It’s not the only one. More than ever, Calgary condo developers and owners can choose from a widening selection of stackable laundry machines for their in-suite laundry.

“(Today) the difference is everyone is doing a stackable on full-size washers and dryers,” says Trevor Lesyk, sales manager, Trail Appliances. “Front loads are really coming on strong in stackables.” 

Trail Appliances sells washers and dryers from wide-ranging manufacturers including Bosch, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Miele and Whirlpool. Right now, the store features about 12 stackable washers and dryers.

Approximately five years ago, Lesyk says high-efficiency front loads first came on the market. “The most high-efficiency (machines) use less water, soap, energy from the small compact machines from Europe to the larger North American machines,” explains Lesyk.

Although bestselling stackable laundry machines vary, he says a lot of condo owners who are professionals, favour the LG SteamWasher. “Miele is always very strong in our market at three different levels,” he adds.

In some cases, in-suite laundry units are part of living areas, he says. Homeowners can consider different design options from stainless steel to oiled bronze. While the most popular laundry machine colour is titanium, multi-coloured hues of reds and blues such as cinnamon and icicle are also available.

He estimates basic entry-level cost for a washer or dryer would be $1,000. Front-load, high-efficiency, higher-end machines range in price from $1,500 to $4,500. “The biggest change in Calgary as far as the laundry market,” says Lesyk, “is the use of high-efficiency units from Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool … LG are very strong sellers.”

Full steam ahead
Last year, LG launched its revolutionary LG SteamWasher, now one of Canada’s bestselling washers on the market. “When we introduced steam, people got so excited,” says Frank Lee, spokesperson, LG Canada.

The LG SteamWasher features steam-cleaning technology to help reduce wrinkles and deep clean laundry for brighter whites and more vibrant colours, while enabling higher energy efficiency and water conservation.

“Canadians do on average five to six loads of laundry a week,” explains Lee. “That means they would save a pool of water and (an estimated) $3,000 a year in combined costs of electricity and water.”

Among the most energy efficient washers available, the company says the LG SteamWasher uses less water than other full-size models on the market. With its steam function activated, the washer uses 12.8 gallons of water per wash cycle as compared to 13.8 for traditional front-loading machines. “The SteamWasher is the quietest washing machine on the market right now,” says Lee.

The steam can be incorporated into the wash cycle with the SteamWash function, which feeds hot steam particles into the top of the wash drum through a spray nozzle. Apparently, it penetrates the fabrics to remove dirt and stubborn stains and dissolve cleaning agents better, improving wash performance while increasing energy and water savings. “It’s like the clothes are going for a massage,” says Lee.

This November in Canada, the company will introduce its LG SteamDryer and stainless steel Steam Laundry system.  By utilizing LG’s patented built-in steam generator, the LG SteamDryer offers additional steam capabilities compared to the LG SteamWasher. Its larger 7.3-cubic-foot capacity allow consumers to steam more garments as well as large bulky items including comforters. 

Consumers can choose from the same SteamFresh cycle to freshen clothes and reduce wrinkles; the Easy Iron Option to dampen clothes in preparation for ironing or the Static Reduction Option which results in more comfortable, static free garments.

The LG SteamDryer has the same SteamFresh cycle as the LG SteamWasher so less ironing and fewer trips to the drycleaner are required. Powered by the LG Steam Generator, the steam-only cycle injects steam via a pump and cartridge system into the tub, freshens and reduces wrinkles on dry clothing without water.

The LG SteamWasher and LG SteamDryer can be purchased separately or as a complete set offering an energy efficient total fabric care solution. Canadian prices for the stainless steel, white and wild cherry LG SteamWasher and LG SteamDryer laundry systems aren’t yet available.

LG also features other stackable washer and dryer units ideal for small living spaces like lofts.  In Calgary, the washer and dryer is coming out of the basement, says Lee, and ending up on the second floor or in a walk-in closet in new and renovated homes.

“What’s amazing about Alberta and Calgary is despite the economic boom … Calgarians are very pragmatic,” says Lee. “They think ‘we could have the best but it has to make sense to me’ so they move to the direct dry system.”

“(The LG SteamWasher and LG SteamDryer) are also smart buys for the environment. That (environmental aspect) drives it home with Calgarians. Less water and electricity and better technology are a natural for the average home in Calgary.” CL