Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf Review: The Definitive Verdict on This Laundry Space-Saver

In our home, the laundry area has always been a point of contention. It’s a small, functional space that quickly becomes chaotic. For years, we had a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer sitting side-by-side, consuming almost all the available floor space. This left no room for laundry baskets, detergents, or even for us to move around comfortably. It felt like a constant compromise between clean clothes and a usable room. The dream was to stack them, to reclaim that precious square footage, but the thought of placing a heavy, vibrating dryer on top of an equally dynamic washing machine without a secure solution was terrifying. The risks felt immense: instability, excessive noise, potential damage to the appliances, or worse. This is the dilemma that sends homeowners like us on a quest for a safe, reliable, and functional stacking solution.

What to Consider Before Buying a Stacking Kit

A stacking kit is more than just a plastic spacer; it’s a key piece of engineering designed to create a safe, stable, and efficient laundry tower. Its primary benefit is the immediate and significant saving of floor space, transforming a cluttered utility room into an organised and functional area. By going vertical, you consolidate your laundry appliances into a single footprint, opening up possibilities for storage cabinets, a folding station, or simply more room to breathe. This solution is crucial for those living in apartments, smaller homes, or anyone looking to maximise the efficiency of their utility space. A good kit also absorbs and dampens vibrations, reducing noise and protecting your appliances from wear and tear during intense spin cycles.

The ideal customer for a product like the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf is anyone with a front-loading washing machine and a separate tumble dryer who is short on horizontal space. It’s perfect for families in compact homes, city dwellers in apartments, or anyone designing a new, space-efficient laundry room. However, it might not be suitable for those with top-loading washing machines, as stacking would render the washer inaccessible. It’s also not necessary for individuals who have ample side-by-side space and prefer the convenience of having both appliances at a lower height. For those users, simply ensuring their machines are on a level, stable floor is sufficient.

Before investing in a stacking kit, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Compatibility: This is the most critical factor. Before you even consider a purchase, you must measure your washing machine’s width and depth. Universal kits like this one are designed to fit standard 60cm wide appliances, but depth can vary. The kit must fully support the feet of the dryer. We found this kit to be surprisingly versatile, with users successfully fitting it on both standard and even some slimline machines, but careful measurement is non-negotiable.
  • Load Capacity & Stability: The kit must be rated to handle the full weight of your tumble dryer, plus the dynamic forces of it operating. The Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 boasts an impressive maximum load capacity of 250 kg, which provides immense peace of mind. Stability is further enhanced by features like a safety strap, which is essential for anchoring the entire column and preventing any shifting during a vigorous spin cycle.
  • Materials & Durability: Stacking kits are typically made from either metal or high-strength reinforced plastic (technopolymer). While some may be skeptical of plastic, modern technopolymers are incredibly strong, lightweight, and resistant to rust and moisture found in laundry environments. The key is the structural design and reinforcement, which this Meliconi kit executes well, feeling rigid and robust once installed.
  • Added Features & Convenience: Basic kits are just spacers. Premium models, however, incorporate features that enhance usability. The standout feature of the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 is its integrated pull-out shelf. This seemingly simple addition is a complete game-changer, providing a dedicated space to rest your laundry basket while loading or unloading the dryer, effectively solving the “where do I put this heavy basket?” problem.

Making the right choice ensures not just saved space, but also the safety and longevity of your expensive appliances.

While the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf is an excellent choice for organising your appliances, it’s always wise to ensure the machines themselves are up to the task. For a broader look at top-performing washing machines, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Italian Solution: First Impressions of the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60

The Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf arrived in a surprisingly large, well-packaged box. One user noted it came double-boxed with bubble wrap, and our experience was similar, suggesting an awareness of the product’s shipping vulnerabilities. Upon opening, the first thing we noticed is that the unit comes pre-assembled, which is a massive plus. There’s no fiddling with dozens of screws or confusing diagrams; it’s ready to install right out of the box. The main body is constructed from a stark white technopolymer, a type of high-strength plastic. While some might initially prefer the perceived heft of metal, this material feels incredibly rigid and solid, engineered for purpose. It’s lightweight enough for one person to handle easily, yet feels anything but flimsy. The extendable shelf, with its smooth-looking wooden front, glides in and out on its runners, and the overall “Made in Italy” design aesthetic is clean and modern. However, a deep dive into user experiences revealed a recurring theme that we must address: a significant number of units arrive with shipping damage. This ranges from minor cracks to completely broken shelf runners. Our advice is to check the unit meticulously upon arrival before attempting installation.

Key Benefits

  • Universal design fits most standard 60cm wide washers and dryers
  • Incredibly robust with a 250 kg maximum load capacity for total peace of mind
  • Game-changing extendable shelf with a 10 kg capacity simplifies loading and unloading
  • Arrives pre-assembled, making installation straightforward and quick

Potential Drawbacks

  • High susceptibility to damage during shipping, requiring careful inspection
  • Included safety strap buckle can be ineffective and may need replacing for secure tightening

Putting the Base Tower to the Test: A Performance Breakdown

A stacking kit’s true worth is only revealed under pressure—literally. It needs to handle the combined weight and vibrations of two powerful appliances without flinching. We put the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf through its paces, combining our hands-on testing with a thorough analysis of real-world user feedback to provide a complete picture of its performance, from the initial setup to its daily utility.

Installation and Universal Fit: A Mostly Seamless Experience

The “pre-assembled” nature of this kit is its first major victory. In a world of flat-pack furniture and complex instructions, being able to lift the product straight from the box and place it on the washing machine is a breath of fresh air. The process is theoretically simple: clean the top of your washing machine, place the kit on top, then lift the dryer into position. Of course, lifting a tumble dryer is a two-person job, but the kit itself adds no complexity. We found its universal dimensions (59.4 x 63 cm) to be a perfect fit for our standard 60cm wide appliances. The raised edges and thick support rails create a secure “tray” that the dryer’s feet sit in, preventing any lateral movement.

This versatility is a key selling point. We saw reports from users successfully pairing it with a wide range of brands like Samsung and Bosch. One user even praised its ability to stack a standard 60cm dryer on top of a slimmer 45cm depth Hotpoint washing machine, a scenario many other kits would fail. However, this ease of installation is entirely dependent on receiving an undamaged unit. Many online accounts, which we can corroborate as a known risk, speak of cracked frames, broken shelf handles, or detached shelf runners discovered upon unboxing. One user had to carefully bend a metal roller back into shape, while others had to initiate a return immediately. While the product design is excellent for installation, the quality control surrounding shipping and handling appears to be its Achilles’ heel. Our advice is to order with enough time to handle a potential exchange if needed.

Stability Under Fire: The Technopolymer Build and Safety System

The core function of a stacking kit is to provide unwavering stability. With a stated maximum load capacity of 250 kg, the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 is, on paper, one of the most robust on the market. In practice, the technopolymer frame holds up exceptionally well. We were initially curious how this “plastic” would handle the intense vibrations of a 1400 RPM spin cycle. The answer is: impressively. The material feels dense and engineered to absorb and distribute the dynamic forces rather than just rigidly resisting them. Once the dryer is in place, the entire column feels like a single, solid unit. There’s a noticeable reduction in ambient vibration compared to poorly stacked or un-secured appliances. One user noted it feels “molto resistente” (very resistant), and we wholeheartedly agree.

To achieve this stability, the kit relies on an included safety belt. This long nylon strap wraps around the entire tower—dryer, kit, and washer—and is tightened with a metal buckle to cinch everything together. In principle, this is an indispensable safety feature. In reality, it’s the product’s most significant functional flaw. We, along with numerous other users, found the tensioning buckle to be weak and ineffective. It simply doesn’t grip the strap tightly enough, leading to a loss of tension over time. As one reviewer stated, the buckle is “debole e non stringe per niente” (weak and doesn’t tighten at all). Another noted they have to re-tighten it periodically. For true security and peace of mind, we strongly recommend discarding the included buckle and purchasing a separate, more robust ratchet strap for a few pounds. This is a small extra cost that transforms the setup from good to fortress-like secure.

The Everyday Genius of the Extendable Shelf

If the stability is the foundation, the pull-out shelf is the feature you’ll fall in love with every day. It’s what elevates the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf from a mere utility item to a thoughtful home solution. The shelf glides out smoothly, offering a perfectly positioned platform right under the dryer door. No more bending down to pick up a heavy, wet laundry basket from the floor, and no more dropping clean, dry clothes while trying to transfer them. You can place the basket on the shelf, unload the dryer directly into it, and then fold clothes right there if you wish. With a 10 kg capacity, it’s more than strong enough for a full load of damp or dry laundry.

