In a studio flat, start by checking the space available to install, open and connect your washing machine. A slim front-loader is best if depth is limited but there’s still room to open the door; a top-loader can work when width or access in front of the machine is an issue, as long as you can open the lid. A mini washing machine is a handy option for small loads when a full-size machine can’t be installed. For one or two people, UFC-Que Choisir gives a general guide of 5 to 7 kg, but you should also consider how often you do your washing.
If you’ll be using your washing machine every day, measure the space and make sure you can still get to your laundry. UFC-Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general capacity guide for one or two people, but your laundry load and how often you wash are also important.
Having a nearby water supply, drain and socket doesn’t necessarily mean your chosen model can be installed there. Check the connections and the appliance manual; Promotelec recommends connecting a washing machine directly to a dedicated circuit, without an extension lead.
A mini washing machine can handle small loads when it’s not possible to install a full-size model. Check its capacity and how it’s filled and drained, and make sure these suit the way you plan to use it.
Worth considering: if depth is limited but the door can open without blocking access.
Keep in mind: a reduced depth doesn’t mean the machine takes up less width or needs less clearance in front.
Worth considering: if the available width or the space in front of the machine rules out a front-loader.
Keep in mind: the lid needs room to open above the machine, even beneath a shelf or worktop.
Worth considering: for small loads when it’s not possible to install a full-size washing machine.
Keep in mind: a smaller capacity may mean more loads, as well as a different setup for filling and draining.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the model’s width, depth and height. Check that the door or lid can open fully and that you have room to load the laundry. | I need to be able to use the machine without blocking the way through the room. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual load and how often you wash. UFC-Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for one or two people. | If I wash bedding and towels too, a low maximum load could mean extra cycles. |
| Everyday use | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the energy label, as explained by ADEME. Also check programme duration, noise and access for maintenance; an energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how well a machine washes or rinses. | In a living space, I want to consider spin-cycle noise, washing time and how easy it is to access the filter. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, drain and requirements in the manual. For a washing machine, Promotelec recommends using a socket connected to a dedicated circuit, without an extension lead. | Before ordering for a rented home, I want to check that the space and connections suit the model I’m considering. |
A shallower front-loader still needs space in front for the door to open. It may fit into an alcove without leaving enough room to load the laundry.
Measure the alcove and check the space needed with the door open. If access to the front is blocked, consider a top-loader and check there’s enough clearance above it.
UFC-Que Choisir describes a mini washing machine as a handy backup option. For example, HAVA states that its T02 can take up to 3 kg, compared with UFC-Que Choisir’s general guide of 5 to 7 kg for one or two people.
Compare your laundry load with the model’s capacity, then check how it fills, drains and spins before relying on it as your main machine.
The energy rating isn’t the only way to compare two appliances. Water use, programme length, noise and washing and rinsing results all matter in everyday use.
Compare the label figures for machines with similar capacities. If you look at test results, make sure they use the same testing method. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors including washing, rinsing, spinning, noise and ease of use.
Promotelec warns of the risk of overloading and recommends connecting the washing machine directly to a dedicated circuit.
Check the socket before delivery. If the installation doesn’t look suitable, ask a qualified professional to inspect it rather than using an extension lead.
These examples show some formats you could compare. Check the dimensions and specifications of the exact model you’re interested in.
One option to explore if you’re looking for a shallower front-loader for a kitchen or small bathroom.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a slim or compact front-loader.
An example of a top-loading format to consider if width is limited.
An option to explore if you need a mini washing machine as a backup because a full-size model can’t be installed.
These two top-loading models are worth considering if you’re looking for a washing machine for a narrow space, particularly when width or access in front of the machine is limited. For each one, check the space needed above the lid and the connections available.
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With top-loading, you don’t need to leave space in front for a door to open, but you do need room above the machine. The product name indicates a capacity of 6 kg and a spin speed of 1 400 rpm. Check the dimensions, lid clearance and connections before choosing this model.
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This top-loading model is worth considering if space in front of the washing machine is limited. The product name indicates a capacity of 7 kg and a spin speed of 1 200 rpm. Measure the space, including the clearance needed above to open the lid, and check that the connections are suitable.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then check how much room you need to open the door or lid and load your laundry. Also check the water supply, drain, access to a socket and the requirements in the model’s manual.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for one or two people. Choose a capacity to suit your laundry load and how often you wash: too small a capacity could mean running more cycles.
First, check whether its capacity can genuinely handle your laundry. UFC-Que Choisir describes this format as a handy backup when it’s not possible to install a full-size washing machine. For example, HAVA states that its T02 can take up to 3 kg; larger loads would need to be split across several washes.
No. Promotelec recommends connecting it directly to a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading. If there isn’t a suitable socket or the installation doesn’t look right, have it checked rather than using an extension lead.