Start by measuring the space and checking how much room you need to open the appliance. A top-loading washing machine is best suited to a narrow space, while an under-counter or slim front-loading model may work if there’s enough width but limited height or depth. Then choose a capacity that suits your usual laundry loads. If you’d like to put a tumble dryer on top, only consider a pair of front-loading appliances and a stacking kit confirmed as compatible with the exact model numbers.
If a narrow alcove won’t accommodate a front-loading machine around 60 cm wide, a top-loader is worth considering. Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this format; you’ll also need enough clearance to open the lid.
If there’s enough width for a front-loader, the available depth, a worktop or the space in front of the door may be deciding factors. Check the exact dimensions of a slim or under-counter model, as well as the clearance needed to open it.
Putting a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine may help, provided you check the available height and confirm that both front-loading appliances are compatible with a suitable stacking kit. Bosch’s instructions and Electrolux’s guidance show that compatibility depends on the exact models you choose.
Identify which dimension is limiting your installation, then check the door clearance, connections and capacity before comparing the energy label details.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Width and top-opening lid | Que Choisir puts the width of top-loading models at between 40 and 46 cm. Compare the model’s dimensions with your alcove, and leave enough room above it to open the lid. | If the alcove is too narrow for a front-loader, my main priority is finding an appliance I can fit and load. Around 36% of consumers in this situation would put width first. |
| Depth and access to the door | Que Choisir gives a depth of 33 to 45 cm for slim models. Also check how far the appliance will protrude, where the connections are and how much clearance is needed in front of the door, particularly under a worktop. | If there’s enough width but the appliance would obstruct the way, I want to reduce how far it sticks out without blocking the door. Depth or front access would be the priority for around 29% of consumers in this situation. |
| Capacity to suit your laundry | Compare the capacity with your usual loads and bulky items. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity to suit your needs; then check the consumption figures on the energy label. | If I regularly wash large loads, saving a few centimetres won’t help if the drum means I have to run more cycles. Around 21% of consumers in this situation would prioritise a balance between size and capacity. |
| Stacked installation | Check the available height and that the space is stable, then confirm compatibility between both front-loading appliances and the kit using their exact model numbers. Bosch’s instructions rule out stacking without a suitable kit. | If I need to free up floor space, I can only consider stacking if the appliances and their fixing kit are compatible. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers in this situation. |
A front-loader may fit between two units but stick out too far, or leave too little room to open the door and access the connections.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then check the door clearance and installation requirements in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
A compact appliance that can’t handle your usual loads may mean running more cycles. Conversely, ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your needs rather than regularly underfilling the drum.
Consider the amount of laundry you usually wash and your bulkiest items before choosing between two formats that fit the space.
Extra cycles also take more time and use more water and electricity.
Stacking isn’t simply a case of putting a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine: Bosch’s instructions require a suitable stacking kit, while the conditions for an Electrolux kit depend on the appliances involved.
Choose the model numbers for both appliances, then check with the manufacturer which kit is designed for that pair before installation.
The energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you how much water a cycle uses, or the spin performance or noise level shown on the label. In a small home, these details can matter once you’ve confirmed the dimensions.
Compare all the energy label details for the models that physically fit your space.
Worth considering if you’re comparing shallow front-loaders or planning a stacked installation.
The AEG LTR8C7331A top-loader is worth considering when width is your main constraint.
The Whirlpool TDLR6253BFR is another top-loader worth considering for a narrow space.
Bosch’s instructions set out what to check if you’re planning to stack a tumble dryer and a front-loading washing machine.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, as well as the access route and the room needed to load the appliance. A front-loader needs clearance in front of its door, while a top-loader needs space above it to open. Then check the exact model’s dimensions and connection requirements in the product information and instructions.
Yes, if its capacity suits the loads you actually wash. Que Choisir generally puts the capacity of slim models at between 4 and 6 kg. Before choosing a shallower drum, check what you need for bedding and bulky items in particular.
No: you need to confirm that both appliances and the kit are compatible with their exact model numbers. Bosch’s instructions rule out installation without a suitable kit and warn against pairing appliances from different manufacturers or with different dimensions. Check the requirements for the specific pair you’re considering.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, spin performance and noise levels of the models that fit your space. ADEME also recommends choosing a washing machine capacity to suit your household’s needs, so the label doesn’t replace this check.