To keep two appliances in the same floor space, choose a stacked setup only if the front-loading models, their dimensions, the stacking kit, the floor and access arrangements all meet the requirements in the manuals. If stacking isn’t suitable and you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer avoids the need for a stack, but you’ll need to compare its drying capacity and full-cycle specifications. With space for two appliances, separate machines avoid height restrictions, but won’t save as much floor space.
If you want to keep two appliances in a narrow space, check the available height and whether the models are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir says that stacked appliances must be front-loading models of similar dimensions.
Check the location and electrical installation before deciding where to put the appliances. Promotelec sets out requirements for bathroom zones, earthing and residual current protection.
If you’re considering a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities, as well as the full-cycle specifications, with the way you plan to use it.
Choose this: if you want to keep two appliances in the same floor space and can confirm that the exact model numbers are compatible.
Bear in mind: the tumble dryer will be up high, and the kit and its installation must be suitable for both appliances and the floor.
Choose this: if you only have room for one appliance and want to avoid stacking.
Compare: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. Its guides also note that many models have longer cycles and use water during drying.
Choose this: if you have two suitable spaces or would find it awkward to reach a tumble dryer mounted up high.
Bear in mind: this setup won’t save as much floor space as stacking.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, and check how far the doors need to open. | If I need to keep two appliances in a narrow space, freeing up floor space is my priority; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Compatibility and stability | Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit, along with their manuals, exclusions and installation instructions. | If I’m planning a stacked setup, I want to know the pair and its fixings are suitable; around 25% of consumers put compatibility and stability first. |
| Bathroom location | Have the bathroom zones, earthing and residual current protection checked before installation. | If the appliance is going in a bathroom, I first want to know whether the electrical installation is suitable; around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Laundry load | Compare the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the full-cycle specifications. | When I choose a washer-dryer, I want to plan loads around the laundry I need to dry; around 15% of consumers put this need first. |
| Access at height | Assess the final height and how easy it will be to reach the controls, doors and parts that need maintenance. | If the appliances are stacked, I want to be able to use and maintain them easily; around 15% of consumers prioritise everyday access. |
A stated dimension alone doesn’t confirm that the two appliances and the kit are a compatible match. Manufacturers may also exclude certain model numbers.
Note down the full model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit, then check the compatibility lists and manuals before buying.
An unsuitable kit could mean rethinking your choice of appliances or installation.
Stacking frees up floor space, but puts the tumble dryer up high and can make the controls or maintenance harder to reach.
Measure the total height and check that you can reach the doors, controls and parts that need maintenance.
Maintenance or repairs to the washing machine may be harder to carry out with a stack above it.
Drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. So a load that’s been washed may be too large for the appliance to dry in one go.
Compare both capacities and the full-cycle specifications for the programme you plan to use.
Depending on the load, you may need to remove some of the laundry or run extra cycles.
Because water is nearby, you’ll need to check the location and electrical protection. Promotelec sets out requirements for bathroom zones, earthing and residual current protection.
Have the location and circuit checked before deciding on this setup.
If the installation isn’t suitable, you may need to reconsider the location or planned work.
The 00717525 is an example of a kit without a shelf, with a depth requirement stated by Bosch Electroménager France.
Electrolux France presents the E1WYHSK2 kit with a pull-out shelf for certain front-loading appliances from the brand.
The SKK-ZSD is an example of a kit that Samsung France associates with a specific pair of models.
The DSTWH kit includes a pull-out shelf, according to LG France.
The WTV 511 is an intermediate stacking kit with a drawer, designed for specific ranges, according to Miele France.
These products are kits or supports designed to stack a washing machine and tumble dryer. Check the exact model numbers for compatibility before installation.
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The product name indicates that it includes a pull-out shelf and a strap for stacking. Check the model numbers of both appliances and read their manuals: the stated 45 to 60 cm range doesn’t by itself confirm that a particular pair is compatible.
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This base is described as a support for stacking a tumble dryer on top of the corresponding washing machine. Before installation, check the manuals to make sure the appliance and support model numbers are compatible.
No. Width alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility. Check the full model numbers against the manuals for the appliances and kit: Bosch lists exclusions for the 00717525, while Samsung specifies a particular pair for the SKK-ZSD.
Check the location and electrical circuit before installation. Promotelec sets out requirements for zones 0, 1 and 2, the hidden volume, earthing and 30 mA residual current protection. Have your specific setup checked on site.
Only if the load is within the model’s drying capacity too. To run a wash and dry cycle without removing any laundry, size the load according to the drying capacity rather than the washing capacity alone.
Before choosing a kit, assess the final height and how easy it will be to reach the doors, controls and parts that need maintenance. If the tumble dryer would be too high to use comfortably, compare a separate setup or a washer-dryer.