Choose the type of machine according to what really limits its installation or use: a front-loading model if there’s enough depth and room in front of the door, a slim model if the machine would stick out too far into the walkway, or a top-loading model if width or front access is a problem. For one or two people, Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide to capacity. A mini washing machine is more of a stopgap when a standard machine can’t be installed. In every case, check your measurements against the instructions for the exact model, including connections and door clearance.
You have around 60 cm of width, but a standard front-loading machine would stick out too far under the worktop or into the walkway. Compare its depth with a slim model, and remember to allow for rear connections and the door opening.
Your main priority is keeping the space in front of the machine clear. A top-loading model around 40 cm wide avoids the need for a front door, as long as there’s enough room above it to open the lid.
A mini washing machine can be useful for small loads. However, make sure its capacity and features suit the laundry you plan to wash regularly.
Start by measuring the space and access routes, then choose a capacity that suits your laundry. Each constraint can affect which type of machine will work for you.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Access and loading | Measure the space in front of a door or above a lid. Check the opening clearance required for the model. | In a narrow bathroom, I need to be able to open the machine and load the laundry without blocking the walkway; around 29% of consumers prioritise this access. |
| Depth | Compare the product’s depth with the space available, then check the instructions for connection requirements. According to Que Choisir, slim front-loading models are generally 33 to 45 cm deep. | If the machine might stick out into the kitchen or a hallway, I first look for ways to reduce how much space it takes up; depth is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity | Check the capacity in kg and the capacity allowed by the programmes you use. Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. | I don’t want to choose a drum that’s too small and end up running extra cycles to wash my bedding and everyday laundry; around 21% of consumers put capacity ahead of other considerations. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, waste outlet, power socket and delivery route. Consult the installation diagram for the exact model. | Even if the appliance fits in the space, I still need to be able to connect and install it; for around 21% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
A slim front-loading model is still generally close to 60 cm wide, and its door opens out in front. So it won’t solve a tight space in front of the machine on its own.
Measure the width, depth and door clearance separately. If width or the space in front is the main issue, consider whether a top-loading model might work better.
According to Que Choisir, a capacity that’s too small can mean running more cycles. The size of your household doesn’t tell the whole story either: bedding, towels and other bulky fabrics also need room in the drum.
Think about your usual loads and check the capacity allowed by the programmes you plan to use.
Extra cycles take time and each one uses water and electricity.
The appliance’s dimensions alone won’t tell you whether the hoses, socket and waste outlet will still be accessible. Electrolux says its installation service requires compliant connections and doesn’t include plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
Before ordering, check the existing installation, the route to the room and the instructions for the exact model.
If changes to the installation are needed, you may need to arrange a separate service.
Que Choisir describes mini washing machines as appliances for occasional use. Their small capacity can make it harder to wash bulky items and may mean running more cycles.
Choose this option only where a standard machine can’t be installed. Check the capacity, spin cycle, water heating and the types of fabric you want to wash.
The WGE02407FR is a useful benchmark when checking the space needed for a standard front-loading model.
The range includes top-loading models to consider when width is limited.
The EW6T5137AG is another top-loading model to compare.
Consider these front-loading models if there’s enough space to open the door. Compare their capacity with your laundry needs, and check how much room each one needs for installation and connections.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg capacity and can measure the available depth carefully. The model name indicates a 1,400 rpm spin speed and an Inverter motor; check the instructions for the space needed behind the machine and in front of the door.
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Consider this model if an 8 kg front-loader suits your laundry and there’s enough room in the space for installation. The model name indicates a 1,400 rpm spin speed; check the depth, connections and door clearance in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you have enough depth and clearance for a standard front-loading model. Bosch lists a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 848 × 598 × 588 mm for the appliance; also allow room for the door to open and for the connections, as shown in the instructions.
No. It mainly reduces the depth of the machine, but it still has a front door that needs room to open. If the space in front is the main obstacle, consider a top-loading model instead, provided there’s enough room for the lid to open freely.
Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Before choosing a capacity, also think about your bedding and towels, and how often you do your laundry.
No. According to their manufacturers, the Whirlpool TDLR7251FR and Electrolux EW6T5137AG top-loading models are each 40 cm wide, but also 60 cm deep. Their advantage in a narrow room is their width and the lack of a front door; remember to check the space above them too.
No. Compare the listed dimensions with your space, then check the instructions and installation diagram for the exact model to confirm the requirements for hoses, connections and clearance. Also make sure the appliance can be brought through to the room.