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’ve been looking at stacking kits so I can stack my tumbler on my w/mach they all seem to specify that you need the w/mach to have ‘square corners’. Not sure I understand this. My machine has a slightly bevellled front edge but the corners are 90deg angles – will this work?
Joan. I would interpret straight corners as being none bevelled and not washing machines where the front of the lid slopes downwards. The stacking frame is likely to be square, so if the front of the lid is not straight and bevels away for style it’s not likely to sit properly and securely.
I have inherited a Miele tumbler and washing m/c. They are joined together with correct kit but or the life of me I cannot see how to separate them. I know it must be obvious but can anyone help me? As the person who had it installed is no longer with us i cannot find out if there was any special tool that I cannot find?
That’s a new one Tony: Not heard of that problem. They used to be commonly secured by a bracket which would be obvious if present. If nothing’s obviously holding them together could they just rely on the depth of the stacking frame fitting over the washer and the dryer dropping into it? Could they be just very tight fits?
Hello Washerhelp,
we just moved into a new house and the washingmachine is lower than the drain level. The previous owner had the washing machine lifted, but the drain pipe is still a good 30cm above the washing machine top. In addition the existing base is quite wobbly.
My options I think are:
a) rebuild a better base (e.g. out of brick).
b) leave the washing machine on the floor. how high does the washing machine pump the water?
c) put a washing machine above a potential dryer. Would this work? how would I lift the washing machine that high?
Thanks
T
T: The washing machine may possibly cope pumping that high but rinsing efficiency may be compromised if it reduces how fast it pumps out enough. You could try it. Ideally it wants to be no higher than as described in the instruction book.
I wrote an article about Raise a washing machine off the floor and there is a product available to do just that although it’s very expensive for what it is (probably due to small demand not allowing a big enough volume of sales).
I wouldn’t put the washing machine on top of the dryer. Not only is it too unstable and stacking kits aren’t meant to hold in a spinning washing machine, if the washing machine leaked it could flood the dryer and cause damage or electrical shorting.
@T
We have a similar problem in that our kitchen & utility are in the basement and the drain is up at yard level, about 6 ft higher. We have a Saniflo pump under the sink, which automatically pumps up waste water into the drain, and the washer outflow also drains into the Saniflo and is pumped up and away. (So does the dishwasher outflow, although I tend to avoid running both at the same time, to lessen the demand on the Saniflo pump). It’s not a cheap solution but it has worked well for years, with the Saniflo regularly serviced.
What sort of height does the average stacking kit add to the combined heights of your washer and dryer? I want to install a washer/dryer stack in my basement washroom, where height is an issue. The combined height of the appliances is 170cm, which would give me 6cm clearance under the ceiling, but I cannot find out whether the stacking kit would add too much to the height to allow us to stack them. Also, how does the stacking kit actually work? If the kit forms a sort of enclosure on top of the washer, and you have to lift the dryer up and over and drop it down into the enclosure, my limited ceiling clearance might prevent us lifting it in in the first place, even if the height is OK once it’s in place.
Can a washing machine rest ON TOP of the dryer?
Karen: It shouldn’t add any height as the dryer would normally still rest on top of the washing machine. The plastic stacking frame would usually secure them in place. However, in the situation you describe the dryer will have to be lifted high enough to go over the stacking frame. You would have to make sure the height of the stacking frame isn’t higher than the available height you have to lift.
Otherwise your only option would be to somehow secure the two together lying down and raise the whole unit up as one. This sounds like a very tricky operation.
Vera: The problems associated with fitting the washing machine on top of the dryer are even worse than the ones I described earlier regarding fitting a dishwasher on top of a tumble dryer.
The washing machine would be too unstable on spin to be guaranteed to stay secure inside the stacking frame, which is only designed to hold a lightweight tumble dryer that does not move. The other problems would be the same as for the dishwasher in that the plumbing would need to be quite high up the wall, and if the washing machine leaked it could flood the tumble dryer below and cause damage.