Only stack your appliances if the model numbers for the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit are explicitly listed as compatible, and the resulting tower will be stable and usable at the height you need. If you only have room for one appliance, compare the washer-dryer’s drying capacity with the amount of laundry you usually do. If stacking isn’t suitable, consider putting the tumble dryer elsewhere.
If you don’t have room to place them side by side, stacking can fit a washing machine and tumble dryer into the same floor space. However, you’ll need a compatible pair and stacking kit, and a stable floor for the washing machine, as Que Choisir points out.
Before choosing a stacked setup, check that you can reach the controls, drum and tumble dryer’s water collection tank. A shelf built into some kits can make handling laundry easier, but it won’t make the controls easier to reach.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to find room for two machines. However, Boulanger notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so bear this in mind if you want to dry a full load.
Consider this if: you want two separate appliances in the same floor space and can confirm that their model numbers are compatible with the kit.
Bear in mind: the tumble dryer will be up high, so its controls and maintenance points need to be easy to reach.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance and its drying capacity suits your laundry needs.
Bear in mind: according to Boulanger, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and back-to-back cycles can take several hours.
Consider this if: your appliances can’t be safely stacked with a compatible kit, or the height of the tower would make it awkward to use.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find another spot and carry your laundry between the two appliances.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and stability | Check the model numbers of both appliances and the kit against the manufacturer’s guidance, then check the dimensions, load limits and installation requirements. | I want to keep two appliances without assuming that matching widths mean they can be stacked safely. Around 36% of consumers prioritise compatibility and stability. |
| Floor space | Measure the space and required clearances. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. | With room for just one appliance, I’d prefer a single machine and can adjust how much laundry I dry at a time. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Everyday access | Check the height of the controls and make sure you can reach the drum, filter and water collection tank once the appliance is installed. | If the tumble dryer is up high, I need to be able to load laundry and maintain the appliance without difficulty. Everyday access comes ahead of other factors for around 21% of consumers. |
| Drying and location | Check the appliance’s ventilation requirements. In a bathroom, ask a professional to assess the electrical installation in relation to water outlets. | Near a shower or in a room that’s difficult to adapt, I first need to find a suitable place for drying. Around 14% of consumers put these constraints first. |
Compatibility may depend on the product series, depth and exact model numbers. For example, Electrolux lets you check compatibility by PNC, while Bosch lists exclusions for some kits.
Note down the full model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check the manufacturer’s guidance to find out which kit is approved before choosing one.
Que Choisir points out that an unstable washing machine can cause excessive vibration. In a stacked setup, the tumble dryer goes on top of the washing machine, never the other way round.
Make sure the floor is flat, rigid and sturdy, then level the washing machine before stacking the appliances.
A washer-dryer takes up the space of just one appliance, but according to Boulanger, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
Compare the amount of laundry you usually dry with the stated drying capacity, and check how long the programmes you’re considering take.
Being close to a shower or bath may affect where you can install the appliances. A cupboard alone doesn’t guarantee that the space is suitable.
Before installing a stacked setup near a water outlet, ask a qualified professional to assess the location and electrical installation.
Electrolux offers stacking kits for front-loading appliances and lets you check compatibility using the PNC number.
Bosch offers kits with or without a shelf, and lets you check appliance model numbers using the E-Nr.
Miele offers stacking kits designed for specific washing machine and tumble dryer series.
Width alone isn’t enough to tell. Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit, along with their dimensions and the limits in their manuals. Some kits specify a depth range or exclude certain series.
The tumble dryer goes on top of the washing machine. Que Choisir points out that a washing machine is heavier when running and vibrates during the spin cycle. Also check the installation instructions for your chosen pair.
No. It can make handling laundry easier, but it doesn’t replace the need to check the appliances, kit and fixing method. For example, Bosch states that the shelf on the WTZ11400 has a maximum load of 16 kg; this limit applies to that kit only.
Not necessarily. According to Boulanger, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare both capacities of the model you choose with your usual load; you may need to take some laundry out before drying.
The location needs to be assessed in relation to the bath or shower and the room’s electrical installation. If the appliances will be near a water outlet or in a cupboard, ask a qualified professional to assess the specific setup before installation.