In a small space, choose two stacked appliances if their model numbers and stacking kit are explicitly compatible, and the room allows for a stable installation with the necessary clearances. A purpose-designed laundry tower keeps two separate appliances, while a washer-dryer avoids stacking when there’s no room for two machines, though its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. In every case, check the manuals, load limits and, in a bathroom, the electrical installation requirements.
You want to keep a separate washing machine and tumble dryer, using a stacking kit that’s explicitly compatible with your chosen models. Bosch Électroménager France and Samsung France provide compatibility information for specific models.
You’ll need to consider the floor space taken up, the overall height and the room needed to access the appliances. UFC-Que Choisir describes stacking as a way to make the most of your space, provided you follow the necessary installation precautions.
Compare the stated drying capacity and how the cycles work before choosing a single appliance or two separate machines. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a washer-dryer may have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
Choose this if: you want to keep two separate machines and have enough height. Samsung specifies the WF90F09C4SU3 and DV90F09F4SU3 models for its SKK-ZSD kit.
Bear in mind: kit compatibility alone doesn’t confirm that the installation is suitable. The manuals, load limits, flooring and clearances must all be right too.
Choose this if: you want two separate functions in a tower configuration designed by the manufacturer. LG presents its WashTower range as a single unit with a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer.
Bear in mind: check the height, access to the controls, flooring and installation requirements for the specific model.
Choose this if: the room can’t fit two appliances or stacking isn’t an option.
Bear in mind: compare drying capacity with washing capacity and check the length of a complete cycle. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity may be lower.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and stability | Full model numbers for the appliances and kit, manuals and load limits. | If I want to keep two separate machines, I check that the model numbers and kit are compatible and that they can be installed securely. Around 33 % of consumers put compatibility and stability first. |
| Space and height | Installed dimensions, door clearance, access to the tumble dryer and delivery access. | In a narrow room, I measure the available height and the space needed around the appliances before choosing a tower or a single machine. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise the space the appliances take up. |
| Loads and cycles | Washing and drying capacities, listed separately, and the length of a complete cycle. | If I often dry large loads, I compare both capacities and how the cycles work before choosing. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry they can dry. |
| Purchase and running costs | Appliances, kit and any installation costs; energy information relevant to the models you’re considering. | To weigh up the budget, I compare the cost of the appliances and their installation, then check the energy information for the models I’m considering. Around 20 % of consumers put the total cost first. |
Compatibility depends on the exact model numbers: Bosch excludes some Série 2 washing machines from its 00717525 kit, while Samsung specifies a particular pair of models for the SKK-ZSD kit.
Before buying, compare the full model numbers of both appliances and the kit with the manufacturer’s documentation.
An unsuitable kit may be unusable, leaving you to rethink your choice of appliances.
A tower has two separate appliances stacked on top of each other; a washer-dryer combines both functions in a single machine. They take up space differently and handle loads differently too.
Compare the installed height, number of appliances, and washing and drying capacities.
An appliance may be able to dry a smaller load than it can wash.
Check both capacities and the length of a complete wash-and-dry cycle for the model you’re considering.
Depending on the load and model, you may need to split the laundry into smaller loads or run extra cycles.
The European Commission states that the scale displayed for tumble dryers changed to A–G from 1 July 2025.
When comparing models, use the label and product information sheet that apply to each one rather than directly comparing ratings from different scales.
Samsung specifies a particular pair of Bespoke AI appliances for its SKK-ZSD stacking kit.
LG offers a purpose-designed WashTower, as well as washer-dryers for situations where two appliances aren’t suitable.
Bosch recommends checking that your appliances are compatible with the chosen kit.
Electrolux offers kits whose compatibility should be checked against the appliance model numbers, including their PNC product numbers.
Whirlpool lists washer-dryers to consider when two separate appliances can’t be installed.
It depends on the location and the room’s electrical installation. The French order of 3 August 2016 requires you to take account of the risks associated with water and electricity in rooms containing a bath or shower. For a washing machine in a bathroom, Promotelec specifies installation beyond zone 2, earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection. Ask a qualified professional to check your actual set-up: these guidelines don’t amount to general approval for every room.
No, width alone doesn’t establish compatibility. Note the full model numbers and consult the documentation for the kit and appliances: Bosch says its 00717525 kit excludes some Série 2 washing machines, while Samsung specifies a particular pair of models for the SKK-ZSD kit.
Check the manuals for information on flooring, fixings, load limits, required clearances and access for using and maintaining the appliances. Bosch’s guide recommends starting by checking model compatibility and getting help when stacking the appliances; its instructions don’t automatically apply to other brands.
Compare the cost of the appliances, kit and any installation, then check the consumption information for the cycles you expect to use. UFC-Que Choisir states that drying in a washer-dryer can make programmes longer and use water; this doesn’t mean you can assume one set-up will always be cheaper than another.
No, it can’t be compared directly with the current scale. The European Commission states that the scale displayed for tumble dryers changed to A–G from 1 July 2025. Check the label and product information sheet that apply to the model you choose.