Choose a format based on the measurement that’s actually restricting you: a top-loading washing machine if width is limited, or a slim front-loader if depth is the main issue. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts top-loaders at between 40 and 46 cm wide. A standard front-loader may still be an option if you have around 60 cm of width and enough room in front of the door. Before ordering, also check the delivery route, door clearance, capacity and connections for the model you’re considering.
If a narrow alcove or the route into the room determines your choice, start by looking at top-loading washing machines. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts them at between 40 and 46 cm wide. You’ll also need enough clearance above the appliance to open the lid.
If a front-loader will fit across the room but an opposite unit or the need to move around limits how far it can protrude, compare the measurements of slim models. Remember to leave room to open the door, too.
Having enough space for the appliance isn’t enough if delivery or the connections could be a problem. Measure the route to its final position, then check the water inlet, waste outlet, socket and installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Start with the restriction that would actually prevent installation or affect everyday use. Capacity and the format’s marketing name come next.
Consider this: if width is limited or an open door would block the way.
Allow for: enough clearance above the machine to lift the lid. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loading models have a maximum capacity of 8 kg.
Consider this: if you mainly need to reduce the depth while keeping a front-loading design.
Allow for: clearance in front of the door. Candy uses the term “slim” for models with varying depths across its range.
Consider this: if the space can accommodate around 60 cm of width, enough depth and room to open the door.
Allow for: checking the specific installation requirements before fitting it under a worktop or inside a cabinet.
Consider this: if the dimensions of the specific model suit a particularly restricted space.
Allow for: checking its capacity. “Compact” doesn’t mean the same size or capacity across different ranges.
| Feature | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Overall size and access | Measure the alcove and delivery route, including doorways and turns. Compare these measurements with the appliance’s full dimensions. | If the machine won’t fit through to the room or will obstruct movement once installed, its other features matter less. Around 31% of consumers are said to make the appliance’s size their main concern. |
| Depth and capacity | Compare each model’s overall depth and capacity in kg with the available space and your household’s usual laundry loads. | A machine that sticks out too far can block the way, but the wrong capacity can also make laundry harder to manage. For around 31% of consumers, balancing depth and capacity is said to be the priority. |
| Access to the laundry | Allow for the door swing in front of a front-loader, or the height needed to open the lid on a top-loader. | If the door hits a unit or leaves you no room to stand in front of the machine, being able to load the laundry easily becomes crucial. Ease of access is said to come first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Connections and installation | Note the position of the water inlet, waste outlet and socket, then check the manual and the terms of the installation service. | If the connections aren’t ready, even a correctly sized machine may be unusable after delivery. Around 15% of consumers are said to prioritise whether installation is feasible. |
A front-loader can block the way when its door is open, while a top-loader needs clear space above the lid. The machine’s dimensions when closed don’t tell you everything about how it will work in practice.
Also allow enough room to open the machine, stand in front of it and handle a laundry basket.
These labels cover different dimensions and capacities across different ranges. The description alone won’t tell you whether a particular model will fit your space.
Compare the full dimensions and capacity of the exact model, allowing for any parts that protrude.
For its pre-installation service, Electrolux requires, among other things, the washing machine to be within 1.2 m of the water inlet and waste outlet. The brand says its installers don’t supply extension hoses or carry out plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
Check the connections and what the service includes before ordering. Ask a qualified professional to assess any work that may be needed.
Depending on your home, work may be needed before installation.
Bosch reminds customers that the transit bolts must be removed and the feet adjusted when installing a washing machine.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought to remove its transit fittings and level it before use. Keep the spacers if the manual recommends doing so for a future move.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a top-loader and want to check the measurements of a specific model. The Electrolux France product page for the EW8T3653BA lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
In France, Candy offers a range of slim washing machines aimed in particular at smaller bathrooms. It’s worth exploring if depth is limited.
In France, Bosch offers front-loading, integrated and under-worktop washing machines. These are worth exploring if the space suits this type of loading and documentation and spare parts matter to you.
These two models suit different needs: looking for a slim-style front-loader when depth is limited, or considering a standard front-loader if the space and door clearance allow.
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Worth considering if depth is your main restriction and you can leave enough room in front of the front-loading door.
The product name lists a capacity of 8 kg. Before ordering, compare the full dimensions, door swing and required connections with your installation.
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Consider this if your space can accommodate a standard front-loader and leaves enough room to open the door.
The product name lists a capacity of 9 kg and a spin speed of 1600 rpm. Check the dimensions, delivery route and connection requirements for this model.
Measure the space and the entire delivery route, including doorways, corridors, stairs and turns. Allow for the door to open in front of a front-loader or the lid to open above a top-loader. Electrolux recommends checking the appliance’s dimensions and clearing the route before delivery.
No. It’s mainly designed for spaces where width is limited, provided there’s room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts top-loaders at between 40 and 46 cm wide. If depth is the main issue, compare the measurements of a slim front-loader and allow room to open its door.
No. UFC-Que Choisir refers to compact models with capacities of 4 to 6 kg in its article on small spaces, while Candy lists some slim or compact models with capacities of up to 9 kg. Check the capacity and dimensions of the specific model.
Locate the water inlet, waste outlet and socket, then check their positions against the manual and the installation service you’re considering. For its pre-installation service, Electrolux specifies, among other things, a maximum distance of 1.2 m between the washing machine, water inlet and waste outlet. This condition doesn’t automatically apply to other services.
Yes. According to ADEME, the durability index must be displayed for washing machines put on sale since April 2025. Check the index for the model you’re considering, after confirming that its dimensions and installation requirements suit your home.