First, choose a machine that fits the space available and gives you easy access to the drum. A top-loader may suit you if width is the main constraint, while a front-loader could work under a worktop or stacked with a tumble dryer, provided the manufacturers’ instructions allow it. A compact front-loader is also worth considering if standard sizes won’t fit. Then compare the capacity with your usual laundry loads, followed by the energy label, noise levels and durability index. Don’t let these factors distract you from an installation problem.
If width is making installation difficult, start by measuring the doorway and alcove, then check which way the drum opens. The National Consumer Institute states that top-loading washing machines are typically 40 to 45 cm wide. A compact front-loader may also be an option if there’s enough room in front of the door.
If you want a worktop above the washing machine or plan to stack a tumble dryer on top, a front-loader is the better choice. The National Consumer Institute describes these installation options, although whether they’re suitable depends on the dimensions and instructions for the specific appliances you choose.
If you do laundry frequently or the machine is near a living space, capacity and noise matter just as much as the space it takes up. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your needs and checking the energy label. In France, the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Start with anything that could prevent you from installing or using the machine day to day. A good capacity or energy label won’t solve a problem with access to the drum.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow room to open the door or lid and handle your laundry. | If access is narrow, the machine needs to fit through without making loading difficult. Around 33% of consumers put size and access at the top of their list. |
| Capacity | Match the capacity in kg to your household’s usual laundry loads and check the permitted load for your programmes in the manual. | If laundry piles up between washes, I want a drum that suits my routine, rather than choosing a size based solely on the maximum figure shown. Capacity would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Under-worktop or stacked installation | Decide whether you need to use the space above the machine and check both appliances’ manuals before stacking them. | In a small utility room, making use of the height available may matter more than choosing a narrower machine. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this type of installation. |
| Noise and usage information | Check the noise and consumption figures on the model’s energy label. In France, you should also look at its durability index. | If the machine is near a living space, I want to compare its noise levels and usage information before choosing. For around 20% of consumers, these factors and durability would be the main priorities. |
The National Consumer Institute distinguishes between the clearance needed in front of a front-loader and the space required above a top-loader. So even with a compact model, you’ll need to check its full dimensions. For capacity, ADEME recommends starting with your household’s needs; the permitted load may vary depending on the programme you use.
A front-loader needs room for its door to open, while a top-loader needs clearance above it. A narrow width also tells you nothing about how much depth the machine will take up.
Measure all three available dimensions and the space needed for the door or lid to open, then compare them with the product information for the model you’re considering.
ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your needs. The National Consumer Institute points out that the permitted load can vary depending on the fabrics and programmes.
Estimate the amount of laundry you usually have and check the manual for the limits of the cycles you use.
A drum that’s poorly matched to your usual laundry loads could mean running more partly filled cycles.
An older A+++ rating isn’t directly comparable with a class on the current A to G scale. So the letter alone isn’t enough to compare two models.
Check the label for the exact model and compare its stated energy and water consumption, noise levels and spin performance.
According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, this score out of 10 provides information about durability criteria. On its own, it doesn’t tell you about capacity, dimensions or consumption, and it isn’t a commercial guarantee.
Consider it alongside the energy label and installation information, rather than instead of them.
This 8 kg washing machine is aimed at households considering a model described as compact. Check its dimensions and how you access the drum against the space you have available.
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If space is limited at home, consider this model in relation to your household’s laundry loads and the size of your alcove. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg. Before deciding where to put it, check its full dimensions, access to the drum and any stacking instructions.
No. It may solve a width problem, but you’ll need enough space above it to open the lid. The National Consumer Institute says top-loaders are typically 40 to 45 cm wide. If height is an issue, consider the full dimensions of a compact front-loader and the space needed in front of its door.
No. A front-loading design alone doesn’t mean the machine is suitable for stacking. Check the manuals for both models, the installation requirements and which stacking accessories are designed for them.
Think about how much laundry you actually produce and how often you wash it. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough most of the time. Check the machine’s manual too, as permitted loads may be lower for certain programmes and fabrics.
The energy label shows information including the model’s consumption and noise levels. ADEME says it’s available online and in shops for washing machines. According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability index, scored out of 10, has also applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025.
No. The durability index provides information about factors related to a product’s lifespan, while the energy label shows usage information such as consumption and noise levels. If space is limited, you’ll also need to check the dimensions and clearance required.