To choose a washing machine for a studio flat, first check the plumbing and available space, including the clearance needed when the door or lid is open. A slim model can work when depth is limited, while a top-loading machine can suit a narrow space; a mini model is suitable for small loads if its water supply and drainage requirements are compatible with your home. If you also struggle to find space to dry clothes, consider a compact washer-dryer, comparing its washing and drying capacities separately.
If your studio flat has a water supply, a drain and a suitable power socket, a slim or top-loading machine could let you do your laundry at home. Measure the appliance opening too, and check that the floor is stable.
A compact washer-dryer is worth considering if drying laundry takes up too much room. Check the washing and drying capacities of the exact model, as well as its dimensions and plumbing requirements.
A mini washing machine may suit frequent small loads or occasional laundry. Check the permitted spin load, which may differ from the washing capacity.
Consider it: if depth is limited, but there is enough width and the necessary plumbing connections are available.
Allow for: space in front of the machine to open the door and move around.
Consider it: if the space is narrow and there is clear space above the machine.
Allow for: enough depth; this format alone will not solve a lack of depth.
Consider it: for small loads when being able to move or put the machine away is more important.
Allow for: limited capacity and, depending on the model, a lower spin capacity than washing capacity.
Consider it: if you are also short of space to dry clothes and have the necessary plumbing connections.
Allow for: separate checks for washing and drying; a stated capacity does not necessarily apply to both.
Once you have a format in mind, compare its dimensions and installation requirements with the space you have, then consider how much laundry you need to wash.
| Priority | What to check | Based on my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Locate the water supply, drain and a suitable power socket; also check that the floor is level and stable. For a mini model, consult the manual for the exact model to check its water supply and drainage requirements. | I want to be able to use the machine in my home without assuming that a model described as portable needs no plumbing connections or precautions. |
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the clearance needed for the door or lid, room for the hoses and the space left for access. Electrolux describes its slim models as less deep, while their width is generally close to 60 cm; the Brandt BT16022 top-loader listed by Darty is 40 cm wide and 60 cm deep. | The machine needs to fit in its space without blocking a door, storage area or walkway in the studio flat. |
| Capacity | Compare the washing capacity in kg with your usual loads. For a mini machine, check the spin capacity separately. Darty lists a 3 kg washing capacity but a 1 kg spin capacity for the Adler mini model mentioned. | If I also wash household linens, I need to check that they fit within the permitted load sizes without having to run more cycles than I’m happy with. |
| Drying | For a washer-dryer, check the separate washing and drying capacities, the full dimensions and the details on the exact model’s product information sheet. | I don’t have room for a clothes airer, so the drying function matters, but it needs to suit the amount of laundry I want to dry. |
| Use and noise | According to ADEME, the energy label shows details including kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per reference cycle. Also check the noise information for the exact model and compare similar usage conditions. | In a single living space, I want to consider noise and running costs, not just the space the machine takes up. |
A machine may fit in its space but still block the door, lid or walkway.
Before ordering, measure the appliance in all three dimensions, the clearance needed to open it, the space behind it for the hoses and access to the connections.
You still need to check the water supply, drainage, power socket and stability for the model you choose.
Read the manual, paying particular attention to how the machine is filled, the permitted drain height and how to secure the drain hose.
With some mini washing machines, you cannot spin all the laundry you have washed in one load. For example, Darty lists a 3 kg washing capacity and a 1 kg spin capacity for the Adler mini model mentioned.
Compare both capacities and plan how you will dry your laundry in the studio flat.
Adding or altering a water supply or drain is different from installing an appliance using existing connections.
If work is needed in a rented home, explain what is involved to your landlord and get their written permission before starting; also check the rules that apply to the building.
The slim range is an example of a front-loading machine for homes where depth is limited and standard plumbing connections are available.
The BT16022 top-loader is an example of a machine for a narrow space with room above it.
The T02 is an example of a portable mini washing machine designed for small loads.
The CSOW44644TWMB6-S is an example of a front-loading washer-dryer for a studio flat where drying clothes is difficult.
This top-loading washing machine is worth considering for a narrow space, provided there is enough depth, clearance above it and access to the necessary plumbing connections.
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Worth considering if width is your main constraint and the lid can open freely.
The model name indicates a 6 kg capacity, 1400 rpm, a B energy rating, an inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Check the full dimensions, the clearance needed above the machine and whether its plumbing connections are compatible with your home.
Check that there is a water supply, a drain, a suitable power socket and a level, stable floor in a frost-free room. Que Choisir lists these installation requirements; available width alone is not enough to determine whether the machine can be used.
It may be suitable if you wash small loads within its washing and spin capacities. To compare the difference between models, Darty lists a 3 kg washing capacity and a 1 kg spin capacity for the Adler mini model mentioned, while Electrolux lists a 6 kg capacity for its slim EW6S1064NA.
No: the two formats suit different space constraints. The Brandt BT16022 listed by Darty is 40 cm wide but 60 cm deep, and opens from the top; Electrolux describes its slim models as less deep, with a width generally close to 60 cm.
Before starting any work, explain the planned alterations to your landlord and ask for their written permission. Also check your tenancy agreement and, where relevant, the building’s leasehold rules; installing an appliance on existing connections is different from altering the plumbing.
Check the energy label and product information sheet for each appliance under comparable usage conditions. ADEME says the label includes information such as electricity consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and water consumption per reference cycle. For a washer-dryer, also check the information specific to its drying function.