Anyone with a narrow space
You’ll need to compare width and depth, and check that the door or lid can open fully. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the available space often determines whether a top-loading or front-loading model is the better choice.
Who is this choice for ?
Households that do washing frequently
You’re looking for a capacity that suits the amount of washing you do and how often you do it, without overlooking the space the machine will take up.
Anyone without space to dry clothes
You’re considering a washer-dryer to combine both functions in one footprint, taking its drying capacity and cycle requirements into account.
What to check
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the width-saving benefits of top-loading models and the reduced depth offered by some compact front-loading machines. Measure the room and the clearance needed before comparing appliances.
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the space in front of the door or above the lid. Also allow for the clearance needed for hoses and maintenance. | If every centimetre counts, I also check how the door or lid opens and whether I can reach the connections. Around 36 % of consumers are thought to prioritise size and access. |
| Capacity and frequency | Compare the washing capacity in kg with your usual loads and how often you do your washing. | If I do washing frequently, I look for a capacity suited to the amount of washing I have without sacrificing available space. Around 29 % of consumers are thought to prioritise capacity and frequency. |
| Drying in the same footprint | For a washer-dryer, check the washing capacity, drying capacity and details of the full cycle separately. | If I don’t have room for a separate tumble dryer, I compare how much the machine can dry after washing. Around 21 % of consumers are thought to prioritise drying at home. |
| Everyday comfort | Check whether loading from the top or front suits you, and look at the spin noise level and the instructions for levelling the machine. | If the machine will be near living areas, I consider noise and how easy it is to load. Around 14 % of consumers are thought to prioritise ease of access and noise levels. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing based on the stated width alone
A top-loading model needs space above it to open; a front-loading model needs room in front of the door. The depth of the main body may also differ from the appliance’s overall depth.
Measure the space and clearances, then check the dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer may be able to dry a smaller load than its maximum washing load. For the LG F852SV52IRS, the manufacturer’s product information lists an 8,5 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
Choose based on how much washing you actually want to dry, and compare details of the full cycle.
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Planning new connections without checking your home
Electrical safety depends on the installation and the room’s layout. For tenants, ANIL states that alterations to the property or its fittings require the landlord’s written consent.
Have the plans checked before ordering if connections need to be added or moved.
Brands to consider for different layouts
Electrolux
The top-loading range includes the EW6T4613HA, worth considering if width is a key factor.
- Electrolux lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm (H × W × D).
- Leave space above the machine to open the lid, and check the connections at the intended location.
AEG
The LTR8C7331A top-loading model is another option to compare if you’re looking for a narrow appliance.
- AEG lists a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 903 × 397 × 599 mm (H × W × D).
- These dimensions don’t remove the need to check lid clearance and available space in your room.
Bosch
Bosch’s washing machine range includes freestanding and integrated models, depending on the type of installation you need.
- Bosch’s range overview helps you distinguish between the installation options available.
- The category alone doesn’t guarantee that a particular model will fit a specific space: check its dimensions and instructions.
LG
The F852SV52IRS front-loading washer-dryer is worth comparing if you need washing and drying in one footprint.
- LG lists an 8,5 kg washing capacity, a 5 kg drying capacity, a body depth of 47,5 cm and an overall depth of 53 cm.
- When planning where to put it, allow for the overall depth, not just the body depth. Washing and drying capacities differ.
Washing machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes top-loading and front-loading washing machines to compare according to the width available, access for loading and the capacity you need.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if width is a constraint and a top-loading design suits the room.
Stated capacity: 6 kg. Spin speed: 1 400 rpm.
The lid needs enough clearance to open fully above the appliance.
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CHiQ JW95883G, 9 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you want a front-loading model and have enough clearance in front of the door.
Stated capacity: 9 kg. Spin speed: 1 400 rpm. The product title mentions a steam function.
The front-opening door needs room in front of the appliance.
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CHiQ JW105883G, 10 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a high-capacity front-loading model and can make room in front of the door.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Spin speed: 1 400 rpm. The product title mentions a steam function.
Leave enough clearance in front of the door to load your washing.
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Comfee CF10EWP05W-HR, 10 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth considering if a front-loading design suits the space and the stated capacity meets your needs.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. The product title mentions a pet hair programme and a steam function.
A front-opening door needs clearance in front of the machine.
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Comfee CF08EWP05W, 8 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth comparing if the appliance’s depth matters and there’s enough clearance in front of the door.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Depth listed in the description: 48 cm. The product title mentions a steam function.
Also measure the space needed to open the door and access the connections.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a washing machine in a small bathroom ?
Having enough room doesn’t by itself mean the electrical installation is suitable. Have the existing installation checked to make sure it’s appropriate for the bathroom layout, then measure access to the water supply, waste outlet and electricity supply. The French decree of 3 August 2016 sets technical requirements for electrical installations in residential buildings; it doesn’t establish a universal distance that applies to every room.
Does a tenant need the landlord’s consent to add a connection ?
Yes, if the work involves altering the property or its fittings: ANIL states that the landlord’s written consent is required. This doesn’t mean that replacing an appliance using existing connections always requires them to be altered.
What should you check when installing the machine for the first time and carrying out routine maintenance ?
Follow the instructions for your model to remove the transit bolts, adjust the feet and connect the hoses. If the machine vibrates, check in particular that it’s level and that the washing is distributed as directed by the manufacturer.
How should you compare a washer-dryer’s energy consumption and warranty ?
Compare the figures for a wash-only cycle with those for a wash-and-dry cycle, rather than figures for different cycles. For purchases from a retailer, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and lasts two years for new and second-hand goods sold to consumers; a commercial extended warranty is separate.