dryer, this unit gives you all the benefits of the modern front load washer technology, plus those of new dryers, for what amounts to a cheaper price, in a more compact size.
Features:
3.1 cubic foot washer tub capacity
detergent, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers to add each at the proper time
Multiple wash settings
Multiple drying settings
1 year warranty for both parts and labor
compact size offers a smaller footprint than stacking a stand alone front load washer and a dryer
ultra-high speed spin cycle spins clothes better, offering reduced drying times
Energy Star Qualified

With an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and 88% of reviewers recommending this product to others, the Frigidaire GLEH1642DS is well received by those who have purchased it. Most of the reviewers gave this particular stacked front load washer and dryer unit either 4 or 5 stars, with those whose machines have experienced issues giving it 1 star.

As is no surprise for those who are researching front loading washers, most reviewers of this stacked unit commented on the increased capacity of the washer over the top loading units they were replacing. A majority of reviewers also comment on how quickly clothes get dry. This is probably due to the combination of the dryer itself being more efficient than the one it is replacing, and the high speed spin cycle. Another common theme of the review is the overall ease of use of this unit, with ergonomically located and well labeled controls.

Also commented on almost universally, by those who reviewed this unit positively and negatively, is the overall great value of the unit. Despite the $1200 base price, most reviewers noted that they were able to get the unit with installation for less than $1000 including tax. Compared to purchasing a separate front load washer, and a high efficiency dryer, that is a fantastic savings. Also, along the cost savings is that if the drying times really are lower as many reviewers comment, then that will lead to additional energy and cost savings during the use of this product.

As far as cons of the machine go, many reviewers, even those who ultimately gave it 4 or 5 stars, have noted that the buzzer which signifies the end of a cycle is much too loud, and lacks a method to either decrease the volume or disable it entirely. Another interesting trend in the reviews seems to be the inept delivery and installation technicians who, in many cases, forgot to remove all the packing material, which leads to a service call being placed.

Another strange trend in the reviews is that even people who ultimately gave the overall experience a high rating had reliability and durability issues leading to a service call and having parts, or sometimes the whole unit, replaced. Overall more than 30% of reviewers reported some issue with their stacked front load washer dryer unit that required placing a service call. In some cases, these were due to the install errors, but in many there was something broken with the unit itself. Hopefully the retailers that are selling these units have trained their installers to properly install them by this point, but the high rate of failures other wise is somewhat troubling.

Overall, as noted here, even some of those who had issues with malfunctioning machines ultimately gave the Frigidaire GLEH1642DS stacked front load washer dryer positive reviews, and overall the reviews are high, as is the percentage of owners who would recommend this unit to another. If you are in the market for a new washer and dryer, and either need to buy a stacked system, or are just otherwise short on space in your laundry room, the Frigidaire GLEH1642DS might be the purchase for you.