If there’s a suitable space with the right connections, choose a washing machine to suit the dimension you’re short on: a slim front-loader if depth is limited, or a top-loader if width is the issue. Also measure the space needed to open the door or lid, and choose a capacity that suits your laundry. If there’s no suitable space or connections, a shared or self-service laundrette lets you wash your clothes without installing an appliance you can’t use.
If space is tight, check that an appliance won’t block walkways and that installing it won’t involve work you’re not authorised to carry out. Service-Public.fr explains that tenants need their landlord’s permission for certain types of work.
Compare the capacity with the amount of laundry you actually wash, then measure the space and room needed to open the machine. Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean having to run more cycles.
If your water supply, drainage or electrical supply aren’t suitable for installing a machine, compare the cost of buying one with using a shared or self-service laundrette.
Start with the space available and whether you can install a machine; capacity and individual model features come next.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and opening | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the clearance needed in front of a door or above a lid. Electrolux says its slim front-loaders are generally 33 to 45 cm deep, but usually remain 60 cm wide. | If my space is shallow, I can look at a slim front-loader; if it’s particularly narrow, it’s worth measuring a top-loader. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity with your usual laundry loads and any bulky items you wash. Que Choisir warns that a drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles. | I want to wash my everyday laundry without choosing a drum that’s too small for my usual loads. |
| Noise and stability | Compare the noise levels stated for each model during the spin cycle. Make sure the floor is flat and hard and that the machine is level, as Electrolux recommends. | In a block of flats, I take the noise during the spin cycle and where the machine will stand into account. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, waste-water drainage and electrical supply before buying. Legrand says that any new washing machine circuit must be dedicated. | If my home doesn’t have the right connections, I’d rather look into a shared laundry option before buying a machine. |
| Energy use | Read the energy label, taking the capacity you need into account. ADEME recommends using it to compare household appliances. | Once I’ve found the right dimensions and capacity, I want to be able to compare the energy-use information. |
| Access to a laundrette | Check the location, opening hours and how you’ll transport your laundry. Bpifrance Création defines a self-service laundrette as a space where machines are made available to the public. | If I don’t have space or suitable connections at home, I can do my laundry without taking up space with an appliance permanently. |
Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean having to run more cycles.
Think about your usual loads, including bedding and other bulky items, before comparing capacities.
A machine may fit in its space but leave too little room to use the door or lift the lid.
Measure the space itself, the clearance in front of a front-loader and the height available above a top-loader.
Legrand says that any new washing machine circuit must be dedicated and protected.
Have the installation checked before placing your order; if it needs modifying, consult a qualified electrician.
Creating or modifying a circuit also means work that needs to be arranged before the machine is installed.
A poorly positioned machine may vibrate or move around. Service-Public.fr notes that, depending on the circumstances, noise from an installation may be considered an abnormal neighbourhood disturbance.
Compare the stated noise level during the spin cycle, place the machine on a flat, hard floor and adjust its feet.
The Bosch WAJ24008FF front-loader is worth considering if your space can accommodate a standard-width machine and an 8 kg capacity suits your household’s laundry.
Beko top-loaders are worth considering when width is limited, provided there’s enough room to open the lid.
Electrolux slim front-loaders are worth considering if you’re short on depth but have enough width and room for a front-opening door.
The Candy ProWash 300 TCA263D2-S is an example of a top-loader worth considering for a narrow space.
This model may suit you if space is limited widthways and the lid can open freely. Check the installation dimensions and the connections you’ll need at home before choosing.
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Its top-loading design is worth considering if you’re short on width, provided there’s enough height to open the lid. The product name indicates a 6 kg capacity, a 1,400 rpm spin speed, a B energy rating, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Check the space needed for installation, along with the water supply, drainage and electrical connection.
No. The space needs to allow for the necessary connections, room to open the machine and a stable installation. In particular, check the water supply, waste-water drainage and the floor. Electrolux recommends a flat, hard surface to help limit vibration and movement.
Check that a suitable electrical supply is available before buying. Legrand says that any new washing machine circuit must be dedicated and fitted with a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A. Ask a qualified professional to assess any work needed to create or modify a circuit.
Whether you need permission depends on the work and your circumstances. Service-Public.fr explains that tenants sometimes need their landlord’s permission before carrying out work; in a block of flats, you’ll also need to establish whether the work affects communal areas. Explain the changes you’re planning before having new connections installed.
No. It may work if you’re short on width and there’s enough room to open the lid. If depth is the main constraint, take a look at the dimensions of a slim front-loader instead. In either case, make sure the capacity suits your usual loads.
A shared or self-service laundrette is worth considering if there’s nowhere at home that allows the machine to open and be installed properly, or if the necessary work can’t be carried out. If so, check access, opening hours and how you’ll transport your laundry.