What do you put between a washing machine and a dryer?
When you put a dryer straight on top of a freestanding washing machine, you put a stacking kit (also called a connecting kit) in between. This part stops the dryer shifting or falling off the machine because of the heavy vibration during the spin cycle. With loose stacking, a stacking kit is essential for safety and often offers extras such as a pull-out shelf. If you choose a washing machine cabinet, however, both appliances sit in their own recess and a separate stacking kit is entirely unnecessary. Waschturm™ cabinets are designed specifically to stack your washing machine and dryer 100% safely. A stacking solution is therefore included automatically in our washing machine cabinets.
Why is a stacking kit needed when stacking loose?
A washing machine produces considerable vibration at high spin speeds. Without a stacking kit, the dryer on top can walk, tip or, in the worst case, fall down. A stacking kit connects the two appliances mechanically and absorbs the worst of the shocks. It is a widely used way to save space in compact laundry rooms.
Besides safety, a traditional stacking kit often adds a bit of comfort. Many of the more upmarket connecting kits come with a pull-out worktop. You can rest a laundry basket on it for a moment or fold the laundry straight away as it comes out of the dryer, which makes the laundry routine a little more practical.
What to consider when fitting a traditional stacking kit
For responsible loose stacking without a cabinet surround, a few strict safety rules apply:
The washing machine always goes at the bottom: the washing machine is considerably heavier because of the motor and the counterweights, and it vibrates the most. The lighter dryer therefore always belongs on top.
Level it perfectly: before you fit the stacking kit and the dryer, the washing machine must be fully horizontal on a stable floor, using its own adjustable feet.
A safety strap is mandatory: most universal stacking kits must be secured with a strap that goes all the way round both appliances to prevent movement. With Waschturm™ washing machine cabinets, no such strap is needed: the anti-tip device already stops the machine moving.
Check the exact depth: not every dryer fits on every washing machine. If the washing machine is less deep than the dryer, a standard stacking kit often gives too little support.
The safe alternative: a Waschturm™ washing machine cabinet
Do you want genuinely optimal comfort, certified safety and a calm look in your interior? Then a modular cabinet for a stacked washer and dryer is the best choice.
The advantages of an integrated cabinet wall over a separate stacking kit:
A built-in anti-tip device: all our cabinets come with an anti-tip device as standard, so the appliances and the cabinet stay firmly in place.
Room for installation: the cabinet has 5 cm of space inside and can be placed about 5 cm from the wall, leaving a good 10 cm of installation room at the back for all the hoses, cables and the tap.
Modular flexibility: you can always extend the tower setup later with tall storage cabinets for detergent, an ironing board or towels.
Can you stack a washing machine and dryer without a stacking kit or cabinet?
No. Every manufacturer and testing body strongly advises against it. Without a mechanical connection or a sturdy surround there is no fixing at all. The dryer will slide under the spin force of the washing machine and can fall off. That is extremely dangerous and causes serious damage. A simple anti-slip mat also offers far too little stability for this.
For a safe setup, then, always choose an approved stacking kit with a strap, or opt for the durable and stylish solution of a TÜV-certified washing machine cabinet.
What suits your home best?
The choice between a separate stacking kit and a complete cabinet wall depends on your budget, the space available and the comfort you want:
A temporary setup or a basic budget: a universal stacking kit with a sturdy strap gives the basic safety needed for loose stacking.
Ergonomic comfort and a tidy home: a modular washing machine stand or tower cabinet brings your appliances to the ideal height, dampens the noise and tucks all the hoses neatly out of sight.
A complete laundry room tailored to you: use our online configurator to design, step by step, a complete, vibration-free cabinet wall that fits your utility room exactly.
Do you have specific questions about placing your appliances safely, or would you like personal advice for your space? Feel free to contact our customer service or put your ideal setup together directly using the online configurator.