In a studio flat or narrow apartment, choose a washing machine based on the constraint that’s actually getting in the way: depth, width, front access or under-counter installation. A slim front-loader is mainly suited to a lack of depth, while a top-loading model may help if width or the space in front of the machine is an issue, provided you can open the lid freely. A mini washing machine can be useful for small loads when installing a standard model isn’t practical, but it won’t necessarily match its capacity or features. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends considering both the available space and the amount of laundry you need to wash, not just the appliance’s format.
You have enough width for a front-loader, but not much depth or clearance to open the door. Compare the appliance’s dimensions, the space it needs with the door open and the room required for the connections, as recommended by Que Choisir Ensemble and the product information from Electrolux France and Bosch Electroménager France.
You’re mainly short on width and can keep the top of the machine accessible. The dimensions listed by AEG France for the LTR8C7331A show why it’s worth checking a model’s width, but you’ll still need room to open the lid.
Check whether a front-loader can genuinely be installed under a worktop, or whether a compact secondary appliance would be more suitable. Bosch Electroménager France identifies under-counter models with removable tops; even a small secondary machine needs the water supply, drainage and electrical safety checked.
In a small home, distinguish between the constraint that prevents installation and the one that makes doing the laundry inconvenient.
Choose this if: the space can accommodate the model’s width, but depth is limited.
Bear in mind: a reduced depth doesn’t guarantee that the door will open without blocking the way.
Choose this if: limited width or clearance in front of the machine makes loading difficult.
Bear in mind: the lid needs to be accessible, so this format won’t work under a fixed worktop.
Choose this if: the space allows access to the door, detergent drawer and connections, and the model is approved for this type of installation.
Bear in mind: suitable dimensions don’t prove that the model’s top can be removed.
Choose this if: a standard appliance isn’t practical and you mainly wash small loads.
Bear in mind: capacity and features vary. In particular, check whether it heats the water and what connections it requires.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Depth and door clearance | Measure the space and the clearance needed with the door open; check there’s room for the hoses. | If the space is shallow, I also check there’s enough room in front of the door to load the machine without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers prioritise depth. |
| Width and access to the drum | Measure the access route and the space available; for a top-loader, check the clearance above with the lid open. | If the access route is narrow, I consider whether top-loading would make it easier to load the machine without needing a lid to open under a worktop. Width is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity to suit your laundry | Compare the size of your usual loads with the washing capacity in kg of the exact model. | I prefer a capacity that suits my usual loads rather than a drum that means I have to run more cycles. Around 21% of consumers prioritise laundry capacity. |
| Installation feasibility | Check the connections, instruction manual and delivery route; have any uncertain electrical arrangements checked. | If the water supply, drainage or access to the room makes installation difficult, I check these points before choosing a secondary appliance. Installation feasibility comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
The appliance’s depth won’t necessarily tell you how much space you need to open the door, connect the hoses or get the machine to its final position.
Compare the appliance’s dimensions and, where provided, the packaged dimensions and the space needed with the door open. Measure the route to the room, too.
Dimensions alone won’t tell you whether a particular model’s top can be removed. Bosch Electroménager France identifies under-counter models with removable tops.
Check the product information and manual for the exact model before planning the installation.
Mini models are presented as secondary appliances. The product information for the Costway 47105938 lists a capacity of 3.5 kg and states that it doesn’t heat the water.
For the model you’re considering, check the capacity, spin function, whether it heats the water and which connections it needs.
A delivery notice alone doesn’t confirm whether the machine will be positioned or connected where you want it.
Before ordering, ask for written confirmation of whether the service includes drop-off, positioning or connection.
Electrolux’s slim front-loaders are worth considering when depth is your main constraint.
The top-loading LTR8C7331A is an option to consider when width is the key constraint and the top of the machine remains accessible.
The range includes standard front-loaders and under-counter models with removable tops; this distinction matters when fitting a machine under a worktop.
The brand’s mini washing machines can be considered as secondary appliances when installing a standard model isn’t practical.
A top-loading model is worth considering when limited width or access from the front restricts your installation options.
This selection includes a top-loader, a front-loader listed as slim in width and foldable mini washing machines designed for small loads. Each format suits different constraints, so check the dimensions and stated use of each model.
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Top-loading may suit you if a front-opening door gets in the way, provided there’s room to open the lid.
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The stated slim width may appeal if width is your main constraint; remember to check the depth and the space needed for the door, too.
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The product description recommends it for small items, not bulky clothing; it could be considered as a secondary appliance.
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The product title recommends this foldable model for small items; check that this suits your laundry needs rather than larger loads.
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The product description recommends it for small items, including underwear, socks and baby clothes.
Not just anywhere: the location and electrical installation need to be suitable for the layout of the room. For the situation described by Promotelec, the machine must be earthed, the circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and the appliance placed beyond zone 2. The zones are defined partly by the shower and any screens, so have an uncertain location checked before installation.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open the door and the access route to the room. For the Bosch WAN28238FF only, Bosch Electroménager France lists dimensions of 848 × 598 × 590 mm for the appliance, 870 × 650 × 680 mm for the packaging and a depth of 1 063 mm with the door open at 90°; these dimensions don’t apply to other models.
Follow the manual for your model when connecting and levelling the machine. Bosch Electroménager France points out that the transit bolts must be removed during installation and that the feet can be adjusted if needed.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that if the seller is contractually responsible for installation, an incorrect installation may also be covered by this guarantee.
The French ministry responsible for ecology states that, for washing machines, the durability rating has been gradually replacing the repairability rating since 8 April 2025. Compare the rating shown for the model you’re considering; don’t assume you can infer one model’s rating from another appliance by the same brand.