If space is tight on depth, consider a slimline front-loading washing machine. If width or clearance in front of the appliance is the issue, a top-loading machine may suit you, provided there’s room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people, but you should adjust this to suit your usual laundry loads. A washer-dryer means you don’t need to make room for a separate dryer, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and its cycles take longer. If you plan to air-dry your washing on a clothes airer, ADEME recommends using a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction.
The capacity should handle your usual laundry loads without making you run cycle after cycle, while the dimensions and opening need to suit the room. UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people. Use this as a guide, and adjust it to account for bedding and how often you do your washing.
Before choosing a style, measure the space and check the connections, socket and floor stability against the model’s instructions. If installation requires work, check with your landlord that it’s possible, and ask a professional to inspect any technical aspects that need attention.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to install a second appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you’d rather use a clothes airer, ADEME recommends a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction.
Start with the shape of the space, then compare the capacity and drying options with your usual laundry loads. A front-loader under a worktop, a top-loader and a washer-dryer all have different access requirements.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and opening | Measure the width and depth, including connections, as well as the space needed to open the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a slimline front-loader mainly saves depth, while a top-loader mainly saves width—but you’ll need enough room to lift the lid. If it’s going under a fixed worktop, check the dimensions and instructions for the front-loader you’re considering. | In my room, is it depth, width, space in front of the door or clearance above the appliance that’s limited? |
| Capacity | Compare the kg capacity for dry laundry with your usual loads, and check the limits for each programme. UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people. The stated capacity applies to the Cotton or Eco 40-60 programme. | I want to wash my bedding and usual loads without choosing a drum that’s too small for how often I do my washing. |
| Drying | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the information for the combined cycle. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower and cycles take longer. If you’re using a clothes airer, ADEME recommends a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction. | If I don’t have room for a suitable clothes airer or a separate appliance, can I keep each load within the drying capacity of a washer-dryer? |
| Installation | Follow the instructions for the floor, drainage and connections. In a bathroom, Promotelec sets out requirements for where the appliance can be placed and its electrical protection. Have an uncertain installation checked before choosing a model. | I need to be able to install the appliance in the space available without assuming the socket, drain or floor is already suitable. |
A drum with too little capacity could mean running more cycles. UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people, but your loads will vary depending on your bedding, how you sort your washing and how often you do it.
Estimate your usual loads and check the instructions for the capacity allowed on the programmes you use.
A slimline front-loader still needs room for its door to open forwards, while a top-loader needs space above its lid. So even if a model fits into an alcove, it may still be awkward to load.
Remember to measure the clearance needed for the connections, the appliance door and access through the room.
On a washer-dryer, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. You may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Check both capacities and the details of the combined cycle, then consider how you’ll dry any washing that won’t fit.
An unstable floor, a poorly positioned drain or unsuitable connections can cause problems with installation. Bathrooms also have specific electrical requirements, as set out by Promotelec.
Check the model’s instructions and ask a qualified professional to inspect any uncertain connection or location. If work is needed in a rented home, discuss it with your landlord first.
These models illustrate different styles and capacities to compare. Their features don’t apply to every machine made by the same brand.
Electrolux’s range in France includes slimline front-loaders, top-loaders and washer-dryers.
Bosch provides installation documents that you can look up by model number.
In France, Haier offers a mini washer-dryer designed for spaces where room is very limited.
These two appliances suit different needs in a small home: a top-loading washing machine if a front-opening door gets in the way, or a washer-dryer if it’s difficult to dry your washing separately. Check the dimensions and your installation before choosing.
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Loading from the top means you don’t need to open a front door into a walkway, but you will need room above the lid. It has a stated capacity of 6 kg, a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 17 programmes. Check how much space the connections need, and plan a drying option that works for your home.
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Having washing and drying in one appliance could be a good solution if you don’t have space to dry your washing separately. The stated capacities are 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, so don’t assume an 8 kg wash load can be dried in one go. The dimensions listed on the product page aren’t entirely clear. Check the model diagram and the details of the combined cycle before deciding whether it will fit your space.
UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people. Adjust this to suit how often you do your washing, your bedding and how you sort your laundry. Also check the load limit for each programme, as it may differ from the stated capacity.
Not if the load is larger than its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, Electrolux lists its EW7IW2856BG as having an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. Always compare both figures for the model you’re considering.
Yes, provided the location and electrical installation are suitable. In France, Promotelec states, among other things, that the appliance must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and the hidden zone, earthed and protected by a 30 mA residual-current device. If you’re unsure, ask a qualified professional to check your bathroom layout.
Check the water supply, drain, socket and floor stability against the instructions for the model you’ve chosen. Electrolux’s guidance includes requirements such as a flat, hard floor, an earthed socket and, for applicable appliances, a drain height of 60 to 100 cm. Confirm the requirements for the machine you’re planning to buy.
It can work if your home has a suitable place for moisture to escape. ADEME notes that drying laundry releases a lot of moisture into the indoor air, and recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction.