Who is this setup for?

Homes with a narrow utility room

If space is limited widthways but you have room to stack upwards, a tower can free up floor space. You’ll still need to be able to reach the appliances easily and check that the stack is stable.

Anyone buying both appliances together

Choosing the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit at the same time lets you check compatibility by model number before buying, rather than trying to pair two models you’ve already chosen separately.

Homes fitting out a bathroom

Available space alone does not confirm that the location is suitable. You’ll also need to consider the water supply, drainage, access for maintenance and how close the appliances will be to a bath or shower.

What should you check before buying?

First, check that the room and both appliances are suitable for stacking. Then choose a kit confirmed for those exact models, without overlooking everyday access.

Pair with a branded stacking kit

Consider this when: the manufacturer confirms that the kit is compatible with the exact washing machine and tumble dryer models.

Limitation: a kit may only be suitable for certain series or generations, even within the same brand.

A so-called universal kit

Consider this when: both appliances fit the kit’s dimensions and their manuals allow them to be stacked this way.

Limitation: the kit manufacturer’s use of the word ‘universal’ does not cover every appliance shape or model-specific restriction.

Appliances side by side

Choose this if: vertical stacking compatibility has not been confirmed, or the tower would make it difficult to access the appliances.

Trade-off: this layout takes up more floor width.

Criteria What to check Who is this important for?
Compatibility and stability Check the kit model number, the dimensions of both front-loading appliances and the weight limits in their manuals. I’d rather rule out stacking than use a setup whose stability is uncertain; around 36 % of consumers would put compatibility between the two appliances first.
Space saving Measure the total height, including the kit, then consider whether the capacity of both appliances suits your needs. In a narrow room, my main aim is to free up width while keeping the utility room practical; saving space would be the priority for around 29 % of consumers.
Location and connections Check the water supply, drainage and socket. In a bathroom, also have the position assessed in relation to the bath or shower. Before buying, I want to know whether the tower can be connected in the intended location; around 21 % of consumers would make checking the location their top priority.
Access and maintenance Check the height of the controls, that the doors can open fully and that you can reach the filter, any water tank and the connections. If the tower makes everyday use or maintenance too difficult, the floor space I save won’t help much; around 14 % of consumers would put easy access first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing two appliances just because they’re the same width

    Similar dimensions do not confirm that the kit is suitable or that the appliances can bear the weight. Bosch, Electrolux and Samsung specify which kits are compatible by tumble dryer, PNC number or appliance model number.

    Note down the full model numbers, depths and any protruding parts on both appliances, then check the kit and weight limits in the manufacturers’ guidance.

  • Assuming ‘universal’ means guaranteed compatibility

    Whirlpool describes the Wpro kit in question as suitable for standard 60 × 60 cm appliances. This description does not replace the instructions for the washing machine and tumble dryer themselves.

    Compare the kit’s specified dimensions with the appliances you’ve chosen and check that their manuals allow this installation.

  • Measuring only the floor space

    The height of the tower could make the tumble dryer controls difficult to reach or make it harder to work on the washing machine below. Que Choisir also highlights the importance of allowing enough space for ventilation.

    Measure the tower once assembled, then check that the doors can open, that you can reach parts needing maintenance and that you’ve allowed for the clearances specified in the manuals.

  • Choosing a spot in the bathroom without checking the installation

    The connections and position in relation to a bath or shower can affect whether your plans are practical, regardless of which kit you choose.

    Locate the socket, water supply and drain. If you’re unsure whether the electrical setup is suitable, ask a qualified professional to assess it before deciding on the layout.

Brands and kits to consider

Bosch

Worth considering for a standard-sized tower when the chosen tumble dryer is listed as compatible with a suitable Bosch kit.

  • Bosch says the WTZ20410 kit allows a tumble dryer to be placed on a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
  • Bosch says to choose the kit to suit the tumble dryer. This guidance alone does not confirm compatibility for every pair of appliances from the brand.

Electrolux

An option to check for two front-loading Electrolux appliances whose model numbers and depth match the kit.

  • Electrolux lists the E1WYHSK2 kit for its front-loading washing machines and tumble dryers with a depth of 52 to 67 cm, and says it includes a pull-out shelf.
  • Depth alone is not enough: check compatibility using the appliances’ PNC numbers too.

Miele

Worth considering if you’re pairing appliance generations that Miele specifically lists for stacking.

  • Miele lists the WTV 601 stacking kit for Nova Edition tumble dryers with Nova Edition or W1-generation washing machines.
  • This guidance does not confirm compatibility with a washing machine from another generation.

Samsung

An option for a pair whose model numbers are both included in the published compatibility information for the chosen kit.

  • Samsung lists the SKK-ZSD kit as compatible with the WF90F09C4SU3 and DV90F09F4SU3 models.
  • Similar dimensions do not mean this compatibility applies to other Samsung models.

Whirlpool / Wpro

Worth considering for two standard 60 × 60 cm appliances, subject to each appliance’s instructions.

  • Whirlpool describes its Wpro kit as compatible with appliances of this size from various brands.
  • The kit manufacturer’s claim does not override any restriction in the manual for either appliance.

Joybuy products for this setup

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a tumble dryer on a washing machine without a stacking kit?

Don’t rely on simply placing one appliance on top of the other. Que Choisir recommends checking the manuals, particularly the weight limits. The tumble dryer must go on top, and both appliances should be front-loading and similar in size. Choose a stacking system confirmed as suitable for your chosen pair.

Can you install a tower in a bathroom?

It depends on the exact location and the room’s electrical installation. In its guidance on placing a washing machine in a bathroom cupboard with a bath or shower, Promotelec says to take open doors into account when assessing the electrical zones. Have your planned setup checked before buying the pair.

When should you call in a professional?

Have the installation assessed if you’re unsure about the socket, water supply, drainage or the location in the bathroom. Check the manuals for your chosen models too. For example, the manual for the Beko SLBF94W0 / SLP90AVW0 tumble dryer reserves installation and repair procedures for an authorised service agent, although this requirement may not apply to other models.

Which tumble dryer should you choose for a compact utility room?

First, choose a tumble dryer that’s compatible with the washing machine, stacking kit and intended location. A vented model needs an outlet to the outside; according to Que Choisir, condenser models with a heat pump stand out for their low electricity consumption. In all cases, check the clearances and ventilation required in the manual.