Start by measuring the width, depth, height and clearance needed to open the door or lid: the loading style matters just as much as the appliance’s overall footprint. A top-loading machine is particularly suitable when width or front access is limited, while a slimline front-loader is a good option when depth is restricted. A standard front-loader needs enough space in front of the appliance, whereas a compact model should generally only be considered where a conventional machine genuinely cannot fit.
If width, movement around the room or clearance in front of the machine is an issue, it is worth comparing a top-loader before choosing a front-loader. The guidance from Que Choisir and the dimensions published by Electrolux demonstrate the benefits of a model around 40 cm wide.
When you have close to 60 cm of width available but do not want the appliance to project too far into the room, a slimline front-loader could be a good option. However, the door still needs clear space in front of the machine.
To save floor space by stacking a tumble dryer, choose a front-loader and a stacking kit explicitly compatible with the exact references of both appliances.
Start with the available space and the opening direction, then match the capacity and features to the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and clearance | Measure the usable width, total depth, height, skirting boards and obstacles. Allow for the door to open in front of a front-loader or for the lid to open above a top-loader. | I want to install the machine without blocking a walkway, door, cupboard or access to the laundry. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual laundry load, bedding and bulky fabrics. ADEME states that 7 kg is sufficient most of the time; check the capacity of the model you select. | I am looking for a drum that suits my laundry loads without having to run extra cycles because the appliance is too small. |
| Under-counter or stacked installation | For under-counter installation, check the manual and the required clearances. For a stacked installation, check the intended kit, the exact references of both appliances and the permitted dimensional range. | I want to free up floor space without improvising an installation that could affect access or stability. |
| Energy, spin and noise | Compare the energy label for the exact model: kWh/100 cycles, litres/cycle, noise class, sound level and spin performance. | In an open-plan kitchen or a bathroom close to living areas, I also want to take noise, residual moisture and energy and water consumption into account. |
A front-loader may fit its designated space while preventing the door from opening properly or making the passage too narrow. Conversely, a top-loader becomes unusable if its lid is obstructed by a fixed worktop.
Measure the width, depth, height, skirting boards and obstacles, then add the loading clearance needed in front of the door or above the top-loader. Check the complete dimensions of the exact model.
A smaller drum can make it more difficult to wash bulky items and may mean running more cycles. Compact models are mainly intended for spaces where a conventional appliance cannot be installed.
Compare the capacity with your laundry routine, bedding and bulky textiles. If depth is the only limitation, look at a slimline front-loader first.
A stacked installation requires a compatible kit, a suitable dimensional range and approval for both appliances. Similar width alone does not guarantee a safe, correct installation.
Note down the exact references and check the kit recommended by the manufacturer before buying. The Electrolux STA8GW4 kit, for example, is advertised for front-loading appliances measuring 47 to 60 cm in depth and requires verification by PNC reference.
In a small room close to living areas, spin performance, noise and consumption remain important day to day. ADEME states that this information appears on the energy label.
Once models that are incompatible with the room have been ruled out, compare the energy-label figures and the spin performance of the exact model.
Electrolux provides useful guidance for top-loading installations and certain stacked configurations. According to Electrolux France product sheets, the EW6T4613HA is a 6 kg top-loader measuring 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
Candy offers examples of front-loaders with reduced depth, as well as compact models. Candy France product sheets list dimensions of 595 × 467 × 850 mm and a 7 kg capacity for the ProWash 300 GD 27S7-S, along with 510 × 488 × 700 mm and 5 kg for the Mini ProWash 700 CW50-BP12307GU1-S.
The Bosch WGE02406FR is a useful standard front-loader reference point: Bosch Électroménager France lists dimensions of 848 × 598 × 588 mm and a 7 kg capacity.
Joybuy options for a space compatible with a standard front-loading washing machine, once the alcove dimensions and clearance in front of the door have been checked.
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Worth considering if you have space for a standard front-loader and sufficient clearance in front of the door, and need washing and drying in a single appliance.
Advertised dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Washing capacity: 10 kg; drying capacity: 6 kg.
The 590 mm depth and front-opening door may be problematic in a narrow walkway. Energy class D is stated in the product title; check the energy label and installation manual before buying.
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This front-loader is suitable only if the alcove’s actual depth, connections and access to the door are compatible with its dimensions.
Advertised dimensions: 84.7 × 59.7 × 66.0 cm. Capacity: 9 kg; spin speed: 1,600 rpm; 44 kWh/100 cycles and 48 L/cycle are stated.
Its advertised depth of 66.0 cm may be too great for a small bathroom, kitchen or passageway. Check the clearances specified in the installation manual.
Choose according to the nature of the space constraint. If width is limited or a door cannot open forwards, a top-loader around 40 to 46 cm wide may be suitable. If width is available but the machine must not project too far into the room, look for a slimline front-loader and allow sufficient clearance for the door.
No. Que Choisir generally classifies slimline models as being between 33 and 45 cm deep, with capacities that are often more limited, although variations depend on the exact reference. The Candy GD 27S7-S, for example, is advertised as 467 mm deep with a 7 kg capacity: always check the dimensions and capacity of the exact model.
No. The stacked configuration must be approved for the exact references of both appliances and for the selected kit. Que Choisir recommends prioritising appliances from the same brand or manufacturer; the Electrolux STA8GW4 kit is advertised for front-loading appliances measuring 47 to 60 cm in depth, with compatibility verified by PNC.
Do not automatically choose the smallest drum. ADEME states that 7 kg is sufficient most of the time, while Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two occupants. Adjust this guideline to your bedding, bulky textiles and washing frequency.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It covers, among other things, an appliance that does not conform to its description, as well as installation where this was the seller’s responsibility or where the instructions supplied were incomplete or incorrect.