Who are these formats for?

Renters with a narrow access route

If you have limited width or an open door would obstruct the walkway, consider a top-loading machine. Bear in mind that you’ll need enough clearance to open the lid fully.

Households with limited depth

If your alcove is wide enough but not very deep, a slim front-loader may protrude less into the room. Also measure the space needed behind the appliance and in front of the door.

People with a fitted kitchen

If the machine needs to fit beneath an existing worktop, look for a model specifically described as suitable for this installation. Check its height, whether the top panel can be removed and whether the door can open freely.

What should you check first?

Start by identifying what could prevent you from installing or using the washing machine: its width and opening clearance, its depth or the space beneath the worktop. Then check the delivery route and connections for the model you’ve chosen.

Criteria What to check Who this matters to
Width and access According to Que Choisir, top-loading washing machines available in France measure between 40 and 46 cm wide. Also measure the clearance above the machine so you can open the lid. If access is narrow, I want to load the washing without a door blocking the walkway; around 36% of consumers prioritise this width and access constraint.
Depth Que Choisir describes compact front-loaders that are 33 to 45 cm deep while retaining a width of 60 cm. Allow space for the connections and for the door to open too. In a shallow alcove, I want to minimise how far the machine sticks out while keeping a front-loading design. Depth is the priority for around 36% of consumers.
Under-counter installation Measure the height beneath the worktop and check the manual to confirm that the model is suitable for this installation. Bosch offers models with removable top panels, with an under-counter cover plate available as an optional extra. When my kitchen is already fitted, I want to put the machine beneath the worktop without making it difficult to load; around 28% of consumers prioritise this kind of integration.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring the space but not the delivery route or clearances

    A washing machine may fit in its designated space but still be too large to get through a doorway, connect up or open properly once installed.

    Before you order, measure the delivery route and the clearances around the appliance. Locate the water inlet and waste outlet, then compare your measurements with the manual for your chosen model.

  • Choosing a smaller capacity without considering your usual laundry loads

    If the drum can’t fit your usual loads, you may have to split your washing across more cycles.

    Compare the stated capacity with the amount of laundry you actually wash, rather than simply choosing the machine that takes up the least space.

  • Assuming every front-loader will fit beneath a worktop

    Whether the top panel can be removed and which accessories are needed for under-counter installation depends on the model. A front-loading door alone doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable.

    Look for explicit confirmation in the manufacturer’s documentation and check the appliance’s height in its intended configuration.

  • Confusing installation with adapting the space

    Installing the machine and making any necessary changes to the unit or connections are separate jobs.

    Before booking an installation, ask the retailer what work is included and check whether the space needs to be prepared first.

    If carpentry, plumbing or electrical work is needed, arrange and budget for it separately.

Brands to consider by format

Electrolux

According to Electrolux France, the EW8T3632AA is a freestanding, 6 kg top-loading washing machine measuring 890 × 400 × 600 mm (height × width × depth).

  • Its stated width of 400 mm makes this model worth considering if width is your main constraint.
  • Also compare its 600 mm depth with the space available, and leave room above for the lid to open.

Beko

Beko France gives examples of 6 kg front-loaders that are 44 cm deep and 7 kg models that are 49 cm deep.

  • These examples let you compare the stated depth with the capacity you’re looking for.
  • Check the width and door clearance for the specific model: a reduced depth won’t solve either of these constraints.

Bosch

Bosch Home Appliances France lists front-loaders designed for under-counter installation with removable top panels.

  • A removable top panel is a feature to look for if you’re installing a machine beneath an existing worktop.
  • Check the model, its height once prepared for installation and whether any accessories are needed. This option isn’t available on every front-loader.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should I measure before my washing machine is delivered?

Measure the route from the entrance, the space where the machine will go and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. Also check the position of the water inlet and waste outlet. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide specifies a maximum distance of 1.2 m under its installation conditions; check the manual for your chosen model to confirm what applies.

Can you install a top-loading washing machine beneath a worktop?

Not if a fixed worktop prevents you from opening the lid, as the drum is loaded from above. For this type of space, look instead for a front-loader that the manufacturer confirms is suitable for under-counter installation, then check its height and door clearance.

What capacity should one or two people choose for a small home?

Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads and how often you do the washing, rather than basing it solely on the number of people in your household. Beko France, for example, lists 6 kg models with a depth of 44 cm and 7 kg models with a depth of 49 cm. Compare these dimensions with your available space before settling on a capacity.

Should you take out an extended warranty for a new washing machine?

An extended warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights. France’s Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. Before deciding whether an extension is worthwhile, check what additional cover it provides and read its terms and conditions.