The Best Washer and Dryer Cabinets & Kits
Washer and dryer stealing your space? As a technician, I've seen dryers fall due to poor stacking. I'll show you the furniture and kits that withstand the spin cycle and organize your laundry room (or bathroom) with style.
Universal Stacking Kit
The safest and most functional solution to have a laundry tower at home without construction.
The dream of every modern home is a dedicated laundry room, but the reality is often a washer wedged into the kitchen, bathroom, or a closet. The smart solution is to grow upwards: the famous "laundry tower".
But be careful: a dryer is heavy and vibrates. You can't just put it on top of any cheap shelf. If the furniture gives way, you have a guaranteed accident. I have selected options ranging from purely functional and robust to designer furniture that "hides" the appliances.
Top 5 Storage Solutions
Generic Stacking Kit with Pull-out Shelf
It's not a cabinet, it's engineering. If you don't want a large piece of furniture, this frame physically joins the washer and dryer. The pull-out shelf is vital for resting the basket when you take out dry clothes. Universal fit for most 27-inch machines.
Pros
- Total anti-tip safety
- Very useful pull-out shelf
- Quick installation
To Consider
- Industrial look (machines are visible)
- Pricey for 'just a frame'
Baxton Studio Modern Laundry Cabinet
The ultimate solution to gain space and hide machines. This furniture allows you to enclose the washer/dryer or place storage above, with a wooden structure that looks like built-in cabinetry. Includes extra storage for detergents.
Pros
- Robust structure
- Clean modern design
- Maximizes height
To Consider
- Must be anchored to wall studs
- Complex assembly
Over-The-Washer Storage Shelf
Ideal for small laundry rooms or bathrooms. It is placed 'hugging' the machine and gives you two or three vertical storage shelves without taking up any extra floor space. Perfect for rentals.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Utilizes dead space
- Easy to assemble
To Consider
- Cannot support a dryer (only supplies)
- Simple materials
Heavy Duty Wire Shelving Unit
Pure functionality for garages or basements. Supports up to 300lbs per shelf, allowing you to organize heavy detergent jugs and supplies around your machines without fear. Indestructible.
Pros
- Indestructible
- Maximum ventilation
- Very cheap
To Consider
- Warehouse aesthetic
- No doors to hide anything
Portable Electric Clothes Dryer (Panda/Black+Decker)
The alternative to the tumble dryer. It is a compact dryer that can be mounted on the wall or placed on a rack. Perfect for delicate clothes or apartments where you cannot install large appliances.
Pros
- Cares for delicate clothes
- Compact and portable
- Low consumption compared to full size
To Consider
- Takes longer to dry
- Limited capacity
Technician's Guide: Golden Rules for Stacking
Before buying anything, burn this into your mind: The washing machine always goes on the bottom. Why? Because it has concrete counterweights so it doesn't fly away when spinning. The dryer is much lighter (it's basically a drum with hot air).
📏 Critical Measurements
Measure the width and, above all, the depth. Washers are usually 27x30 inches, but dryers are sometimes deeper at the back (due to venting).
- • Leave 2-3 inches extra behind for cables and hoses.
- • If the cabinet is closed, make sure it has a ventilation grille.
🔨 Mandatory Anchoring
When the washer spins at 1200rpm, everything vibrates. If you put up a tall tower cabinet, you have to screw it to the wall studs no matter what.
- • Use quality anchors.
- • Level the washer feet BEFORE putting it into the furniture.
Wood, Metal, or Resin?
It depends on where your appliances live:
- In the bathroom (High humidity): Avoid cheap particle board. Look for moisture-resistant melamine or, better yet, high-density resin/plastic. Shower steam will swell normal wood in a year.
- In the kitchen/laundry room (Dry): Here you can use wood cabinets (MDF/melamine) which are nicer and more aesthetic.
- In garage/basement: Metal. Heavy-duty shelving is ugly but indestructible and ventilated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the dryer on top without a cabinet?
Technically yes, but it's dangerous. Vibration can make the dryer "walk" and fall. At a minimum, use a universal stacking kit that glues or screws them together.
What is the pull-out shelf?
It is a shelf that comes out from between the washer and dryer. It serves to rest the laundry basket while you load the dryer (which is high up) or to fold hot clothes right after taking them out. Highly recommended for ergonomics.
Do electric drying cabinets use a lot of energy?
They use less than a conventional dryer (about 1000W vs 3000W+), but take longer. They are ideal for occasional use or delicate clothes, not for drying 4 daily loads for a large family.
