If depth is limited but there’s room for the door to open, consider a slimline front-loading machine. If width or clearance in front of the appliance is the issue, a top-loading model may be a better fit. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space, provided you allow for a smaller drying load than washing load. A separate tumble dryer needs its own space or a compatible stacking installation.
If you have enough width and clearance for a door to open, it’s worth measuring up for a slimline front-loader. UFC-Que Choisir describes models with depths of 33 to 45 cm, generally available with capacities of 4 to 6 kg.
A top-loading washing machine can avoid a door opening out into the walkway. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this type of machine; also check that there’s enough room above it to open the lid.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in the same appliance. To run both functions without taking out any laundry, size the load according to the drying capacity, which UFC-Que Choisir says is lower than the washing capacity.
First, choose a layout that leaves enough room to open and connect the appliance. Then compare its washing and drying capacities with your usual laundry needs.
Consider it: when depth is limited, but the width and opening door won’t obstruct the walkway.
Trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir puts its capacity at around 4 to 6 kg; you’ll need to arrange drying separately.
Consider it: when space is tight or an open front-loading door would block the walkway.
Trade-off: the lid needs space above the machine, and you’ll still need to plan for drying.
Consider it: when one space needs to serve for both washing and drying.
Trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. Also check the length and energy consumption of the combined cycle.
Consider it: if you have space for a second appliance or can stack compatible models.
Trade-off: two appliances take up more room. For a stacked installation, check the manuals and make sure you have the right stacking kit.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the available width, depth and height. Allow for the clearance needed to open the appliance, make connections and install it, as specified in the model’s manual. | I need to be able to load the laundry without blocking a door, walkway or worktop. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with how often you do laundry and whether you wash bulky items. Check the permitted load for the programmes you’ll use. | A small machine will suit me if it can handle my usual loads without me having to do laundry more often. |
| Drying | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. Check the duration and energy consumption of the combined programme on a like-for-like basis. | If I want to run a wash and dry cycle without taking out any laundry, my load must be within the drying capacity. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare noise levels during spinning and drying using the same measurement basis. Make sure you can access the filter, detergent drawer and areas that need maintenance. | The machine will be close to my living space, so its noise and maintenance needs must suit its location. |
| Air-drying | Choose a room you can ventilate or one with suitable extraction. ADEME says that laundry dried indoors releases moisture into the air in your home. | If I use a clothes airer, I want to avoid letting moisture build up in a small, poorly ventilated room. |
An appliance may fit into an alcove but still leave too little room to open its door or lid, or to make the connections.
Measure the available space and access route, then compare them with the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
On a washer-dryer, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you want to run a complete cycle without needing to intervene, make sure the load doesn’t exceed the drying capacity from the outset.
Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some of the damp laundry or arrange extra drying.
A capacity that’s too small can mean more cycles; UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering whether you’d make practical use of a larger drum.
Think about how often you wash, how you sort your laundry and whether you have bulky items before opting for a capacity of 4 to 6 kg.
ADEME notes that air-drying laundry adds moisture to the air indoors.
Before relying on a clothes airer, check where you can dry your laundry in a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction.
As an example of a top-loading model, Electrolux France says its EW6T4613HA is a freestanding 6 kg machine measuring 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
UFC-Que Choisir names the AEG LTR8C7331A as an example of a top-loading washing machine.
UFC-Que Choisir includes the Whirlpool TDLR6253BFR among its examples of top-loading washing machines.
If you’re considering stacking two appliances, compare the manuals for the Bosch models in question with the manual for your chosen tumble dryer.
This selection includes washer-dryers for a single space and a top-loading washing machine for a narrow room. The top-loader needs a separate drying solution; for every appliance, check the installation space specified in its manual.
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For washing and drying in one space, this model has a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg. If you want to dry the entire load straight after washing, stick to the 6 kg limit and check the installation clearances in the manual.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg. Keep the load within the drying capacity and check the model’s dimensions and clearances before choosing where to install it.
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This model has a stated washing capacity of 11 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg, so an 11 kg wash load can’t all be dried in one go. The product listing gives a duration of 7 h 32 for a wash-and-dry programme; consider whether that suits your laundry routine and check the installation instructions.
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This washer-dryer has a stated washing capacity of 8 kg and drying capacity of 5 kg, so keep the load within the limit if you want to run both cycles consecutively. The width measurements differ between the title and description; confirm the exact dimensions and clearances before planning to install it in an alcove.
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Top-loading may suit you if an open front-loading door would get in the way. This model has a stated washing capacity of 6 kg and a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. Check how much height is needed to open the lid and plan for a separate drying solution.
It can be a good option if you’re short on width or an opening door would be a problem. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loading models; however, make sure there’s enough space above the machine to open the lid.
Not if the load is greater than its drying capacity, which UFC-Que Choisir says is lower than its washing capacity. To run both cycles without taking out any laundry, use the model’s stated drying capacity as your limit.
You should only stack appliances if the machines, stacking kit and space are all compatible. Check the exact model numbers and manuals for both appliances before planning this arrangement.
Check where you can dry your laundry with suitable ventilation or extraction. ADEME says air-drying releases moisture into the air indoors, which is worth bearing in mind in a small room.