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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I have a Whirlpool washing machine with a depth of 50 cm and I want to buy a Siemens tumble Dryer with a depth of 60 cm.is it possible to use a staking kit to put the Siemens Dryer on the top of the washing machine although they have a different depth dimension?
Tamer: I can’t imagine a kit being able to secure a 60cm dryer on top of a 50 cm washer especially different brands.
We’ve just purchased a universal stacker and fitted it. May sound a daft question, but I don’t see how this is any more stable than just putting them on top of each other, it’s just plastic between the 2 appliances, and surely the dangers of the dryer being able to still be pulled down still applies. Are we doing something wrong?
Bowes: It should have a bracket at the back to physically lock the washer and tumble dryer together. The plastic fixing just stops the dryer sliding about while the washer is in operation but unless they are joined together the dryer as you point out could still be pulled over by the door or thrown off in the event off a severe out of balance incident.
You need to find out whether the kit is designed with a bracket but you just didn’t get one, or if that’s how they are designed and it relies on the height of the plastic shielding coming up round the base of the dryer to keep it in place.
Thanks for your reply. We bought the Wpro universal, according to the instructions the stacker is connected to the washing machine by two hooks. There are two plastic strips to wrap around the hooks and screw into the back of the washing machine for added stability, but there is nothing to connect or fasten the tumble dryer to the stacker/washer in the box, and no reference to anything in the instructions either. Also there is no plastic shielding that comes over the base of the tumbler.
is there a stacking kit to put a small creda tumble dryer on top of a normal size washing machine?
I’m planning to stack a condenser dryer on top of a washer using a stacking kit (identified thanks to your helpful site :)) but I wondered about connecting the dryer directly to the drain so I don’t need to empty the reservoir. I’ve seen a couple of dryers that say it’s possible to do this. Is it a standard option with all condenser dryers, or would I have to choose a dryer that specifically says you can drain away the condensate? And what issues am I likely to face trying to connect the dryer’s drain tube to the existing u-bend arrangement which drains the washer? Is it likely to be a thin tube that will drop into the pipe alongside the washer drain hose, or will I need to adapt the pipework to take a second full-size drain hose?
I can’t see it eric, there would be no where near enough demand for a stacking kit to fix a compact dryer to a full size washing machine.
Karen: One thing you need to watch if fitting a condenser dryer on top of a washing machine is that sometimes there is a filter or drawer at the bottom which may not open if the dryer is slotted into some stacking frames. Regarding the plumbing in I’ve not experienced any plumbed in but some can be. I’m not sure it’s available on all condenser dryers. I think you may need to make special plumbing arrangements as it’s likely to be a thin tube which may not connect to a u-bend.
Is it possible to stack a tumble dryer on top of a fridge if they are both the same size?
It’s not ideal Sue, as one appliance is trying to cool things down and the other heats them up so the dryer can make the fridge work extra hard to maintain a cool temperature. Other than that if stable enough it could be done as long as you accept the dryer is technically dangerous up there in that it could fall off onto someone. There won’t be a kit to secure it.