Stacking a dryer on top of a washer saves space, but it usually means standing on a stool to reach the dryer buttons. In 2026, the "WashTower" concept has fixed this by merging both machines into a single smart unit with controls right in the middle.
The LG WashTower is the pioneer of this design, featuring a unified "Center Control" panel and legendary Direct Drive motors. The Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Hub brings the "Bespoke" flat-panel aesthetic and advanced AI sensing that actively adjusts the cycle based on how dirty the water is. Do you want proven ergonomics or cutting-edge AI design?
The Design: Unified Unit vs. 2-in-1
LG WashTower (The Ergonomic King):
It is a Single Body unit.
Center Control: The control panel is perfectly positioned between the washer and dryer. You don't need to reach up.
Smart Pairing: The washer tells the dryer exactly what load is coming (e.g., "Heavy Bedding"), so the dryer pre-heats and selects the right setting automatically before you even move the wet clothes.
Samsung Bespoke AI (The Style Icon):
It is part of the Bespoke Line.
The Look: It has a completely flat face. You can sometimes swap the front panels to match your kitchen cabinets. It looks less like an appliance and more like a modern cupboard. It also features a massive "AI Dial" that simplifies complex settings.
The Tech: Direct Drive vs. AI OptiWash
- LG: Uses AI Direct Drive (AI DD). The motor is attached directly to the drum (no belts). It weighs the laundry and detects fabric softness to choose the optimal motion (tumble, swing, or rolling) to prevent damage.
- Samsung: Uses AI OptiWash™. It has turbidity sensors that measure the dirt level in the water. If the clothes are still dirty, it adds more detergent and extends the wash time automatically. It also has an "Auto Dispense" system that holds detergent for 32 loads.
🎯 Target Audience: Who is this for?
Buy LG WashTower IF:
- You are shorter in stature (under 5'6"). The center control panel is a life-changer.
- You value mechanical reliability. LG's Direct Drive motors are widely considered the most durable in the industry.
- You want speed. The "TurboWash 360" jets clean a large load in under 30 minutes.
Avoid LG WashTower IF:
- One part breaks (if the washer dies completely and cannot be fixed, you might have to replace the entire tower, unlike separate stacked units).
Buy Samsung Bespoke AI Hub IF:
- You hate measuring detergent. The Auto Dispenser does it for you for a month.
- You care about interior design. The flat, clean look is stunning in modern homes.
- You want the smartest sensors. The soil-sensing technology ensures clothes are actually clean, not just washed for a set time.
Avoid Samsung Bespoke AI Hub IF:
- You have had bad luck with Samsung reliability in the past (they are feature-rich but traditionally more complex to repair).
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | LG WashTower | Samsung Bespoke AI Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Control Location | Center (Touch Panel) | Center (AI Dial/Touch) |
| Detergent | Manual (some models Auto) | Auto Dispense System |
| Connectivity | LG ThinQ | Samsung SmartThings |
| Price | ~$2,200 | ~$2,500 |
You MUST measure your doors and hallways. It is very heavy and tall. If you have a tight spiral staircase, you might not get it into your laundry room.
FAQ: Is it better than stacking?
Why not just stack normal machines?
You can, but the dryer controls will be 6 feet in the air. Also, stacked machines often vibrate more. The WashTower is built as one cohesive unit, so the suspension is optimized for stability, making it quieter and less shaky.
Winner for Most Users: LG WashTower. The ergonomics of the center panel and the reliability of the Direct Drive motor make it the practical king.
Winner for Tech Lovers: Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Hub. The auto-dispensing and AI soil sensing take the guesswork out of laundry completely.