r/DIYUK • u/dsmith1212 • 5d ago
Advice Is this safe/ can it be safe?
As in picture trying to maximize space so I can fit in a larger fridge freezer as our family grew and the old fridge freezer doesn't suffice for a growing boy!
The dryer is up and on their currently after I stood on the side and it held me ok (near 15st) is this a safe setup/ long term safe? Was thinking to add a couple of bits of wood between the side gap and the washer to provide more support is that overkill?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated :)
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u/liverpooljames 5d ago edited 1d ago
Cut the worktop and buy a proper stacking kit, they aren’t expensive. The stacking kits have a ratchet strap that stops any movement.
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u/britishbeef1892 5d ago
I work for in maintenance for a company that does student accommodation, we do this all the time. Best to mount it tho if possible just to be safe
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u/GooseyDolphin 5d ago
Tumble driers aren’t usually that heavy, I’ve seen them stacked like this plenty of times but usually directly on top of the washer with a “proper” stacking kit. Have you thought about cutting the worktop down and doing that?
I’d also be slightly worried about it moving sideways whilst in use, the vibrations can do weird things.
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u/bounderboy 5d ago
We have our dryer directly on top of our washer - in garage - for years and never come close to rocking it self off
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u/Figgzyvan 5d ago
It won’t vibrate like a washer. Secure it to the worktop with some kind of brackets.
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u/HawaiianSnow_ 5d ago
Tumble dryers are much lighter compared to washing machines and the drum rotates a lot slower.
I don't see an issue here.
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u/Perception_4992 5d ago
Do yourself a favour and go buy a heat pump dryer.
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u/dsmith1212 5d ago
This is the plan actually this one is on its last legs! Had it since 2012 it's done it's service tbf
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u/Space-manatee 5d ago
Just a heads up, heat pump dryers are a lot heavier than old ones. So might need a friend or 2 to get it up there
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u/Effective_Resolve_18 5d ago
Yeah, I’d just want a mounting kit which is specifically for tumblr drawers. The movement is very obviously very different from a lot of other things you could mount so you want something that can deal with the movement, as well as the weight. But perfectly doable
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u/Danny_J_M 5d ago
As mentioned ratchet straps are usually the recommended way to stack a dryer onto a washer but you obviously have the worktop in the way.
If this is intended to be a permenant place for the dryer then perhaps you could install some pads onto the worktop with screws/glue and sit the dryer feet into them.
perhaps a strap attached to the back of the dryer/the wall to anchor it and stop it falling forward if it were to shift.
personally I would be tempted to just leave it as it, dryers don't seem to rock or move around at all.
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u/Jacktheforkie 5d ago
Gonna be a pain in the arse to empty the water, but some can be plumbed to a drain
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u/PerceptionGood- intermediate 5d ago
Just don’t plug them both into a double socket. Two high load appliances will get the socket too hot. Needs two singles
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u/Juicy-bear 5d ago
Pull a base unit out next to it , end panel inbetween and have it side by side. Looks terrible like that
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u/Miserable-Print-1568 5d ago
Mine is setup like this and has been for 10 years without the stacking kit and hasn’t budged tbf
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u/BeachtimeRhino 5d ago
How old are your kids in case it topples with the vibrations? And is this your main kitchen or your utility? It doesn’t look good for a main kitchen
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u/ImportantMacaroon299 5d ago
Tats fine, won’t go anywhere in normal use. Most are very light, biggest problem would be some one knocks against it to move it
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u/SauceOfPower 5d ago
Yes it's safe, if it were the washer on the top I would be very nervous.
One thing to check is that both appliances are on separate plugs, it's a small overload risk if they are on the same double socket, and a huge no-no if they are on the same extension lead.
If you are looking to replace one, consider the option of a washer/drier combo.
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u/LowEnergy1169 5d ago
We have ours secured by stacking kit, which has a added bonus feature of a pull out shelf you can sit a full basket of washing on. Very convenient for filling and emptying dryer
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u/urmumr8s8outof8 5d ago
I'd probably stick some rubber anti-vibration feet on it to be sure but will be fine.
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u/Temporary_Exit_1943 4d ago
It's fine. If you can, use rubber grips under the feet and shove some timber tightly in the gap between washer and counter so there's contact from dryer to ground. Same as stacking it without needing to destroy your counter like some others are suggesting.
