Start by choosing a machine to suit the dimension that really limits your installation: a top-loading washing machine is best for a narrow space, while a shallow-depth front-loader is suited to a room with limited depth. Also measure the door or lid opening, the connections and, for a built-in model, the space available. If you’re renting, get written permission before making changes to the property or its fixtures.
If your machine needs to fit between two units or in a narrow utility room, measure the width of the space and the delivery route. A top-loading machine will only work if there’s enough room to open the lid freely.
If you have around 60 cm of width but your worktop or walkway limits the depth, compare the machine’s overall dimensions with the space needed in front of its door. Que Choisir treats limited depth as a separate issue from limited width.
Before choosing where to put your machine, check the connections and its instruction manual. If installation involves making changes to the property or its fixtures, get the landlord’s written permission before carrying out any work.
Consider this if: width is limited and there’s clear space above the machine to open the lid.
Bear in mind: a narrower machine isn’t necessarily shallower, and you won’t be able to use its top as a fixed work surface.
Consider this if: there’s enough width and depth, with room in front of the door for everyday use.
Bear in mind: even if the machine fits in its space, loading it may be awkward if the door opens into a walkway.
Consider this if: a front-loader’s width works for you, but you don’t want the machine to project too far into the room.
Bear in mind: the depth of the cabinet alone doesn’t account for the space needed for hoses or to open the door.
Consider this if: the space and cabinetry are compatible with the exact model you’re looking at.
Bear in mind: similar external dimensions to another appliance aren’t enough to confirm that the fixings, door panel or installation requirements will be compatible.
To compare these types, measure the available width, depth and height separately, then check the instruction manual for the exact model’s installation and opening requirements. For models available in France, Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loaders. Its shallow-depth front-loaders remain close to 60 cm wide, with a stated depth of 33 to 45 cm depending on the model.
| Space constraint | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available width | Measure the machine and delivery route; for a top-loader, allow room to open the lid. | Between two units, my main priority is finding a machine that fits across the width. Around 33% of consumers in this group prioritise width. |
| Depth and door | Compare the machine’s depth, the space needed for hoses and the door’s opening clearance with the space you actually have. | In a shallow room, I want to be able to move around and open the door without it hitting anything; depth comes first for around 27% of consumers in this group. |
| Installation in a rented home | Check the connections and instruction manual; get written permission before making any changes to the property or its fixtures. | If I rent my home, I want to install the machine without making unauthorised changes. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers in this group. |
| Access to the laundry | Check where you’ll stand to load the drum and whether the lid or door can open fully. | For everyday use, I’d rather load the laundry without bending down or blocking the walkway. For around 20% of consumers in this group, this would be the main consideration. |
A narrow top-loader can still be quite deep, while a shallow-depth front-loader is generally still as wide as a standard front-loader. So, one type won’t necessarily solve both space constraints.
Note down each available dimension separately and compare them with the measurements for the exact model, allowing for the connections too.
A front-loader needs room in front for its door to open, while a top-loader’s lid opens upwards. The machine may fit in the room but still be awkward to load.
Use a tape measure or a template to check how far the door or lid opens, then check the clearance requirements in the instruction manual.
The external dimensions don’t confirm that the space, door panel or cabinet fixings are compatible.
Check the installation diagram for the full model number and the cabinetry before ordering.
Installing or altering connections may count as making changes to the property or its fixtures. This is different from simply connecting a machine to an existing installation.
Explain the proposed work to your landlord and get written permission before making any changes.
These ranges offer examples of types worth comparing. Only the documentation for the model you choose can confirm whether it will work in your home.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a narrow top-loader and a built-in model for a space you’ve already checked.
A range worth comparing if you’re looking at a top-loader or considering a built-in installation.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a fully integrated front-loader or a model designed to fit under a worktop.
This top-loading model is worth a look if width is your main concern. Before choosing it, also check the depth, the clearance needed above the lid and the connection requirements.
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Worth considering if you want a top-loading machine and can leave enough clear space to open the lid.
The model name indicates a 6 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes.
Before ordering, compare its dimensions, the space needed for connections and the installation instructions in its manual with your available space.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check how much room is needed for the connections and to open the drum. For a top-loader, check the space above the machine; for a front-loader, check the clearance in front of the door. Then compare your measurements with the instruction manual for the exact model.
Not if the worktop stops you opening the lid. A front-loader may be designed to fit under a worktop or be built in, but the manufacturer must specify this for the model you choose, and it must be compatible with your cabinetry.
If the installation involves making changes to the property or its fixtures in France, get the landlord’s written permission first, in accordance with Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989 published by Légifrance. Connecting a machine to existing connections should not automatically be treated as making changes: consider what work is actually needed.
Don’t assume that it can. Electrolux says its relevant front-loading and top-loading washing machines are designed for a cold water supply. For any machine you’re considering, follow the connection instructions in its own manual.
Make a note of the full model number and check the manufacturer’s information for that specific model. Bosch says spare parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years. This information applies to the brand and doesn’t confirm availability for other manufacturers.