In a studio flat, choose a washing machine based on the dimension that’s actually preventing installation: a slim model if there isn’t enough clearance in front of the alcove, or a top-loading model if width is limited and the lid can open freely. A washer-dryer is better suited to a lack of space for drying clothes, while a mini washing machine is mainly suitable for small loads. Before ordering, check the access route, hoses, connections and capacity you need for your usual laundry.
If the water inlet and drainage are accessible, identify which dimension is causing the problem: a top-loading appliance can work when width is limited, while a slim front-loading model can help when depth is an issue. In either case, leave enough room to open the machine and move around.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, check its washing and drying capacities separately: the amount it can wash in one go may be greater than the amount it can dry in the same cycle.
A mini washing machine may suit smaller loads, provided its water supply, drainage and capacity work for your space. Its compact size doesn’t mean you can skip checking the installation requirements.
First, measure the space as it will be used, then compare the capacity and connections of appliances that will genuinely work there.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | Measure the overall width, depth and height. Allow room for the hoses and to open the door at the front of the appliance or the lid above it. | I want to be able to load the washing without blocking the front door or narrowing the everyday walkway. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kilograms with your usual loads and bulky items. ADEME says that a 7 kg drum is sufficient in most cases, but this is only a guide and doesn’t replace assessing your own needs. | My everyday laundry needs to fit a suitable capacity, rather than forcing me to run extra cycles because there isn’t enough room in the drum. |
| Combined drying | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and wash-and-dry capacities separately. Also check its dimensions: having two functions in one appliance doesn’t mean it will be shallow. | I don’t have enough room to dry clothes, and I can organise my loads around how much the appliance can dry in one go. |
| Connections | Check the model’s instructions for its water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. If it’s going in a bathroom, have the safety requirements for its position checked. | Before moving a machine into the studio flat, I want to know whether it can be installed in the intended spot. |
| Cycles and noise | For the models you’re considering, ADEME recommends checking the energy label to compare factors including energy use, spin performance and noise. Compare information for the same type of cycle. | In a single living space, spin noise matters just as much to me as drum capacity. |
A machine may fit in the space but still prevent you from opening its door or lid. A top-loading model is mainly a solution when width is limited, not necessarily when depth is.
Mark out the appliance’s footprint on the floor, then check the hoses, opening space and remaining clearance when you load the washing.
With a washer-dryer, a full washing load may be too large for the drying cycle.
Compare the two capacities of the model you’re considering with the amount you want to wash and dry without removing any clothes.
Its small capacity may mean running several cycles for everyday laundry, and it may not be suitable for some bulky items.
Think about your usual loads and check the instructions to see how the model takes in water and drains it after washing.
A nearby socket isn’t enough to confirm that the electrical installation is suitable. Promotelec explains that, in a bathroom, the machine’s position in relation to the safety zones, earthing and residual-current protection are all important.
If the machine is going near a shower or bath, ask a professional to check the location and circuit before you buy. Don’t use an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor to get around this check.
These brand examples illustrate different formats; check the dimensions and installation requirements for each individual model.
Candy offers top-loading washing machines as well as compact front-loading models.
The brand offers top-loading washing machines and washer-dryers, which address two different space constraints.
Bosch offers washer-dryers that combine washing and drying in one appliance.
HAVA offers a portable mini washing machine designed for small loads.
These models suit two studio-flat scenarios: top-loading when width is limited, and a washer-dryer when you need to dry clothes in the same appliance. Check their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing a model.
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Worth considering if the width of your space limits your choice of front-loading washing machines and you can open the lid freely. The product details state a 7 kg capacity, a 1,200 rpm spin speed and an A energy rating. Also check the space needed for the hoses and the connections specified in the instructions.
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Another option to consider when width is your main constraint. The product details state a 6 kg capacity, a 1,400 rpm spin speed and a B energy rating. Compare this capacity with your usual loads, then check that the lid can open and that the connections are suitable.
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For a studio flat where clothes also need to be dried in the machine, this model has a stated capacity of 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. You may need to reduce a full washing load before drying. Check its overall dimensions and connection requirements before setting aside a space for it.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the hoses and the space needed to open the appliance. A front-loading door needs room in front of the machine; a top-loader needs room above it. Let the dimension that restricts access or loading guide your choice.
It may be enough if your loads are small, but check your sheets, towels and other bulky items before choosing it as your only machine. The HAVA T02 has a stated capacity of 3 kg; ADEME gives 7 kg as a general guide for a washing machine, but that doesn’t mean every studio flat needs that capacity.
The washing capacity and the wash-and-dry capacity aren’t necessarily the same. According to Bosch Electroménager France, the WNA13400FF can handle 8 kg for washing, compared with 5 kg for washing and drying. If you fill the drum for a wash, you may need to remove some clothes before drying.
Legrand specifies a 16 A socket on a dedicated circuit, protected by a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A and a Type A residual-current device. Have the circuit for the intended location checked and consult the model’s instructions before connecting it.
Installation is possible, subject to requirements for positioning and electrical protection. Promotelec states that the machine must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and the hidden zone, be earthed and be supplied by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device. Have the intended location checked, particularly if it’s near a shower or bath.