Our appliance technicians at Camtec come across problems with washer and dryers all the time, especially in cases where these units are stacked on top of each other which cause a hell of a lot of issues if not done properly, this is why they generally always recommend our customers to use stacking kits or other alternatives designed to protect these units.
Below are some of the most common questions we get asked about stacking kits and how to organise your laundry appliances.
What are stacking kits and what do they do?
The most common way to save room in laundries have always been stacking, this is where a dryer is put on top of a washing machine to reduce the space that would be taken up if they were placed side by side. What many people do not realise is that you cannot just stack them you generally need accessories or tools such as stacking kits. Stacking kits are designed to fit in between a washer and dryer and distribute the weight of a dryer on top of a washer while also absorbing the vibrations from both appliance while they are running.
Are stacking kits universal?
Stacking kits are not universal and are designed to suit a specific brand of washer and dryer. So if you are hoping to just drop by the store and pick up any old stacking kit then you would be wasting your time. Generally stores want you to buy their products and what better way then practically forcing you to do it by only providing specific and necessary accessories for them.
Alternatives to stacking kits?
Have no fear if you have already bought different unit for you laundry there are alternatives to using these stacking kits. For example some companies have invented rubber mats made specifically to replace stacking kits, these simple products absorb vibrations, reduce noise levels and add some extra stability on uneven floors.
Another more common alternative to stacking kits are using wall mounts to attach your units to your laundry wall. Wall mounts are just brackets that attach to the unit and the wall and take away the hassle of trying to balance your appliances on top of each other. This is also a great alternative if you prefer a top loader washing machine. However there are two important things to keep in mind if you are planning to use wall brackets.
- The first is that you can only wall mount vented dryers, which blast out the moisture they removes from your clothes in the form of hot steam. Condensor dryers, which collect moisture in a tank are too heavy to wall mount safely, but they can be stacked.
- Many vented dryer models can actually be wall mounted upside down, which keep their controls in a more easy to reach position. Models like this will generally have a set of stickers or decals that can help you to relabel your controls when they are upside down; but always make sure to check whether the unit you have purchased can be put upside down.
Can I stack a washing machine on top of a dryer?
Definitely not! Washing machines are way more heavier than dryers and will damage or even crush your dryer if it is placed on top, and that without the added weight of water and wet clothes. Also washing machines tend to vibrate way more than dryer when being used which means a higher chance that the vibrations will cause the unit to fall off.
Can I stack a washing machine and dryer on their own without a kit or rubber mat?
Under no circumstance should you stack your appliances without using some form of protection. Not only could this damage your appliances but also damage your laundry floors benches and anything in your laundry that is close to them. The vibrations alone could be enough to knock your units off, so always make sure you appliances are somehow stabilised.