A shallow alcove
If the machine could stick out into a walkway, a slim front-loader is worth considering. Its reduced depth doesn’t mean you can overlook the space needed in front for the door to open or behind the machine for the connections.
Which format is right for you?
A narrow space with room above
A top-loader may be a good option if width is an issue. The Electrolux and Whirlpool models reviewed are 40 cm wide, but you’ll also need enough clearance to open their lids fully.
Someone who washes small loads
A mini washing machine may be suitable as a secondary appliance if its smaller capacity meets your needs. Before relying on one for your regular laundry, check how it drains and spins, and whether there’s room for bulkier items.
What to check before you buy
To choose between a standard front-loader, a slim model, a top-loader and a mini washing machine, start with the measurement that limits your installation, then check access to the drum and the capacity you need. The space a machine takes up when closed isn’t always the same as the space you’ll need to use it.
Standard front-loader
Consider it: if the space can accommodate the machine, its connections and the open door, and its capacity suits your laundry loads.
Bear in mind: it may still be quite wide and deep. For example, the Bosch WGE02408FR measures 848 × 598 × 588 mm, according to Bosch.
Slim front-loader
Consider it: if depth is your main constraint and there’s enough clear space in front to load the machine.
Bear in mind: ‘slim’ doesn’t refer to one standard size. Candy describes a range with depths of 33 to 46 cm, depending on the model. Check the exact model, its door and its connections.
Top-loader
Consider it: if width is limited and the top of the machine will remain accessible.
Bear in mind: a narrow top-loader isn’t necessarily shallower. The Electrolux EW8T3632AA and Whirlpool TDLR 65210 models are each 40 cm wide and 60 cm deep, according to their respective product specifications.
Mini washing machine for occasional use
Consider it: if you mainly wash small loads and are happy to check the washing and spinning options separately.
Bear in mind: its capacity may mean running several cycles for bulky laundry. HAVA states that its T02 has a capacity of 3 kg; drainage requirements and suitable load sizes depend on the mini model you choose.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and access | Measure the overall height, width and depth, then check the space needed for the hoses and the remaining clearance. | If the machine sticks out into my walkway or gets in the way of a door, I need to deal with that before comparing programmes. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise dimensions and access. |
| Access to the laundry | Check the door clearance in front of a front-loader or the headroom above a top-loader, using the model’s diagram. | I want to load the laundry without moving furniture or having a door in the way. Everyday access would be the main concern for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity with your usual loads, including bedding and towels, and check any programme limits. | If my regular loads include bulky items, I’d rather not have to split them across too many cycles. Capacity would come first for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Noise and stability | Check the model’s noise figures and follow the instructions for installation, removing the transit bolts and adjusting the feet. | In a home where you can hear the spin cycle from the living room or neighbouring flats, noise and vibration matter more to me. Around 14% of shoppers would make them a priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the alcove
A machine may fit in its space but still block a walkway, an internal door or its own door when opened.
Mark out the machine’s footprint on the floor with the door both closed and open, allow for the hoses, and compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen.
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Assuming ‘slim’ means narrow in every dimension
A slim front-loader is mainly designed to reduce depth. A top-loader is more likely to help when width is limited, but it may not be any less deep.
Identify the measurement that’s actually preventing installation, then compare the height, width, depth and opening method.
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Choosing the smallest capacity without considering your laundry
Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles. A mini model with a stated capacity of 3 kg won’t give you the same room for bedding as a 6 or 7 kg machine.
Make a list of the bulkiest items you wash and check the model’s load limits before deciding whether it can be your main washing machine.
Extra cycles can also take more time and, depending on how you use the machine, more water and electricity.
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Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between an optional commercial warranty and the statutory guarantees that apply in addition to it. Buying an extended warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights.
Read the cover and exclusions for any extended warranty on offer, and keep your proof of purchase and delivery.
Brands to consider by format
These examples are here to help you compare specific formats and models, not to suggest that every machine from a brand has the same dimensions or features.
Bosch
A model to consider if your space can accommodate a standard front-loader.
- Bosch states that the WGE02408FR measures 848 × 598 × 588 mm and has a stated capacity of 7 kg.
- These dimensions alone don’t allow for the space needed to open the door or fit the connections.
Candy
A range to consider if limited depth makes a slim front-loader a good option.
- Candy describes slim or compact models with depths of 33 to 46 cm, with capacity varying by model.
- Check the depth, protruding parts and door clearance for the model you’re considering, rather than relying on the range name.
Electrolux
A top-loader to consider when width is limited and there’s clear space above.
- Electrolux states that the EW8T3632AA measures 890 × 400 × 600 mm and has a capacity of 6 kg.
- Its 40 cm width won’t help if depth is the issue, and you’ll also need room to open the lid.
Whirlpool
Another top-loader to consider for a space with limited width.
- Whirlpool’s product specifications for the TDLR 65210 state that it is 40 cm wide, 90 cm high and 60 cm deep.
- Check that its depth and top-opening lid will work in your space and allow for the connections.
Washing machines to compare on Joybuy
This selection includes a front-loader with reduced depth, a top-loader and two other front-loaders. Compare their capacities with your usual laundry loads, then check the installation dimensions and loading clearance in the instructions for each model.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg front-loader, white
Worth considering if depth is a key factor, provided you have enough room to open the door and connect the machine.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated maximum spin speed: 1,400 rpm. The product title mentions an inverter motor.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader
Worth considering if width is your main constraint, provided there’s enough headroom to open the lid.
Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated maximum spin speed: 1,400 rpm. The product title mentions 17 programmes and a Wi-Fi connection.
Also check the depth and space needed for the connections before installation.
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CHiQ JW85883G, 8 kg front-loader, dark grey
Worth comparing if you’d prefer a front-loader. Check the overall dimensions and door clearance before deciding whether it will fit your space.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated maximum spin speed: 1,400 rpm; the product title mentions 16 programmes.
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Electrolux EWF1410N2, 10 kg front-loader
Consider it if its capacity suits your loads and your space can accommodate its depth, front-opening door and connections.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Check the installation diagram for this model before choosing it for a narrow space.
Frequently asked questions
Will a standard front-loader fit in a studio flat?
Yes, if there’s enough room to connect the machine and open its door without blocking access. For example, Bosch gives the WGE02408FR dimensions of 848 × 598 × 588 mm. Always check the dimensions of the model you’ve chosen against a diagram of your space.
Should you choose a top-loader or a slim front-loader when space is limited?
Choose according to the dimension that’s limiting your options: a top-loader may help when width is an issue, while a slim front-loader is designed mainly to reduce depth. According to their manufacturers, the Electrolux EW8T3632AA and Whirlpool TDLR 65210 top-loaders are 40 cm wide but 60 cm deep; Candy describes its slim range as 33 to 46 cm deep. Also check the space needed to open the lid or door.
Can a mini washing machine be the only machine in a studio flat?
It may be enough for some small loads, but it won’t necessarily suit all your regular laundry. HAVA states that its T02 has a capacity of 3 kg. Before making it your main machine, check the permitted load sizes, spin function and water inlet and drainage requirements against the laundry you actually need to wash.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory warranty on a washing machine bought in France?
No. According to the DGCCRF, a commercial warranty is optional and adds to statutory guarantees without replacing them. Before taking out an extended warranty, check what it covers and any exclusions, and keep your proof of purchase.