A321
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 3
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
While working LC1/LC2 combined I cleared [the A321] for takeoff Runway XXR RNAV to ZZZZZ. Soon after I then put [the B737-900] in position. I knew since these were split departure gates that I could roll at 6000 ft. and airborne. While using anticipated separation I then cleared [the B737-900] for takeoff RNAV to ZZZZZ1. I estimate [the B737-900] was 1-2 miles off the departure end when he reported he was in wake turbulence from the A321 on the ZZZZZ track. I immediately offered a vector or a stop in his climb to help him get out of the wake. One of the pilots came back on the frequency extremely angry and said that was the worst wake turbulence he had ever experienced in his whole career. I again offered anything to help alleviate the situation. They reported clear of the [wake] and I responded to contact departure.RECAT has a lot of pros but sometimes I do believe safety is put at risk when it comes to the size of B737/A321. When these planes are flying all the way out west like this A321 was they're a lot heavier than flying to [east coast routes]. The B737 and A321 need to be in its own wake class. It gets scary sometimes watching a CRJ200 depart right behind B737NG going to [the west coast]. Although it's legal I don't roll that close but some people do because it says we can. Reevaluate the categories.
Tower Controller reported repeated safety concerns regarding RECAT procedures allowing smaller aircraft to take off behind heavier aircraft; leading to wake turbulence events.