A stacked setup keeps two separate appliances in a smaller floor space, provided the front-loading models, stacking kit, floor and clearances all meet the manufacturers’ installation instructions, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If there’s room for only one appliance, a washer-dryer avoids the need to stack, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you have enough width, placing two appliances side by side avoids the specific requirements of stacking.
If two appliances won’t fit side by side, measure the available space to see whether you can fit a stack or a washer-dryer. The first option requires compatible appliances that can be safely stacked; the second limits how much laundry you can dry in one go.
A new appliance must be compatible with the one you’re keeping and with the stacking kit. Bosch advises checking compatibility before buying its WTZ27400 kit; the Miele WTV 406 stacking kit is designed for specific tumble dryer series.
A stack takes up less floor space without combining washing and drying in one machine. However, it’s only suitable if the appliances, fixings and installation space meet the required conditions.
Start by checking the dimensions and installation options, then compare drying capacity and how easy the appliances will be to use day to day.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Stack compatibility | Check that both appliances are front-loading and measure their dimensions. Confirm that the kit is compatible with their exact model numbers and follow the weight limits in the manuals. | I want to save floor space while keeping two appliances, without assuming that a kit described as ‘universal’ will suit my particular models. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the available width, height and depth, including with the doors open. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately: UFC-Que Choisir notes that the latter is lower than the former. | If only one appliance will fit in the alcove, can it dry my usual loads within the stated drying capacity? If there’s enough width, two appliances side by side may still be an option. |
| Flooring and connections | For a stack, check that the floor is stable and level, and confirm the position of sockets, the water supply, drainage and the specified clearances. The tumble dryer must go on top of the washing machine, never the other way round. | I need to be able to install the appliances in the intended spot without blocking their connections or reducing the clearance specified in their manuals. |
| Drying and everyday use | Check the model’s energy label, as advised by ADEME, and look at the duration of the programmes you’re interested in. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external outlet or access to a duct. | I like the idea of a wash-and-dry cycle without having to move the laundry, but I also need to consider drying times and the room’s ventilation options. |
| Access and maintenance | Check the height of the controls, how far the doors open, and access to the filters and connections. Leave enough room for the maintenance tasks specified in the manuals. | I want to be able to load, programme and maintain the appliances even if the utility room is in a cupboard or a narrow passage. |
Compatibility can depend on the brand, depth or appliance series. For example, Electrolux limits its E1WYHSK2 kit to front-loading appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm; Whirlpool describes its SKS101 as suitable for standard-size 60 × 60 cm appliances.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check them against the kit information and manuals before you buy.
The washing machine must stay on the floor; Miele points out that its vibrations mean it needs to be stabilised. An unsecured stack can also shift or topple.
Put the tumble dryer on top, check that the floor is flat and rigid, and use a kit confirmed as compatible with that specific pair of appliances.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. So a load washed in one go may be too large to dry in one go.
Compare both capacities in kilograms with your usual loads before choosing a model.
In a narrow alcove, you’ll still need access to the doors, controls and connections. A vented tumble dryer also needs an external outlet or access to a duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Measure the space with the doors open, then check the clearances, ventilation and maintenance access specified in the manuals for the models you’re considering.
This guidance applies to specific kits: the brand alone doesn’t confirm that a particular pair of appliances can be stacked.
The E1WYHSK2 kit is worth considering for a pair of front-loading Electrolux appliances.
The WTZ27400 kit may be suitable for a pair of Bosch appliances once their compatibility has been confirmed.
Whirlpool describes the SKS101 as a kit for standard-size appliances.
Choose a Miele stacking kit according to the appliance series involved.
These three appliances combine washing and drying for spaces that can only fit one machine. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads, then check the dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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Combines both functions in one appliance when there isn’t room for two separate machines. It has a stated capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check that the drying capacity suits your loads, and check the dimensions and clearances required in the manual.
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Another all-in-one option for a small utility room. This model has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the size of the loads you need to dry, the available space and the connections specified in the manual.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Before choosing it for an alcove, check its external dimensions, required clearances and connections.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says both appliances must be front-loading and a similar size. Also check their exact model numbers, weight limits and kit compatibility in the manufacturers’ information and manuals.
The tumble dryer goes on top of the washing machine, never the other way round. Miele points out that the washing machine’s vibrations mean it needs to be stabilised on the floor; the fixings and levelling must also comply with the appliance manuals.
It washes and dries within the footprint of a single appliance, making it a useful option when space is limited. However, it may not be able to dry the entire wash load in one go: UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare both figures for the model with your usual loads.
It depends on the type of appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external outlet or access to a duct. Check the type of model you’re considering and the ventilation and installation requirements in its manual.