Choose two stacked appliances if the room has enough height and depth, and the stacking kit is explicitly compatible with their model numbers. A purpose-designed laundry tower avoids having to match two separate appliances, but it still needs to fit the space. If two appliances won’t fit, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. In that case, check its washing and drying capacities separately.
If you want to keep the walkway clear, measure the recess, door swing and position of the connections before choosing between stacking your appliances and a single machine. Que Choisir points out that saving floor space doesn’t remove the need to check stability and access to the appliances.
Compare the amount of laundry you want to dry in each cycle with the stated drying capacity. A washer-dryer’s drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, as shown by the specifications Bosch publishes for the WKD28260FR.
A purpose-designed laundry tower, or a kit confirmed as compatible with the model numbers of both appliances, reduces uncertainty when putting a stack together. You’ll still need to check the overall size, door openings and control-panel height. For example, LG specifies a central control panel for its WashTower F761TOWERB.
Worth considering: if two front-loading appliances of similar dimensions fit in the room and the kit manufacturer confirms they’re compatible.
Bear in mind: the tumble dryer’s controls will be high up, and accessing the washing machine for maintenance may be less convenient, as Que Choisir points out.
Worth considering: if you’d prefer a manufacturer-designed set rather than choosing two separate appliances and a stacking kit.
Bear in mind: the complete unit must fit in the recess, including with the doors open. The central panel specified by LG for its WashTower F761TOWERB won’t make up for a lack of clearance.
Worth considering: if there isn’t enough height or space to move around two appliances, and you’d like to wash and dry with one machine.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Bosch specifies 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WKD28260FR.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and stability | For stacked appliances, confirm which model numbers the kit supports and make sure the floor is flat, rigid and strong. | I want to stack two appliances without choosing a kit based only on their apparent dimensions. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise compatibility and stability. |
| Capacity and drying routine | Compare the washing and drying capacities of the exact model, then check the cycle information that matters for how you use it. | When I have several loads to get through, I want to know how much laundry I can dry in each cycle. This is a priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Positioning and access | Check the connections, room to open the doors and access to the controls. In a bathroom, have the electrical position checked. | In a narrow bathroom, I need enough room to move around, use the controls and install the appliances in a suitable position. These considerations come before other factors for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Space for a single appliance | Measure the space and door swing, and check the appliance’s drying capacity too. | If a laundry tower would block the walkway or won’t fit vertically, I’d rather combine washing and drying in one machine. Around 14% of shoppers put a smaller footprint first. |
Width alone doesn’t confirm compatibility. Bosch specifies a washing-machine depth of more than 55 cm for the WTZ2741X and excludes some Série 2 models. Electrolux requires you to check the PNC for the STA8GW4.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check the kit manufacturer’s compatibility guidance before ordering.
An unsuitable kit may need to be replaced, and the installation done again.
A laundry tower may fit on the floor but still get in the way when opening a door or accessing the controls. LG specifies a depth of 770 mm for the WashTower F761TOWERB, increasing to 1 400 mm with the door open at 90°.
Also measure the height, depth with the door open, remaining walkway and access to parts that need maintenance.
A washer-dryer won’t necessarily dry a full wash load in a continuous wash-and-dry cycle. Bosch specifies 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for washing and drying on the WKD28260FR.
Compare the stated drying capacity with the amount of laundry you want to dry without removing items between cycles.
If your load exceeds this capacity, you’ll need to reduce it or split the drying across multiple cycles.
Available floor space alone won’t tell you where the machine can be installed. Promotelec highlights the need to consider electrical safety zones, earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection.
Before buying, ask a qualified professional to confirm that the location and electrical installation are suitable if you’re unsure.
After this check, you may need to find another location or adapt the installation.
Worth considering for a stacking kit selected by model number, or for a washer-dryer.
Worth considering if you’re comparing the requirements for a stacking kit with those of an appliance that combines washing and drying.
Worth considering for a purpose-designed laundry tower, particularly if the position of the controls matters to you.
These appliances combine washing and drying in a single machine. They’re worth considering when two stacked appliances won’t suit the space available. Before choosing, compare their drying capacity and dimensions with your needs.
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Consider this single-machine option if stacking appliances isn’t right for your room.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Compare the amount you want to dry with the latter figure.
Before deciding where to put it, check the space needed with the door open and the clearance around the appliance.
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This model combines both functions if you need to limit your installation to one appliance.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Plan your drying load around the 6 kg capacity.
Check that the door can open and that there’s enough clearance in the space you have in mind.
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An option to consider if you want both functions without putting together a laundry tower.
The title lists 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, along with 27 wash programmes, app control and the LintClear automatic filter-cleaning system.
Measure the space and check the model’s dimensions and required clearance before buying.
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This single appliance could suit a project where stacking two machines isn’t an option.
The title lists 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, along with Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing. Check the exact model’s capacity for the cycles you use most.
Check its dimensions, door opening and required clearance before deciding where to put it.
No. Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances of similar dimensions. Then check that the kit manufacturer approves their exact model numbers, as depth limits or model exclusions may apply.
The washing machine should go at the bottom, with the tumble dryer on top. Que Choisir explains that the weight of a washing machine full of water and its vibrations during the spin cycle make the reverse arrangement unsuitable. The washing machine also needs to stand on a flat, rigid and solid floor.
It’s something to consider in relation to the electrical installation, not just the dimensions of the appliances. Promotelec highlights electrical safety zones, earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection. If you’re unsure, have your bathroom layout checked.
Not necessarily: check both capacities for the model you choose. For example, Bosch specifies 8 kg for washing but 5 kg for the continuous wash-and-dry cycle on the WKD28260FR. So a wash load of more than 5 kg needs to be reduced before that drying cycle.
Before buying, check that the doors can open and that you can reach the controls, any water tank and the parts that need maintenance. Que Choisir notes that stacking can make the upper controls harder to reach. Also check that the depth with the door open leaves enough room to move around.