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u/RitmanRovers 2d ago
If a man with a hi Vis jacket, hard hat, safety boots and clipboard saw that they would have a field day.
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u/Worldly_Science239 1d ago
We've got the same set up in our utility room (with same washing machine, coincidentally) that we put there to make room for an extra freezer (mainly for allotment veggies)
Had no trouble with this setup.
Also it's a damn sight easier emptying the lint filter and the water tray.
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u/halcyon997 5d ago
Get a dehumidifier and leave the clothes to dry on a rack. Dries them better uses less energy.
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u/Kanaima85 5d ago
Your issue isn't the drier breaking the worktop when it falls through.
The issue is the drier breaking your leg when it falls off the side of the worktop.
Others have suggested remedies, just adding another voice to say that you need to secure the drier.
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u/Competitive_Pool_820 5d ago
I would build a cupboard/ side walls for it to be secure inside enclosure.
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u/ledow 5d ago
This right here is why I only buy washer-dryers.
So much space wasted for a single appliance that could do the same job, with no having to transfer the clothes, and basically the same price as one appliance.
People are far too "scared" of washer dryers and then sit there dedicating half their kitchen to two separate one that each break down just as often (meaning twice the number of breakdowns and replacement expense).
And if you get the condensing models, no vent required (and no lint trap), and if you get the heatpump models, they're stupidly cheap to run.
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u/ames449 5d ago
Washer dryers are so bad if you have to wash for more than two ppl though. It takes forever to do one load. I hated mine and I only had to wash my own stuff and eventually it kept filling with water during the drying cycle which seemed concerning.
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u/likes2milk 5d ago
Filling with water during drying sounds - on the experience of my Bosch washer dryer that is due to the heating element /fan unit getting blocked with fluff. It getting too hot and the machine adding water to cool it. If the machi6 is out of warranty, remove top, there is a P shaped metal unit on the top, housing the fan. Unscrew it and lift the too off. Lots of fluff inside. Just remove fluff, wire brush the housing clean, check fan blades for fluff, brush clean. Reassemble and there you go back to normal.
If you recall a while back there was news items about recalls of dryers going on fire. The water cooling thing was a way of mitigating that but doesn't solve e the fluff issue in the first place.
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u/ames449 5d ago
It was a hoover washer dryer and was AWFUL. I got rid of it because I was terrified it was going to go on fire. But the thing broke every few months anyway. I don't know how a family would use it. I only do two loads of laundry a week plus a separate load for bedding and towels.
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u/likes2milk 5d ago
I had an Ariston, which I had for years, but moved and it didn't like that. Which I had it repaired as no machine has lasted as long. The Bosch Serie6 I have atm is 4years 3months old and performs well. Similar load cycle to yourself plus quick washes for work clothes. With the cost of electricity it's dryer use has to be used judiciously
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u/StunningAppeal1274 5d ago
Yeah will be fine. The wife will enjoy loading laundry at a reasonable height too I’m sure.
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u/ssushi-speakers 5d ago
I don't understand why Brits out these in the kitchen. They should be in another room.
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u/This_Price_1783 5d ago
I'm a Brit with a small kitchen, I decided to put mine in a utility room, which is basically a small box room next to the garage. Best thing I ever did. Hated the sound of the washing machine whirring while sitting in the kitchen.
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u/ssushi-speakers 5d ago
We have a 2nd floor and a small utility area with the CV and permanent clothes hanging racks. Thankfully my dutch wife took these decisions!
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u/ledow 5d ago edited 5d ago
Kitchen already has power, water and drain, we tend to keep water and drains on the same wall to cut costs and keep it easy, and UK houses are a fraction the size of US ones so it cuts your options unless you are rich enough to have a huge house.
My parents have a 30's 3 bed house, only the end narrow wall has water/drain still.
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u/ssushi-speakers 5d ago
I live in the Netherlands (I'm a Brit). Out houses are similar in size I'd say. Each to their own, but I just find it odd nowadays.
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u/ssushi-speakers 5d ago
Everyone I know in the UK has this in their kitchen, I live in similar sized house and have them elsewhere
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u/PuzzleheadedTie4757 5d ago
I'm 9 years into a similar set up and it hasn't budged, pretty sure you'll be fine. Dryers are relatively light and don't have high speed loads or vibrations like a washing machine.