A shallow alcove
If the machine mustn’t stick out into the walkway, compare the depth of a standard front-loader with a slim model. Either way, make sure there’s enough room to open the door.
Who is each style best for?
Limited space in front of the machine
If the door would get in the way, a top-loader is worth considering. Just make sure the lid can open fully.
No suitable permanent space
If you only need to wash small loads and don’t want to install a conventional machine, consider a mini washing machine as a handy backup. Its capacity, spin performance and ability to handle bulky items are all important factors.
What should you check before choosing?
First, work out what could make installation or everyday use difficult. Then match the capacity to the loads you actually wash.
| Factor | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the alcove, space for connections and delivery route. UFC-Que Choisir gives a depth of 33 to 45 cm for the slim front-loaders it describes. | If the machine might stick out into my walkway, I want it to fit without making it difficult to move around. Around 40% of consumers put this need first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the load in kg of dry laundry with your usual washes, and check the load limits for each programme. UFC-Que Choisir says 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. | If I regularly wash bedding, towels and clothes, a load that’s too small would mean running more cycles. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Opening | Check how far the door opens on a front-loader or the lid opens on a top-loader, with doors and furniture in place. | In a room where doors and furniture restrict my movement, I need to be able to load the laundry without blocking access. This is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, waste outlet, power supply and installation requirements for the model. | If there’s no suitable space for a conventional machine, I’m mainly looking to wash small loads and am happy to accept the limitations of a backup appliance. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the alcove
A machine might fit in the space but still be impossible to get up a narrow staircase, leave room for its hoses or open once it’s in place.
Measure the delivery route, the alcove and the clearance needed to open the machine. Compare these measurements with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a slim model will solve every space issue
A slim model is shallower, but it still loads from the front. UFC-Que Choisir describes slim front-loaders that are still 60 cm wide.
If width or the door opening is the real obstacle, check the dimensions of a top-loader and the space needed above it instead.
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Assuming the stated capacity applies to every programme
The permitted load can vary by programme, so the headline capacity alone won’t tell you whether the machine suits your woollens or delicate fabrics.
Check the manual for the load limits on the programmes you’ll use, then consider how often you want to do the washing.
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Assuming a mini washing machine is a straightforward replacement
A small capacity or limited spin performance could mean more loads and make it harder to wash bulky items.
Choose this style for occasional or backup use, and check the capacity, spin performance and connection requirements of the model you’re considering.
Leading brands
There are no brands to feature in this section.
A top-loader for a small space
This top-loading model is worth considering if a door opening out in front of the machine would get in the way. Whether it fits your home also depends on the available depth and space to open the lid.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg
Top-loading is a good option for a room where a front-loader’s door would get in the way.
The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, a 1,400 tr/min spin speed, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. It has a stated depth of 60 cm, so check the space for connections and the clearance above the lid before choosing a spot for it.
Frequently asked questions
What should you check before installing a washing machine in a studio flat?
Make sure there’s enough room to open the machine and that the necessary connections are available. You should also check the delivery route, floor stability and the installation requirements in the model’s manual. If any work is needed, have the installation assessed before placing your order.
Can a slim washing machine replace a top-loader in a narrow room?
Not if the main issue is the space needed to open the machine: a slim model still loads from the front. UFC-Que Choisir describes slim front-loaders that are 33 to 45 cm deep but still 60 cm wide. A top-loader needs clearance above instead, so measure the width, depth and space above the model you’re considering.
What capacity should one person or a couple look for?
UFC-Que Choisir says a capacity of 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. To choose within this range, consider how often you do the washing, whether you need to wash bulky items and the load limits for the programmes you use most.