One person or a couple in a studio flat
If you do laundry regularly, capacity matters just as much as the space the machine takes up. Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people; then measure the width, depth and space needed to load it.
Who are these formats for?
Renters with a narrow access route
In a kitchen or bathroom where every centimetre of width counts, a top-loader is worth considering. If depth is the main issue, look at slimline front-loaders instead: Electrolux France generally gives their depth as between 33 and 45 cm.
For homes without space for a full-size machine
A mini washing machine can handle small loads when it isn’t possible to install a full-size appliance. Check its capacity against the amount of laundry you usually do: the HAVA T02, for example, is listed as having a 3 kg capacity.
What should you check before choosing?
Slimline front-loader
Consider this if: depth is limited, but you have enough width and clear access to the door.
Bear in mind: the space saving is mainly in the depth; the door still needs room to open in front of the machine.
Top-loading washing machine
Consider this if: width is the main constraint and you can easily access the top to load the machine.
Bear in mind: the Whirlpool and Candy models mentioned below are about 60 cm deep, and their lids need clear space above them to open.
Mini washing machine
Consider this if: you have small loads, particularly if you can’t install a full-size washing machine.
Bear in mind: a capacity of 2 to 3 kg may mean splitting your laundry into several loads, and is less suitable for bulky items, according to Que Choisir.
Once you’ve chosen a format, check how the exact model will fit in your room. Access, capacity and installation requirements could all affect your decision.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and loading | Measure the width and depth, including connections. Check that the door or lid can open fully and that there’s enough room to move around the appliance. | I want to load the laundry without blocking a door or getting in the way of people moving through the room. |
| Capacity | Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for the everyday laundry needs of one or two people. Compare this range with the amount of laundry you do and any bulky items you wash. | I wouldn’t want to do several small loads just to get through my usual laundry. |
| Spin noise | Compare the noise level in decibels and the noise class on the energy label for the exact model, as recommended by ADEME. | In a studio flat or a block of flats, I need to factor in the spin cycle when planning my laundry. |
| Water, energy and spin performance | ADEME recommends checking the energy label. Look in particular at kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin efficiency. | I want to compare how the machines perform in everyday use, not just their capacity, especially if I dry my laundry indoors. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Measuring only the space for the machine
A washing machine may fit in its allotted space but leave too little room to load it: a front-loader’s door opens forwards, while a top-loader’s lid opens upwards.
Check the model’s dimensions, allow for the connections and make sure the door or lid can open fully in your room. Follow the installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
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Choosing the smallest drum without estimating how much laundry you do
A drum that’s too small could mean splitting your laundry across more cycles. Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for the everyday laundry needs of one or two people.
Estimate the size of your usual loads before choosing a mini format; if you can install a full-size machine, consider a capacity that better suits your needs.
Extra cycles also take more time and use more water and electricity.
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Looking at capacity alone
Two machines with similar capacities can have different noise levels, water and energy consumption, and spin efficiency.
Compare these details on the energy labels for the exact models, particularly if the spin cycle will run near your living space.
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Expecting a mini machine to do everything a full-size one can
A capacity of 2 to 3 kg limits the size of each load. Que Choisir also notes that the heating and spin performance of mini washing machines need particular attention.
Before choosing this format for your regular laundry, check the model’s specifications for capacity, water heating, spin performance and drainage requirements.
A few brands and models to consider
These examples highlight different space requirements; you’ll still need to check the dimensions of the model you’re considering installing.
Electrolux
The slimline front-loaders featured by Electrolux France are mainly designed for spaces with limited depth.
- Electrolux France generally gives the depth of this format as between 33 and 45 cm.
- A front-loader’s door still needs space to open; check the width of the specific model too.
Whirlpool
The TDLR6247FR/N top-loader is worth considering when width is limited.
- Whirlpool France lists this model as having a 6 kg capacity, with dimensions of 40 cm wide, 60 cm deep and 90 cm high.
- Allow for its depth and the space needed to open the lid above it.
Candy
The TCA463D3-S top-loader is another useful point of comparison for a narrow space.
- Candy France lists this model as having a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 405 × 600 × 860 mm.
- Its listed depth is still 600 mm; check that the lid can also open fully in your room.
HAVA
The T02 is a mini washing machine option for small loads.
- HAVA Europe lists its dimensions as 42 × 46 × 75 cm and its capacity as up to 3 kg.
- Compare this capacity with the amount of laundry you usually do, and check the model’s drainage requirements before deciding where to put it.
Top-loading washing machines on Joybuy
These two top-loading models are worth considering if width limits your options. For each one, check the depth including connections and the clearance needed to open the lid.
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Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if width is your main constraint and you can access the top to load the machine. Its stated capacity of 7 kg falls within the range Que Choisir recommends for one or two people; the product name also lists a spin speed of 1 200 tr/min and an A energy rating. Allow for its stated depth of 600 mm, connections and enough room for the lid to open fully.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering for a narrow space where the lid can open freely. Its stated capacity of 6 kg falls within the range Que Choisir recommends for one or two people; the product name also lists a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and a B energy rating. Bear in mind its stated depth of 60 cm and allow enough room for the connections.
Frequently asked questions
Does a top-loader always take up less space than a slimline front-loader?
No: they’re suited to different space constraints. The Whirlpool and Candy top-loaders mentioned here are about 40 cm wide but 60 cm deep; Electrolux France generally gives the depth of slimline front-loaders as between 33 and 45 cm. Measure the dimension you’re short on and check how much room you need to open the machine.
Can a 3 kg mini washing machine be used as your main machine?
It can work if your loads are small and you don’t mind splitting your laundry. Que Choisir describes capacities of 2 to 3 kg as a supplementary option, particularly because these machines have limitations when it comes to bulky items. Also check the heating, spin and drainage requirements of the model you’re considering.
How much space should you allow around your washing machine?
Start with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model. Before deciding where to put it, allow room for the hoses, access for maintenance and the full opening range of the door or lid.
Does spin noise matter if you do your laundry during the day?
Yes. Service Public points out that noise nuisance can occur during the day as well as at night. If you’re comparing machines for a studio flat or a block of flats, check the spin noise level and noise class on their energy labels.