Who are these formats suited to?

Households with limited width

If your doorway or alcove is narrow, measure its usable width first, then check that the lid can open. The Que Choisir guide lists top-loading washing machines as an option to consider when width is limited.

Households with limited depth

If the appliance could encroach on your walkway, it’s worth comparing a slimline front-loader with other formats. Its reduced depth doesn’t mean you can overlook the space needed to open the door or accommodate the connections.

Households planning an under-worktop or stacked installation

If the washing machine needs to fit under a worktop or support a tumble dryer, check the model’s instructions. For a stacked installation, make sure both appliances are compatible with the stacking kit. Measuring the height alone isn’t enough.

What should you check before buying?

For a small utility room or bathroom, start with the main constraint, then compare the dimensions and capacity of each model against your planned installation.

Consideration What to check Who is it for?
Width and access Measure the alcove and delivery route; for a top-loader, allow room for the lid to open. Que Choisir says top-loading models are commonly between 40 and 46 cm wide. If the washing machine needs to pass through a narrow doorway, I want to be able to install it without blocking access to the room. Width would be the main priority for around 36 % of consumers.
Depth and access to the front Compare the model’s depth with the space needed for the hoses and to open the door. Electrolux describes its slimline front-loaders as generally 33 to 45 cm deep. When there’s limited space in front of the appliance, I want to leave room to move around and load the laundry. Around 29 % of consumers would prioritise this depth constraint.
Capacity under a worktop Check the capacity, all three dimensions and the instructions for under-worktop installation, particularly if you’re considering removing the top panel. If there’s an under-worktop alcove, I want an appliance that suits my usual laundry load without restricting access to the drawer and connections. This would be the top priority for around 21 % of consumers.
Stacked installation Check the model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit, along with the permitted depths and any manufacturer exclusions. If I’m planning to stack a tumble dryer, I need a compatible combination of appliances and kit. This would be the priority for around 14 % of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming “narrow” means “compact”

    A top-loader can be narrow without being shallow: the Whirlpool TDLR55140SFR product page gives its width as 40 cm and its depth as 60 cm. A slimline model is designed to address limited depth.

    Identify which dimension is restricting the installation, then compare the width, depth and height on the product page for the exact model.

  • Relying on height alone for an under-worktop installation

    Que Choisir recommends checking the installation conditions and whether the top panel can be removed. You’ll also need access to the drawer and connections.

    Check the installation instructions for the exact model before choosing an under-worktop alcove.

  • Choosing a stacking kit based on width alone

    Requirements vary by kit: Bosch specifies a depth of over 55 cm for its WTZ27410, while AEG gives a range of 47 to 60 cm for its STA8GW4, subject to compatibility with the appliances in question.

    Before installation, check the manufacturer’s guidance to make sure the model numbers of both appliances and the kit are compatible.

    If a compatible kit isn’t supplied with the appliances, remember to budget for it separately.

  • Overlooking electrical positioning in the bathroom

    If the appliance is near a bath or shower, you’ll need to consider where it and its socket are positioned, as well as the existing electrical installation.

    If you’re planning to install it near a water source, ask a qualified electrician to check the location before ordering.

Brands to consider by format

Whirlpool

The range includes top-loading washing machines worth comparing when width is the deciding factor.

  • Whirlpool’s product pages for the TDLR55140SFR and TDLRSX7232BSFR both give a width of 40 cm and a depth of 60 cm, with capacities of 5,5 kg and 7 kg respectively.
  • Their narrow width doesn’t reduce their depth, and the lid needs to remain accessible from above.

Electrolux

Electrolux offers slimline front-loaders worth considering when depth is limited.

  • The brand describes this range as generally 33 to 45 cm deep and lists a 7 kg slimline model, the EW6S5722CB.
  • The term “slimline” doesn’t specify the depth or capacity of every model, so check the dimensions and load capacity of the one you choose.

Bosch

The range includes an 8 kg front-loader and accessories for stacking certain models.

  • Bosch gives the WAJ24008FF a capacity of 8 kg and dimensions of 848 × 598 × 546 mm, listed as height, width and depth.
  • These dimensions alone don’t confirm that the appliance can be installed under a worktop. Bosch’s WTZ27410 kit is designed for a standard washing machine with a depth of over 55 cm; check compatibility with the appliances you choose.

AEG

AEG offers, among other options, a 6 kg top-loader and a stacking kit for certain front-loading appliances.

  • The brand says its STA8GW4 kit is suitable for certain front-loaders with a depth of 47 to 60 cm, subject to a compatibility check using the product number (PNC).
  • This range applies to this specific kit; it doesn’t confirm compatibility with another kit or a top-loading washing machine.

A top-loading washing machine option on Joybuy

This top-loading washing machine is aimed at shoppers whose main constraint is the available width. Before choosing it for your room, check its installation dimensions and allow enough space for the lid to open.

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500 top-loading washing machine

Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine

Worth considering if width limits your installation and you have enough room to load it from above.

Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated spin speed: 1 400 rpm. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the product details and instructions for this model before deciding where to install it.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What should I measure before ordering a washing machine for a small room?

Measure the width, depth and height of the space, as well as the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. Check the connections too, and consult the instructions for your chosen model to find out how much clearance is needed for installation.

Are slimline washing machines always limited to 6 kg?

No. Electrolux, for example, lists the 7 kg EW6S5722CB slimline front-loader. Check its capacity and depth separately, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door.

Can you stack a tumble dryer on any front-loading washing machine?

No. Stacking depends on the model numbers of both appliances and the kit specified by the manufacturer. Bosch and AEG have specific requirements for their kits, so check the exact combination before choosing a washing machine as the base of your stack.

How should I plan to install a washing machine in a bathroom?

Start by checking where the appliance and its socket will be in relation to the bath or shower. Whether the installation is safe depends on the specific layout. If the appliance will be near a water source, ask a qualified electrician to assess your plans.

Do I need to remove the transit bolts before using the washing machine for the first time?

Yes. Electrolux says they must be removed before the appliance is switched on. Follow the instructions for your model to identify them and keep them if recommended, in case you need to move the appliance in future.