Start by measuring the space, the room needed to open the machine and access to the connections. The slimmest model isn’t necessarily the easiest to install or use. A compact front-loader is mainly suited to limited depth, while a top-loader can help when width is at a premium. A standard front-loader is still an option if its capacity is useful to you and it fits the space. A washer-dryer saves room by combining two appliances, but be sure to check its drying capacity separately.
If your machine needs to fit in a kitchen, bathroom or shallow cupboard, a compact front-loader is worth considering. Also check that there’s enough room in front for the door to open and behind the machine for the connections.
If width is more limited than depth, a top-loading washing machine could be a good fit, provided there’s enough room to open the lid fully.
A washer-dryer combines two functions in one appliance. However, you’ll need to choose based on the amount of laundry you want to dry, which may be less than the maximum washing load.
First, choose according to the dimension that’s actually restricting your installation, then consider your laundry loads and how you’ll use the machine at home.
Consider it: if depth is limited and its capacity suits your laundry loads.
Allow for: space in front of the machine to open the door, as well as room for the connections.
Consider it: if width is your main constraint and there’s clear space above the machine.
Allow for: enough height to open the lid and access the drum.
Consider it: if it fits the space and its higher capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
Allow for: the machine’s depth, its connections and the space needed to open the door.
Consider it: if you also lack space for a separate tumble dryer or a permanent clothes airer.
Allow for: checking the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the space and check the manual for the door or lid opening requirements, as well as the room needed for the connections. | If the machine is going in an alcove or narrow passage, I need to be able to install it and reach the drum without blocking the room. Around 33% of consumers would make access their priority. |
| Capacity that suits your needs | Compare your usual laundry loads with the stated capacity. For a washer-dryer, check the drying capacity too. | If I regularly wash bedding or towels, I want a suitable capacity without choosing a machine that’s too large for my everyday loads. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Spin noise | Check the dB rating for the specific model and follow the levelling instructions in its manual. | If the machine is near a living area or neighbours, I want to keep disruption to a minimum during the spin cycle. Around 20% of consumers would rank this noise as their main concern. |
| Energy use and durability | Check the energy and water figures for the relevant cycle, then look at the durability rating for washing machines sold in France. | If I plan to keep the machine for a long time, I want to be able to check its energy and water use and durability before choosing. This would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
The European Commission says that washing machine and washer-dryer labels show information including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and noise emissions. For a washer-dryer, compare the figures for the cycle you’ll use: washing only, or washing followed by drying.
A machine might fit in its alcove, but its door or lid may not open properly. The hoses and plug must also be compatible with your planned installation.
Mark the dimensions and clearance needed on a plan, then compare them with the installation diagram in the manual for the exact model.
According to Electrolux’s specifications, the EWW8416DB can wash 8 kg but dry 4 kg. So a full washing load can’t be dried in one go at the stated capacity.
Check both figures and choose according to the laundry you actually want to dry.
If the washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some laundry and may have to run another cycle.
A top-loading washing machine’s narrow width tells you nothing about how noisy it is during the spin cycle. Whirlpool’s specifications for the TDLR62667FR give a noise level of 79 dB for this specific model.
Compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering and follow the manual’s instructions for installation and levelling.
Electrolux’s specifications for the EWW8416DB show class A for washing only and class D for washing followed by drying. These ratings relate to different cycles.
Compare the energy and water figures for the way you plan to use the machine.
These models give you examples of different formats. Their dimensions and capacities apply to the models listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
Electrolux provides examples here of a compact front-loader, a top-loader and a washer-dryer.
The Whirlpool top-loaders listed here are examples to consider if floor space is limited, particularly width.
The Bosch front-loader WGB244A2FR is a useful reference when checking whether a standard-size machine will fit your chosen space.
This top-loader is suited to households looking to reduce the amount of floor width their machine takes up, provided there’s enough height to open the lid. Also check that its capacity suits your laundry loads.
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Worth considering if your space is narrow and a 6 kg capacity suits your usual laundry loads. The product name lists a 1400 RPM spin speed and 17 programmes. The specifications state a spin noise level of 79 dB(A), so don’t assume this model will be quiet. Before you buy, check the manual for the space needed to open the lid and make the connections.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check how much room is needed to open the door or lid and access the connections. Use the installation diagram in the manual for the exact model rather than relying only on the appliance’s dimensions.
Not necessarily. According to Electrolux France, the EWW8416DB has a stated capacity of 8 kg for washing and 4 kg for drying. If the washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle. Check both capacities for the model you’re considering.
This rating is out of 10 and helps you assess a product’s durability. According to the French ministry responsible for ecological transition, it has replaced the repairability rating for the washing machines concerned since 8 April 2025. It doesn’t remove the need to check the dimensions and installation requirements.
Compare the energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise emissions shown for the models you’re considering. For washer-dryers, the European Commission distinguishes between information for washing only and for the combined cycle. Use the figures that match how you plan to use the machine.
Yes, for installations subject to the instructions in the Electrolux EW6S1064NA manual, which specify, among other things, an earthed socket and a power cable that remains accessible after installation. Check the manual for your model. If your existing connection isn’t suitable, ask a professional to inspect it.