If you want to stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine you need a stacking frame or stacking kit.
Can you stack a dryer on a washing machine without a stacking kit?
I’ve come across many people who just stood their tumble dryer on top of the washing machine. But it should be obvious that this is not a good idea.
There are two reasons why you need a stacking kit. The first is because the tumble dryer could get thrown off the washing machine during a fault, or merely vibrate off during a particularly boisterous spin.
The second reason is that a person could potentially pull a dryer on top of themselves if they pulled down on its open door.
This scenario is less likely though. The concern is aimed more at children, but it’s possible to imagine someone stumbling near by and grabbing hold of the dryer door only to have it fall on them.
If your washing machine and tumble dryer are the same brand and style, the manufacturer may have designed a frame specifically for them. This is definitely the best option if you can find one.
The trouble is that there are many different configurations of tumble dryer and washing machine, and different models – even from the same manufacturer – may have different chassis and casings.
Universal tumble dryer stacking kits
There are universal stacking kits available that are supposed to connect any tumble dryer to any front loading washing machine.
They should be cheaper than the manufacturer’s although they might not be as snug a fit. You may prefer to try a universal stacking kit if your washing machine and tumble dryer are different makes or if you find the manufacturers kit too expensive.
As with all “universal fit” products there is the potential for it to not be a “perfect” fit but if the makers say they connect all tumble dryers to any front loaders then they should do so satisfactorily or you will be entitled to your money back. Pay close attention to the sizes of appliance they quote to make sure yours will fit.
Related links: Find washing machine – tumble dryer stacking kits
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Is there a stacking kit out there for the washing machines that open at the top?
Cinnamon: I can’t imagine how that would work. The washing machine that opened at the top would be too high to reach.
I have a dryer that has a larger surface area than my washing machine, I really want to get a dishwasher but the I can only get one if it the dryer sits on the washer and the dishwasher goes where the washer is now.
Although obviously they won’t stack as the dryer is too big to fit on the washer. Can I stack a dryer on the dishwasher? (if I buy one big enough!)
Nosnik: I would have thought that if the tumble dryer is perfectly stable it should be okay on top of the dishwasher. Dishwashers do not move whilst in operation unlike washing machines where it is essential to have the dryer fixed to the washing machine.
However there is one potential danger which you should be aware of, which is that if the dryer is not secured then anyone opening the dryer door could potentially pull the tumble dryer on top of them if they put any leverage on the opened door. Clearly this is of more concern where they are children around. It is hard to imagine anyone actually doing it but it is never the less a warning I must pass on.
In the news today a small child has been killed after pulling an unsecured television onto themselves, which reminds us that unexpected tragic accidents do still happen. Of course a child as small as this is unlikely to be able to reach the open door of the dryer on top of the dishwasher but it’s up to you to assess the situation. Apart from this theoretical possibility I can’t think of any other problem.
Dear Washerhelp,
With regard to the discussion on stacking a dishwasher over a washing machine, can you please advise a bit more on the assembly part :
– do we definitely have to use a stacking kit?
– Is simply putting one on top of the other, out of the question?
– There is a 4 inch gap between the walls and the appliance (a nice washing-machine space with water in/outlets has been provided). Can I use reverse clamps (between the wall and appliance) on two sides to hold the appliance tightly in place?
– what about placing the washing machine on top of the dishwasher?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sebastian: As discussed in detail over several of my comments above I don’t think it’s a good idea to stack a dishwasher on top of a washing machine. There’s no stacking kit available that I know of and I can’t imagine any stacking kits other than ones designed to stack a dryer on top of a washing machine.
Stacking a washing machine on top of a dishwasher would have the same problems, which are the plumbing would be too high to pump the water out to so you’d have to have the waste water pipe several feet up the wall, total instability, and the danger of leaks running on top the appliance below.
What about stacking a condenser tumble dryer on top of a washing machine….is that possible?
Frenchjoy: I would expect they should still be making stacking kits to stack a condenser tumble drier on top of a washing machine as the reason they are stacked is only to do with saving space.
However, now you mention it it’s something I haven’t really thought about. It could be impractical to stack a condenser dryer on top of a washing machine because it would put the drawer where the condensed water is stored out of reach.
This drawer of course needs emptying after each use and a stool may be required to be able to reach it from the top of the washing machine.
A quick check shows that there are some stacking kits designed for vented and condenser dryers – Search for stacking kits
I have just bought myself a new condenser tumble dryer and due to lack of space, would like to purchase a stacking kit so that I can place this on top of my washer machine but I cannot seem to find any product. My tumble dryer is a Hoover VHC381 8kg condenser and my washing machine is a Hoover HNL7166 6kg Nextra Optima. Can you please advise me on the product name / code and cost for this? Thanks so much!
Jenny
I have a top-loader and had a cupboard-maker build me a simple but steady frame (which ended up not only being the most practical solution but by far the neatest, safest and cheapest). Basically equally to a tall/narrow table. Fitted the tumble dryer on top of this and have worked as such for the past 5 years. Should work for anyone.