We found ourselves using it constantly; it’s a feature you don’t know you need until you have it, and then you can’t imagine living without it. Users consistently rate this as the best part of the product, calling it “veramente comodo” (really convenient). However, this wonderful feature is also a common victim of the aforementioned shipping issues. Several reviews detailed shelves arriving with detached runners, stripped screw holes in the wooden base, or bent mechanisms. While Meliconi’s customer service was praised by one user for quickly sending a replacement handle, the frequency of these issues suggests a vulnerability in the shelf’s construction or packaging. When it works, it’s perfect. But it’s another component that requires a thorough check upon delivery to ensure you get the full, game-changing experience.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf is one of appreciation for a great concept hampered by quality control issues. Positive reviews consistently celebrate its core functionality. Users describe it as a “prodotto solido” (solid product) and “perfetto” (perfect) for its purpose, with many highlighting the convenience of the pull-out shelf as its best feature. One user was particularly pleased with the excellent customer service from Meliconi, who sent a replacement part free of charge after the original arrived broken.

However, a significant and unignorable portion of feedback centers on products arriving damaged. We saw numerous reports of cracked plastic frames, broken shelf runners, and shattered handles. One German user had to bend a roller mechanism back into shape with tools, while an Italian user received two consecutively broken units. This pattern points less to a flawed product design and more to a serious problem within the packaging or shipping logistics. The other major recurring complaint is the inadequate safety strap buckle. Several users noted, as we did, that it fails to hold tension securely, with one stating they had to buy a more effective one to ensure safety. These critiques are critical because they concern the product’s primary safety and structural integrity.

Alternatives to the Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf

A stacking kit is a fantastic accessory for optimizing your laundry space. However, if your quest for a better laundry setup involves upgrading the appliances themselves, it’s worth looking at some of the top-performing washing machines on the market. Here’s how three popular models stack up, offering different features and capacities that might suit your needs.

1. Midea MF10EW70BA 7kg Washing Machine

The Midea MF10EW70BA is an excellent choice for individuals or couples with smaller laundry needs. Its 7kg capacity is compact yet efficient, and features like a quick wash and steam care offer modern convenience. For someone considering the Meliconi stacking kit for a small apartment, this Midea machine would be an ideal companion to place underneath. It focuses on core washing performance with the added benefit of a quiet BLDC motor. While it doesn’t solve the space issue on its own, pairing it with a stacking kit creates a highly efficient and compact laundry tower perfect for tight spaces.

2. Hoover H-WASH 500 Washing Machine 12kg 1400 RPM

At the other end of the spectrum is the Hoover H-WASH 500, a powerhouse designed for large families. With a massive 12kg drum, it can handle huge loads, reducing the number of cycles you need to run. Features like the ECO-Power Inverter Motor ensure it runs efficiently despite its size, and the hOn App connectivity brings smart control to your laundry room. A machine this large and capable would be the perfect base for a stacked column using the Meliconi kit. Its robust build provides a stable foundation, and the space saved by stacking a dryer on top would be invaluable in a busy family home.

3. Hisense WFQP9014EVM 9 KG Front Load Washing Machine

The Hisense WFQP9014EVM strikes a perfect balance, making it a great all-around choice for the average household. Its 9kg capacity is the sweet spot for handling daily laundry as well as larger items like duvets. The inclusion of a steam wash function is excellent for hygiene and reducing wrinkles, while the durable inverter motor promises longevity and quiet operation. This machine represents the type of standard, high-performance washer that the Meliconi stacking kit is designed for. Placing a compatible Hisense dryer on top would create a reliable, feature-rich, and space-saving laundry station for any modern home.

Our Final Verdict: A Brilliant Idea in Need of Better Execution

The Meliconi Base Tower Evo L60 Stacking Kit with Shelf is a product we genuinely want to love without reservation. The concept is brilliant, and its core design is solid, stable, and incredibly functional. The 250 kg load capacity provides immense confidence, and the extendable shelf is a truly transformative feature that simplifies the daily chore of laundry in a way that’s hard to overstate. It successfully liberates valuable floor space and turns a cluttered area into a streamlined laundry column.

However, we cannot ignore the significant cloud of quality control issues that hangs over this product. The high likelihood of receiving a unit damaged in transit is a serious concern, turning a simple installation into a potential ordeal of returns and replacements. Furthermore, the ineffective safety strap buckle is a baffling oversight on a product where security is paramount. For these reasons, our recommendation comes with a strong caveat: if you are willing to thoroughly inspect the product upon arrival and invest in a better quality ratchet strap, you will be rewarded with an outstanding and highly practical laundry solution. For its sheer ingenuity and space-saving potential, it’s worth considering, but be prepared to take those extra steps to ensure its safety and integrity. If you’re ready to create the laundry tower of your dreams, you can check the latest price and availability here.