People with a shallow recess
You need to be able to install and open the machine without sacrificing the capacity you need for your laundry. Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean having to run more cycles.
Who are these criteria useful for?
People with neighbours close by
If you do your washing at times when noise could be an issue, compare the stated noise level during the spin cycle and check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
Households that do laundry often in a tight space
You’ll need to balance the space available with how much laundry you usually wash and the machine’s water and energy use. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your household’s needs.
Which criteria should you check first?
Compact front-loader
Consider it: when depth is the main constraint and the door can open without getting in the way.
Trade-off: saving space isn’t worth choosing a drum that’s too small for your usual laundry loads, as Que Choisir points out.
Top-loader
Consider it: when there isn’t enough space in front of the machine to open a front-loading door easily.
Trade-off: you’ll need to leave enough clear space above the machine to open the lid.
Standard front-loader
Consider it: when the machine, its open door and the necessary clearances all fit in the room.
Trade-off: its size doesn’t tell you how noisy it is during the spin cycle, so compare this figure across the models you’re considering.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and opening clearance | Measure the space and the route into the room; check the model’s instructions for door clearance and installation requirements. | In a narrow recess, I want to be able to install and open the machine without blocking the way; around 31% of consumers would put this first. |
| Noise during the spin cycle | Compare the stated noise emissions on a like-for-like basis and follow the installation instructions. | If I do my washing near a living area or at times when noise could be an issue, I want to minimise disruption; about 25% of consumers would make quiet operation their priority. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the weight of your dry laundry loads and how often you wash. | If I do laundry often, I don’t want to have to run extra cycles because the drum is too small; around 25% of consumers would prioritise a capacity suited to their loads. |
| Spin performance and consumption | For the models you’re considering, compare the spin performance details as well as water and energy use. | For my regular washing, I want to take water, energy and spin performance into account, not just the energy rating; nearly 19% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “compact” means “right for the recess”
A machine may fit into the space but leave too little room to open its door or lid, reach the connections or move around.
Measure the delivery route too, then compare your measurements with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
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Choosing a smaller capacity without counting your loads
Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles. On the other hand, ADEME recommends matching the capacity to your needs rather than automatically opting for a large drum.
Think about the weight of your usual dry laundry loads and how often you wash before choosing between models that fit in the room.
Extra cycles also take more time.
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Relying only on the stated decibel level
The stated noise level helps you compare machines, but a stable installation also contributes to a quieter home.
Compare the figures for the spin cycle, install the machine according to its instructions and consider when you’ll be doing your washing.
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Choosing based on the energy rating alone
The rating won’t tell you whether the washing machine can be installed, whether its capacity suits your laundry or how noisy it is during the spin cycle.
Compare the same details for every model you’re considering: dimensions, door clearance, capacity, noise, water and energy use, and spin performance.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
A top-loading washing machine to consider on Joybuy
This top-loader could be a good option if opening a front-loading door would get in the way. Make sure there’s enough space above the machine too.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Top-loading design solves the problem of limited clearance for a front-opening door, provided there’s enough space above the machine.
Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated spin speed: 1 400 tr/min. Compare this capacity with your usual laundry loads and check the instructions for installation dimensions and connections.
Frequently asked questions
Should you choose the smallest washing machine for a small flat?
No: choose the smallest size that still suits your usual laundry loads, not necessarily the machine with the smallest drum. Que Choisir points out that insufficient capacity can mean running more cycles. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient most of the time, but your laundry habits and the space you’ve measured are still key factors.
How do you compare the noise levels of two washing machines?
Compare their stated noise emissions during the spin cycle on a like-for-like basis, using the energy label and product details. Make sure the machine is installed according to its instructions too: the stated figure alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it will be in your flat.
What should you measure before ordering a washing machine?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the route into the room. Then check the documentation for the exact model to find out how much clearance is needed to open the door or lid, the installation requirements and the connections needed.
Is the energy rating enough to choose between two models?
No: it doesn’t replace checking the dimensions, capacity and noise during the spin cycle. For models that fit your home, ADEME also recommends checking water consumption and spin performance so you can choose a machine that suits how you use it.