Choose two stacked appliances if a stacking kit is compatible with their exact model numbers and your floor, available height and connections allow for safe installation. If stacking isn’t possible, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as Que Choisir points out. In a bathroom, make sure the electrical installation and location are checked before you buy.
Make a note of the model numbers for both appliances and the stacking kit before replacing either one. Bosch and Electrolux’s published requirements show that matching widths or brands aren’t enough to confirm compatibility.
A stacked set-up can free up floor space, as long as there’s enough room to open the doors and reach the controls. If it’s near a bath or shower, the electrical installation and location should also be checked with the room and planned work in mind.
If the available height, stability or connections make it impossible to stack two appliances, a washer-dryer lets you consider both functions in one appliance. However, Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
Worth considering: if you can install two front-loading appliances, with the tumble dryer above the washing machine and a kit compatible with their model numbers.
Bear in mind: the tumble dryer will be higher up, and work on the washing machine underneath may require you to move the stack.
Worth considering: if stacking isn’t possible and you’d like to wash and dry with a single appliance.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, so you may need to remove some of the laundry between cycles.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and stability | Check the appliance and kit model numbers against the manufacturer’s guidance. The washing machine must stand on a flat, rigid and solid floor, with the tumble dryer on top. | If I’m replacing an appliance, I want to avoid finding out that similar dimensions hide a kit incompatibility. Around 33% of consumers would put compatibility at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Space and access | Measure the total height with the kit, door clearance, and access to the controls, filter and any water tank. | In a narrow room, saving space won’t help if I can no longer open the doors or reach the tumble dryer. Ease of use would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Location and connections | Check the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and clearances specified in the manuals. In a bathroom, have the proposed location near the shower or bath assessed. | Before choosing a model, I need to know whether my room can actually accommodate it. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise checking whether the location and connections are suitable. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare its drying capacity with your usual load, not just its washing capacity. | If I often wash a large load, I want to know how much of it can be dried without removing any laundry. Drying capacity would be the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
Bosch and Electrolux’s published requirements also refer to the appliances’ model numbers. Similar dimensions alone don’t confirm that a kit is suitable.
Note down the full model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check the manual or the kit manufacturer’s compatibility tool.
Being close to a shower or bath can affect where an appliance can be installed. Assess the proposed location in the context of the actual room layout and any planned work.
Check where the water points and connections are before ordering. If you’re unsure whether the installation requirements can be met, ask a qualified professional to assess the plans.
You may need to rethink the stack’s position and connections if the proposed location isn’t suitable.
Que Choisir says their drying capacity is lower than their washing capacity, so you may need to split a washed load before drying it.
Compare the stated washing and drying capacities separately with the amount of laundry you want to dry.
Stacking frees up floor space, but puts the tumble dryer’s controls and maintenance points higher up. It can also make work on the washing machine underneath more difficult.
Check that you’ll be able to open the doors, reach the parts that need maintenance and move the appliances if necessary.
These examples relate to specific kits. Choosing two appliances from the same brand doesn’t mean you can skip checking their model numbers with the manufacturer.
Bosch offers stacking kits designed to fit a tumble dryer on top of a full-size washing machine.
The Electrolux STA8GW4 kit is designed for front-loading washing machines and tumble dryers with a depth of 47 to 60 cm.
The Miele WTV 512 stacking kit includes a drawer and is designed for a stack made up of appliances from the ranges specified by the brand.
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine, making them worth considering if a two-appliance stack won’t fit your space. Compare their drying capacities and check the installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’d rather combine washing and drying in one appliance than stack two machines.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A washed load of more than 6 kg will need to be reduced before drying. Also check the space and connections required for installation.
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Consider this if you want to avoid stacking while still having washing and drying functions.
The model name indicates a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check its dimensions, required clearances and connections for your chosen location.
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Another combined option to consider if your room can’t accommodate two stacked appliances.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Bear this difference in mind for your usual loads and check the model’s installation requirements.
No. For a stack, both appliances must be front-loading and similar in size, with the tumble dryer on top and a kit compatible with their exact model numbers. The requirements for Bosch and Electrolux kits show why matching widths aren’t enough.
No. The location needs to be assessed in relation to the bath or shower, the electrical installation and any planned work. If the room layout, including a cupboard, makes it difficult to assess, ask a qualified professional to check the plans before you buy.
Check the electrical supply, water inlet and drainage for the washing machine, then the requirements of your chosen tumble dryer. Que Choisir explains that a vented model needs an opening to the outside or access to a duct, unlike a condenser model. You should also follow the clearances specified in each appliance’s manual.
Not necessarily. It combines both functions in one appliance, but Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare the amount you want to dry with the model’s drying capacity, rather than looking only at the kilograms stated for washing.
You need to be able to use the controls and reach the parts of the upper tumble dryer that need maintenance, particularly its filter and any water tank. Also check that there’s enough room to open the doors and work on the washing machine underneath.