You’re short on depth
You can air-dry your laundry, but need to make space in your kitchen or fit an appliance into a shallow alcove. Check the usable depth, door clearance and access to the connections for the model you choose.
Who is this choice for?
You need to dry every load
You have little room to air-dry laundry and need to compare a washer-dryer’s drying capacity with that of a separate tumble dryer. For a stacked pair, both appliances must be suitable for stacking.
You’re moving your laundry area
You’re thinking of using a bathroom or a converted utility cupboard. Have the connections and electrical supply checked before choosing an appliance and, if necessary, making any changes to the installation.
What matters in a small home?
Start with the constraints that could rule out an option: the actual space it needs, how much laundry you have to dry and whether the location is suitable. Then compare the cycles and maintenance involved for the way you’ll use it.
| What matters | What to check | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable space | Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the access route, door clearance and access to the connections. | If I need to fit the appliance into an alcove, I check more than just the cabinet depth. Around 31% of consumers put the usable space needed at the top of their list. |
| How much and how often you need to dry | Compare the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the cycle time for the load you expect to do. | If I want to dry my laundry without splitting the load, I check the drying capacity and how long it takes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise drying capacity and cycle time. |
| Whether the location is suitable | Check the connections and the requirements in the instruction manual. For a stacked pair, confirm that both appliances and the kit are compatible. | If I’m moving my laundry area into a bathroom or utility cupboard, I have the location assessed before deciding how to install the appliances. Around 25% of consumers prioritise whether the location is suitable. |
| Running costs and maintenance | Check the energy and water figures for the cycles you plan to use, then look in the instruction manual to see what maintenance is required. | If I’m comparing washing only with washing and drying, I look at the figures for each cycle and the maintenance involved. Around 19% of consumers prioritise running costs and maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying on the stated depth alone
The appliance depth, the measurement including protruding parts and the space needed with the door open may all differ. LG lists separate measurements for the F852SV52IRS; they do not apply to other models.
Compare the instruction manual and installation dimensions with your measurements at home, allowing for the access route, door and connections.
Choosing the wrong dimensions could mean changing the location or the model.
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
The Bosch WNG25402FR is rated for 10.5 kg on a wash-only cycle and 6 kg on a wash-and-dry cycle. So, with this model, you can’t dry a maximum-capacity wash load all at once.
Choose according to how much laundry you want to dry, not just the stated washing capacity.
Loads that need splitting may require extra drying cycles.
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Assuming a slim washing machine can take a tumble dryer on top
Compatibility depends on the exact appliance models and stacking kit. Bosch recommends checking that your chosen pair can be stacked. The Electrolux E1WYHSK2 kit is listed for front-loading Electrolux appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm.
Check the exact model numbers for the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit before planning a stacked setup.
A stacked setup may also need a compatible kit and professional installation.
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Comparing labels for different cycles
The Beko B3D58544UW product information lists an A rating for the Eco 40-60 programme and a D rating for the wash-and-dry cycle. These figures relate to different cycles.
Compare figures for the service you need, including the cycle, load and stated consumption.
Brands to consider for different setups
Electrolux
The range includes shallow washing machines and stacking accessories, with compatibility depending on the model numbers.
- Electrolux France lists a depth of 411 mm and a washing capacity of 6 kg for the EW6S3624BN model.
- This depth alone doesn’t tell you how much installation space you’ll need. The E1WYHSK2 kit is listed for certain front-loading Electrolux appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm. Check that the models you’re considering are within its compatibility range.
LG
The Slim F852SV52IRS washer-dryer is an example of a single appliance for a space with limited room.
- LG France lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for this model.
- LG gives the appliance depth as 475 mm and the measurement “including everything” as 530 mm. The full-load wash-and-dry cycle is listed as taking 7 h 50. Check the dimensions and cycle times for the model you’re considering.
Bosch
The models mentioned include a washer-dryer and a separate tumble dryer for a stacked setup.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists a washing capacity of 10.5 kg and a wash-and-dry capacity of 6 kg for the WNG25402FR. The WQG133DBFR tumble dryer is rated for 8 kg.
- The capacity of a separate tumble dryer doesn’t confirm that it can be stacked on a particular washing machine. Check that the pair and the kit are compatible.
Beko
The B3D58544UW washer-dryer is an example of a product listing that shows separate ratings for washing and wash-and-dry cycles.
- Beko France gives this model an A rating for the Eco 40-60 programme and a D rating for the wash-and-dry cycle.
- These ratings relate to different cycles. Check the product information and instruction manual for the model you’re considering to compare the uses that matter to you.
Haier
Top-loading washing machines may be worth considering when width is limited.
- Haier France lists a width of 405 mm for several of the models mentioned.
- A narrow width doesn’t guarantee a shallow depth. The THASN266TM5-S is listed as 405 × 600 × 860 mm. As it opens from the top, you’ll also need to check there’s enough clearance above it.
Joybuy products for these needs
The products below suit two different needs: washing small items with a compact appliance, or combining washing and drying in a washer-dryer. Check the stated load capacity, as these appliances aren’t all designed for the same amount of laundry.
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4.5 L semi-automatic mini washing machine, 260 W — black
Worth considering for small items of laundry when storage space is limited.
The title lists 4.5 L, 260 W, wash cycles of 1 to 10 minutes and a 3-minute spin cycle. The description gives a maximum load of 0.8 kg.
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15 L foldable mini washing machine — grey and white
For washing small items separately when fold-away storage comes in handy.
The title lists a 15 L capacity, three wash modes and a spin basket. The description says the appliance is designed for small items of laundry.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 — 11 kg washing, 6 kg drying, class D
Combines washing and drying in one appliance, if 6 kg is enough for the loads you need to dry.
The product name lists 11 kg for washing, 6 kg for drying and a D rating.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying, class D
Lets you wash and dry without transferring clothes to another appliance, as long as the load you need to dry doesn’t exceed the stated capacity.
The product name lists 10 kg for washing, 6 kg for drying and a D rating.
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Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini — white, 1 kg washing, 0.5 kg drying
Worth considering for very small loads when you need washing and drying in one compact appliance.
The product name lists 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying, so the maximum load is limited to these amounts.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying an appliance for an alcove?
Measure the accessible space, allowing for the access route, the door when open, pipes and the space needed for installation. For the F852SV52IRS, LG France lists an appliance depth of 475 mm, 530 mm “including everything” and a depth of 1,015 mm with the door open at 90°. These measurements apply to this model only, so check the dimensions for the model you’re considering.
Can you put any tumble dryer on top of a compact washing machine?
No. Check that both appliances and the kit are compatible before planning a stacked setup. Bosch recommends choosing models that can be stacked. The Electrolux E1WYHSK2 kit is listed for front-loading Electrolux appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm. Ask for confirmation if it isn’t clear whether your exact models are compatible.
What should I check about maintenance and energy use for a washer-dryer?
Check the instruction manual for maintenance specific to the model, then compare the figures for washing only and washing and drying without mixing up the cycles. European labels show details including energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. Look at the sections that match the way you plan to use the appliance.
Does paying for an extended warranty replace my rights if the appliance is faulty?
No. The legal guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial warranty. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that it applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Check the terms of a commercial warranty before paying for extra cover.
Can I move my washing machine into a small bathroom?
The space available alone isn’t enough to determine whether an installation is suitable for a particular home. Promotelec explains that electrical safety requirements depend, among other things, on the position of the bath or shower and the type of work involved. Ask a professional to check the location and connections before making any changes.