In a small home, start by considering the space available for the appliance and for opening it. A slim front-loader is best when depth is limited, while a top-loader is better when width is the main constraint. A mini washing machine is useful for small, occasional loads; a washer-dryer also dries your clothes, but you’ll need to check its drying capacity separately. Before ordering, measure the route into your home and the installation space, then check the connections and how you’ll dry your laundry.
Choosing a washing machine depends on access to the drum and the connections, as well as the floor space it takes up once installed.
If you have access to a suitable water supply, waste outlet and power supply, focus on comparing the depth of a front-loader with the width of a top-loader. Also make sure there’s enough room to open the door or lid.
A mini washing machine may be worth considering for small, occasional loads. However, its limited capacity and spin options need to suit the laundry you want to wash and the conditions in your home.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. Check the permitted load for each function and the details of the complete cycle before relying on it to avoid having a clothes airer out all the time.
First compare the options that can actually be installed, then consider your laundry load and drying arrangements.
Consider this: when depth is limited but there’s room to open the door in front of the appliance.
Trade-off: you’ll still need to allow for its width and space in front of the door.
Consider this: when the width of the access route is the main constraint.
Trade-off: the lid needs enough clear space to open fully above the machine.
Consider this: for small, occasional loads when a standard machine can’t be installed.
Trade-off: smaller loads may mean more cycles and limit your options for washing bulky items.
Consider this: when you need to dry laundry too, but don’t have room for a second appliance.
Trade-off: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. You’ll also need to consider the length and energy and water use of a complete cycle.
| Consideration | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the delivery route. Allow extra room for hoses and opening the door: the UFC-Que Choisir guide describes slim front-loaders with a depth of 33 to 45 cm, but you’ll still need to check the dimensions of the model you choose. | I want to be able to move around and load the machine without blocking a hallway, kitchenette or bathroom. |
| Load capacity | Compare the permitted load for your usual programmes and bulky items, not just the maximum capacity advertised. UFC-Que Choisir says that 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. | Depending on my laundry-sorting habits and how much I need to wash, a drum that’s too small could mean doing laundry more often. |
| Noise and spin | Compare spin noise on the same basis and check any available spin performance results for the model. Also make sure the machine is level when installed. | If the machine is near where I sleep, noise matters just as much as how damp the laundry is at the end of the cycle. |
| Drying | Check where you’ll be able to dry your laundry and how well the room is ventilated. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying loads separately, along with the length and energy and water use of a complete cycle. | I don’t want to leave a clothes airer in my only living space without a plan for managing the moisture. ADEME notes that air-drying laundry releases a lot of moisture indoors. |
| Installation | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and power supply, then check their positions against the appliance instructions. For its pre-installation service, Electrolux specifies a maximum distance of 1,2 m between the machine and both the water supply and waste outlet. | Before ordering, I want to know whether the machine can be connected where I plan to put it, without assuming a longer hose will solve the problem. |
A shallower front-loader still needs space in front of its door, while a top-loader needs clearance above. Neither style solves every problem in a narrow space.
Check the appliance dimensions against the space available, allow for the hoses and make sure the door can open far enough for you to load the laundry.
A limited load capacity could mean more cycles, especially if you sort different fabrics or wash bulky items. The permitted load may also vary by programme.
Think about how much laundry you usually do and check the load limits for the programmes you’ll use. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity that suits your household’s needs.
Extra cycles take time and use more water and electricity.
A wash load may exceed the permitted drying load, so you might need to split it. UFC-Que Choisir also notes in its washer-dryer tests that the drying function involves compromises compared with a separate tumble dryer.
Check both capacities on the product details, then compare the duration and energy and water use of a complete wash-and-dry programme.
Having a large enough space isn’t sufficient if the water supply, waste outlet or power supply isn’t suitable for the planned installation. A machine that isn’t level may also move while it’s running.
Measure the distance to the connections, read the instructions and arrange for a professional to make any necessary changes to the installation. Bosch recommends adjusting the feet to level the appliance.
These models suit two of the needs covered here: combining washing and drying in one appliance, or doing small, occasional loads. Make sure their dimensions and installation requirements are suitable for your home.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance if you also need to dry laundry at home. The product title lists 27 programmes and app control. Its 6 kg drying capacity is lower than its 10 kg washing capacity. For this model, also check the dimensions, connections, and the length and energy and water use of a complete cycle.
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This model is designed for very small, occasional loads, with a stated washing capacity of 1 kg and drying capacity of 0,5 kg. These capacities aren’t comparable to those of a main washing machine. Check the dimensions, connections and installation requirements before setting aside space for it.
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This portable, foldable design is suited to occasional use when there isn’t room for a standard washing machine. The product title lists a 10 L volume, three run times of 2, 5 and 10 minutes, and a 40 W motor. The volume in litres doesn’t tell you the laundry load in kilograms, so check this along with the unfolded dimensions and how the water supply and drainage work.
No. Also measure the delivery route, allow space for the hoses and check how much clearance you’ll need to open the machine. A front-loader needs room in front of its door, while a top-loader needs enough clearance to open its lid.
It’s best suited to small, occasional loads when installing a standard washing machine isn’t possible. The UFC-Que Choisir guide describes mini washing machines with capacities of 2 to 3 kg. Their capacity and spin performance may limit everyday washing and the cleaning of bulky items, so check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Not necessarily: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. Compare both figures for the model and be prepared to remove some laundry if the wash load exceeds the drying limit. Also check the duration and energy and water use of a complete cycle.
Choose a spot where air can circulate, rather than only considering how much room the airer takes up. ADEME notes that air-drying laundry releases a lot of moisture indoors, so check the ventilation available in your home.
For a standard washing machine, locate the cold water supply, waste outlet and a suitable power supply, then check their positions against the instructions for your model. The Electrolux pre-installation guide specifies a maximum distance of 1,2 m to both the water supply and waste outlet for its service. This guidance doesn’t replace the requirements for the appliance you choose.