Households planning to stack their appliances
You have room above the appliances, but the washer, dryer and stacking kit must be compatible with the exact model numbers. Also check that the washer can stand on a flat, stable floor.
Who are these options for?
People with limited floor space
You want to wash and dry your clothes at home without setting aside space for two appliances side by side. A compatible stack makes use of the height available, while a washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance.
Households that do laundry frequently
Your choice will depend largely on how much washing you need to dry each time. With a washer-dryer, compare the capacity for a complete cycle with the wash-only capacity before deciding on your load sizes.
How do the two options compare?
Two appliances stacked
Consider this if: you want a separate appliance for each task and have enough height.
Bear in mind: the dryer will be higher up, and the installation depends on using a compatible stacking kit.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance or want to wash and dry your clothes in one cycle without transferring them.
Bear in mind: the load that can be washed and dried in one go may be smaller than the maximum wash load.
| Factor | What to check before you buy | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and stability | For a stacked setup, check the manufacturer’s guidance for the model numbers of both appliances and the kit. Check the stated load limits and make sure the washer can stand on a flat, solid floor. | If I stack two appliances, I want to be sure they’ll work with my setup. Around 40% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Space and access | Measure the floor space and height, and allow enough clearance to open the doors and reach the controls. | When I only have room for one appliance, I want to use both functions without obstructing movement around the room. This would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Loads to be dried | Compare the wash capacity with the capacity for a complete wash-and-dry cycle, or with the capacity of a separate tumble dryer. Check the programmes against how often you do laundry. | If I do laundry frequently, I want to know how much I can actually dry in one go, without having to split every load. Around 30% of consumers would put this capacity first. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Buying two appliances before choosing a stacking kit
A similar width doesn’t guarantee compatibility: depending on the models, kits may only fit certain ranges or depths.
Note down the full model numbers of the washer and dryer, then check the manufacturer’s guidance to find a kit that suits that particular pair.
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Putting the appliances in the wrong order or overlooking the floor
Que Choisir recommends placing the dryer above the washer, with the washer on a flat, rigid and solid floor. An unstable base can increase vibration.
Before planning a stack, get the space checked and follow the instructions for both appliances and the kit.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based on wash capacity alone
The capacity for a complete cycle may be lower. Bosch lists 8 kg for washing alone and 5 kg for washing and drying on the WKD28260FR.
Compare both capacities on the model you’re considering with the load you want to dry without stopping the cycle.
If a washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to handle the washing and run an additional drying cycle.
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Planning to stack appliances in a bathroom without checking the space
Whether the appliances can be installed depends on factors including the room layout and its electrical installation. Promotelec notes that the rules for low-voltage installations in bathrooms are covered by the NF C 15-100 series.
Before you buy or install the appliances, ask a qualified professional to assess the space and electrical installation.
Brands to compare for different setups
Bosch
Bosch offers stacking accessories and washer-dryers, giving you two options to compare depending on the space available and the models you choose.
- Bosch says its 00717524 kit is designed for a standard-size washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
- This depth guidance alone doesn’t confirm that a particular pair of appliances is compatible with the kit. Check the exact model numbers. For the WKD28260FR, Bosch lists 8 kg for washing alone and 5 kg for a complete cycle; these capacities don’t apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
The E1WYHSK2 kit includes a pull-out shelf, which could be useful if you’d like a surface for unloading.
- Electrolux says this kit is designed for its front-loading washers and dryers with a depth of 52 to 67 cm.
- This range applies to the E1WYHSK2 kit and the specified Electrolux appliances. It doesn’t confirm compatibility with other models or with a stack of appliances from different brands.
Miele
Choose Miele stacking kits according to the appliance ranges, rather than relying on the brand name alone.
- Miele says the WTV 407 is suitable for T 8000 and T Classic tumble dryers, as well as the W 3000, W 5000 and W Classic washing machines specified for this accessory.
- Check the model numbers and installation requirements for both appliances before choosing this stacking kit.
Beko
Beko washer-dryers are worth considering when you need one appliance to do both jobs.
- A combined cycle means you don’t have to transfer your washing from one appliance to another.
- Beko notes that drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. Compare the capacities of the specific model with your usual loads.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These appliances combine washing and drying in one space. For each model, compare the load it can dry with the load it can wash, and check that its dimensions will fit your room.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg wash / 6 kg dry
For a single space, this model combines both functions. Its stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
If you wash a load weighing more than 6 kg, check how much of it you want to dry in the same cycle. Also check the space and connections required for installation.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg wash / 6 kg dry
This washer-dryer takes up just one space and is listed with a 10 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Plan your loads around the 6 kg drying capacity, and check the dimensions and clearances needed in your room.
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Roborock Zeo Lite Gray, 10 kg wash / 6 kg dry
This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
If your wash loads weigh more than 6 kg, check how you’ll split them up for drying. Confirm the installation dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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CHiQ JW85882HG, 8 kg wash / 5 kg dry
If you need one appliance to do both jobs, this model has a stated wash capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
Plan your loads around the 5 kg drying capacity. Before setting aside a tight space, confirm the exact dimensions, particularly the width.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stack any washer and dryer?
No. A stacked setup must be approved for the exact models of both appliances and the kit. Que Choisir describes a setup with two front-loading appliances of similar dimensions. Then check the manuals and manufacturer’s guidance for load limits and any restrictions relating to the appliance range or depth.
Which appliance goes on top of a stack?
The dryer goes above the washer, not the other way round. Que Choisir points out that the washer should stay at the bottom because it’s heavier when full of water and vibrates during the spin cycle. Follow the instructions and use a compatible stacking kit.
Can a washer-dryer replace a stack in a small home?
Yes, if you only have room for one appliance and its drying capacity suits your loads. For this specific model, Bosch lists 8 kg for washing alone but 5 kg for a complete cycle on the WKD28260FR. Be sure to compare both figures for the appliance you’re considering.
How can you tell if a stack can be installed in a bathroom?
Before choosing a stack for a bathroom in France, have the space and electrical installation checked. Promotelec says the NF C 15-100 series covers low-voltage electrical installations in bathrooms. Whether installation is possible depends on the layout of your particular bathroom.
What should you check if you’re considering a heat pump tumble dryer for your stack?
First, check that the model you’ve chosen is compatible with your washer and stacking kit. If electricity consumption is also a factor in your decision, Que Choisir says heat pump tumble dryers use less energy than conventional condenser or vented models. Also compare the capacity and programme duration with the way you plan to use it.