People living in a very narrow space
Compare the width and depth separately, and check how much clearance you need to open the door or lid. UFC-Que Choisir explains how these requirements vary by format.
Who is this guide for?
Renters without a suitable connection point
You want to do your laundry at home without assuming that a standard appliance can be connected. If installation involves building work, Service Public points out that some work requires the landlord’s permission.
People living alone with varying laundry loads
A capacity that’s too small can mean running more cycles, while a compact format alone won’t tell you what capacity you need. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your needs.
Which features should you check first?
When choosing a washing machine for a small home, UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering its width, depth and opening clearance. ADEME also advises matching the capacity to your needs and comparing the information on the energy label.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and opening clearance | Measure the available width and depth, then check how much space you need to open the door or lid. | If access is narrow or the machine needs to open close to an obstacle, I check every dimension before comparing programmes. Around 36% of consumers prioritise an appliance that fits in the room and can be opened. |
| Installation and safety | Check the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and instructions; if it’s going in a bathroom, have the location checked. | If my home doesn’t have a suitable connection point, I check which connections are possible and what precautions apply before choosing an appliance. Around 29% of consumers prioritise an installation that’s feasible. |
| Capacity and number of cycles | Estimate the size of your usual loads and check the washing and spin capacities separately if they differ. | If I do laundry regularly or wash bulky items, I look for a suitable capacity rather than the smallest drum. Around 21% of consumers prioritise reducing the number of cycles. |
| Noise and energy and water use | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin noise on the energy label. | If the machine will be near a living area, I compare noise and energy and water use once I’ve found a format that fits the room. Around 14% of consumers prioritise comfort and running costs. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “slim” means narrow
The term often refers to a reduced depth, not a machine that’s narrow in every dimension. For example, the Candy ProWash 300 GD 27S7-S front-loader is 595 mm wide, according to its manufacturer’s specifications.
Measure the width and depth separately, then check the door clearance and the distances specified in the instructions for the exact model.
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Confusing a compact front-loader with a mini washing machine that needs no fixed water supply
A compact 5 kg front-loader and a manually filled appliance are designed for different needs. The Wiltec 65816 has a stated capacity of 3.0 kg for washing and 1.0 kg for spinning.
Before choosing, check the filling method, drainage and washing and spin capacities carefully.
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Choosing the smallest capacity without considering your laundry
A drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles. A larger capacity is only useful if it suits your usual loads.
Think about the amount of laundry you usually have and any bulky items, then compare the capacities of models that can actually be installed in your home.
Brands to compare by format
Electrolux
Worth considering if a narrow width and no front-opening door are essential, using a specific top-loading model as a point of comparison.
- Electrolux France lists the EW6T4613HA as 400 mm wide and 600 mm deep, with a 6 kg capacity.
- You’ll also need to allow for its depth and enough space above it to open the lid.
Candy
Worth comparing when the depth of a front-loading washing machine is a key constraint.
- Candy France lists the ProWash 300 GD 27S7-S as having a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 595 × 467 × 850 mm.
- Reduced depth doesn’t necessarily mean a narrower machine; you’ll also need to allow space to open the door.
Haier
Worth comparing if the height or width of a standard front-loader is an issue, while taking the specific model’s dimensions into account.
- Haier lists the Mini Drum HW50-BP12307U1-S as having a 5 kg capacity and dimensions of 510 × 492 × 700 mm.
- “Mini Drum” doesn’t mean it can be filled manually: check the connections specified in the instructions.
Wiltec
Worth considering as a secondary appliance for small loads when manual filling is essential.
- Wiltec lists the model 65816 as manually filled, with a capacity of 3.0 kg for washing and 1.0 kg for spinning.
- You’ll need suitable drainage and should check that the appliance is right for your intended use and your home’s electrical supply.
Joybuy products related to this topic
This selection includes a foldable portable mini washing machine and front-loading washing machines with capacities of 8 to 10 kg. Check each model’s dimensions and capacity against your available space and usual laundry loads.
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10 L foldable portable mini washing machine
The product title describes a portable, foldable design for use in places such as flats or halls of residence. Check how it’s filled and drained before choosing it.
Stated volume: 10 L. Three listed wash times: 2, 5 or 10 minutes. Stated motor power: 40 W; listed speed: 320 rpm.
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CHiQ JW95883G, 9 kg front-loading washing machine
The product title lists a slim width of 465 mm. Check that the depth, connections and door clearance suit your available space.
Stated capacity: 9 kg. Listed width: 465 mm. Stated drum size: 530 mm; listed spin speed: 1,400 rpm.
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CHiQ JW105883G, 10 kg front-loading washing machine
This front-loader is worth comparing if its capacity suits your laundry loads. Check its dimensions and the clearance it needs before choosing it for a narrow room.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Listed drum size: 530 mm. Spin speed: 1,400 rpm. 16 programmes listed.
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Comfee’ CF10EWP05W-HR, 10 kg washing machine
If you’re choosing a machine for a small room, check this model’s dimensions and the space needed to use it. Its stated capacity should also suit your usual laundry loads.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. 16 programmes listed, including a pet-hair programme; steam function listed.
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Comfee’ CF08EWP05W, 8 kg front-loading washing machine
Its stated depth could be useful if space behind the machine is limited. Also check the width, door clearance and required connections.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Listed depth: 48 cm. 16 programmes listed; steam function listed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a top-loading washing machine always a better choice for a narrow bathroom?
No. It takes up less width and doesn’t need front-door clearance, but it still needs enough depth and headroom. Electrolux France lists the EW6T4613HA as 400 mm wide, 600 mm deep and 890 mm high, before allowing for the clearances specified in the instructions.
What should I check if there’s no obvious connection point?
For a standard washing machine, check the instructions for the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and connection distances. A model designed by its manufacturer for manual filling may not need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a safe way to drain the wastewater.
Can you install a washing machine anywhere in a bathroom?
No. Promotelec states that a washing machine in a bathroom must be installed outside zone 2, earthed and connected to a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device. Have the zones and installation checked on site: these guidelines do not confirm that a particular location is suitable.
Does a tenant need their landlord’s permission to install a washing machine?
It depends on the work involved. Service Public distinguishes between using a property and making alterations to it, and says some work requires the landlord’s permission. If installing a water supply, drainage or electrical circuit involves building work, discuss the plans with your landlord before starting.
How should you compare energy and water use once you’ve found the right format?
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin noise shown on the energy label, using a like-for-like basis. These figures can’t predict your personal bills; check the model’s instructions for maintenance advice too.