You’re short on depth
If the space is wide enough but not very deep, compare the dimensions of a slimline front-loader with the room needed to open its door. UFC-Que Choisir puts the depth of slimline models at between 33 and 45 cm.
Who are these options for?
You have a narrow space to work with
If the available width or the space in front of the machine is limited, a top-loader could be a good option. However, check its depth and the clearance needed above the lid: loading from the top doesn’t remove these restrictions.
You live close to the machine and dry your laundry at home
In a compact living space, spin-cycle noise and the machine’s stability matter more than ever. If you also dry clothes indoors, check the spin efficiency before deciding whether a drying function would be useful.
What should you check before choosing?
The appliance’s design isn’t the only deciding factor. Consider how each option fits your space and connections, as well as the way you wash and dry your clothes.
Slimline front-loader
Consider this: when depth is limited but there’s enough width for a front-loader.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough space in front of the machine to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir puts the depth of slimline front-loaders at between 33 and 45 cm, but you should still check the dimensions of the model you choose.
Top-loader
Consider this: if width is your main constraint or you can’t leave space in front of the appliance.
Bear in mind: the lid needs clear space above it, and a narrow machine isn’t necessarily a shallow one.
Washer-dryer
Consider this: if you want to wash and dry clothes in one appliance because you don’t have room for a separate dryer.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the length of the programmes and the water and energy used for drying.
Shared laundry or laundrette
Consider this: if there’s no suitable place to install a machine, particularly if usable connections aren’t available.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to do your washing outside your home or share facilities with others, rather than doing it whenever you like at home.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the alcove, delivery route and clearance needed for the door or lid. | In a narrow alcove, I want to be able to install the machine and reach my laundry without blocking the room; around 36% of consumers would make size their top priority. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, drain, socket and floor stability. If you’re renting, clarify any plans to alter the connections. | If the connections aren’t ready to use, I need to know whether a machine can work in that spot before choosing one; nearly 29% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Noise and spin cycle | Compare the stated spin-cycle noise and noise class, then check the installation requirements and spin efficiency. | If I live or work near the machine and dry my laundry indoors, I want to reduce vibration and manage damp clothes more effectively; around 21% of consumers would put these needs first. |
| Capacity and energy use | Choose a capacity to suit your laundry loads. Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle using the same labelling basis. | If I do smaller loads, I’d rather avoid a drum that doesn’t suit my usual laundry; around 14% of consumers would prioritise capacity and energy use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring the space but not the opening
A machine may fit in its space but its door or lid might not open properly. A slimline front-loader still has a width that needs to be measured separately from its depth.
Measure the width, depth and height, and note any obstacles, connections and clearance needed for the door or lid. Also check the route the machine will take on delivery.
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Automatically choosing the smallest drum
A low capacity can mean running more cycles if it doesn’t suit your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir says a capacity of 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple, depending on how often they do laundry.
Base your choice on the size and frequency of your laundry loads, rather than just the appliance’s external dimensions.
Extra cycles also mean using more water and electricity.
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Assuming the decibel rating guarantees quiet operation
The stated noise level doesn’t tell you everything about the vibrations you’ll feel at home. Levelling, the floor and how the laundry is distributed all make a difference during the spin cycle.
Compare the noise level and class, then follow the instructions to install the machine on a suitable floor, adjust its feet and remove the transit bolts.
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Confusing washing and drying capacities
With a washer-dryer, a load that can be washed in one go may not be able to be dried in one go.
Compare the two capacities separately and check whether you’ll need to remove some laundry before drying.
UFC-Que Choisir also highlights longer programmes and the water and energy used for drying.
Brands to consider
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models, not qualities shared by every appliance from a particular brand.
Electrolux
The EW6T4613HA top-loader is worth considering if you have limited width.
- According to Electrolux France’s product information, this 6 kg model is 400 mm wide and 600 mm deep. The brand states that it uses 42 kWh per 100 cycles and 43 L per cycle.
- Check that its depth, connections and lid clearance suit your space.
AEG
The LTR8C7331A top-loader offers another point of comparison for a narrow alcove.
- AEG France lists a capacity of 7 kg and dimensions of 903 × 397 × 599 mm for this model.
- Its width doesn’t remove the need to measure its depth and the clearance above the lid.
Whirlpool
The ZEN TDLRBX 6252BS FR/N top-loader is worth comparing if you’re looking for an appliance around 40 cm wide.
- Whirlpool lists a 6 kg capacity, a width of 40 cm and a spin-cycle noise level of 72 dB(A) for this model.
- This figure doesn’t guarantee quiet operation in your home. Check the full dimensions, noise class and installation requirements for the model you choose.
Appliances for two different needs
These two appliances suit different needs: a top-loader for a space with limited width, and a washer-dryer if drying clothes at home is more important. Check the dimensions and connections of your chosen model before you decide.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Consider this if you want a top-loading machine to avoid needing space to open a front door. The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1,400 rpm, Wi-Fi connectivity and 17 programmes.
Also measure the depth and the space needed to open the lid. If keeping noise down in your living space is important, compare the spin-cycle noise level and noise class in the product information.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg / 6 kg washer-dryer
Consider this if you want to wash and dry clothes in one appliance. The product name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so make sure your load is suitable if you’re using both functions one after the other.
Before buying, check the available space, connections, spin-cycle noise and the details of the wash-and-dry cycle that best matches how you’ll use it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying a washing machine for a studio flat?
First, check that there’s enough room to install, connect and open the machine. Check the water supply, drain, socket, floor stability and delivery route. UFC-Que Choisir also stresses the importance of installing the machine somewhere protected from frost.
Is a top-loader always better for a small flat?
No. A top-loader mainly helps if width or the space in front of the machine is an issue, provided there’s room to open the lid. If depth is the main obstacle and you have enough width, compare the dimensions of a slimline front-loader, including the space needed to open the door.
What should I do if installation means altering the connections in a rented home?
Ask your landlord for written permission before making changes to the rented property or its fittings, as ANIL advises for alterations. If the existing connections aren’t suitable, get the necessary work assessed rather than improvising a connection. UFC-Que Choisir recommends having non-compliant connections handled by a qualified professional.
How can I compare the noise and energy use of two washing machines?
Compare the figures on the same basis: spin-cycle noise, noise class, energy per 100 cycles and water per cycle. The energy label provides these details, according to the European Commission. To get an idea of how noisy a machine will feel at home, also consider the floor and how well the machine is levelled.
Does a washer-dryer mean you never have to hang out your washing?
Not with every load: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. If you wash a full load, check whether you’ll need to remove some clothes before drying, and compare the duration and water and energy figures for the combined cycle.