If space is tight but you have the necessary connections, a top-loading washing machine around 40 cm wide could work as your main machine. You’ll still need room to open the lid and accommodate its depth. If depth is the issue, consider a slim front-loader, provided you have around 60 cm of width and enough clearance in front of the door. When a full-size machine isn’t an option, a mini washing machine may suit smaller loads instead. Que Choisir highlights its limitations when it comes to bulky laundry.
If the machine will handle your regular washing, first work out whether you’re short on width or depth. Que Choisir suggests a capacity of 5 to 7 kg for one or two people. Remember to measure the space needed to open the machine, too.
Having enough floor space doesn’t necessarily mean the machine can be installed safely. For a machine in a shower room, Promotelec recommends checking its position in relation to the electrical safety zones, along with the earthing and residual-current protection for the circuit. Have the installation checked if you’re unsure.
A mini washing machine may suit smaller loads. However, Que Choisir points out that its capacity and spin performance may be limited, so plan how you’ll wash blankets and other bulky items.
Consider this if: you’re short on width and can connect a machine that will handle your regular washing.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space above the machine. The Electrolux and AEG models mentioned here are both close to 60 cm deep.
Consider this if: lack of depth, rather than width, is what prevents you from installing a machine.
Bear in mind: Electrolux says this format is generally still close to 60 cm wide. You’ll also need room to open the door.
Consider this if: you can’t install a full-size machine and your loads are small.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir describes it as an occasional-use option that’s not well suited to bulky laundry.
Once you’ve chosen a format, check its dimensions, laundry capacity and installation requirements against the space you have at home.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the doorway. Check that you can open the lid or door and reach the connections. | I want to be able to open the machine without blocking the way through the room. |
| Capacity | Compare the laundry load in kg, not just the drum volume. Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg for one or two people and highlights the limitations of mini washing machines for bulky items. | I need a drum that suits the amount of laundry I usually wash. If I choose a mini model, I’ll need another way to wash blankets. |
| Installation | Check where the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply are. In a shower room, have the location and circuit checked if you’re unsure they’re suitable. Make sure the floor is hard and level. | Before delivery, I want to know where to connect the machine and whether it will stay stable during the spin cycle. |
| Spin performance | Check the spin-drying class and noise level on the energy label for your chosen model. Before interpreting a mini washing machine’s stated speed as its spin speed, check what the figure refers to. | If I dry my laundry in the studio flat, spin performance will be a factor in my choice, but I still need to check the capacity. |
A slim front-loader may fit in the space but leave no room to open its door. A top-loader needs clearance above it.
Also measure the doorway, the clearance needed to open the machine and access to the connections.
According to Que Choisir, the limited capacity of mini washing machines makes it difficult to wash bulky items and may mean running more cycles.
Compare the maximum load in kg with the amount you usually wash, and plan another way to wash duvets or blankets.
In a shower room, the socket’s proximity doesn’t tell you whether the machine can be placed there or whether the circuit is properly protected.
Promotelec recommends checking the earthing, 30 mA residual-current protection and that the machine is positioned beyond electrical safety zone 2, among other things. Have the installation checked if you’re unsure.
AEG says that a machine that rocks on its feet may vibrate during the spin cycle.
Install it on a hard, level floor and adjust its feet according to the instructions.
These models illustrate different formats. Check the specifications and details of the specific model before you choose.
The brand’s range includes both the EW6T4613HA top-loader and slim front-loaders.
The LTR8C7331A top-loader is another example for a space that’s narrow on width.
The TDLR6253BFR gives you an idea of the dimensions of a top-loader that’s 40 cm wide.
The T02 is an example of an automatic mini washing machine for smaller loads.
This foldable model is an occasional-use option for smaller loads, rather than a top-loader or slim front-loader designed for a conventional installation.
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Its mini, foldable design may suit smaller loads in a home where there’s no room for a full-size machine. The product title lists a 40 W motor, a drainage basket and suction cups. Before choosing it, check its dimensions, maximum laundry load in kg, and water, drainage and electricity requirements. The 10 L capacity doesn’t tell you how much laundry it can wash, and the stated 320 RPM isn’t enough to determine its spin performance.
Check the location and electrical protection before planning the installation. Promotelec says that a washing machine in a shower room must be earthed, supplied by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and placed beyond electrical safety zone 2. If you’re unsure about any of these points, ask a qualified professional to inspect your home.
Make sure you have a water supply, a waste-water outlet and an electrical supply that are suitable for your chosen machine. For its installation service, Electrolux specifies a maximum distance of 1.2 m between the washing machine and the water supply, as well as the waste hose. Check the instructions for your specific model and the requirements for the planned installation separately.
Not if you need to wash the same amount of laundry. Que Choisir describes mini washing machines as occasional-use options, with their limited capacity making it harder to wash blankets and other bulky items. Check the maximum load and plan where you’ll wash anything that won’t fit.
Start by placing the machine on a hard, level floor, then adjust its feet so it doesn’t rock. AEG highlights the importance of stability during the spin cycle. Be sure to follow the installation instructions for your model, too.
Compare models that suit your space and laundry needs, then check their energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and water consumption in litres per reference cycle, as described by ADEME. Also check the spin and noise information to see how well each model will suit a small home.