Narrow gap
If there isn’t much width between two units, consider a top-loading washing machine. Also measure its depth and the clearance needed to open the lid fully.
Who is this guide for?
Shallow room
If the machine might jut out into the walkway, a slim-depth front-loader is worth considering. You’ll still need enough room to open the door and load the laundry in front of the appliance.
Free up floor space
If you’re planning to stack a tumble dryer on top, check the available height and whether the stacking kit is compatible with the exact model numbers of both appliances, rather than relying on their width alone.
What should you check?
First measure the space and the room needed for loading, then check the connections and installation requirements for your chosen model. A narrower top-loader and a slim-depth front-loader solve different space constraints.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Width and top opening | Measure the space and the clearance needed to open the lid. According to UFC-Que Choisir, top-loading washing machines are generally 40 to 46 cm wide. | When the gap is narrow, I’m mainly looking for a machine that fits without making it difficult to load from the top; around 33% of consumers prioritise this width constraint. |
| Depth and walkway | Compare the machine’s overall depth with the space available, then check the door clearance and the space allowed for hoses in the manual. | If the machine sticks out too far into the room, I want to keep the walkway clear while still being able to load the laundry; depth is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Under-counter or stacked installation | Check the dimensions and instructions for under-counter installation. For a stack, make sure the kit is compatible with the exact model numbers of the washing machine and tumble dryer. | I want to fit the machine under a worktop or make use of the available height for a tumble dryer; around 20% of consumers put this configuration first. |
| Connections and durability | Allow access to the hoses and plug as specified in the manual. For the household washing machines covered in France, also compare the durability rating shown for each model. | In a tight space, I don’t want to make the connections or maintenance difficult to access; for around 20% of consumers, this concern comes before choosing a format. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming a narrow machine is also shallow
A top-loader may solve a width problem without being shallow. It also needs clearance above it for the lid.
Measure the width, depth and available height, then check the opening path for the model you’re considering.
-
Forgetting the door on a slim-depth front-loader
Even a shallower machine can obstruct the walkway when its door is open.
Measure the space in front of the machine when it’s in use and check its installation diagram.
-
Stacking two appliances of the same width without checking the kit
Matching widths don’t prove that the appliances are compatible. Bosch, for example, specifies that its WTZ11300 kit is for standard washing machines with a depth of more than 55 cm; Electrolux states that its E1WYHSK2 kit is for Electrolux front-loading appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm.
Note down the model numbers of both appliances and confirm with the manufacturer that they’re compatible with your chosen kit.
-
Comparing only capacity and energy rating
Once you’ve confirmed the installation requirements, the durability rating gives you another way to compare the household washing machines covered in France. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, it has been gradually replacing the repairability index for these appliances since 8 April 2025.
Compare the durability score out of 10 and its breakdown for models that already fit your space.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Top-loader or front-loader: which should I choose for a narrow gap?
Choose based on the measurement you’re short of: a top-loader is mainly suited to a width constraint, while a slim-depth front-loader takes up less room. According to UFC-Que Choisir, top-loaders are generally 40 to 46 cm wide; still, check their depth and lid clearance. A front-loader, on the other hand, needs space in front of the door.
Can you install a top-loading washing machine under a kitchen worktop?
Not if the worktop prevents the lid from opening fully. Before choosing this format, measure the clearance needed to load the machine.
Will any stacking kit fit appliances from any brand?
No: check that the kit is compatible with the exact model numbers of both appliances. Bosch, for example, specifies that its WTZ11300 kit is for a standard washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. Electrolux states that its E1WYHSK2 kit is for Electrolux front-loading appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm, and recommends checking compatibility using the PNC number.
What access should you allow for the connections?
Allow enough room for the hoses, plug and any work described in the manual for your chosen model. Electrolux, for example, explains that replacing the water inlet hose as described in its documentation requires access to the back of the appliance.
How can you use the durability rating to choose?
Compare the ratings of models that already meet your installation requirements. In France, according to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability rating has been gradually replacing the repairability index for the household washing machines covered since 8 April 2025; its score out of 10 gives information about factors including reliability and repairability.