First, measure the available space, the clearance needed to open the machine and access to the connections. These are the constraints to solve before choosing a capacity. A front-loader will work if there’s enough width and depth; a top-loader is better if width is the main issue, while a slim front-loader is more suited to a lack of depth. Then compare the usable load, noise and spin performance of the exact model. Only consider a washer-dryer if you’re also short of space to dry your clothes.
If width or depth is limited, compare a top-loader and a slim front-loader using the dimensions of specific models, and don’t forget the space needed to open the door and access the connections. If you’re renting and the installation involves work that changes the property or its fittings, ANIL advises that you’ll need the landlord’s written permission.
You want a capacity that suits your usual loads, without choosing a bulkier machine for a capacity you won’t use. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient most of the time.
If the machine is close to a living area or your washing needs to dry indoors, compare the noise and spin information for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results vary between appliances, so you can’t predict them from the format alone.
For a small flat, choose the format that addresses the dimension preventing installation, then check that the capacity and spin features suit your usual laundry loads.
Worth considering: if the space allows for its width and depth, and the door can open.
Trade-off: a shallow alcove may rule it out, even if the width is suitable.
Worth considering: if width is the main obstacle and there’s enough clearance to open the lid.
Trade-off: a narrower machine isn’t necessarily less deep.
Worth considering: if depth is limited but there’s room for a front-opening door.
Trade-off: check that the capacity of the model you choose suits your loads.
Worth considering: if you’re also short of space to dry your clothes.
Trade-off: the drying load capacity may be lower than the washing capacity.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Shoppers’ priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the alcove and the delivery route. Compare these measurements with the model diagram, allowing for the door to open and the hoses to fit. | When every centimetre counts, I want to avoid buying a machine that fits in the alcove but can’t be opened or connected. Around 50% of shoppers in this situation would put this physical fit first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity with your usual loads and the bulky items you actually wash. | For my everyday laundry, I’d rather have enough capacity than a bigger drum I won’t use. Around 30% of shoppers in this situation would prioritise a suitable capacity. |
| Noise and spin performance | Check the stated noise level and spin-efficiency class for the exact model. Keep these figures separate from independent test results. | If the machine is near my living area and I dry my washing indoors, its noise and how much moisture remains in the clothes matter most. Around 20% of shoppers in this situation would put these two criteria first. |
A top-loader can be narrow but still deep, and it needs clearance above for the lid. A front-loader may be narrow enough for the alcove but too deep.
Measure the available width, height and depth, along with the opening clearance, then check the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
The capacity should suit the loads you wash, not take the place of checking the machine’s dimensions. ADEME says that 7 kg is sufficient most of the time.
Start with your usual laundry loads and the bulky items you actually need to wash.
UFC-Que Choisir has found differences in noise and spin performance between appliances. A smaller format alone doesn’t tell you how well a machine will perform.
Compare the information for the exact model and, where available, independent test results.
Electrolux states that its EWW8416DB can wash 8 kg but dry 4 kg. So you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
Check the two capacities separately, and only choose this format if you really need to dry clothes in the same appliance.
If the load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to split it before drying.
These examples let you compare formats and capacities across specific models; they don’t represent every machine from each brand.
A useful point of comparison for a 7 kg front-loader with dimensions published by Bosch.
Models to look at if the depth of a front-loader or the addition of a drying function is influencing your choice.
A brand to explore when comparing top-loading washing machines.
These Joybuy models include a shallow front-loader, two front-loaders with different capacities and a narrow top-loader. For each one, check the installation space and the load capacity you need. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’ll all fit in a small alcove.
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Worth considering if depth is your main constraint, provided you check the full dimensions and door clearance against your available space.
Stated capacity of 8 kg and spin speed of up to 1 400 tr/min. Check that this capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
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Worth considering for everyday laundry if your space can accommodate a front-loader and leaves room for the door to open.
Bosch lists this model’s capacity as 7 kg and its dimensions as 848 × 598 × 588 mm. Also check the installation diagram and access to the connections.
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Worth considering if width is preventing installation and there’s enough clearance above to open the lid.
Stated capacity of 6 kg and spin speed of up to 1 400 tr/min. Also check the depth and compare the noise information if the machine will be near a living area.
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Only worth considering if your space can accommodate a large-capacity front-loader and your laundry loads justify 9 kg.
Stated spin speed of up to 1 600 tr/min. A maximum speed doesn’t replace comparing the spin performance, noise and dimensions of the exact model.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route. Allow for the door or lid to open and locate the plug socket, water inlet and drain. Then compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen.
No. A top-loader is best suited to a lack of width and needs enough clearance above to open. If depth is the issue, compare the dimensions of a slim front-loader instead. Either way, check the measurements of the specific model.
A 7 kg capacity is a useful guide: ADEME says it’s sufficient most of the time. However, consider your bulky loads and how often you do laundry before choosing a 6, 7 or 9 kg model.
Check the noise information and spin-efficiency class on the energy label for the exact model. If these factors are important to you, also compare any independent test results available for the models you’re considering, rather than relying on their format alone.
If the work involves changing the property or its fittings, ask the landlord for written permission first. ANIL cites this requirement under Article 7 f of the law of 6 July 1989. Using connections that are already in place is a separate matter; work out what’s needed before getting started.