In a world where square footage is at a premium, we’re always looking for ways to downsize or stack appliances. Laundry appliances – namely washing machines and tumble dryers – are usually the largest household appliances, next to the fridge freezer.
To save space, more people are switching to a washing machine and dryer combos, as they are more reliable than ever, and save a lot of space by combining two large appliances into one.
If you already use and prefer these appliances as stand-alone, stacking your tumble dryer on top of your front-loading washing machine is a terrific method to save on space.
Making effective use of vertical space can free up additional storage space or room for another appliance, like a dishwasher.
Is it Safe to Stack Tumble Dryers and Washing Machines?
Yes, it’s safe, but only when done using a properly fitting stacking kit or professional joiner to build secure shelving.
It’s usually easier to stack two appliances from the same manufacturer. Sometimes brands have snug-fitting mounting kits that are designed specifically to fit your brand and model of appliance.
For example, it is best to stack a Beko washing machine with a Beko dryer, of a similar size. Not only does this look better, as the appliances match, but Beko (like other brands) have stacking kits that perfectly fit your appliances.
Stacking appliances from various manufacturers and with different dimensions can be dangerous, therefore it’s best to only stack machines from the same brand or from the same manufacturing group. With that said, if your washing machine and tumble dryer happen to be from different companies, you can try using a universal stacking kit.
Something to keep in mind – only stack a tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, and not the other way around. With washing machines being so heavy, and emitting vigorous vibrations, this would be too much strain on the plastic stacking kit and components, so only the dryer goes on top of the stack.
How to Stack Dryer With Kit
An appliance stacking kit is a convenient addition to a front-loading washing machine and dryer. In addition to freeing up counter space, this solution keeps your two appliances securely attached in place.
Stacking kits are made to evenly disperse the load of a dryer, as well as to dampen any vibrations created by the two machines working together. This keeps the dryer from shoogling loose and falling onto the floor, which would obviously be a costly and potentially dangerous situation.
1. Purchase The Correct stacking Kit
Getting a stacking kit is the first order of business. The kit could be specially designed to fit your brand of washing machine and dryer brand, or universal. Whichever type you choose, it’s important to be sure that the set you’re buying is a suitable size for your appliances.
Always first check with the manufacturer to see if they have a kit to match your machines. Beko has a stacking kit, and popular laundry appliance brands such as Samsung, LG, AEG, and Bosch have machine-specific mounting kits, too.
2. Construct the stacking Set
Stacking kits typically come in multiple parts and may need to be put together before use. In most cases, it’s not a difficult procedure and your kit should come with clear instructions.
Keep in mind that every kit has its own unique specifications and requirements. In most cases, a screwdriver is required to assemble the parts, and that’s about it.
The next step is to secure the kit to the top of the washing machine as directed using the included screws. This not only provides a solid foundation for the dryer, but also evenly disperses its weight.
The washer’s stacking kit must be installed with the right side up, and all of the screws must be tightened securely.
3. stack the dryer on top of the stacking kit.
When you have finished assembling the kit stacking kit, it’s time to lift the tumble dryer onto the washing machine, ensuring a good fit with the kit.
Although tumble dryers are way lighter than washing machines, this lifting step will require two people and a good lifting technique, as the lift will be weighty and cumbersome.
There should be cutouts in the stacking kit where the dryer’s feet can fit. Get the alignment perfect. Make sure the feet are set correctly so the dryer doesn’t slide or feel off balance.
4. Lock Appliances into Place
When the tumble dryer is in place, you may screw in the remaining fasteners and attach the rest of the necessary parts
Laundry baskets, detergent, and clothes may all be juggled with ease thanks to the slide-out shelf included in certain stacking kits. If you’re the sort that likes to fold clothes just after taking them out of the dryer, these shelves will be quite helpful.
Naturally, not all stacking kits include a shelf or plastic panel. For instance, the clips in a Samsung mounting kit are sized to fit into the crevices of the appliance corners and hold them firmly in place.
Can a washing machine be stacked on top of a dryer?
No, unfortunately, a tumble dryer cannot be stacked below a washing machine. Water and damp clothing add up to make washing machines extremely weighty. Additionally, when their rotational speeds increase, they generate greater vibration during operation, making stacked units more dangerous.
Alternative to stacking a washing machine and dryer with a Kit
If your brand of appliances doesn’t have a stacking kit available or you don’t like the look of them, you can have a shelve or mounting block built.
Dryers can be mounted on the wall using a bracket or sat level on a solid shelf above the washing machine. Putting your dryer up high not only makes better use of vertical space, but also means you won’t have to bend over as much to load and unload loads of laundry.
Of course, if you plan to build a shelving unit of cupboard, you must make adequate venting for the tumble dryer, not blocking any airflow to the inlet if you have a condenser, heat pump, or vented tumble dryer, and in the case of vented tumble dryers, you must factor in the hose for external venting.
