Single person or couple in a studio flat
For a main appliance without an oversized drum, Que Choisir recommends a capacity of 5 to 7 kg for one or two people, provided the dimensions and opening mechanism suit the room.
Who are these formats suitable for?
Tenant with limited depth
A slimline front-loading machine can work if the 60 cm width is available but there is not enough depth. According to Que Choisir and Electrolux France, this format generally reduces depth to around 33 to 45 cm, with capacities often ranging from 4 to 6 kg.
Resident with a very narrow utility room
When width or the clearance in front of the appliance is an issue, a top-loading washing machine may be more practical. Que Choisir states that these models are commonly 40 to 46 cm wide; however, you still need to leave clear space above the lid.
What to check before buying
Measure the space before comparing programmes: width, depth, available height and access to the drum will determine which format is possible in the first place.
| Priority | What to check | Usage requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and opening | Measure the width, depth and available height separately. A slimline model generally remains 60 cm wide but reduces depth; a top-loading model reduces width while requiring space above it. | I want to install the appliance without blocking the walkway or access to the drum. The door requires clear space in front of the machine, while the lid of a top-loading model must be able to open fully. |
| Drum capacity | For one or two people, compare a capacity of 5 to 7 kg with your usual laundry loads, including towels, bed linen and bulky clothing. Avoid choosing a drum that is too small just to save a few centimetres. | I am looking for a compact format that remains suitable for everyday laundry. Que Choisir places 5 to 7 kg within the range suited to one or two people; too little capacity can mean running more cycles. |
| Installation and stability | Check the instructions for the exact model, as well as the need for a level, hard floor, cold-water supply, drainage and the required hose lengths. Do not assume that a connector or extension is suitable for every appliance. | I want to put the washing machine into service without improvised installation work. Electrolux France states that its front-loading and top-loading washing machines are designed for a cold-water supply. |
| Durability and energy use | Compare the durability index, energy label, noise level and spin speed shown for models with a similar capacity. Also check that the drum genuinely matches your typical loads. | I prefer an appliance that remains practical for regular use. ADEME states that displaying the durability index has applied to washing machines sold in France since April 2025. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing a slimline appliance with a narrow appliance
A slimline front-loading machine mainly saves depth, but remains around 60 cm wide and needs clearance in front of the door. It may therefore still be unsuitable for a bathroom or utility room that is too narrow.
Measure the width, depth, height, delivery route and opening area separately. If width is the problem, compare a top-loading model; if depth is the issue, compare a slimline model.
-
Choosing the smallest drum without planning your loads
A drum that is too small can lead to extra cycles, while a drum that is frequently underfilled is not an efficient choice either.
For one or two people, start with a target of 5 to 7 kg, then take into account the bed linen, towels and bulky fabrics you wash at home.
-
Treating a mini washing machine as a main appliance
With a capacity of 2 to 3 kg, often limited spin performance and difficulty handling bulky items, a mini model may mean doing more loads or needing an additional solution.
Keep it for regular small loads and plan another solution for duvets, blankets and other bulky fabrics.
-
Ordering before checking the installation
External dimensions are not enough: the appliance must stand on a level, hard floor, with cold-water and drainage connections that comply with its instructions.
Before buying, read the instructions for the exact model and check the floor, water supply, drainage and the required hose lengths.
Brands mentioned for compact washing machines
Electrolux
In France, Electrolux offers slimline and top-loading washing machines for small spaces. Its slimline range includes 6 kg front-loading models with an advertised depth of 411 mm, while some top-loading models are 400 mm wide.
- Model specifications make it possible to check the capacity, depth and full dimensions before buying.
- SensiCare and UltraCare features are specifications stated by the manufacturer; also check the opening, connections and noise level of your chosen model.
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers top-loading washing machines with capacities from 5.5 to 7 kg. The TDLR6242SFR/N model, for example, has a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 40 × 90 × 60 cm.
- A width of 40 cm can help when passage width is more restricted than depth.
- A top-loading model remains around 60 cm deep and requires clear space above it to open the lid.
Daewoo
Que Choisir cites Daewoo’s wall-mounted DWD-CV801CG MINI model as an example of a mini washing machine designed for very small spaces and able to free up floor area.
- The wall-mounted format is an option when floor space is extremely limited.
- According to Que Choisir, mini washing machines in this category remain supplementary appliances with capacities of 2 to 3 kg; check the availability and installation requirements of the model you are considering.
Joybuy product selection
Joybuy option for a small home where limited width and no frontal clearance for a door point towards choosing a top-loading washing machine.
Image unavailable
Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500 top-loading washing machine, 6 kg, 1 400 rpm
Worth considering if width or frontal clearance is the main constraint, with an advertised 6 kg capacity suitable for light everyday use by one or two people.
Advertised dimensions: 86 × 40.5 × 60 cm. The model features 17 programmes, rapid cycles from 14 to 59 min, an Inverter motor and Wi-Fi.
Its advertised depth of 60 cm will not solve a lack of depth. Check the instructions for the space required above the lid, along with the cold-water and drainage connections; the advertised spin noise level is 79 dB(A).
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should a single person or couple choose for a studio flat?
For everyday use, Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people. A smaller capacity may be suitable for small loads, but check your requirements for bed linen, towels and bulky clothing before opting for a smaller drum.
Is a slimline washing machine necessarily narrower?
No. A slimline model mainly reduces depth: according to Que Choisir and Electrolux France, slimline front-loading machines generally remain 60 cm wide, with a depth of around 33 to 45 cm. If width is the limiting factor, a top-loading model around 40 to 46 cm wide may be more suitable.
Can a top-loading washing machine be placed under a worktop?
Only if the furniture allows the top to open fully in accordance with the model’s instructions. A top-loading model avoids the need for frontal clearance, but its lid requires free space above it; its reduced width should therefore not be the only selection criterion.
Can a mini washing machine replace the main washing machine?
Generally, not for all household laundry. Que Choisir describes capacities of 2 to 3 kg, often limited spin performance and restrictions when washing bulky fabrics; a mini model is mainly suitable as a supplementary appliance when a standard machine cannot be installed.
Does the washing machine need to be connected to hot water?
For its front-loading and top-loading models, Electrolux states that they are designed for a cold-water supply and advises against connecting them to a hot-water pipe. Always consult the instructions for the exact model, which specify the applicable installation requirements.