A shallow alcove
You have enough width for a front-loader, but limited depth or little space in front of the appliance. A slimline model may be worth considering, as long as its door can open without obstructing the walkway.
Who are these options for?
A very narrow space
Width is the main constraint in your bathroom or kitchenette, and you can keep the top of the appliance clear. In that case, a top-loader is an option, but remember to check its depth too.
No room for a standard appliance
If you can’t install a standard washing machine, you could consider a mini washing machine as a handy extra. You’ll need to be happy with small loads and, depending on your laundry, more frequent cycles.
What should you check first?
Start by identifying the dimension that’s actually preventing you from installing a washing machine. The word ‘compact’ on its own won’t help you decide: compare the dimensions and opening method of the specific model before looking at its capacity.
Slimline front-loader
Consider it when: depth is limited, but there’s enough width and space to open the door.
Bear in mind: reducing the depth doesn’t reduce the width or the space needed in front of the door. Que Choisir describes slimline front-loaders that are 60 cm wide and 33 to 45 cm deep.
Top-loader
Consider it when: width is limited and you can open the lid from above.
Bear in mind: a narrow appliance isn’t necessarily shallow; according to the manufacturers’ specifications, the Electrolux EW6T4613HA and Whirlpool TDLR6253BFR are both 60 cm deep.
Mini washing machine for occasional use
Consider it when: there’s no room for a standard appliance and you’re happy to do frequent small loads.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir puts the capacity of these appliances at around 2 to 3 kg and highlights how difficult it can be to wash bulky items.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space and opening | Measure the alcove and delivery route; check the model diagram for the hoses and the space needed to open the door or lid. | When access is tight, I need to be able to get the machine in and then load it without blocking the walkway. Around 31% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in kg for the relevant programme with your usual laundry load and any bulky items you need to wash. | If I regularly wash more than small loads, I’d rather choose a suitable capacity than run more cycles. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, waste outlet and power supply; in a bathroom, have the layout checked if the installation needs to be added or altered. | Before setting aside space for the machine, I need to know whether the water, drainage and electricity connections will allow it to be installed. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Occasional use | For a mini washing machine, check the maximum load, spin function, and how it fills and drains. | If there’s no room for a standard appliance, my main aim is to wash small amounts of laundry at home, even if that means extra cycles. Around 13% of consumers would prioritise this kind of handy extra. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Assuming ‘slimline’ means smaller all round
A slimline front-loader mainly reduces depth: according to Que Choisir, it is generally still 60 cm wide, and its door needs space to open in front of the appliance.
Measure the width and depth separately, along with door clearance and the route the delivery team will use.
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Choosing a top-loader based on width alone
A top-loader may suit a narrow space but still be deep, and it needs room above for the lid to open.
Check all three dimensions and access to the drum on the model diagram, especially if there’s a shelf or worktop above it.
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Expecting a mini washing machine to do the same job as a standard model
The 2 to 3 kg loads described by Que Choisir may mean running more cycles and can make it difficult to wash bulky items.
Choose this option for occasional use or when there’s no room for a standard machine; also check the spin function, whether it heats the water and how it drains.
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Ordering before checking the installation
Even a machine that fits your space still needs a power supply, water inlet and waste outlet. For bathrooms, Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series defines electrical safety zones.
Check the connections before delivery, and consult a qualified professional if the plumbing or electrical installation needs to be added or altered.
Brands to consider for different spaces
Candy
Candy’s slimline range is worth considering if depth is your main constraint.
- Candy says some of its slimline or compact models are 33 to 46 cm deep and can offer a capacity of up to 9 kg; these figures don’t apply to the whole range.
- Check the full dimensions, connections and door clearance for your chosen model: ‘slimline’ doesn’t mean it’s narrower or needs less space at the front.
Electrolux
The EW6T4613HA top-loader is a useful model to compare if width is limited.
- Electrolux lists the EW6T4613HA as measuring 890 × 400 × 600 mm, with a capacity of 6 kg.
- Its 600 mm depth and top-loading design still need to be factored into your measurements; these specifications don’t apply to every Electrolux model.
Whirlpool
The TDLR6253BFR top-loader shows what to expect from a 40 cm-wide, 6 kg appliance.
- Whirlpool lists this model as measuring 40 × 90 × 60 cm, a useful example of the trade-off between width and depth.
- Whirlpool says the TDLR6253BFR is no longer in its catalogue. Use its dimensions as a guide, and check the specifications of a model currently on sale.
A top-loader to consider on Joybuy
This top-loading model is an option if you’re looking for a washing machine for a narrow space. Before choosing it, check the available depth, the clearance needed to open the lid and the connections in your home.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering when width is your main constraint and you have room to load the machine from above.
Listed capacity of 6 kg, maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm, B energy rating, Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes.
Compare the installation diagram with your space, paying particular attention to depth once connections are in place and clearance to open the lid.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a washing machine in a very small bathroom?
Yes, if there’s enough room and the electrical installation allows it. Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series defines electrical safety zones around baths and showers. If the electrical installation needs to be added or altered, ask a qualified professional to check the layout.
Which connections should you check before ordering?
Check the power supply, water inlet and waste outlet. Castorama notes that connecting directly to a waste outlet requires, among other things, a trap and a suitable hose; if installing the machine under a sink, check that the trap has an outlet for a washing machine.
Is a 40 cm-wide top-loader always suitable for a small room?
No. Width alone tells you nothing about depth or the space needed above the machine. According to their manufacturers, the Electrolux EW6T4613HA and Whirlpool TDLR6253BFR are both 60 cm deep. Also check the lid clearance and connections for the model you’re considering.
Can a mini washing machine replace your main machine?
It can be handy for washing small amounts, but it won’t necessarily replace a standard machine. Que Choisir describes it as an occasional-use option with a 2 to 3 kg capacity. Consider bulky items and the possibility of needing to run more cycles before you buy.