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 extremely limited space in my kitchen. I have a Bosch dishwasher and a Hotpoint tumble dryer. The only way to have both in the kitchen is to stack them. Is there a kit to do this, or is it possible just to stack dryer ontop of dishwasher?
I have no cupboards that can be removed or altered.
Hello C: I can’t see any issues with putting a dryer on top of a dishwasher if it could be secured properly but I’d be surprised if anyone has manufactured a stacking kit for it as there’s very little demand for it.
As dishwashers don’t move during use (unlike washing machines) such an arrangement should be fairly stable but there’s always a theoretical risk of someone pulling the dryer on top of them especially via the open door.
Hi I want to stack a Hotpoint dryer over a Bosch washing machine and was planning on buying the universal stacker but have just discovered that the washing machine is 60x60cm and the dryer is 60c56cm.
Would this be a problem? Or would it be ok as it would still prevent the dryer from shuffling off with its normal movement during drying?
Washer: Bosch Wae24366GB W
Dryer: Hotpoint TVM570P
Thanks!
Hi
Can you please advise whether it is possible to put a washing machine on a work surface?
Thanks
Kay: It would depend how the dryer was fixed to the washing machine. If it was secured by a bracket then it might work though you’d probably need to pack the dryer at the front to discourage it from working loose. If it was secured to the washer simply by slotting into the stacking frame and relying on it being held in place by high sides then it wouldn’t work.
Sarah: It can be done but the problem would be the plumbing, which would also need raising a similar amount to that of the washing machine, not so much the fill pipes but the draining of the water plumbing. Also it would have to be hemmed in securely with blocks of wood.
The advice at #47 is brilliant. Not only do White Knight have a wall-mounted option for a tumble-dryer, they also supply an “upside down” tumble-dryer: great solution.
Thanks Anne. I thought someone had put the photos upside down at first they look so strange, but they do actually make a couple of upside down tumble dryers, which if mounting on a wall could make it easier to use. They are only 3Kg capacity though.
is it possiable to put a slim line dishwasher on TOP of a full size washing machine due to lack of space? PLEASE help………
Hello. I have a small hairdressers and would like to know if I can stack two tumble dryers on top of each other. I have not identified the dryers yet, just need to know if I can.
Thanks, Kim
Laura: Your question has come up several times before and it’s not a good idea to put a dishwasher on top of a washing machines.
Kim: I can’t think of any reason why you couldn’t stack two dryers on top of each other. The top dryer would need to be secured to prevent it falling off or being pulled off via leverage on the open door. I would suggest identical dryers. The stacking kit for a matching washer and tumble dryer should fit on a dryer instead of a washer at the bottom as they tend to have the same size shell. I can’t guarantee it would work of course.
I would visit a show room and look at a washer and matching dryer to see if they are the same size on the lid. There is more variance now with washing machines having various drum sizes but I would suspect a 6Kg drum washing machine might have the same shell and lid as a normal matching dryer.