Who is this choice for?

Anyone with a specific space in mind

If your washing machine needs to fit into an alcove, kitchen, shower room or dedicated utility space, measure the usable area and locate the connections before comparing appliances.

People living in smaller homes

Limited width, restricted depth and an obstacle to opening the door each call for a different solution. A top-loader opens from above, while a front-loader needs space in front of the door.

People concerned about vibrations

If you live in a flat, check that the floor is stable and that the appliance can be levelled. Bosch and Electrolux also stress the importance of removing the transit bolts before first use.

What should you check before choosing?

When equipping a new home, first make sure the appliance can be installed and connected. Then choose a format that suits the space you can actually use.

Priority What to check Who this matters to
Space and connections Compare the dimensions of your chosen model with the available space, allowing room for the hoses. Check that you have a suitable socket, the water supply specified in the instructions and a waste outlet. I want to be able to use the washing machine as soon as I move in, without finding that the socket or waste outlet prevents it from working. Around 46% of consumers would make this compatibility their top priority.
Size and door clearance Work out whether width or depth is the limiting factor, then check how much space is needed in front of the door or above the lid. In a narrow room, I want to be able to load the washing without the door or lid being blocked. Easy access would come first for around 27% of consumers.
Stability and vibrations Check that the floor is flat and stable. Make sure you can level the appliance and remove the transit bolts as instructed. In a block of flats, I want to avoid a poorly installed machine moving around and disturbing other residents. Stability would be the main concern for around 27% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring the alcove and nothing else

    A machine might fit in the space but leave too little room for the hoses or for the door to open. Top-loading and front-loading machines need different clearances.

    Measure the usable width, depth and height, then compare them with the dimensions and installation guidance for the exact model you’re considering.

  • Assuming a top-loader takes up less space in every direction

    Saving width doesn’t guarantee a smaller depth or enough room to open the lid. For example, Whirlpool lists its TDLR62422LFRN as 40 cm wide and 60 cm deep.

    If depth is your main constraint, compare the dimensions of slimline front-loaders too, and allow for door clearance at the front.

  • Blaming vibrations on the model alone

    The floor and installation matter too. Bosch and Electrolux instruct you to remove the transit bolts, while Bosch also recommends adjusting the feet if the appliance moves.

    Check that the floor is stable and follow the instructions to remove the bolts and level the machine before use.

  • Improvising a connection if you’re unsure

    Having space for an appliance doesn’t mean the electrical or plumbing installation is suitable. Promotelec, for example, describes dedicated circuits in the home and electrical safety zones in bathrooms.

    If you have any concerns about the socket, water supply, waste outlet or the location in a bathroom, ask a qualified professional to assess the situation before using the machine.

Brands to compare

These models show how formats and capacities can vary. Always check the dimensions and instructions for the model you’re considering to make sure it suits your home.

Whirlpool

Worth considering when comparing a top-loader with a front-loader.

  • Whirlpool lists the top-loading TDLR62422LFRN at 40 × 60 × 90 cm with a 6 kg capacity, compared with 12 kg for the front-loading W0M210WADSFR.
  • A narrower top-loader still needs enough depth and room to open the lid.

Electrolux

Worth a look if you’re after a top-loader and model-specific installation guidance.

  • Electrolux lists the top-loading EW6T5137AG with a 7 kg capacity and describes SensiCare time adjustment as a feature that adapts to the weight of the load.
  • Check the instructions for your chosen model for connection requirements and how to remove the transit bolts.

Bosch

Worth comparing if you’re looking for a front-loader and clear installation guidance.

  • Bosch lists the front-loading WUU28T18FR at 8 kg capacity, with a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
  • Bosch recommends removing the transit bolts and adjusting the feet, but these steps don’t replace checking that the floor is suitable.

Haier

Worth considering if the available width and depth mean you need to compare different formats.

  • Haier lists the 9 kg front-loading X5 HW90-BP14357TU1 at 595 × 501 × 850 mm and the 9 kg top-loading Series 9 HW90-BPD13386U1 at 400 × 635 × 930 mm.
  • The shallower front-loader is still 595 mm wide, while the narrower top-loader needs more depth and access from above.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose my washing machine before checking the connections?

Check the connections first. A machine that fits the space must also be able to connect to a suitable water supply, waste outlet and socket. UFC-Que Choisir reminds people to follow safety guidance during installation; check the instructions for your model too, to find out what connections it needs.

Is a top-loading washing machine always better for a small home?

No. A top-loader can help when width is limited, but it still needs enough depth and space above the lid. If depth is the main issue, compare the dimensions of a slimline front-loader and make sure there’s room in front of the door.

What should I do if the socket or connections don’t look suitable?

Ask a qualified professional to check the space before you use the machine, rather than trying to improvise a connection. If you’re installing it in a bathroom, they should also check its position in relation to the electrical safety zones described by Promotelec.

How can I reduce vibrations the first time I use the machine?

Install the washing machine on a flat, stable floor, remove the transit bolts and adjust the feet as instructed. Bosch and Electrolux both highlight how important these steps are. If the appliance continues to move, check the installation again.