If width is limited, look at top-loading washing machines first. If depth is the obstacle, compare slim front-loading models. A standard front-loader may still work if its door can open without blocking the way, while a cabinet door requires a compatible integrated model. Before comparing capacity, measure the delivery route, the clearance needed and access to the connections.
If a front-loader won’t fit through the doorway or in the room, width becomes your first consideration. A top-loader is worth looking at, provided you can open its lid fully. Que Choisir describes this format as a solution when width is limited.
If a front-loader is the right width but would stick out too far into the walkway, a slim model can take up less depth. You’ll still need space in front of the door, and a capacity that suits your household’s laundry needs, as Que Choisir points out.
For a machine under a worktop or behind a kitchen cabinet door, external dimensions aren’t enough. Check the recess, any door, the connections and the installation instructions for your chosen model.
First choose a format that will fit and can be opened, then check that its capacity suits your usual loads. Que Choisir highlights how width, depth and access requirements vary by washing machine type.
Consider it: when width is limited or a front-loader’s door would block the way; Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loaders.
Keep in mind: you’ll need enough room above the machine to open the lid.
Consider it: if there’s enough room for the machine and to open the door in front of it.
Keep in mind: the door may swing out into a narrow walkway; whether it can go under a worktop depends on the model.
Consider it: when a front-loader is the right width but too deep. Que Choisir describes models around 60 cm wide and 33 to 45 cm deep.
Keep in mind: you’ll still need clearance for the door, and you should check the capacity of each model.
Consider it: if the other formats won’t fit and smaller loads meet your needs.
Keep in mind: a drum that’s too small may mean running more cycles for everyday or bulky laundry.
Consider it: if you’re planning to fit a cabinet door and the recess matches the model’s installation instructions.
Keep in mind: check that the fittings, door and connections are compatible; the machine’s dimensions alone aren’t enough.
| Consideration | What to check | What shoppers need |
|---|---|---|
| Size and door clearance | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the room needed in front of the door or above the lid. | In a narrow room, I want to get the machine in and load the laundry without blocking the way. Around 36% of shoppers put access and the machine’s footprint at the top of their list. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the stated capacity with your usual loads and any bulky items you want to wash. | If I regularly wash large loads, saving a few centimetres won’t help if the drum means I have to run more cycles. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise having a suitable capacity. |
| Under-worktop installation | Distinguish between fitting a machine under a worktop and installing one behind a cabinet door; check the recess dimensions and the model’s instructions. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to keep the worktop in place and sometimes fit a compatible cabinet door. This type of integration is the main requirement for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Access to connections | Locate the water inlet, waste outlet and socket; check the clearance and installation requirements in the instructions. | In a tight recess, I want the connections to remain accessible so I can install the machine and carry out any work later. Around 14% of shoppers put finding a machine that fits the space first. |
A compact machine won’t make laundry easier if its capacity means running more cycles or isn’t suitable for bulky items, as Que Choisir points out.
Think about your usual loads and bulkiest fabrics before choosing a capacity.
A narrow top-loader and a slim front-loader solve two different problems. A slim model generally keeps the width of a standard front-loader, so it won’t solve a narrow access route on its own.
Measure the width, depth and height separately, as well as the clearance needed to open the machine, before comparing specifications.
Sliding a front-loader under a worktop doesn’t mean you can fit it with a decorative cabinet door. The recess, door fittings and manufacturer’s instructions all need to suit your plans.
Ask for the model’s installation diagram and confirm what changes the cabinets may need before you order.
Modifying the cabinetry or connections may also require work separate from installing the appliance.
Even if the machine fits in the recess, a hard-to-reach water inlet, waste outlet or socket can make installation and future work more difficult.
Check where the connections are before delivery. In a bathroom, or if you’re unsure about the electrical installation, ask a qualified professional to assess the setup.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a shallow front-loader: according to its French product page, the EW6S3624BN is a freestanding 6 kg model with a depth of 411 mm.
For a project involving a cabinet door, Bosch offers the integrated WIW24347FF. Its French product page lists a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 818 × 596 × 544 mm.
Candy’s French range includes slim and integrated models to consider, depending on your layout.
Beko’s French range includes a selection of washing machines listed as 45 cm deep, designed for smaller spaces.
This top-loader is worth considering if you want a machine that loads from above and width is your main constraint. Check that it fits the space, that its lid can open fully and that its capacity suits your laundry needs.
Image unavailable
A top-loader could be a good fit if a front-loader’s door would block the way. Check there’s enough clearance above the machine and that its 6 kg capacity suits your usual loads.
Features listed in the product title: 1400 RPM, B-rated, Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes.
Measure the recess and the entire delivery route, then check how much room is needed to open the door or lid. Compare your measurements with the product page and instructions for the exact model, and don’t forget to check access to the hoses, waste outlet and socket.
No: a slim model mainly reduces the depth of a front-loader. Que Choisir describes models around 60 cm wide and 33 to 45 cm deep; if width is the main obstacle, compare the dimensions of top-loaders instead and check there’s room to open the lid.
No, it depends on the model and its instructions. Check the required height and clearance. If you also want a decorative cabinet door, choose an appliance and cabinet designed to work together.