How to put a dryer on a narrow washing machine?

If the dimensions of the washer and dryer are approximately the same, then there will be no difficulties with installing the devices in the column. It's another matter when the dimensions of the devices differ significantly. Many users are beginning to doubt whether it is permissible to combine such machines.

Is it possible to install a dryer on a narrow washing machine? Will such a design be safe? What connecting elements should I use? Let's look into the nuances.

It won’t be possible to put it up “somehow”

Experts prohibit the installation of one machine on another without the use of connecting elements. And the point is not to additionally sell users expensive fasteners, but about safety. Due to the strong vibrations emitted by the washing machine during operation, the dryer will very quickly fail.

Special stands and fasteners prevent damage and failure of the washing machine and dryer.

An unsecured dryer placed in a column may fall due to strong vibrations of the washing machine. The device will break, damaging the floor covering and everything nearby. It is also unsafe for household members, especially if there are children in the family.

If you think that stands and connecting elements can be omitted, place, for example, a pack of powder on the washing machine and observe the operation of the device, especially during the spin phase. The machine will shake and vibrate. In this case, the packaging on the washing machine will “jump” from side to side. Imagine what would happen with a loose dryer.

Therefore, in order to preserve expensive equipment, floors and the health of household members, it is better to purchase special connectors. You can buy them at hardware stores. Let's figure out which fasteners are suitable for installing a full-size dryer on a narrow washing machine.

Connector for such cases

There is a widespread belief among users that it is impossible to put a standard dryer on a narrow washing machine. This is an erroneous judgment - such an installation is possible, but subject to the use of special fasteners. Manufacturers have long been producing docking kits that allow you to arrange cars of different sizes in a column.

The only problem is the high cost of special stands. Depending on the manufacturer, size and type of kit, the price varies from $3.5 to $120. It is necessary to select a connecting element based on the model and dimensions of the washing machine and dryer.

If you look at the most budget kits, you should pay attention to WSK1102/2RU. This connecting element is suitable for narrow washing machines with a depth of 40-46 cm. The dryer, in turn, can be up to 47 cm.

The manufacturer of this compatible device is the Candy brand. It can be used with any washers and dryers of suitable sizes. The length of the connecting element is 42 cm, width 8 mm. The cost of a kit for installing devices in a column is from $32.

Another inexpensive option is the Beko PSKS connecting strip. The mount is made of high-quality, durable plastic. The connecting element will ensure the reliability of the structure and give the column a neat, aesthetic appearance.

The bar is suitable for narrow and full-size washing machines. The depth of the body of the lower machine can be from 40 to 54 cm, the upper - up to 48 cm.The service life declared by the manufacturer is 5 years, but in practice such shelves last much longer. The cost of the device is approximately $53.

The average cost of the universal connecting element Torre Basic Meliconi. Its price starts from $62. Advantages of the kit:

• Suitable for cars of any brand;
• pre-assembled so easy to install;
• has a universal design;
• dampens vibrations, ensuring minimal noise levels.

The durable Torre Basic Meliconi frame provides rigid fastening, and the tie belt gives the structure additional reliability (protecting the latches from becoming loose). The maximum permissible load on the element is 250 kg.

The next option is a connection kit for dryers and washing machines from Schaub Lorenz. The element is made of high-quality plastic, which is resistant to deformation and mechanical damage. Equipped with a pull-out shelf for more comfortable unloading of laundry.

The length of the connecting element is 51.1 cm, width 60.3 cm. Information on the installation method is in the instructions included with the kit. The cost of the set is about $80.

To place machines in a column, you can purchase the Electrolux STA8GW mounting kit. It is suitable for washers with a depth of 46-47 cm and dryers up to 54 cm. The length of the docking shelf is 57 cm, width is 54 cm. The cost of this set is about 6800 rubles.

Is it possible to do without a docking kit?

Factory connecting elements cost a lot, so many users wonder whether it is possible to save on fasteners, but at the same time safely install the machines in a column. Craftsmen have found a way out - they build a superstructure over the washing machine with their own hands, where they place the dryer. As a result, the upper device is isolated from feeling vibrations from the lower device.

The dryer is always placed on top, the washing machine on the bottom.

The superstructure, which is placed above the automatic machine, has a base and four legs. It vaguely resembles a table. To make a stand you will need:

• timber legs;
• metal corners;
• wooden board (preferably varnished) or a piece of chipboard;
• set of fasteners.

The legs are placed around the body of the washing machine, after which a shelf (made of wood or chipboard) is screwed to them. The structure is secured with metal corners and self-tapping screws. Be sure to check the stability of the stand - it will have to support the weight of the dryer.

The legs should not touch the body of the washing machine. Also, between the shelf itself and the upper wall of the washing machine, you must leave a gap of at least 5 millimeters. Otherwise, vibration will be transmitted to the stand, and from it to the dryer.

You can also make your own cabinet from chipboard. A washing machine is “hidden” in such a cabinet, and a dryer is placed on top. This will be more expensive than the option with a homemade stand, but cheaper than buying a special docking kit.

In any case, before you put the dryer on the washer, think about safety. Understand that vibrations during operation of the machine cannot be avoided, so it is necessary to protect the dryer from such shaking.

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