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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Judi: I’ve had quite a few people ask that sort of question over the years. The dryer should normally just slot into the top of the frame, it may be a tight fight but it should just lift off. A properly designed one though should have some bracket or screw securing the dryer to the frame but it should be fairly obvious if it is.
Hi there, I’m looking for a stacking kit for a Zanussi condenser dryer – Zanussi TCE 7127 W ? I bought a universal stacking kit but the lip on it looks like it will block the condenser drawer. Can you recommend one…I’ve had no success getting through to Zanussi today!
Thanks in advance
Lena: Apart from ringing Zanussi I would try to find one on washing machine and tumble dryer stacking kits
Hi, I’m helping a special school relocate some existing whitegoods. We have to purchase 3 x Cat 5 washing machings (JLA6 634mm x 634mm), and stack 3 x domestic tumbledryers (all different makes). The universal stacker caught my eye, but would the wider washer dimensions be problematic for the standard sized tumble dryers
JacMartin: The washers sound large. It may not be possible to buy a kit to accommodate the dryers though a universal one is more likely to. They are all sold with the dimensions they can cope with, you need to check the specs on the kit.
Hi, we have a dryer that is slightly larger than our washing machine so we are planning on building a separate freestanding frame to sit above (but not on) the washing machine but my question is how do we lift the dryer up – is there some kind of tool that can be used or is it just down to muscle? Which unfortunately might be a bit of a problem for a feeble female :-)
Carol: Tumble dryers are usually relatively light. It’s their bulk that’s the problem. As long as you have two people it should be easy to lift up – unless by any chance you are in America and they have gigantic heavy dryers :)
Is there any reason why we can’t stack a freestanding tumble drier on top of an integrated washing machine (i.e one which has a door which is hinged on to the front of it and closed when not in use) using the universal stacking kit we have in use at present with a slide out shelf?
Heather: Integrated appliances tend to be smaller dimensions so it may not fit properly at all. Also, they don’t have proper lids, so the plastic stacking frame may drop lower down covering up some of the control panel.
Hi I wondered if it was ok to buy a stacking kit to put my tumble dryer on top of my freezer?