Renter with a shallow alcove
You have enough width for a front-loader, but not enough depth. A slim front-loader is worth considering if its door can open without getting in the way and its capacity suits your laundry needs.
Who is each format suited to?
Que Choisir compares formats by width, depth and access for loading: the shape of your available space matters just as much as its size.
Living in a small room or narrow passage
If width is your main constraint, a top-loader also avoids a front door opening into the passage. You’ll still need enough space to open the lid fully.
No space for a standard appliance
A mini washing machine can handle small loads when it’s impossible to install a standard model. Its limitations with bulky items make it a backup option, rather than a like-for-like replacement.
What should you check in a studio flat?
Que Choisir points out that slim and top-loading formats free up different kinds of space. First, compare how much room you’ll have when using the machine, then consider which dimension limits installation and how much laundry you wash.
Slim front-loader
Consider this: if your alcove is shallow and the door can open in front of the machine. According to Que Choisir, the slim models it features are around 60 cm wide and 33 to 45 cm deep.
Bear in mind: you’ll need clear access to the door to load and unload the drum. Check the door swing of the model you choose.
Top-loader
Consider this: if width is limited or there isn’t enough room in front of the machine. The manufacturers state that both the Electrolux EW8T3653BA and Whirlpool TDLR6247FR/N are 40 cm wide.
Bear in mind: you’ll need clear space above the machine. Both models are also 60 cm deep, so they won’t solve a lack-of-depth problem.
Mini washing machine for occasional use
Consider this: if you can’t install a standard appliance and need to wash small loads.
Bear in mind: the 2 to 3 kg models mentioned by Que Choisir have limited capacity for bulky items and may require more cycles. The term ‘mini’ also covers different types of appliance: Candy, for example, lists a 5 kg capacity for its Mini ProWash 700.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access and loading | The appliance dimensions when open and the door or lid clearance shown in its installation diagram. | If opening the machine blocks a passage or access to furniture, your priority is being able to load the laundry without getting in the way. Around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Width or depth | The limiting dimension of your alcove and the overall space required, including room for the hoses. | If you have an existing alcove, you’ll mainly need to find an appliance that fits the available width or depth. Around 33% of consumers prioritise finding a machine that fits their space. |
| Laundry capacity | Capacity in kg of dry laundry and the load allowed for the programmes you use. | If you regularly wash sheets and towels, a small drum may mean running several cycles. For around 25% of consumers, having enough capacity for their usual laundry takes priority over other considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring the machine only when it’s closed
A front-loader may fit into its alcove but be awkward to use once the door is open. A top-loader under a shelf may not have enough clearance to lift its lid.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then compare them with the installation diagram and opening clearance for the exact model.
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Choosing the smallest drum without considering your laundry
A low capacity may mean running several cycles for sheets or towels. Que Choisir says one person or a couple will generally need between 5 and 7 kg.
Compare this guide with how often you do laundry and the load limits for the programmes you’ll use.
Extra cycles also take more time and may increase water and electricity use.
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Assuming all ‘mini’ appliances are the same
The 2 to 3 kg mini washing machines described by Que Choisir aren’t suited to the same laundry loads as a 5 kg compact model such as the Candy Mini ProWash 700.
Before setting aside space for one as your main appliance, check the exact product’s capacity in kg, programmes, spin cycle, dimensions and connections.
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Relying on dimensions alone in a bathroom
A narrow appliance isn’t automatically suitable for a space near a shower or bath. Promotelec highlights the importance of its position, earthing and circuit protection.
If you’re unsure, have the electrical installation checked before choosing a washing machine for this room.
Brands to compare
These examples relate to specific models and ranges, so always check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Electrolux
The freestanding EW8T3653BA top-loader is an example of a narrow format. Electrolux France lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
- Its listed width of 400 mm makes it worth comparing if you have limited space across.
- You’ll need access to the top for loading, and the specifications of this model don’t apply to every Electrolux machine.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 40 × 60 × 90 cm for its TDLR6247FR/N top-loader.
- Its dimensions let you assess the required width and depth separately.
- Its listed depth is still 60 cm, so it may not fit an alcove that’s narrow but shallow.
Candy
Candy France offers slim washing machines as well as the Mini ProWash 700, a 5 kg compact model measuring 510 × 488 × 700 mm.
- The slim range and this compact model offer two different ways to reduce the space an appliance takes up.
- The 5 kg Mini ProWash 700 shouldn’t be confused with 2 to 3 kg mini washing machines designed for occasional use.
A backup option from Joybuy
This foldable mini washing machine is an occasional-use option to consider when it’s impossible to install a standard model. Its capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell you how much laundry it can wash.
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10 L foldable portable mini washing machine with three modes
Worth considering for small, occasional loads if it’s impossible to install a standard washing machine. The title lists a 10 L capacity, three cycle times of 2, 5 and 10 minutes, a power rating of 40 W and a speed of 320 RPM. Before relying on it for your usual laundry, check the load capacity in kg, its dimensions when unfolded and its water supply and drainage requirements: 10 L doesn’t indicate the capacity for dry laundry.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person or a couple choose?
Que Choisir says a capacity of 5 to 7 kg is generally suitable for one person or a couple. Adjust this guide to the sheets and towels you wash: the stated capacity is for dry laundry, and the permitted load can vary by programme.
Does a top-loader always solve a lack of space?
No. It mainly takes up less width and avoids a door opening out in front of the machine, but you still need room to lift the lid. The manufacturers state that both the Electrolux EW8T3653BA and Whirlpool TDLR6247FR/N are 60 cm deep. Remember to measure the available height and the depth of your space too.
Can I put a washing machine in the bathroom?
The size of the appliance alone isn’t enough to confirm that the location is suitable. For an installation in France, have the proposed position, earthing and electrical circuit protection checked. Promotelec highlights the importance of these points, particularly near a shower or bath.
How does the durability rating help you choose?
The durability rating provides information about the reliability and repairability of the new washing machines it covers. According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, it has applied to this category since 8 April 2025. Use it alongside the dimensions, capacity and installation requirements: it won’t tell you whether the machine will fit in your studio flat.
What protection applies when you buy from a business?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. It covers, among other things, an appliance that doesn’t match its description. Keep your order details so you can report the problem to the seller.