To install a washing machine under a worktop, choose a front-loading model specifically designed for this setup, or an integrated model whose dimensions and installation requirements suit your space. A top-loading machine is better suited to a narrow space where there’s no fixed worktop to obstruct the lid. In either case, check the depth needed for connections, access to the machine and the capacity your household needs.
If your alcove is too low for the front-loading model you’re considering, compare its height in the manufacturer-approved configuration with the space you actually have. Bosch and Whirlpool product specifications show that dimensions and installation options vary between models.
If there may not be enough room for the hoses or to open the door, the machine’s depth alone won’t tell you whether it will fit. A slimline front-loader could be an option, but check the installation diagram for the exact model.
If width is the main constraint and the lid can open freely, a top-loading washing machine is worth considering. The Electrolux EW6T4376BZ is 400 mm wide, but its height of 890 mm means it won’t fit in a low alcove under a worktop.
First measure the space, then check which installation setup is approved for the exact model. Once you’ve confirmed these details, compare capacity and practical features: ADEME includes them among the criteria for choosing a washing machine.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance under the worktop | Appliance height in the approved configuration; dimensions and conditions specified in the manual. | If my worktop is low, I need to know whether the washing machine can be installed underneath without removing a part in a way the manufacturer hasn’t approved. Around 36% of consumers would put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Depth and access | Installation depth including connections; door opening and access for maintenance. | In a shallow alcove, I want to be able to connect the machine and open the door without blocking the way. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise having enough usable space. |
| Capacity and use | Capacity in kg to suit your household’s laundry; energy consumption, spin performance and noise shown on the label. | Even if the model fits in the alcove, it still needs to handle my usual laundry loads. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise capacity and practical features. |
| Width and opening | Overall width and height; clearance needed to open the lid of a top-loading model. | If my space is narrow but clear above, I could consider a top-loading machine. A narrow width would be the main requirement for around 14% of consumers. |
According to Bosch, the Bosch WUU28T18FR is 845 mm high, so it won’t fit as supplied in an alcove under 840 mm. The removable top shown by the brand applies to models designed for this type of installation, not to all its front-loaders.
Measure all three dimensions of the alcove and check the manual for the exact model before considering removing the top.
The Electrolux EW6T4376BZ is 400 mm wide, but it’s also 890 mm high and loads from the top. A fixed worktop may prevent you from installing it or opening the lid.
Choose this style only if there’s clear space above, and check the opening clearance in the manual.
Electrolux lists the slimline front-loader EW6S1064NA as 411 mm deep. That measurement alone isn’t enough to confirm there’s room for the connections, opening the door and carrying out maintenance.
Compare the installation diagram with the available depth and make sure you can access the connections.
A machine that fits in the alcove still needs to suit your household’s laundry needs. In France, the ministry responsible for ecology says the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025.
Once you’ve checked the installation requirements, compare the capacity, energy label and durability index of the model you’re considering.
In France, Bosch offers a range of front-loading washing machines with removable tops for under-worktop installation.
Whirlpool offers integrated front-loading washing machines designed to be fitted into kitchen units.
Electrolux offers, among other options, a slimline front-loader for shallow spaces and a top-loader for narrow ones.
No. Only do so if the manufacturer explicitly approves this setup for the model in question, and follow the installation instructions. Bosch offers models with removable tops for under-worktop installation, but that doesn’t mean you can remove the top from all its front-loaders.
Only if there’s enough room for both the machine and its lid to open. The Electrolux EW6T4376BZ is 890 mm high and loads from the top, so check its installation diagram before choosing it for this setup.
Check that the space has a suitable power supply for the washing machine and that it meets the installation requirements in the manual. Promotelec lists washing machines among the appliances supplied by a dedicated circuit in the home. If you’re unsure about your existing installation, ask a qualified professional to inspect it.
Compare the capacity your household needs, then check the information on energy consumption, spin performance and noise: ADEME lists these among the criteria for choosing a washing machine. For eligible models in France, also check the durability index, which has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecology.