Start by choosing a design that leaves enough room to install and open the washing machine. A top-loader is usually best when width or clearance in front of the appliance is limited, while a compact front-loader is a better fit when depth is the issue. If you want to stack a tumble dryer on top, check that both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. Then compare suitable models by capacity and spin noise.
If the available width is limited or there’s no room to open a door outwards, compare top-loading washing machines. Bear in mind that the lid needs enough clearance to open fully. The National Institute of Consumer Affairs generally puts their width at between 40 and 45 cm.
If an appliance around 60 cm wide will fit but there isn’t much depth to spare, consider a compact front-loader. UFC-Que Choisir describes shallow front-loading models, but you’ll still need room to open the door and load the washing.
If you want to free up floor space, stacking may be an option, provided the appliances and stacking kit are explicitly listed as compatible. Requirements vary by model, so a shallow depth alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
Start with the measurements that determine whether you can access the laundry area. If more than one design will fit, compare usable capacity, stacking requirements and spin noise to suit your needs.
Consider one when: width or the space in front of the appliance limits your choice.
Allow for: enough clearance above the lid for it to open fully.
Consider one when: a front-loader will fit widthways, but its depth is a problem.
Allow for: room in front of the door and a capacity that suits your usual loads.
Consider one when: floor space is limited but there’s enough height for a stack.
Allow for: a washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit that are compatible by model number.
| Feature | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and access | Measure the doorway, available depth and the space needed to open the door or lid. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the model you’re considering. | In a hard-to-reach laundry space, I want to be able to get the appliance in and load it without obstacles. Around 36% of shoppers concerned would put access first. |
| Stacking | Check the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit model numbers in the manufacturer’s documentation, along with any exclusions. | If I need to put the tumble dryer on top to save floor space, stack compatibility is crucial. It would be the deciding factor for around 29% of shoppers concerned. |
| Usable capacity | Match the capacity to your usual loads and check the load limits for the programmes you use. | For bedding or bulky items, I don’t want a drum that means running extra cycles. Capacity would be the priority for around 21% of shoppers concerned. |
| Spin noise | Compare the decibel rating and noise class shown on the energy label. | In a home near a living area or in a flat, I pay attention to the noise during the spin cycle. Around 14% of shoppers concerned would make this their main criterion. |
A narrow top-loader needs enough headroom for its lid to open, while a shallow front-loader still needs space in front for its door. So an appliance might fit in the space but still be awkward to use.
Measure the depth, available height and clearance needed to open the door or lid, then compare these with the specifications for the exact model.
Stacking kits may require a minimum depth and may not be suitable for certain models. Bosch’s WTZ2741X kit, for example, is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. This requirement applies to that kit, not to every stacking kit.
Choose the model numbers for both appliances, then check which stacking kit the manufacturer recommends for that pairing.
The stated capacity doesn’t necessarily apply to every programme or fabric. Sheets and bulky items can affect which compact design is right for you.
Compare your usual loads and check the manual for the limits of the programmes you plan to use.
Energy use and spin noise matter for different reasons. If the appliance is near a living area, it’s also worth comparing its stated noise level.
Check the energy consumption and noise information on the energy label before choosing between two models that fit your space.
Models to consider if you’re looking for a shallow front-loader or a top-loader.
A brand to consider for a top-loader when width is your main constraint.
Stacking accessories to consider if you plan to stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine.
This top-loading washing machine is worth considering if the width or forward-opening door of a front-loader would make installation difficult. Check the available depth too, and make sure there’s enough room to lift the lid.
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Top loading means you don’t need to leave space in front of the appliance to open a door. Check the available headroom before choosing this model.
The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Its stated depth of 60 cm should be checked against the space available in your laundry area.
If spin noise matters to you, compare its noise label with those of the other models you’re considering.
A top-loader is a good design to consider first, but its exact width must be less than the width of the doorway. The National Institute of Consumer Affairs generally puts these appliances at between 40 and 45 cm wide. Check the depth too, as well as the height needed to open the lid.
Consider a compact front-loader if you have enough width for a front-loading model but not enough depth. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these models mainly save on depth. You’ll still need clearance in front of the door, and the capacity should suit your usual loads.
No. Check that the stacking kit is listed as compatible with the model numbers of both appliances. For example, Bosch’s WTZ2741X kit is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm, and Bosch lists certain models as excluded.
Compare the stated spin noise in decibels, as well as the noise class shown on the energy label. These details can help you choose between appliances that already fit your space. Also consider how close they are to living areas and neighbours.
Consider how much noise the spin cycle may cause for your neighbours, and check local rules and any residents’ association regulations that apply. The time of day alone isn’t enough to determine whether using your washing machine might disturb other residents.