If you have enough vertical space, you may be able to stack a separate tumble dryer on top of a front-loading washing machine, provided both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. If you can only fit one machine, compare washer-dryers and pay particular attention to their drying capacity, which differs from their washing capacity. If you’re considering putting an appliance in a bathroom, have the location and electrical installation checked before deciding on a set-up.
You’re short on floor space but have enough height and a front-loading washing machine on the floor. Before planning to put a tumble dryer on top, check that the appliance model numbers and stacking kit are compatible. Bosch and Whirlpool both specify that stacking depends on these conditions.
If you can’t fit two appliances side by side or stack them, a washer-dryer combines both functions. Compare each model’s stated drying capacity and dimensions, and don’t assume its drying capacity is the same as its washing capacity.
A spot near a bath or shower may seem convenient, but the appliance’s position and socket need to be checked for electrical safety first. Promotelec highlights the importance of bathroom safety zones and circuit protection.
The space you have will determine whether you can stack your appliances or need to make do with a single machine. Then check the capacity and installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
Consider this if: you have enough height and want to keep two separate appliances without using two floor spaces.
What to check: Bosch and Whirlpool recommend checking that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible. The washing machine must stay on the floor, with the tumble dryer on top.
Consider this if: there’s space for only one machine in the room and stacking isn’t an option.
What to check: the model’s drying capacity may differ from its washing capacity. Check both figures before you choose.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Stacking | The full model numbers of both appliances, stacking kit compatibility and the dimensions specified in its instructions. For example, one Bosch kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. | I have enough height, but want to avoid a second machine getting in the way. Around 36% of consumers would put creating a compatible stack at the top of their list. |
| One machine | The appliance’s dimensions and drying capacity, which should be checked separately from its washing capacity. | If there’s room for only one machine, combining washing and drying is my priority. This is said to be the main need for around 29% of consumers. |
| Using a tumble dryer | The energy label, maintenance instructions and how water is collected or drained. If you want to drain water directly, check that the accessory is compatible. | If I can fit a separate tumble dryer, I want to know what using and maintaining it will involve day to day. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise keeping these requirements manageable. |
| Bathroom location | The position of the bath or shower, safety zones and electrical installation protection. If you’re unsure, ask a professional to assess the set-up. | I don’t want to settle on a convenient location before checking whether the appliance can be installed there safely. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this electrical safety check. |
Width alone isn’t enough: Bosch specifies a minimum depth for some kits, as well as models they’re not compatible with.
Before ordering, check the full model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit against the manufacturer’s documentation.
Whirlpool states that the washing machine, as the heavier appliance, must sit on the floor in a stack.
Plan to put the tumble dryer on top, and only use a compatible combination with a suitable stacking kit.
In a bathroom, the proximity of a bath or shower affects the requirements for the electrical installation. Promotelec highlights the importance of safety zones and electrical protection.
Check where the appliance and socket are due to go. If you’re unsure whether the set-up meets the requirements, ask a professional to assess it.
According to Beko, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside, unlike condenser models, which operate in a closed circuit. A drain hose, on the other hand, carries away water collected by some models.
Check the type of tumble dryer in its instructions, then make sure a drain kit is compatible with its model number.
If you choose direct drainage, remember to allow for the compatible accessory and its connection when planning the installation.
Bosch stacking kit instructions can help you check whether a stacked set-up will work, as long as you start with the exact model numbers of your appliances.
Electrolux tumble dryer and accessory product details let you check the features of a specific model before deciding where to put it.
Beko explains the differences between condenser, heat pump and vented tumble dryers, helping you plan the installation checks you’ll need to make.
This selection includes washer-dryers for spaces where you want both functions in one appliance, as well as a separate heat pump tumble dryer. Only consider stacking the latter after confirming that it’s compatible with your washing machine and stacking kit.
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Worth considering if you need one machine to handle both washing and drying.
The title lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the full model number and dimensions of this variant before deciding where to put it.
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This model combines washing and drying for when you only have room for one appliance.
The product name lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity, Zeo-Cycle technology and the LintClear system. Check its dimensions and maintenance requirements in the instructions.
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This alternative washer-dryer is another option if you want to fit washing and drying into a single appliance.
The product name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, and mentions Zeo-Cycle and LintClear. Check its dimensions and the length of the programmes you’re interested in before you choose.
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This separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you have space for it on its own, or are planning a stack with confirmed compatibility.
The product name lists heat pump technology and an 8 kg capacity. Before planning to stack it, check its dimensions and the model numbers of the washing machine and kit.
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This washer-dryer is worth considering for very small loads rather than larger amounts of laundry.
The product name lists a 1 kg washing capacity and a 0.5 kg drying capacity, with Zeo-Cycle and LintClear. Compare these capacities with your usual laundry loads and check the dimensions before setting aside space for it.
Yes, if both appliance models are confirmed as compatible with a suitable stacking kit. Bosch and Whirlpool specify that the washing machine must stay on the floor. Check the dimensions and any exclusions listed for the kit, too.
Check the location before deciding on this option, particularly in relation to the bath or shower and the electrical installation. Promotelec highlights the requirements for safety zones and circuit protection. If you’re unsure, ask a professional to assess the set-up.
According to Beko, heat pump models operate in a closed circuit, while vented tumble dryers need an opening to the outside. Check the exact type of appliance and its installation instructions.
Some models can use a drain kit to direct collected water to a drain. Electrolux recommends checking that its accessory is compatible with your appliance’s model number. Also check that the connection will work at your chosen location.