Households looking to free up floor space
You have room for a front-loading washing machine, but not for two appliances side by side. The available height and appliance compatibility will help you decide between a stacked pair and a washer-dryer.
Which option suits you?
Frequent users keeping an eye on electricity use
You often dry laundry and want to compare models’ energy use, rather than choosing based on advertised cycle times alone.
Buyers with installation constraints
Your laundry area is in a cupboard or near a bathroom, or you need to check the electrical supply. Assess the space before choosing an appliance.
How do the options compare?
Two stacked appliances
Consider this: when there is enough height for two compatible appliances and you want to keep them independent.
Bear in mind: the tumble dryer above must remain accessible, and you’ll need a stacking kit suitable for the exact model numbers.
One washer-dryer
Consider this: when there’s only room for one appliance.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to remove some laundry before drying.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Measure the space’s width, depth and height, taking into account door openings and the clearance required in the manual. | When two appliances won’t fit side by side, I want to dry laundry without using more floor space. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Stacking compatibility | Check the model numbers of both appliances and the kit in the manufacturer’s documentation, then check that the floor is stable. The tumble dryer goes above the washing machine. | I want to keep two machines, but only if they’re designed to be stacked together. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Electricity use | Compare the energy labels of models suited to your laundry loads. According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump tumble dryers generally use less electricity than conventional condenser models, but their cycles are usually longer. | If I dry laundry frequently, I’d rather check energy use before focusing on cycle speed. Around 24% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Laundry loads | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the guidance for the wash-and-dry programme. | A full wash needs to fit into the household routine, even if I have to split the load for drying. Managing laundry loads would come first for around 18% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Choosing a kit based on its apparent width alone
The compatibility information provided by Bosch, Electrolux and Samsung applies to specific model numbers or dimensions. Two appliances with a similar width aren’t necessarily compatible as a pair.
Note down the full model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check that the manufacturer recommends the kit for that exact pair.
An unsuitable kit may prevent you from stacking the appliances as intended and mean you have to rethink the layout.
-
Putting the appliances in the wrong order
UFC-Que Choisir recommends placing the tumble dryer above the washing machine, on a stable installation.
Level the washing machine on a suitable floor and follow the kit instructions for securing the appliances.
-
Relying on a washer-dryer’s washing capacity alone
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer has a lower capacity for drying than for washing. So you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Compare both capacities and the wash-and-dry programme guidance for the model you’re considering.
Splitting a load means an extra step and can increase the time you spend doing laundry.
-
Choosing where to put the appliance without checking the connections
A narrow alcove or a cupboard near a bathroom may require checks that go beyond the appliance’s dimensions alone.
Check the required electrical supply, water inlet and drainage, then consult the manual. If the installation needs to be altered or is in a bathroom, ask a qualified professional to assess the plans.
Brands and stacking kits to know
These examples show the compatibility details to check; a brand name alone doesn’t confirm that appliances can be stacked.
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re planning to stack Bosch appliances using a kit that matches their model numbers.
- Bosch lists the WTZ27410 kit for securing a tumble dryer to a washing machine with a depth greater than 55 cm.
- This requirement applies to this specific kit; Bosch also excludes some Series 2 models.
Electrolux
Worth considering for a pair of front-loading Electrolux appliances and a kit with a shelf.
- Electrolux gives a depth range of 52 to 67 cm for the E1WYHSK2 kit.
- Check the appliances’ product number, or PNC: this information doesn’t confirm compatibility with a pair from another brand.
Samsung
Worth considering when the appliance model numbers appear on a Samsung kit’s compatibility list.
- Samsung lists the model numbers WF90F09C4SU3 and DV90F09F4SU3 for the SKK-ZSD kit.
- This list doesn’t confirm compatibility with other models or variants.
Whirlpool
An example of a separate tumble dryer to consider if you can check the space available and, if stacking, compatibility with the model you’ve chosen.
- Whirlpool describes the FFTNM228X3BFR as an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer with a C energy rating.
- These specifications don’t confirm whether it can be stacked or whether other Whirlpool models can be stacked.
Washer-dryers on Joybuy
These three washer-dryers are options if you want a single appliance on the floor. Above all, compare their drying capacity with your usual laundry loads, then check the dimensions and manual for the variant you choose to make sure it suits your space.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg/6 kg washer-dryer
For a laundry area with room for just one appliance on the floor. The stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load before running both cycles one after the other.
Stated energy rating: D. Check the manual for the dimensions, clearances and connections required for your chosen location.
Image unavailable
Roborock Zeo Lite, 10 kg/6 kg washer-dryer
This model combines washing and drying in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load can’t be dried all at once.
The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear. Before installing it in an alcove, check the dimensions, clearances and connections in the manual.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg/6 kg washer-dryer
For a space with room for only one appliance: the stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full washing load will therefore need to be reduced or split for drying.
Before ordering, check the full model number of the variant against its manual, then make sure its dimensions and installation requirements suit your laundry area.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stack any tumble dryer on top of any washing machine?
No. You need a pair of front-loading appliances and a kit confirmed as compatible with their exact model numbers. You should also follow the manufacturer’s depth limits and fitting instructions, with the tumble dryer above the washing machine.
Does a heat pump tumble dryer need an external vent?
A condenser tumble dryer with a heat pump doesn’t need the external vent used by a vented model. However, check the manual for clearance, ventilation requirements and how to manage the condensed water.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full washing load?
Not if the load is larger than its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity: check both figures for your model and remove or split the laundry if needed.
What should you check about the electrics before installing a tumble dryer?
Check that the location and electrical supply are suitable for your chosen appliance. Legrand recommends a dedicated circuit in its tumble dryer installation advice. If a circuit needs to be installed or altered, ask a qualified electrician to assess the existing installation.