If width is your main constraint, consider a top-loading washing machine, provided there’s enough room to open the lid. If you have around 60 cm of width but limited depth, compare compact front-loaders. A standard front-loader may also work if its depth and the space needed in front of the door suit your room. Whatever you choose, check the dimensions of the exact model, the connections and access to the drum before buying.
The deciding constraint may be the width or depth of the alcove, or whether there’s a worktop above it. This will affect which type of washing machine you should consider.
If the doorway or space is around 40 cm wide, start by looking at top-loading models. The French National Consumer Institute describes this format as suitable for narrow spaces; you’ll also need to check the depth and allow room to open the lid.
If a machine around 60 cm wide will fit, compare the depth of compact front-loaders. Make sure there’s also enough room in front of the door to load and unload your washing.
If the washing machine needs to go under a worktop, look for front-loaders whose instructions confirm they can be installed this way. Some models have a removable top, but don’t assume they all do.
First, identify which dimension is limiting your installation. Then check the door opening, capacity and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Consider it when: width is limited and you can leave the space above the machine clear for loading.
Bear in mind: a narrow design isn’t necessarily less deep, and it won’t fit under a worktop if that would prevent the lid from opening.
Consider it when: there’s enough width for a front-loader, but you need a shallower model.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to leave access in front of the door. The word “compact” doesn’t guarantee a particular depth or capacity.
Consider it when: the alcove and the space in front of the machine can accommodate its dimensions.
Bear in mind: it can only be installed under a worktop if the manufacturer allows this for the model you’ve chosen.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Check the width, depth and height without packaging. For specific examples, Candy lists dimensions of 405 × 600 × 860 mm for its TCAS464TM5-S top-loader and 595 × 467 × 850 mm for its GD 27S7-S front-loader. Also allow for the space needed for connections and follow the instructions. | My alcove is narrow: I need to know whether width or depth is the actual limiting factor. |
| Opening | Check the space above a top-loader or in front of a front-loader door. Make sure the door or lid can open where you plan to install the machine, without blocking a walkway or access to your washing. | I want to be able to load and unload the machine once it’s installed, without getting in the way. |
| Capacity | Compare the rated capacity with the washing you usually do, and check the limits for the programmes you use. Candy lists its TCAS464TM5-S and GD 27S7-S models at 6 kg and 7 kg respectively; you can’t assume the capacity of other models from their size. | My household’s usual loads and bulky items need to fit into the cycles I’ll use. |
| Under-worktop installation | Check the model’s instructions and installation requirements. Bosch lists washing machines with removable tops; Electrolux states that its EW2F6812AW needs a dedicated cover plate for under-worktop installation. | If I’m keeping a worktop above the machine, I need a model explicitly designed for this configuration. |
| Use and maintenance | Once you’ve confirmed the dimensions, compare the energy label and documentation for the exact model. Make sure the connections and machine will remain accessible for maintenance, too. | I want to use and maintain the machine without having to rearrange the whole alcove. |
A top-loader may be narrow but still deep, while a shallower front-loader may still be around 60 cm wide. So a machine might fit along one dimension but cause problems along another.
Measure the alcove in all three dimensions, as well as delivery access and space for connections. Then compare these measurements with the product details and instructions for the exact model.
Without clear space above the machine, getting to the drum will be impossible or inconvenient for everyday use.
If you need to keep the worktop in place, look instead for a front-loader whose manufacturer confirms it can be installed under a worktop.
Depth and capacity vary between models: Electrolux lists the EW6S1064NA at 411 mm deep and 6 kg, while Candy lists the GD 27S7-S at 467 mm deep and 7 kg.
Filter by the dimension that’s limiting your choice, then check the capacity and load limits for the programmes that suit your washing.
These models show examples of different formats and installation requirements to compare. Their specifications won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Candy’s product details let you compare a narrow top-loader with a shallower front-loader.
The TDLRSX7232BSFR top-loader is another example of a model for a space with limited width.
Bosch provides a size reference for a standard front-loader and also lists models designed for under-worktop installation.
Two Electrolux models illustrate different considerations: reducing depth and keeping a worktop in place.
This top-loading option may suit you if limited width and access in front of the machine make choosing difficult. Check that its capacity works for your household and that the lid can open in your space.
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Top-loading means you won’t need to open a front door into the walkway, but you will need to leave the space above the machine clear.
The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, 1 400 rpm, energy class B, an inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Before choosing this model for your alcove, check its dimensions and installation clearances in the product details and instructions.
Not if the worktop stops you opening the lid and reaching the drum. If you need to keep the worktop in place, look for a front-loader whose manufacturer explicitly confirms the requirements for under-worktop installation.
Compare the unpackaged depth of the exact model with the space available, then allow for connections and follow the instructions. Electrolux, Candy and Bosch list depths of 411 mm for the EW6S1064NA, 467 mm for the GD 27S7-S and 588 mm for the WGE02406FR respectively. “Compact” is no substitute for taking measurements.
Yes, so you can open the door and handle your washing. Check that the model you’re considering can be opened in the actual layout of your room, especially if there’s a door or walkway directly in front of it.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought. Electrolux states that its front- and top-loading washing machines are designed for a cold-water supply. Don’t assume this applies to another model without checking its documentation.