In a studio flat, start by checking the space you actually have and whether you can connect the machine. A top-loader is worth considering if width is limited, while a slimline front-loader may suit you better if depth is the issue. Check how much room you need to open the machine, then compare capacity and spin noise. If installation isn’t possible, or you’re only staying for a short time, compare buying a machine with using a nearby launderette.
In a studio flat, measure the width, depth and space needed to open the machine before comparing features. If it will be near your living area, check its spin noise level too. ADEME says a 7 kg capacity is usually enough; choose a size that suits your usual laundry loads.
Check the property inventory, delivery route and available connections before ordering. According to ANIL, a washing machine is optional in a furnished rental, so check what is actually provided.
If there’s no suitable place to connect a machine, or you’ll be moving out soon, compare the cost and hassle of buying and transporting a machine with the opening hours, distance and terms of use of a local launderette.
Consider this if: depth is limited, but you have enough width and space in front of the door.
Bear in mind: “slimline” and “compact” don’t guarantee the same dimensions or capacity across different models.
Consider this if: width is your main constraint and the lid can open freely.
Bear in mind: top-loaders listed by Whirlpool, Candy and Haier are around 60 cm deep. Their narrow width won’t solve a lack of depth.
Consider this if: you can’t install a machine in your studio flat, or buying one doesn’t make sense for the length of your stay.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to travel to do your laundry and work around opening hours. Compare the terms at nearby launderettes.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the unpackaged width, depth and height, then check the route to the space where it will go. Read the manual for connection requirements and the clearance needed for the door or lid. | I want to be able to install and load the machine without blocking a walkway or a piece of furniture. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the amount of laundry you do and how often you run a cycle. ADEME says a 7 kg washing machine is usually enough. | For my regular laundry, I want a suitable capacity rather than a large drum that I’d rarely fill. |
| Noise and energy use | On the energy label, compare the spin noise level and noise class, kWh per 100 cycles and water per cycle, using the same rating basis. | The machine would be near my living area, so spin noise matters as much to me as the energy and water figures. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, drainage, socket and instructions in the manual. If you’re renting a furnished property, check the inventory too: ANIL says a washing machine is optional. | Before buying, I want to know whether a machine is already provided and whether my home can accommodate one. |
| Durability | For a new washing machine sold in France, check the displayed durability index and related information. The DGCCRF says this category has been subject to the labelling requirement since 2025. | I’d like to compare the durability information for models that fit my space. |
A machine may fit in its allotted space but not through the front door, or there may not be enough room for its hoses and door to open.
Measure the delivery route too, and check the clearances required in the manual for the specific model.
The ranges described by Candy and Beko show that depth varies by model. The label alone doesn’t tell you the width, height or capacity.
Compare all the unpackaged dimensions and the door-opening direction, rather than filtering only by “slimline” or “compact”.
A capacity greater than you need won’t necessarily suit the constraints of a studio flat. ADEME also recommends checking the energy and noise information on the energy label.
Among the machines that will fit, match the capacity to your laundry habits, then compare spin noise, kWh per 100 cycles and water per cycle.
The manual sets out the installation requirements. For new washing machines sold in France, the DGCCRF says the durability index has had to be displayed since 2025.
Before ordering, check the manual, energy label and durability index for the model you’re considering.
Front-loaders with a shallow depth are worth considering if a front-loader’s width will fit, but depth is limited.
Top-loaders are worth considering if width is your main constraint.
Compare its slimline and compact ranges, as well as its top-loaders, according to which dimension is limited in your studio flat.
A 7 kg top-loader is worth considering if your space can accommodate its depth and the lid opening.
These two top-loaders may suit you if you’re looking for a narrower machine. Before choosing between their capacities, check the depth, lid clearance and connections in your studio flat.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 7 kg capacity for a space that’s narrow on width. Haier’s product details give dimensions of 405 × 600 × 860 mm and an A energy rating. Allow room for connections and the lid to open too. The product name states a spin speed of 1 200 tr/min.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if a 6 kg capacity suits your laundry habits and space is tight on width. Candy’s product details give dimensions of 405 × 600 × 860 mm, a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and a B energy rating. Check that there’s room for the connections and for the lid to open.
A 6 to 7 kg capacity is a good starting point, but you’ll need to match it to your usual laundry loads. ADEME says a 7 kg washing machine is usually enough; check the capacity of the model rather than automatically choosing a larger drum.
No. It’s mainly a solution when width is limited. The top-loaders listed by Whirlpool, Candy and Haier are around 40 to 40.5 cm wide, but the examples cited are also 60 cm deep and need clearance above the lid.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, and the noise class and level during the spin cycle. If the machine is near your living area, spin noise deserves particular attention.
Not necessarily. According to ANIL, a washing machine is optional in a furnished rental. Check the property inventory to see whether one is actually provided.
Consider a launderette if you can’t install and connect a machine in your studio flat, or if you’re not staying long enough for buying and transporting one to make sense. Compare accessible launderettes by distance, opening hours and terms of use.