Choose the format that addresses the main restriction in your space: a top-loading washing machine if width is limited and there’s room above it, a shallower front-loading model if the machine might obstruct a walkway, or a model specifically designed for under-worktop installation if the worktop dictates its height. In every case, check the door or lid clearance, connections and installation instructions for the model you’re considering, rather than relying on its stated dimensions alone.
If width is limited between two units or in a small shower room, a top-loading machine is worth considering. Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loading washing machines; however, you’ll need enough room to open the lid.
If a front-loading machine will fit across the width but might protrude into a doorway or walkway, compare the depth of the models you’re considering. Also leave enough usable space in front of the door and behind the machine for the connections.
If the washing machine needs to fit under a worktop or behind a cupboard door, distinguish between a front-loader approved for under-worktop installation and a fully integrated model. The available height, the unit and the parts specified by the manufacturer will determine which one is suitable.
Start by measuring the space, then identify what could actually prevent you from using the washing machine: its width, how far it protrudes into the room, or whether it can be installed under a unit. A standard front-loader may still be suitable if its dimensions and door clearance work for you; the other formats each address a more specific constraint.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Width and clearance above the machine | Measure the width at the narrowest points and check that a top-loader’s lid can open fully. | In a narrow alcove, my main concern is fitting the machine in without losing the ability to load it; around 42% of consumers rank width as their top priority. |
| Depth and access to the door | Compare the model’s depth with the space needed for connections and the clearance required to open the door. | If the washing machine protrudes into a walkway, I want to keep the route clear while still being able to open the door; depth is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Installation under a worktop or in a unit | Check the height, permitted installation type, unit dimensions and any parts specified for the model. | If there’s already a worktop or cupboard front in place, I need to choose a machine that’s suitable for that installation; around 25% of consumers prioritise fitting it into their space. |
A top-loader needs enough clearance for its lid to open. A worktop or fixed shelf could therefore stop you using the machine, even if it fits in the alcove.
Check the full opening arc of the lid before you buy. If there isn’t enough room above it, consider a front-loader that suits your available space and installation requirements.
The depth of the cabinet alone won’t tell you whether there’s room for the connections or whether the door can open without blocking the walkway.
Check the dimensions diagram and instructions for the exact model, rather than relying on clearance figures for a different one.
A removable top doesn’t necessarily make a freestanding washing machine suitable for concealing behind a cupboard door. The unit and installation requirements vary by model.
Decide whether you simply want to place the machine under a worktop or conceal it behind a cupboard door, then check the manufacturer’s instructions.
For under-worktop installation, some models need a dedicated cover plate: Electrolux specifies one for the EW2F6812AW.
Being close to a bath or shower changes what you need to check; putting the machine in a cupboard doesn’t, by itself, resolve the issue.
Before choosing this location, ask a qualified professional to check the proposed position and electrical installation.
Beko France offers top-loading washing machines as well as front-loaders in different depths. Compare models to find one that suits the constraints of your space.
The EW2F6812AW front-loader lets you consider both the machine’s depth and the under-worktop installation option available for this particular model.
Bosch Électroménager France offers front-loaders with removable tops for under-worktop installation, as well as separate fully integrated washing machines.
Measure the width, height and depth at several points, then check the space in front of the machine, whether the door or lid can open fully, and where the connections will go. Compare your measurements with the dimensions diagram and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Not if the worktop prevents you from opening the lid to load the washing. If that’s the case, look for a front-loader that the manufacturer explicitly approves for under-worktop installation, then check the final height and any parts required.
You need to consider how close the machine will be to the bath or shower, as well as the electrical installation. Promotelec highlights the different zones in a bathroom and the need for electrical protection. Have a qualified professional check your specific setup before installation.
No. In France, a commercial warranty offered with a washing machine is in addition to your rights under the statutory guarantee of conformity; it doesn’t replace them. The Ministry of the Economy explains this statutory guarantee. Check the cover and terms of any extended warranty offered by the retailer separately.