In a studio flat or a narrow shower room, start by choosing according to the dimension you’re short on and the space needed to open the appliance. A slim front-loading machine can help when depth is limited, while a top-loader may be a better fit if width is the issue and there’s enough clearance above it. A mini washing machine is suitable for small, occasional loads when a standard appliance can’t be installed. In every case, check the usable capacity and whether the connections can be installed.
The number of people in your household matters, but access to the drum and whether the appliance can be installed are the first things that determine which formats will work.
If you’ll be using the washing machine every day, measure the access route and the space where it will go. Remember to account for the door, nearby furniture and room to open the drum. Then choose a capacity that suits the laundry you actually wash, including bulky items.
Having enough room doesn’t automatically mean the appliance can be installed there. According to Promotelec, a washing machine in a shower room must be earthed, powered by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and positioned outside Volume 2. Ask a professional to assess the location if you’re unsure about its proximity to the shower or bath.
A mini washing machine may be suitable for small, occasional loads if there’s no way to install a standard appliance. Check its capacity and the items you’ll need to wash: this format may not meet your needs as your main washing machine.
First, work out whether width, depth or clearance for opening the appliance is the main obstacle. Then compare the capacity and connections of the formats that could fit.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size and clearance | Measure the width, depth, access route and clearance needed for loading. UFC-Que Choisir describes slim front-loading machines that are around 33 to 45 cm deep while still 60 cm wide, and top-loaders that are around 40 cm wide. | Depth takes up too much of my access route: I’ll look at a slim front-loader, provided its door can open. If width is the issue, I’ll check that there’s enough clearance above for a top-loader. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual laundry load and bulkiest items. Check each model individually: a smaller outer size doesn’t, by itself, tell you what will fit in the drum. | I want to wash my everyday laundry without running unnecessary extra cycles, while still leaving enough room for the appliance. |
| Installation | UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the water supply, waste outlet, a suitable socket and a flat, stable floor. In a shower room, Promotelec specifies the requirements for earthing, 30 mA residual-current protection and positioning outside Volume 2. | Before choosing an appliance, I need to know whether the space really allows for its connections and, near a shower or bath, a suitable electrical installation. |
| Durability | Once you’ve chosen a format and capacity, compare the durability rating of the models you’re considering and the details behind their scores. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that washing machines in France have been rated on this 10-point scale since 8 April 2025. | If several appliances suit my room, I’d also like to compare the durability information available for each one. |
A slim front-loader may fit in depth but leave too little room in front for its door to open. A top-loader may fit between two units but be unusable if its lid is blocked.
Measure the space and delivery access route, then allow room to open the appliance, fit the hoses and reach the connections.
A capacity that’s too small may mean more cycles and make it harder to wash bulky items.
Compare the stated capacity with how often you do laundry and the largest items you need to wash, rather than focusing only on the appliance’s external dimensions.
A narrow space may not have a water supply, waste outlet, suitable socket or stable floor. In a shower room, you also need to consider electrical safety requirements and the appliance’s position in relation to the shower or bath.
Check the location before placing your order. If you’re unsure about the connections or electrical safety, ask a qualified professional.
Two appliances may fit in the same room but offer different durability information.
Once you’ve checked the installation and capacity, compare the 10-point durability rating and its detailed criteria to help choose between models that fit your space.
These model examples show why it’s important to compare the dimension that’s actually preventing installation. They don’t represent every washing machine from each brand.
An example of a top-loader to consider when width is limited.
Examples of top-loaders for narrow rooms, as long as you check their depth.
An example of a front-loader to consider if the width and clearance in front of the door are suitable.
This 8 kg model may be worth considering if that capacity suits your laundry needs. Whether it’s right for a studio flat or shower room depends on the measurements of your space, clearance for opening the appliance and installation requirements.
Image unavailable
If you need an 8 kg capacity, check this model’s overall dimensions, the space needed for loading and the connections before choosing it for a narrow room.
Yes, provided the location and electrical installation meet the relevant requirements. Promotelec states that the appliance must be earthed, powered by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and positioned outside Volume 2. If you’re unsure about its position near a shower or bath, ask a qualified professional to check the location.
Check the water supply, waste outlet, a suitable electrical socket and a flat, stable floor, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir. Also check the model’s instructions for any specific requirements relating to its hoses and installation.
Compare washing machines that already suit your space and laundry needs. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that washing machines in France have been rated on this 10-point scale since 8 April 2025. The rating doesn’t replace checking the dimensions, clearance for opening the appliance and connections.
Not necessarily. It’s mainly suited to small, occasional loads when it isn’t possible to install a standard washing machine. Before choosing one, check its capacity and whether it can handle the bulky items you need to wash.