Who are these formats for?

Renters with a very narrow space

A shower room, kitchenette or alcove may leave little room for a washing machine. Measure the space, but also allow for the lid or door to open and for the hoses to fit.

People living alone who do laundry regularly

In a studio flat, a small-capacity, permanently installed machine can handle everyday laundry. Candy, for example, offers a 5 kg range aimed at people living alone and those in smaller homes. Check the dimensions of each model, though.

People who can’t install a permanent machine

If the connections or available space make a conventional washing machine impractical, a portable appliance can handle small loads. Que Choisir highlights the limitations of mini washing machines when it comes to spinning and washing bulky items.

How do the different formats compare?

In a studio flat or very small home, start by checking the usable space and connections, then compare the capacity you need for your usual laundry.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Size and opening clearance Measure the space and the clearance needed for the lid or door. A narrow top-loader may solve a width problem, but not necessarily a depth issue: according to Electrolux, the Electrolux EWY51223CB is 400 mm wide and 600 mm deep. If my space is narrow or a door would block the way, I want to load the machine without restricting access. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise size and opening clearance.
Depth and capacity Compare the depth and capacity in kg of the specific model, and allow space in front of the door. Que Choisir describes slim front-loaders with depths of 33 to 45 cm; capacity varies by model. When space is tight, I want to keep a suitable load size for my regular laundry rather than run more cycles. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this trade-off.
Regular small loads If a permanent installation is possible, compare the stated capacity with your usual laundry and any bulkier items. Check the spin performance and energy label information too. I live alone and often wash small loads, but sometimes need to wash bedding too. Around 21% of consumers would first prioritise a permanently installed machine suited to this routine.
Occasional use Check the manual for water supply, drainage, permitted load and spin performance. According to Que Choisir, mini washing machines designed for this purpose have limitations when it comes to bulky items. If I can’t install a conventional machine, I at least want to wash small items at home, even if I need another option for larger loads. Around 14% of consumers would put this need first.

Installation mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing a narrow machine with a shallow one

    A narrow top-loader can still be quite deep. A slim front-loader mainly reduces depth, but you’ll need space to open the door.

    Measure the width, depth and height of the space, check where the hoses will go and allow enough room to load the machine.

  • Expecting a mini washing machine to handle bulky items

    Que Choisir describes mini washing machines as appliances for occasional use and small loads, with limited spin performance and suitability for bulky textiles.

    Choose this format for small loads that are compatible with your chosen model, and plan another option for bulky items.

  • Checking the water supply but forgetting about drainage

    A kinked hose or a drain that doesn’t meet the requirements in the manual can disrupt drainage. Electrolux support specifies positioning requirements for the relevant appliances.

    Locate the drain and plan the hose route, then check them against the manual for the model you’re considering.

  • Changing a rental property’s plumbing without checking what work is allowed

    Installing a new water supply or moving a drain is different from connecting an appliance to existing fittings. Service Public states that some work carried out by tenants requires the landlord’s permission.

    Before making any permanent changes, check what work is involved and ask your landlord whether you need written permission.

Brands to consider by format

Electrolux

Worth considering for a permanently installed top-loader when width is your main constraint.

  • According to Electrolux, the EWY51223CB has a 6 kg capacity and measures 400 mm wide by 600 mm deep.
  • These measurements apply to this specific model. You’ll also need to leave room above it to open the lid.

Candy

The brand offers slim front-loaders, as well as 5 kg models aimed at people living alone and those in studio flats.

  • These two ranges let you consider limited depth and regular small loads as separate needs.
  • Dimensions and capacity vary by model, so the slim label alone won’t tell you whether a machine will fit in your space.

Beko

Some of its shallower front-loaders may suit homes where there’s still enough width for a door-opening machine.

  • Beko gives examples measuring 44 cm deep with a 6 kg capacity and 49 cm deep with a 7 kg capacity.
  • These specifications don’t apply to every model, and you’ll need to measure the door’s opening clearance separately.

Haier

Its top-loading washing machines are worth a look if there isn’t enough space in front of the appliance to open a door.

  • Haier’s French collection includes top-loading models measuring 405 mm wide and 600 mm deep, with capacities that vary by model.
  • Check both the depth and the space needed to open the lid against your available space before choosing a model.

A top-loading washing machine for a narrow space

This top-loading model is worth considering if width is the key constraint and the lid can open freely. Check the available depth and your home’s connections too.

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500 top-loading washing machine

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine

Worth considering for regular laundry if the available width makes a top-loader the best fit.

Stated capacity of 6 kg, maximum stated spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, 17 programmes and Wi-Fi.

Allow enough clearance for the lid to open, and check the depth and connection requirements in the manual before buying.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a conventional washing machine without a suitable water supply or drain?

Not until you’ve worked out an installation that’s compatible with your home and the machine’s manual. Electrolux support gives instructions on positioning the drain hose for the relevant appliances. Check the requirements for the machine you’re considering.

Can a mini washing machine replace a conventional one?

It’s best suited to occasional use with small loads. Que Choisir describes mini washing machines with capacities of 2 to 3 kg, limited spin performance and restrictions on bulky items. Some models don’t heat the water.

Do I need my landlord’s permission to install new connections?

Check what work is involved before making permanent changes to the plumbing or drainage. Service Public states that some work carried out by tenants requires the landlord’s permission. Ask for written consent if you’re planning alterations to the property, rather than treating this work as a simple appliance connection.

What should I look for on the energy label for a small home?

Compare capacity, electricity use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, noise and spin efficiency rather than looking at the energy class alone. ADEME highlights spin performance in particular if you need to dry your laundry indoors.

Can I put a washing machine on carpet?

Check the manual for your chosen model first. The Beko manual for model WMI 81441 FR prohibits installation on a carpeted floor because restricted airflow beneath the appliance can cause overheating.