In a small home, first choose an appliance that fits the space and whose door you can open, then decide how you’ll dry your laundry. A top-loading washing machine is best when width is limited; a slim front-loader suits a shallow space; and a washer-dryer is useful when there’s no room for a separate dryer. Stacking two machines requires enough height and a compatible stacking kit. Then compare washing and drying capacities, programme times and energy and water use.
If your bathroom, kitchen or cupboard has limited width or depth, you need to be able to install the appliance without blocking the way or stopping its door from opening. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the different space requirements of top-loading and shallow front-loading washing machines.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry in one appliance. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a full load.
For one or two people, the usual amount of bedding, towels and clothing matters more than the number of people in the household alone. UFC-Que Choisir advises against choosing a drum that means doing too many loads, or one that’s poorly suited to your usual laundry.
First check whether you can access the appliance, then weigh up your drying needs against the space available. A narrow machine may still be too deep, and an all-in-one appliance won’t necessarily dry a full washing load.
Consider it if: width is limited or there wouldn’t be enough room to open a front-loading door.
Bear in mind: you’ll need clearance above the lid and a separate way to dry your laundry. According to Whirlpool France, the Whirlpool TDLR62667FR is 40 cm wide but 60 cm deep.
Consider it if: width and door clearance aren’t an issue, but depth is limited.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space in front of the machine and a capacity that suits your household’s laundry. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some compact front-loaders are less deep while remaining close to 60 cm wide.
Consider it if: you need to machine-dry your laundry but don’t have room for a separate tumble dryer.
Bear in mind: the drying load will be smaller than the washing load, and you’ll need to consider the combined programme’s duration and energy and water use. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these trade-offs.
Consider this if: there’s enough height for a stack and you dry laundry regularly, making a washer-dryer’s capacity restrictive.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two compatible appliances and the right stacking kit, as specified in the installation instructions. LG France’s guide also notes that a stacking kit is required.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance in front of a front-loader or above a top-loader. Compare these measurements with the specifications for the exact model. | If the machine fits in the space but I can’t open its door or the cupboard, I won’t be able to use it properly. Size and access are the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Drying without a second appliance | Compare washing and drying capacities in kg, along with the combined cycle’s duration and energy and water use. | I want to dry my laundry without setting aside space for a second machine. Drying in a single appliance comes ahead of other considerations for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity to suit your needs | Estimate the size of your usual loads, particularly bedding and towels, and how often you do the washing. | A drum that’s too small would mean I had to run the washing machine more often. A capacity that suits the household’s routine is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, and durability | Check water and energy figures for the programmes you use. In France, also check the sustainability index and its breakdown for eligible front-loading and top-loading washing machines. | Once I know the machine will fit, I want to compare energy and water use and durability information. These factors are a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
An appliance that’s easy to fit into your home may mean running more cycles if it can’t hold your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people, depending on the type of laundry and how often you wash.
Before settling on a compact model, consider the space you’ll need for bedding and towels in particular.
Extra cycles also take more time and can increase water and electricity use.
A washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities aren’t necessarily equal. For example, LG France lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the F964R56MBRS model.
If you want to run both functions consecutively without taking laundry out, make sure your load is within the model’s stated drying capacity.
A machine may fit in the space but still be difficult to load or connect. LG France’s installation guide highlights the need for door clearance, a water supply, drainage and levelling.
Compare your measurements with the dimensioned drawing and instructions for the exact model, and remember to allow for the hoses.
For eligible front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France, official guidance has also required access to a breakdown of the sustainability index since 8 April 2025. This helps you understand what the rating covers.
Check the index and its detailed scoring for every eligible model you’re considering.
These models illustrate different installation requirements; their dimensions and capacities aren’t representative of every appliance from each brand.
The TDLR62667FR top-loading washing machine is worth considering when the width of your space limits your options.
The F964R56MBRS washer-dryer is an example of an all-in-one appliance for washing and drying.
The HWD50-BP12307U1 mini washer-dryer is an option to explore for a particularly restricted space.
The WIW24347FF built-in front-loader is worth considering if your home has a space designed for this type of installation.
Measure the space itself, as well as the clearance needed to open and connect the model you’re considering. Check how far the door swings open on a front-loader, or whether you can access the lid on a top-loader. Then compare your measurements with the installation instructions. LG France’s guide also reminds you to allow for the water supply, drainage and levelling.
Not necessarily. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. To run both cycles consecutively, stay within the model’s drying limit or plan to remove some of the laundry.
No. Before planning a stack, check the instructions to make sure the two appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. Also check the available height and installation requirements. LG France’s guide explains that the right kit is needed to secure the tumble dryer above the washing machine.
Choose a spot where the air can circulate. ADEME recommends drying laundry naturally in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction. This advice applies to indoor airers, not the installation requirements for every appliance.
For an eligible front-loading or top-loading washing machine, check the model’s index and the breakdown of its rating when you buy. Official French guidance states that the index has applied to these washing machines since 8 April 2025 and that consumers must be able to access the detailed breakdown.