In a small home, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, provided its drying capacity is sufficient for your usual loads. Stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer is a better option if you dry clothes often, as long as you have enough vertical space and check that the appliances, stacking kit and floor are all suitable. If you can dry clothes elsewhere, a washing machine with a separate tumble dryer avoids the need to stack appliances; your choice then depends on how much space drying takes up.
If the space in front of the machine matters as much as the space it takes up, measure the area and check that the door can open fully. For a washer-dryer, compare your usual washing load with the appliance’s drying capacity too: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two capacities differ.
Stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer lets you keep the appliances separate without placing them side by side. It’s worth considering if having to remove some washing before every drying cycle would be inconvenient, but you’ll need enough height and a compatible, stable stack.
First check the connections, sockets and available space, then distinguish between installing appliances and making permanent changes to the property. In France, ANIL states that alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written consent; whether this applies to your project depends on the work involved.
Start by checking how much space you have while the appliances are in use, then compare your laundry loads with their capacities and installation requirements. Saving floor space doesn’t, by itself, solve questions around drying or access to the appliances.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance and your usual load is within its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Consider this if: you regularly dry large loads and have enough height for two separate appliances.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances of similar dimensions; you’ll also need to check that the stacking kit is compatible and the floor is stable.
Consider this if: you don’t need to machine-dry every load and have somewhere to hang your washing.
Bear in mind: the drying area will be occupied while your clothes dry, so make sure it won’t block access around your home.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Check the washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities, in kg, on the product details. If you’re choosing two appliances, check each one’s capacity separately. | I want to dry my usual load without having to remove some of the washing every time. |
| Available space | Measure the width, overall depth and clearance in front of the door. For a stacked set-up, allow for the height of both appliances and the kit. | I need to be able to move around easily, including when I open the machine or hang out washing. |
| Stacking | Check that both appliances are front-loading, confirm their dimensions and make sure their model numbers are supported by the kit. Use a flat, rigid and sturdy floor, with the tumble dryer on top. | If I choose a stacked set-up, I want to make sure my two models and the space available are suitable. |
| Cycles and maintenance | Compare the duration and energy and water consumption of the programmes you’ll use on the specific models. Check the instructions for accessing the parts that need cleaning. | I sometimes run several loads in a row, so how long the only appliance is in use is an important factor. |
| Connections | Before choosing a location, check for a water supply, waste outlet and suitable electrical socket. If you’re renting, find out whether any alterations would be needed. | I’d rather make sure the laundry area can accommodate the planned installation before ordering the appliances. |
A machine may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference: if you’ve washed a full load, you may need to remove some items before starting the drying cycle.
Compare both capacities in kg and choose according to how much washing you want to dry at once.
A similar width doesn’t necessarily mean two appliances can be stacked together. Depth requirements vary between kits: Bosch, for example, specifies a depth of over 55 cm for the WTZ2741X, while Electrolux gives a range of 47 to 60 cm for the STA8GW4.
Note down the full model numbers of your appliances and check the requirements for the matching kit before choosing your pair.
Remember to include the suitable stacking kit as a separate part of the installation.
UFC-Que Choisir states that the tumble dryer should sit on top of the washing machine. A stack on an unsuitable base may move or become unstable, particularly during the spin cycle.
Use a compatible kit and follow the instructions to level the appliances on a flat, rigid and sturdy floor.
A washer-dryer takes up the space of one appliance, but remains in use for both the wash and drying cycles. UFC-Que Choisir also draws attention to the trade-offs in cycle times and energy and water consumption associated with this function.
If you run several loads in a row, compare the complete programmes and their consumption on the models you’re considering, rather than assuming how they’ll work based on their size.
These examples highlight specifications to check for a particular kit or model. They don’t guarantee that other appliances from the same brand will be compatible, or that these products are included in the Joybuy selection below.
If you’re planning a stacked set-up, the Bosch WTZ2741X kit is an example of a depth requirement to check.
The Electrolux STA8GW4 kit is an example of a different depth range for stacking front-loading appliances.
The LG F964R35WR washer-dryer is an example of a model listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Samsung lists the WD90DG5B15BEEF washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. They’re a way to explore the washer-dryer option, particularly the difference between the listed capacities. You’ll still need to consider the criteria for a stacked set-up or separate drying when choosing the best arrangement for your home.
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This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, with a listed capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full washing load will therefore need to be reduced before drying; also check the space required for installation.
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This washer-dryer has a listed washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so a full washing load can’t be dried all at once. Before choosing where to put it, check the connections and clearances, as well as the details for the wash-and-dry programme you’re interested in.
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A washer-dryer means you don’t need to place a second appliance on the floor. Its listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying: check that the latter suits your usual loads, then measure the space you have available.
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This grey model combines both functions, with a listed washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. If you often wash 10 kg at a time, you’ll need to split the load for drying; also check the dimensions and cycles to make sure they suit your needs.
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This mini washer-dryer has a listed washing capacity of 1 kg and a drying capacity of 0,5 kg. Consider it for very small loads, rather than as a replacement for a machine used for your usual household washing. Check its dimensions before deciding where to put it.
Not if the load is bigger than the model’s drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this is lower than the washing capacity: for a model listed as 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, a 9 kg wash load needs to be reduced before drying.
Place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, not the other way round. For this type of installation, UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing front-loading appliances with similar dimensions. Also check that the kit is compatible and install the stack on a flat, rigid and sturdy floor.
No. Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit requirements. For example, Bosch specifies a washing machine depth of over 55 cm for the WTZ2741X, while Electrolux gives a depth range of 47 to 60 cm for front-loading appliances with the STA8GW4. These ranges don’t make the kits interchangeable.
In France, ANIL states that alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written consent. Installing appliances using existing connections is different from work that alters them: check exactly what your project involves and get written consent before making any changes.
Measure the space and clearances, then check for a water supply, waste outlet and suitable electrical socket, following the installation points highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir. For a stacked set-up, also check the available height, kit compatibility and floor stability. In a bathroom, have the electrical requirements for the intended location checked.