Measure the space available, as well as the room you’ll need to load the washing, before choosing a size. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a top-loading machine is mainly suited to a lack of width or clearance in front of the appliance. A front-loading model may fit under a worktop or in a stacked washer-dryer setup, while a slim-depth model addresses a different space constraint. Then check that the model’s capacity and installation requirements suit your needs.
If you’re short on width, depth or clearance in front of the appliance, start by measuring the space and checking how much room you need to open the door or lid. UFC-Que Choisir explains how these constraints vary according to washing machine type.
A front-loading or integrated model may suit your plans, but the recess dimensions and the model’s instructions will determine whether it can be installed there. In particular, a furniture door requires an appliance and fitting system designed for that purpose.
To save floor space with two appliances, UFC-Que Choisir describes a stacked setup using front-loading appliances and a compatible stacking kit. Check the installation requirements for the models you’re considering before setting aside space.
First, work out which type can be installed and used without getting in the way of loading. Then compare the capacity and features of models that will genuinely fit the space.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearance needed to open the door or lid. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a top-loading machine mainly needs less width, while a front-loading model needs space in front of it. | In a narrow room, I need to be able to get the appliance in and load the washing without blocking the way; around 36% of consumers would put access and overall size at the top of their list. |
| Under-worktop, integrated or stacked installation | Check the installation diagram and recess, as well as the furniture door or compatible stacking kit, depending on your plans. | If I want to keep my worktop or stack a tumble dryer, the installation method matters more than the machine’s size alone. This type of integration would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity and depth | Compare the capacity in kg with how often you do the washing and whether you need to wash bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir describes slim-depth front-loading models measuring 33 to 45 cm deep, but you should check the depth and capacity of each model. | I may be happy with a smaller drum if it can hold my washing without making me run more loads; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this balance between capacity and space taken up. |
| Convenience and consumption | Once you’ve found a compatible size, compare the energy label figures for kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, noise and spin performance. Also check the durability index applicable to the model. | If the machine is near a living area, I want to compare compatible models by noise and everyday performance; around 14% of consumers would put these features first. |
A compact appliance may fit in the room but mean splitting your washing across more cycles. On the other hand, a capacity that’s greater than you need may go largely unused.
Consider how much washing your household produces and how much room you need for bulky items before settling on a capacity. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough, but this is only a guide and should not replace an assessment of your actual needs.
If the drum means you need to run extra cycles, your water and electricity use may also increase.
An appliance may be narrow enough to fit but still be unusable if its door can’t open without blocking the way, its lid touches the worktop or its depth prevents the planned installation.
Measure all three available dimensions and check the model’s installation diagram, allowing for the door or lid to open and for access when loading the washing.
Free floor space alone isn’t enough to determine where to install a washing machine in a bathroom. Promotelec sets out requirements relating to safety zones, earthing and circuit protection.
Ask a qualified professional to check the location and circuit before choosing a size or arranging installation.
Depending on the existing installation, electrical work may be needed before you can use the appliance.
Two models that fit the same recess may differ in water consumption, noise or spin performance. The energy rating letter alone doesn’t tell you about these features.
Compare the energy label figures for the models you’re considering. For front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France, also check the durability index and its details, which have applied since 8 April 2025 according to the Ministry of the Economy.
These examples illustrate dimensions and installation options to check for each model; they are not representative of a brand’s entire range.
Worth considering for an integrated front-loading setup, when dimensions under a worktop or inside a recess are key.
Worth considering if limited width points you towards a top-loading washing machine.
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a recess designed for an integrated washing machine.
Worth considering when only a genuinely compact appliance will fit in your home and a 5 kg capacity will meet your needs.
This top-loading washing machine is mainly suited to homes where limited width restricts the choice. Before deciding, also check that you have enough room to open the lid and load the washing.
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Top loading is worth considering if you need a narrow appliance, provided there’s enough headroom to open the lid.
Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated maximum spin speed: 1 400 tr/min. Check that this capacity suits how often you do the washing.
A top-loading model is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loaders, compared with around 60 cm for front-loaders. Also measure the depth and check that the lid can open fully.
Yes, if its dimensions and installation instructions allow it to be fitted in the space. Measure the recess and check the model’s diagram; for a furniture door, make sure the appliance and fitting system are designed for this type of installation.
It may be, if its capacity suits the amount of washing you do and how often you do it. UFC-Que Choisir puts the capacity of slim-depth models at around 4 to 6 kg in general, and gives 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Also check that it can handle any bulky items you wash.
Yes, provided the location and electrical installation are suitable. For a bathroom in France, Promotelec specifies, among other things, installation outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and the hidden volume, earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection. Ask a qualified professional to check any uncertain setup.
To compare washing machines that fit your space, look at kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, noise and spin efficiency. ADEME also recommends choosing a capacity that suits your household’s needs.