Choose a stack if you have enough height and floor space, and both appliances are compatible with a suitable stacking kit for a stable installation. This gives you a separate washing machine and tumble dryer without taking up more floor space. If you can only fit one appliance, compare a washer-dryer's washing and drying capacities, cycle times and energy consumption. If you dry clothes on a drying rack, focus instead on the washing machine's spin efficiency and noise level.
You want to keep two separate appliances while freeing up floor space. According to UFC-Que Choisir, stacking requires compatible appliances and a stable installation, among other things. You should also check that the controls are accessible and that routine maintenance is practical.
There isn't enough room for a stack. A washer-dryer combines both functions, but its washing and drying capacities and programme times need to suit your laundry routine.
You don't plan to buy a tumble dryer and want a washing machine that suits indoor drying. ADEME recommends comparing spin efficiency, noise levels and the energy consumption shown on the label.
First, check whether you can install a stack in line with the instructions. If not, decide between a washer-dryer and drying clothes on a rack based on the space available and the size of your laundry loads.
Worth considering: if you have enough height and want to be able to wash one load while another is drying.
Bear in mind: you need a stacking kit compatible with the exact model numbers, a stable floor and practical access to the upper appliance.
Worth considering: when the room can only accommodate one appliance.
Bear in mind: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. Compare cycle times and water consumption for each model.
Worth considering: if you don't plan to buy a tumble dryer and have space to hang your washing.
Bear in mind: an efficient spin cycle won't eliminate drying time or the need to ventilate the room.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Stack stability | Check the model numbers of both front-loading appliances and the stacking kit in the instructions, then confirm that the dimensions and floor are suitable. | I want to free up floor space in my small bathroom without risking an unstable stack. A safe stacking set-up would be a priority for around 39% of consumers. |
| Separate washing and drying | Check that a stack is possible and that both appliances will be easy to access when doing your laundry. | When I have loads back to back, I want to be able to start a wash while another load is drying. This flexibility would be a priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Just one appliance | Compare washing and drying capacities separately, as well as the duration and consumption of the cycles you plan to use. | If I only have space for one appliance, I want to combine washing and drying without having to install a stack. A single appliance would be the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Drying on a rack | Compare the spin-drying efficiency rating and noise level. You'll also need space for the drying rack and suitable ventilation. | I dry my clothes on a rack and want them to come out less damp without installing a tumble dryer. Spin performance for indoor drying would be the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
Similar widths aren't enough: Bosch and Electrolux specify depth ranges or model exclusions for some of their kits.
Note down the full model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check them against the kit documentation before you buy.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, vibrations from the washing machine make the positioning and stability of the stack essential.
Place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, level the washing machine and only install the stack on a flat, rigid and solid floor.
A washer-dryer may have a lower capacity for drying than for washing. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the need to pay attention to programme times and water consumption.
Check the figures for each function and make sure the full cycle suits your household's usual laundry loads.
Proximity to a shower or bath, as well as the existing electrical installation, can affect where you can place the appliances. Promotelec outlines the electrical safety zones for bathroom installations.
Before buying or moving the appliances, ask a qualified professional to assess the location and connections if it's close to a water source or requires electrical work.
An option to consider if you want to create a stack with a kit designed for compatible Bosch models.
Worth considering if you'd like a pull-out shelf for a stack of Electrolux front-loading appliances.
An option to consider for a Miele stack using a stacking kit designed for specific series.
Worth considering if you're looking at the Wpro SKS101 kit for appliances with the stated standard dimensions.
These two appliances combine washing and drying for rooms that can only fit one machine. Before choosing, compare their drying capacity with your usual laundry loads and check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance. The stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so plan your loads according to the function you're using.
Check the available space, clearance and installation requirements in the instructions before you buy.
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Wash and dry with one appliance when a stack isn't an option. The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The model also features 27 washing programmes and app control.
Before choosing, compare its dimensions and full-cycle specifications with your available space and laundry routine.
Not based on that alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances with compatible dimensions, and manufacturers set specific requirements for their kits. Check the exact model numbers of both machines against the accessory documentation.
The washing machine needs to form the base of the stack, rather than sit on top of the tumble dryer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, its weight during operation and the vibrations from the spin cycle mean it must be installed securely, in line with the instructions for the appliances and kit.
It can be a good option when you only have room for one appliance. However, check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity, then compare the duration and water consumption of the programmes you plan to use.
Have the location assessed in relation to the shower or bath and check the existing connections. The amount of available floor space alone isn't enough to determine where the appliances can go. Promotelec points out that bathroom electrical installations have designated safety zones. If the location is close to a water source or requires electrical work, ask a qualified professional to check it.
Start by comparing the washing machine's spin efficiency, while also checking the noise, water and energy figures on the label. ADEME recommends choosing a class A spin-drying rating to help clothes dry more quickly indoors. You'll also need space to hang your washing and suitable ventilation.