Can You Stack A Tumble Dryer On Top Of A Washing Machine?

Space might be the final frontier according to Star Trek, but it’s at a premium in most homes. One of the biggest ways to save on that precious space is to find somewhere else for the tumble dryer to live. Which begs the question, can you stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine? The short answer is yes,

You can stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine as long as certain conditions apply

This will enable you to free up a great deal of space in your home which can be filled with something else.

Is It Safe To Stack The Tumble Dryer On Top Of The Washing Machine?

You can’t just physically place the tumble dryer directly on top of the washing machine. That would be dangerous due to the vibrations caused when the washing machine is spinning. Which could make the tumble dryer fall off the top of the washing machine.

However, there are a number of ways this can be achieved safely. Firstly you should never stack the washing machine on top of the tumble dryer. Washing machines have concrete blocks to stop them from moving about too much during the spin cycle. This would make them far too heavy to sit on top of the tumble dryer.

Ways To Safely Stack A Tumble Dryer On Top Of A Washing Machine

Now we’ve established the washing machine should be on the bottom of the stack, how do we safely stack the dryer on top? Most of the big brands make stacking kits to facilitate this for you. Check which brand your washing machine and tumble dryer are. If they’re the same brand it’s likely there is a stacking kit available for them.

If your washing machine and tumble dryer are different makes, there are universal kits available that fit most brands. But it’s best to inquire about your specific brand(s) to ensure the bracket will fit.

What Do Stacking Kits Do?

The idea of a stacking kit is to secure the appliances to each other to stop the tumble dryer from toppling onto the floor. They are made from a simple design which typically consists of a bracket which covers the top 2cm or so of the washing machine along with the bottom 2cm or so of the tumble dryer.

You’ll need to check your dryer before attempting to use a stacking kit, because dryers with access panels that hinge from the bottom won’t work with this kind of stacking.

How To Use A Washing Machine And Tumble Dryer Stacking Kit

Before commencing with these instructions, please ensure both appliances are disconnected from the main power supply. You will need;

A suitable stacking kit and someone to assist you with lifting the tumble dryer.

1. Level the washing machine
   Place a spirit level on top of the machine and adjust the washing machine’s feet until it is completely level, this is essential for safety purposes
2. Attach the kit’s bracket
   The bracket should fit snugly onto the top of the washing machine
3. Place the dryer onto the bracket
   Remove the feet from the dryer so that it will fit snugly onto the bracket and then lift it into position
4. Attach the belt
   If your particular kit comes with a belt to keep the two appliances together, fit it into place
5. Reconnect the power
   Once the tumble dryer is securely in position on top of the washing machine, reconnect the power and run a test cycle on both machines to check they are safely sited together.

Some stacking kits have a plastic shelf that pulls out from the front which can be used for placing laundry on or putting the detergent and fabric softener bottles whilst loading the machine. If your kit has a pull out shelf, you will need to place the bracket slightly forward to allow the shelf to be accessed.

When Can’t A Stacking Kit Be Used?

You can never stack a tumble dryer on top of a top loading washing machine for obvious reasons. 

You should also never stack a tumble dryer that is bigger than the washing machine it is to be stacked onto.

Never place the washing machine on top of the tumble dryer.

Frequently Asked Questions