In a narrow studio flat, start by choosing a machine that fits the measurements you’ve taken and leaves enough room to load your laundry. A top-loader mainly saves width, while a slim front-loader mainly saves depth. If you need to fit it under a worktop, look for a front-loader that suits the space and meets the installation requirements. If no machine will fit, using a launderette from time to time avoids buying an appliance you can’t install. Then compare the capacity with the amount of laundry you do, as well as the noise, water and energy figures for the specific model.
If width is limiting your choice, consider top-loaders. The French National Consumer Institute says they are generally 40 to 45 cm wide, but around 60 cm deep. Remember to check that there’s enough room to open the lid, too.
A slim front-loader is worth considering if you have enough width and clearance in front of the door. Electrolux France describes its slim models as generally 60 cm wide, with a depth of 33 to 45 cm depending on the model.
Look for a front-loader that suits the space and meets its installation requirements. The French National Consumer Institute says a front-loader can be installed under a worktop; also check that the door can open and there’s room for the connections.
First, measure the route in and the space where the machine will go, allowing for the door or lid to open. Then compare only machines that will fit and can be used there.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and opening | Measure the model’s overall width, height and depth. Allow room to open the lid on a top-loader or the door on a front-loader, as well as space for the connections. | I need to be able to get the machine into the property, position it without blocking the way and load the laundry. According to the French National Consumer Institute, a top-loader is generally 40 to 45 cm wide but around 60 cm deep; a front-loader needs space in front of it. |
| Under-worktop installation | Check the dimensions of the space, the manufacturer’s installation guidance and the clearance needed for the door. Don’t assume a machine will fit just because it’s a front-loader. | My space is under a worktop, so I need a model that’s approved for this type of installation and has a door that I can still use. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the amount of laundry you usually do and how often you wash. Check the dimensions of each machine you’re considering, too. | I’d rather choose a capacity that suits my laundry than go for a large drum without thinking about how I’ll use it. ADEME recommends matching the capacity to your actual needs. |
| Noise and consumption | On the energy label for the exact model, compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the reference cycle and the noise level. | In a room that’s also a living space, I want to compare spin noise and consumption across machines that fit my space. The European Commission says these figures are shown on washing machine energy labels. |
| Delivery and collection | Check with the retailer what access arrangements apply, whether delivery to the room is included and what any installation service covers. If you’re replacing a machine, check how the old one can be collected. | I want to know who will take the machine to its final position and how the old one will be collected. France’s DGCCRF reminds shoppers that, when buying a new appliance in France, the retailer must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge under the “one-for-one” rule. |
| Another option | If no machine can be installed and used in your home, consider the practicalities of a nearby launderette, including access, opening hours and travel. | If I can’t install a machine at home, using a launderette from time to time is still an option, although I’ll need to travel there for each wash. |
A narrow top-loader can still be around 60 cm deep; despite its reduced depth, a slim front-loader is generally around 60 cm wide, according to Electrolux France.
Measure all three dimensions and the clearance needed to open the machine, then compare them with the specifications for the exact model.
The capacity should suit the amount of laundry you do and how often you wash. ADEME recommends checking what you need before choosing a large drum.
Think about your usual loads, then compare the capacity, dimensions and energy label of machines that will fit your space.
Delivery to the room and installation depend on the service offered. France’s DGCCRF distinguishes between these services and says any costs must be made clear before and at the time of purchase.
Check what your order includes for access to your home, positioning, any installation and collection of an equivalent old appliance.
Compare noise and consumption using the figures for the exact model. The European Commission says washing machine energy labels include details such as noise, water per cycle and energy per 100 cycles.
For models that fit your home, check these figures on each machine’s energy label rather than relying on the name of a programme.
These manufacturer examples show the differences in dimensions to look out for; they don’t guarantee that a particular model is available from any retailer.
Whirlpool France’s specifications for the TDLR 6267 FR top-loader give a width of 40 cm, a depth of 60 cm and a capacity of 6 kg.
Electrolux France lists slim front-loaders with depths generally ranging from 33 to 45 cm. The EW6S1064NA specifications give a depth of 411 mm and a capacity of 6 kg.
Candy France’s specifications for the ProWash 300 TCA463D3-S top-loader give a width of 405 mm, a depth of 600 mm and a capacity of 6 kg.
These three front-loaders are options to consider for doing your laundry at home, provided their dimensions suit your studio flat. Check each machine’s full dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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A front-loader to consider if you have room in front of the door. The model name indicates a 7 kg capacity, a 1,400 rpm spin speed and an energy class of A. Check its overall depth and installation requirements if you’re thinking of fitting it under a worktop.
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Compare its stated 8 kg capacity with the amount of laundry you usually do. The product name indicates a 530 mm drum and a 1,400 rpm spin speed. Before choosing it for a shallow space, check its overall width and depth, including the door and connections.
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Compare its stated 9 kg capacity with the amount of laundry you actually do. The product name indicates a 1,600 rpm spin speed, along with SteamCare, SmartSelect and connected features. Check the space it takes up with the door open and its installation requirements before considering it for a studio flat.
Not necessarily. Its width may solve the problem of getting it through a narrow entrance, but not issues with depth or opening the lid. The French National Consumer Institute says top-loaders are generally around 60 cm deep, so measure the space above the lid as well.
It’s possible if the front-loader is suitable for this type of installation, but “slim” on its own doesn’t tell you that. Check the manufacturer’s guidance, the dimensions of the space, room for the connections and clearance for the door. According to Electrolux France, its slim front-loaders generally have a reduced depth while remaining close to 60 cm wide.
For machines that fit your space, compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the reference cycle and the noise level. The European Commission says these figures appear on washing machine energy labels. ADEME also recommends choosing a capacity that suits your needs.
In France, the DGCCRF reminds shoppers that when a new appliance is sold, the retailer must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge under the “one-for-one” rule. Before placing your order, check how to arrange collection with the retailer.
Not necessarily. Check separately where the machine will be delivered and whether positioning and installation are included for the model you’ve chosen. France’s DGCCRF treats these as separate after-sales services and says any costs must be made clear before and at the time of purchase.