To keep two appliances in the same floor space, stacking is only an option if the appliances, stacking kit, floor and location are all suitable. If there’s room for just one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. If you have enough width, placing two appliances side by side avoids stacking, but takes up more floor space.
You want to keep a washing machine and tumble dryer while using as little floor space as possible. The stability of the setup and the exact compatibility of the appliances and kit are crucial. UFC-Que Choisir notes that stacking requires, among other things, front-loading appliances of similar dimensions.
You’re considering a washer-dryer to combine both functions in one space. Compare the washing and drying capacities separately: they may differ, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
You’re looking at moving or placing the appliances side by side. You’ll also need to consider access, doors, connections and the electrical location; having a socket nearby isn’t enough to confirm that the installation is suitable.
For a small laundry room in France, start with the constraint that could rule out an option: compatibility and stability, the number of available spaces, the amount of laundry to dry or access to the installation.
Consider this if: width is limited, but the height, access and connections allow for two front-loading appliances of similar dimensions.
Bear in mind: the washing machine must go underneath, on a flat, rigid and solid floor. Controls higher up may be less accessible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking compatibility carefully.
Consider this if: you have room for just one appliance, or a stacked setup can’t be installed safely and correctly.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Check that it suits the amount of laundry you plan to dry.
Consider this if: you have enough width and suitable connections, particularly if stacking isn’t an option.
Bear in mind: this layout takes up more floor width. Allow room for the doors to open and for the clearances specified in the instruction manuals.
Consider this if: neither a stacked nor side-by-side setup will fit in the available space.
Bear in mind: check dimensions, capacity, ventilation and connections separately. A compact appliance isn’t automatically compatible with a stacking kit.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it? |
|---|---|---|
| Stability and compatibility | Check the full model numbers of both appliances, the instruction manual and the kit. Also make sure the floor is stable and level. | If I want to keep both appliances without using more floor space, I’ll prioritise a compatible, stable stacked setup. Around 36% of consumers put stability and compatibility first. |
| Space for one or two appliances | Measure the width, depth and height, then check that the doors can open and each appliance is accessible. | When there’s room for just one appliance, I look to combine washing and drying without overlooking the dimensions. Around 29% of consumers make having a single space their priority. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Compare the washing and drying capacities, then check the cycle times and energy consumption for the cycles that suit your needs. | If I regularly dry large loads, drying capacity matters just as much as washing capacity. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry they need to dry. |
| Access and positioning | Check the controls, maintenance access, clearances, ventilation and connections as specified in the instruction manuals. In a bathroom, have the location and circuit checked before making any changes. | To use the appliances without obstructing doors or maintenance, I check access and positioning in the room. Around 14% of consumers put these factors first. |
Compatibility depends on the model numbers, product ranges and any exclusions that apply to each kit. Two appliances that appear to match in depth aren’t necessarily compatible.
Before buying, compare the full model numbers of both appliances with the instruction manual and the manufacturer’s compatibility tool.
If the kit isn’t compatible, you may have to rethink your layout or return it.
On a washer-dryer, the stated washing capacity may be higher than the drying capacity. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the WNG24402FR.
Choose based on the amount you actually want to dry in one go, not just the washing capacity.
If the wash load is larger than the drying capacity, you’ll need to split the laundry or run extra cycles.
The tumble dryer controls may be difficult to reach, while getting to the washing machine below may be less convenient for maintenance or repairs. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these potential drawbacks.
Before choosing a layout, check the height of the controls, how the doors open and access for the maintenance tasks listed in the instruction manuals.
The electrical location and circuit need to be assessed separately from how close the socket is. Promotelec covers the electrical requirements specific to bathrooms.
Ask a professional to check the location and installation before considering any work. This guide can’t confirm whether a particular home is suitable.
The brand offers kits for certain pairs of front-loading appliances.
Bosch sells stacking kits and washer-dryers.
The A1WYHSK2 kit is listed for certain pairs of front-loading AEG appliances.
The SKK-ZSD kit is associated with specific appliance model numbers.
The F964R35WR washer-dryer is an example of an all-in-one appliance.
The WTV 407 stacking kit is listed for certain washing machine and tumble dryer ranges.
This selection includes washer-dryers for a single space and a stacking kit for a stacked setup. Choose according to the space available and the compatibility of your appliances.
Image unavailable
Combining washing and drying in a single space, this model has a stated washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Image unavailable
This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Image unavailable
Combining washing and drying in one appliance, this model has a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
The product name mentions 27 washing programmes and app control.
Image unavailable
Designed for small loads, this compact model has a stated washing capacity of 1 kg and a drying capacity of 0.5 kg.
Its capacity makes it suitable for small amounts of laundry, not for drying a larger wash load.
Image unavailable
This kit is designed to place a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine. Check compatibility with the exact models before choosing this option.
The product information gives an appliance depth range of 45 to 60 cm and advises checking the instruction manual for the tumble dryer’s maximum weight.
No. Also check the exact model numbers of both appliances, the instruction manual and the kit’s compatibility. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the appliances must be front-loading and of similar dimensions, with the tumble dryer above a washing machine standing on a flat, rigid and solid floor. Bosch excludes several Series 2 models from kit 00717525.
Compare its drying capacity with the amount you want to dry in one go, and don’t rely on the washing capacity alone. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the WNG24402FR.
Check the appliance instruction manuals for the required clearances and connections. UFC-Que Choisir advises taking ventilation and the proximity of sockets and drainage into account; this guidance doesn’t set a universal clearance for every installation.
Ask a professional to check the location and circuit before choosing a layout or considering any work. A nearby socket alone doesn’t determine whether a particular installation is suitable.
The French Ministry of the Economy states that, subject to its conditions, the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a retailer to a private individual. It is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.