Who are these options for?

You have a narrow alcove

Width is the most important measurement. A top-loader may fit where a front-loader is too wide, as long as there’s room to open the lid above it.

You’re planning a fitted kitchen

You want to keep your worktop clear or hide the appliance behind a cabinet door. A freestanding front-loader under a worktop and an integrated model need different cabinets, so check the space, door and fittings required.

You’re considering a washer-dryer stack

You want to put a tumble dryer above the washing machine to save floor space. Check the available height, both appliance models and the stacking kit together.

Which constraints should you check?

First, identify what could prevent installation: the width, how far the machine will project under a worktop, the space needed for a stack, or the proposed bathroom location. If you’re planning to fit a kitchen door, check separately that the model is genuinely integrated and that its door panel will suit the cabinet.

Constraint What to check before you buy Who this matters to
Width and loading Measure the available width and check the lid’s opening clearance. Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loading washing machines. If my access space is narrow, I’m looking for a machine I can load without the lid getting stuck; around 33% of consumers prioritise width.
Depth and under-counter fit Measure how far the machine will project, including connections, and allow for the door to open. Que Choisir gives a depth of 33 to 45 cm for slim front-loaders. If I need to keep the worktop in place, I want the door to open without obstructing the walkway; depth or under-counter access is the priority for around 27% of consumers.
Stacked installation Check the total height, then make sure the kit is compatible with the models and depths of both appliances. I’d rather put the tumble dryer above the washing machine than use up more floor space; around 20% of consumers make stacking their main priority.
Bathroom location Have the position in relation to the shower or bath, the connections and the electrical installation checked, especially if any changes to the circuit are needed. In a bathroom, I need to know whether the space can accommodate the appliance before choosing its format; around 20% of consumers put suitability first.

Installation mistakes to avoid

  • Checking only the width of the appliance

    A washing machine may fit between two cabinets, but stick out once the pipes are connected or prevent the door from opening. A slim front-loader mainly reduces depth, not necessarily width.

    Measure the width, installed depth, height, door or lid clearance and delivery route.

  • Choosing a stacking kit without checking the model numbers

    The Bosch and Electrolux kits mentioned for this type of installation have specific depth and compatibility requirements. A stated size range alone doesn’t guarantee that any pair of appliances will fit.

    Note down the model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check which kit the manufacturer recommends for that combination.

    You may need to buy the compatible kit separately from the two appliances.

  • Assuming a cupboard door is enough for a bathroom installation

    The space taken up when the door is open also matters when assessing a location near a shower or bath. A cupboard doesn’t remove the need to check the electrical installation.

    Ask a qualified professional to check your plans before ordering the appliance, particularly if you need to install or move a socket.

  • Confusing a freestanding machine under a worktop with an integrated model

    Sliding a front-loader under a worktop doesn’t mean it can take a kitchen door. An integrated model must fit the space and the specified fixing system.

    If you want to conceal the appliance, check its exact model number against the cabinet plan and installation instructions.

    Miele states that the door panel required for its integrated appliances is not supplied.

Brands to consider for your project

Bosch

Worth considering for a fitted kitchen or a stacked setup. Choose the appliance and kit models together.

  • Bosch gives dimensions of 818 × 596 × 544 mm for its WIW24348FF integrated washing machine.
  • Its WTZ2741X stacking kit is designed for washing machines over 55 cm deep, with some model exclusions. Check exact compatibility.

AEG

Worth considering if the available width points you towards a top-loader.

  • AEG lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm for its LTR8C6150A top-loader.
  • The lid needs to remain accessible, so this format won’t fit under a worktop or work as the base of a washer-dryer stack.

Electrolux

Worth considering for a stack made up of two compatible front-loading appliances.

  • Electrolux says its STA8GW4 kit is for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm.
  • This size range alone doesn’t confirm that the appliances can be stacked. Check the model numbers with Electrolux as well.

Miele

Worth considering for a front-loader intended for stacking or a fitted-kitchen installation with a door panel.

  • Miele lists stacking as one of the possible installation options for its front-loading washing machines.
  • For its built-in or integrated appliances, the brand says a door panel is required but not supplied.

Two washing machines to compare with your space

The top-loading Candy could suit a narrow space if its lid can open freely. The Samsung washer-dryer is a front-loading appliance to consider if there’s enough room in front of and behind it; its format alone doesn’t mean it can be integrated or stacked.

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500 top-loading washing machine

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader

Worth considering when width is the limiting factor and the top of the appliance will remain accessible.

  • Top-loading; stated capacity of 6 kg.
  • 1400 RPM, 17 programmes, Inverter motor and Wi-Fi listed in the product title.
  • Check the lid clearance and the depth required once the connections are in place.
View on Joybuy
Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 washer-dryer

Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg + 6 kg washer-dryer

Worth considering for a front-access space if the door can open and there’s room for the connections.

  • Stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; class D listed in the product title.
  • Before choosing this location, measure the depth needed with the connections and the clearance in front of the door.
View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a washing machine in a bathroom?

A bathroom location needs to be assessed in terms of how close it is to the shower or bath and the electrical installation. Promotelec highlights bathroom zones, earthing and residual-current protection in particular. Have your specific installation checked before you buy.

Can a cupboard make it safe to put a washing machine near a shower?

No, having a door on its own isn’t enough to confirm that the location is suitable. Promotelec says that cupboard assessments take the doors into account when open. Have the position checked in relation to the shower or bath.

Will a top-loader fit under a worktop?

Not if the worktop stops you opening the lid. Top-loaders are mainly suited to narrow spaces: Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this type, but you’ll need to leave clearance above to load the washing.

Can you stack any two front-loaders with any kit?

No, you need a kit that’s compatible with both model numbers. The kits listed by Bosch and Electrolux have depth and model requirements, so check the exact combination before ordering the appliances.

Does an integrated washing machine come with a door panel?

Don’t assume it does: Miele says that the door panel required for its integrated appliances isn’t supplied. Check whether the panel is included, along with the space dimensions and fittings required for your chosen model.