Who are these formats suited to?

People with a narrow space to fill

If the appliance needs to fit between a unit and a wall, a top-loader is worth considering. Its narrower width only helps if the lid can open fully above it.

People with limited depth

In a small utility room or bathroom where the appliance mustn’t stick out too far, a shallow front-loader could be a good fit, as long as you can still load it with enough room in front of the door. Check the full dimensions rather than relying on the word ‘slim’.

Households looking to keep their worktop

If the washing machine needs to go under a worktop or behind a cupboard door, check the model’s instructions for the permitted installation type, the dimensions of the space and the access needed for connections.

What should you check before choosing?

For a narrow bathroom or utility room, first check that the appliance will fit and that its door or lid can open. Then make sure it’s suitable for your planned installation. Compare capacity, energy and water use, and noise levels on a model-by-model basis.

What to consider What to check before buying What matters to shoppers
Overall dimensions Compare the appliance’s full dimensions with the space available and the delivery route. Check the instructions for the clearance required around the model. If my space is narrow, I need to be able to fit the appliance in without blocking the connections. Around 36% of shoppers would put the appliance’s overall size at the top of their list.
Opening and access to the laundry Allow enough room to open the lid or door fully, taking nearby furniture and access through the room into account. When space is tight, I want to load the drum without moving furniture or blocking the room. Around 29% of shoppers would prioritise access to the laundry.
Under-counter installation Check which installation types are permitted, the dimensions of the space and future access to the connections and filter. To keep my worktop, I need an appliance that fits the space and is accessible for maintenance. This would be the main priority for around 21% of shoppers.
Capacity and ease of use Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you need to wash. Compare water and energy use, as well as spin noise, on the energy labels of the models you’re considering. Once I’ve found a model that fits, I want a useful capacity for my household without overlooking running costs or noise. Around 14% of shoppers would prioritise these practical considerations.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring the width and nothing else

    A top-loader may fit into a narrow space, but its lid might not open beneath a worktop. Conversely, the door of a front-loader could get in the way.

    Before buying, measure the available depth too, as well as the space needed to open, load and maintain the appliance.

  • Assuming ‘slim’ or ‘compact’ means a specific size

    These labels aren’t a substitute for checking the model’s measurements: height, depth and installation requirements vary from one model to another.

    Compare the appliance’s full dimensions with the space available, then check the installation instructions.

  • Overlooking the electrical set-up in a bathroom

    A room with a shower or bath requires particular care when choosing where to place the appliance and how to power it. Promotelec highlights the importance of earthing and 30 mA residual current protection, among other considerations.

    Before ordering or altering the room, ask a qualified electrician to confirm the appliance’s position and the electrical circuit.

    An unsuitable location could mean electrical work is needed or the appliance has to be moved.

  • Judging noise or energy use by the format

    Choosing between a top-loader and a front-loader isn’t enough to determine a model’s energy use or spin noise. How securely the appliance is installed can also affect vibration.

    Compare the information on the energy labels of the models you’re considering, then make sure the appliance is installed level on a stable floor.

Brands to consider by format

Whirlpool

The range includes top-loading and front-loading models. A top-loader may be worth considering if limited width narrows your options.

  • Whirlpool lists its TDLR7221BSFR/N top-loader as 40 cm wide, 60 cm deep and with a 7 kg capacity.
  • A top-loader needs space above it for the lid to open, so check the clearance before considering an under-counter installation.

Electrolux

Its 6 kg EW6S1064NA slim front-loader is one to consider when depth is your main constraint.

  • Electrolux describes this model as designed to take up less space. Check its exact dimensions against the space you have available.
  • According to Electrolux’s pre-installation guide, a standard installation service may not include carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.

Haier

The brand’s top-loading and integrated models let you consider narrow-width requirements and built-in installations separately.

  • Haier lists its THASN466TM5-S top-loader as 405 × 600 × 860 mm with a 6 kg capacity. Its BHA6SD69M6DB9-S integrated model is listed at 600 × 525 × 820 mm.
  • These dimensions are for different models, so check the space available and the installation requirements for the model you choose.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom?

Yes, provided the location and electrical installation are suitable for a room with a bath or shower. Promotelec highlights points to check, including earthing, 30 mA residual current protection and the appliance’s position in relation to the bathroom’s electrical safety zones. Ask a qualified electrician to check your set-up, especially if you’re installing or altering a circuit.

Is a top-loading washing machine always suitable for a narrow space?

No. Its width may be an advantage if the space is narrow, but the lid needs room to open freely. For example, Whirlpool lists its TDLR7221BSFR/N top-loader as 40 cm wide. Check its depth and the clearance above it before choosing.

How much space should you leave around a washing machine?

Allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model, as well as access to the connections and enough room for the lid or door to open. Measure the space before ordering: the same clearance may not suit every appliance or installation type.

What should you compare on the energy label?

Compare the capacity your household needs, water and energy use, and the noise and spin information for the models you’re considering. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that matches your actual needs and using the energy label to help inform your decision.

How can you reduce vibration after installation?

Install the washing machine level on a hard, stable floor, following the instructions. Before using it for the first time, also check that the transit bolts have been removed and that the laundry is evenly distributed in the drum.