In a studio flat, start by choosing a machine to suit the dimension you’re short of. A slim front-loader takes up less depth, provided there’s room to open the door in front of it. A top-loader is usually narrower, but needs clear space above. If there’s no room for a standard machine, a mini washing machine can handle small loads, as long as you check its water supply and drainage. For one or two people, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide to capacity, which you can adjust to suit your usual laundry loads.
If space is tight but you can access the water supply and drainage, compare the dimension that actually gets in the way. For one or two people, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a starting point when choosing capacity.
A slim front-loader takes up less depth, while a top-loader is generally narrower. In either case, measure the space needed to open the door or lid and access the laundry.
A mini washing machine may suit you if you need to wash small loads now and then. Before choosing one, check that its capacity suits your usual laundry and find out how it will be supplied with water and drained.
The right format depends first on where the machine can be placed, opened and connected. Capacity and usage information can then help you choose between the models that will actually fit.
Consider it if: depth is limited and you can open the door without blocking the way through.
Bear in mind: a shallower machine still needs space in front of it.
Consider it if: width is your main constraint and there’s clear space above the machine.
Bear in mind: a worktop or fixed shelf may prevent you from opening the lid.
Consider it for: small loads when installing a standard washing machine isn’t practical.
Bear in mind: capacity is more limited, and you’ll need to check the water supply and drainage requirements for the model you choose.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and opening space | Measure the width, depth and height, then check how far the door or lid opens. UFC-Que Choisir says slim front-loaders are generally 33 to 45 cm deep, while top-loaders are around 40 cm wide. Check the dimensions of the exact model you’re considering. | I want to be able to move around the room and access the drum once the machine is in place. |
| Capacity | UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Compare this with your usual loads and bulky items; ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that helps avoid regularly underfilling the drum. | I want a drum that’s big enough for my usual laundry without choosing a capacity I’d rarely use. |
| Installation | Check the delivery route, the position of the water supply, drainage and socket, and the model’s installation diagram. For a mini washing machine, also check the drainage requirements in its manual. | The machine needs to fit into its intended space and be connected without unexpected work. |
| Energy, water and noise | On the energy label for the exact model, compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise emissions. The European Commission says the current washing machine energy label scale runs from A to G. | If the machine is near my living space, noise matters just as much as the floor space it takes up. |
A slim front-loader still needs space in front of the door. On the other hand, a top-loader’s narrow width is no help if there’s not enough room to lift the lid.
Check the space the machine will occupy and the area needed to open it, then compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. If the drum is too small for your loads, you may need to split them across more cycles. ADEME also recommends avoiding a capacity that’s regularly underused.
Estimate the size of your usual loads and check whether your bulkiest items will fit within the capacity you’re considering.
For example, the HAVA T02 has a stated capacity of up to 3 kg and a maximum drainage height of 120 cm. This information alone doesn’t confirm that it can be connected in every location.
Check the usable capacity, how the water supply works, the drainage route and the documentation supplied for the model and offer you’re considering.
Two machines of a similar size can have different ratings. The EU energy label includes information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise emissions.
Compare the figures on each model’s label instead of relying solely on its size or loading type.
These branded examples show the dimensions worth comparing. The specifications apply to the ranges or models mentioned, not to every washing machine made by these brands.
Electrolux’s slim front-loader range is designed for spaces where depth is limited.
Beko offers a range of top-loading washing machines for spaces where width is limited.
Candy’s top-loader range includes narrow models, although dimensions vary by model.
The TDLR6247FR/N is an example of Whirlpool’s narrow top-loader format.
The T02 is a portable mini washing machine designed for small loads.
This top-loading washing machine is worth considering if width is your main constraint. Its full dimensions and the space needed to lift the lid must suit the space you have available.
Image unavailable
Its top-loading design is worth considering if a front door would get in the way, provided you have enough room to lift the lid fully. It has a stated capacity of 6 kg. The product name also indicates a spin speed of 1,400 rpm, a B energy rating, an inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Before you decide, check the full dimensions, opening clearance and connections in the documentation for this model.
It depends on the space you have: a slim front-loader takes up less depth, while a top-loader is usually narrower. UFC-Que Choisir says slim front-loaders are generally 33 to 45 cm deep, and top-loaders around 40 cm wide. Remember to check the space needed to open the front door or lift the lid.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Choose within that range to suit your usual loads and bulky items. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that helps avoid regularly running the machine with an underfilled drum.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, the route the machine will need to take on delivery, and the room needed to open the door or lid. Check the positions of the water supply, drainage and socket, then compare everything with the manual and installation diagram for the exact model. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide notes that plumbing, electrical and carpentry work isn’t included in its installers’ service.
Not for every laundry routine. The HAVA T02, for example, has a stated capacity of up to 3 kg, while UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Consider a mini model for small occasional loads if you can’t install a standard machine, after checking the water supply and drainage.
Check the EU energy label for each model rather than trying to judge these figures from its format. The European Commission says the label includes energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise emissions, with ratings on a scale from A to G.