In a studio flat or a narrow apartment, start by choosing the format that fits the space you’re short of: a slim front-loader if depth is limited but there’s room to open the door; a top-loader if width is limited and there’s clear space above; or an integrated model if your kitchen unit is designed for one. For one or two people, Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide. Then check the dimensions, capacity and connections of the exact model against your home.
The layout of the room matters just as much as the space the appliance takes up when closed.
If the space is wide enough but the machine would protrude into a walkway, consider a slim front-loader. Make sure there’s still room in front of the door. Que Choisir generally puts the needs of one or two people at around 5 to 7 kg, depending on how often you do laundry.
If width is the main issue, particularly in the kitchen or bathroom, a top-loader around 40 cm wide may be worth considering. Check that its depth will fit and that the lid can open fully.
An integrated washing machine can fit into a kitchen unit designed for it. Measure the space and check any door panel, connections and installation requirements for your chosen model.
Consider it if: depth is limited, but the door can open without blocking the walkway.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need clear space in front of the machine to load it.
Consider it if: width is the main constraint and there’s clear space above the machine.
Bear in mind: a narrow top-loader can still be around 60 cm deep, as with the Electrolux EW6T4613HA and Whirlpool TDLR62667FR.
Consider it if: you have a space and, where needed, a door panel designed for an integrated washing machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to confirm that the unit, dimensions and connections are all compatible.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth. Check how the door or lid opens, and allow room for the hoses and access to the laundry. | I want to be able to open the machine and move around the room, not just squeeze it into its space. |
| Capacity | Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for one or two people. The stated capacity refers to dry laundry on the cotton or eco 40-60 programme; check the load limits for other programmes. | My regular laundry, sheets and towels need to fit a capacity suited to how often the household washes clothes. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, noise and spin data on the energy label. ADEME recommends looking at these figures rather than just the energy rating. | If the machine is near the living or sleeping area, noise matters to me. If I dry laundry indoors, I also check the spin performance. |
| Installation | Check the instructions for the exact model for the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply and levelling. For an integrated model, also check the space and any door panel. | Before I order, I want to know whether the connections and kitchen unit will actually allow this appliance to be installed. |
A slim front-loader still needs room for its door to open; a top-loader needs enough space above for the lid. Hoses and access to the laundry also affect the space you’ll need.
Measure the space, then check the clearances and connections specified for the model you’re considering.
According to Que Choisir, a capacity that’s too small can mean running more cycles, while a large drum that’s rarely full may use more energy than necessary.
For one or two people, start with the 5 to 7 kg guide, then consider how often you do laundry and whether you wash bulky items.
Putting a freestanding appliance under a worktop doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a fitted space or a kitchen door panel.
If the appliance needs to be integrated, check that it’s described as an integrated model and that its instructions match your kitchen units and planned connections.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use, noise or spin performance, all of which can matter in a studio flat.
Compare the figures on the energy labels on a like-for-like basis, and check the durability index if it’s shown.
These examples show different formats; the features listed apply to the models mentioned, not every model from each brand.
The French range includes, among other options, a slim front-loader and a top-loader.
The TDLR62667FR is an example of a top-loader to consider when width is limited.
Beko France describes the B3WBT691415W as an integrated washing machine for a compatible kitchen layout.
This top-loader is worth considering if width is your main constraint. Also measure the available depth and make sure there’s enough room to open the lid.
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A top-loader is worth considering if space to move around is limited. The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, a B energy rating, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Its stated depth is 60 cm, so check the overall space needed, including connections and room to open the lid.
Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for someone living alone or a couple. Adjust your choice to how often you do laundry: the stated capacity refers to dry laundry on the cotton or eco 40-60 programme, and other programmes may have lower load limits.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir’s guide mainly describes slim front-loaders as having a reduced depth of around 33 to 45 cm. Check the width of the exact model and leave enough room in front of the door.
A top-loader is worth considering when width is limited but there’s enough space to open the lid freely. Que Choisir describes top-loaders as around 40 cm wide; that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re shallow, as the manufacturers state that both the Electrolux EW6T4613HA and Whirlpool TDLR62667FR are 60 cm deep.
Check the instructions for the exact model for the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply, hose clearance and space needed to open the machine. Electrolux says its front-loading and top-loading washing machines are designed for a cold-water supply; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the transit bolts before use.