First, choose a design that works with the main constraint of your space : a top-loader if width is limited and there’s room to open the lid, a slim front-loader if depth is an issue, or an integrated front-loader if you need to hide the appliance behind a kitchen cabinet door. A standard front-loader may fit under a worktop if the dimensions allow ; in every case, measure the space needed for loading, connections and installation of the specific model.
If a front-loader around 60 cm wide won’t fit, but you can keep the top of the appliance accessible, consider a top-loader. Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this type ; then check the width and lid opening of the model you’re considering.
If there’s room for a front-loader but the appliance could encroach on a walkway, look at slim front-loaders. Compare their depth with the space you actually have, allowing for connections and the door opening.
If you want to hide the washing machine behind a kitchen cabinet door, look for a model specifically described as integrated. Check its installation diagram, the cabinet and the decorative door : the appliance’s depth alone won’t tell you whether they’re compatible.
Start by measuring the usable width, depth and height, then identify anything that could obstruct loading or movement around the room. Each design suits different constraints : Que Choisir describes top-loaders as narrow and slim front-loaders as less deep, while an integrated model is designed for kitchens with a cabinet door.
| Constraint | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove width | Measure the width at the narrowest point and check that the appliance can get through, then make sure there’s room to open a top-loader’s lid. | When a front-loader won’t fit width-wise, I look for a top-loader without blocking access from above ; around 28 % of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Depth and walkway | Compare the model’s depth with the space available, allowing for connections and the door opening. | If the machine could protrude into a walkway, I want to keep front-loading access without obstructing movement ; for around 22 % of consumers, depth comes first. |
| Under-worktop installation | Check all three dimensions of the model, its installation instructions and the space in front of the door. | I have space under the worktop and want to install a front-loader with a capacity that suits my washing ; around 22 % of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Kitchen cabinet door | Check that the model is integrated and that its installation diagram is suitable for the cabinet and decorative door. | To keep my kitchen cabinets looking seamless, I need to be able to attach the cabinet door to the appliance ; this is a priority for around 17 % of consumers. |
| Very limited height | Compare the dimensions and capacity of the compact model you’re considering with the available space and the amount of washing you do. | If even a standard-height front-loader is too tall for the space, I’d consider a compact model, while carefully checking its capacity ; around 11 % of consumers put this constraint first. |
An integrated model isn’t necessarily shallow : Electrolux lists a depth of 553 mm for its PerfectCare 700 EW7F1484BI. Slim models also vary in depth.
Compare the dimensions of the specific model with your available space and check its installation diagram before choosing.
A top-loader needs enough room above it for the lid to open, even if its narrow width solves the problem of fitting into an alcove.
Measure the vertical clearance and check how far the lid of the model you’re considering opens.
For its washing machines, Bosch specifies that you should remove the transit bolts and adjust the feet to level the appliance.
Follow the instructions for the model you choose ; if the space makes installation difficult, ask a professional for help.
Placing an electrical appliance near a bath or shower requires checks specific to the room. Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series governs electrical installations in bathrooms in France.
Before deciding where to put the appliance, ask a qualified professional to assess the space and electrical installation if necessary.
These examples show different designs to compare. They don’t guarantee that another model from the same brand will have the same dimensions.
Worth considering when limited width makes a top-loading washing machine the best choice.
A freestanding front-loader that provides a useful comparison for a space under a worktop with enough width and depth.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a front-loader designed to fit behind a kitchen cabinet door.
Slim front-loaders to compare when depth is an issue, plus a previous example of a compact design to illustrate possible compromises.
These models let you explore three different situations : a narrow alcove where you can load from above, a space that can accommodate a freestanding front-loader, or a front-loader option where depth needs to be checked. Before choosing a design, check the full dimensions and clearance requirements of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering for a narrow alcove if the lid can open freely above the appliance.
Top-loading, with a 6 kg capacity, a listed spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 17 programmes. Check the exact width, connections and clearance needed to open the lid.
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Worth considering if your space can accommodate a front-loader and a 10 kg capacity suits your washing.
Check the full dimensions, connections and space in front of the door before considering an under-worktop installation. Don’t assume this model is compatible with a decorative cabinet door.
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If depth is a key factor in your choice, compare the full dimensions of this front-loader with your available space before deciding.
8 kg capacity, a listed spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 16 programmes. Also check the width, connections and door opening ; don’t assume it’s a slim model just because it’s a front-loader.
Yes : also measure the route to the space, room for the connections and the clearance needed for loading. A top-loader opens upwards, while a front-loader needs access in front of the door ; compare these measurements with the diagram for the specific model.
No : its height, width and depth must suit the space, and it must be installed in line with the model’s instructions. Check the connections and door opening in particular, and don’t modify the appliance unless the instructions explicitly say to.
Follow the model’s instructions for the transit bolts, levelling and hoses. Bosch specifies that you should remove the transit bolts and adjust the feet ; also check that the hoses aren’t bent or trapped.
It depends on the room layout and electrical installation, especially if the appliance is near a bath or shower. In France, Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series governs electrical installations in bathrooms ; have the proposed location checked before you buy.
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for front-loading and top-loading washing machines on 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Compare the index shown for the models concerned, but still check their dimensions and installation requirements.