Studio flat renters with a narrow walkway
The machine’s depth once installed and the space in front of its door matter just as much as the room it takes up against the wall. Check that you’ll still be able to move around while loading it.
Who are these formats for?
Households with a space for a machine under the kitchen worktop
Compare the space available with the model’s installation diagram. If you want to keep your worktop, look for a front-loader that the manufacturer explicitly says can be installed underneath it.
Households short on width but with clear space above
A top-loader may solve the width problem, provided its lid can open fully and the machine’s depth also suits the room.
What should you check?
In a studio flat or narrow kitchen, first work out what’s really limiting your installation: the space in front of the machine, the available width, the worktop or the amount of laundry you need to wash.
Slimline front-loader
Consider it: when depth is limited and you can access the door in front of the machine.
Bear in mind: a reduced depth doesn’t remove the need for enough space to open the door and load the laundry.
Top-loading washing machine
Consider it: when width is very limited and there’s clear space above.
Bear in mind: a top-loader can’t go beneath a fixed worktop, as this would block the lid.
Front-loader under a worktop
Consider it: for a kitchen alcove, if the manufacturer approves under-worktop installation for that specific model.
Bear in mind: you can’t assume a machine has a removable top or is suitable for under-worktop installation just from its external dimensions.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space in front of the door | Depth once the machine is connected, and the space needed to open the door, according to the model’s diagram. | In a studio flat, I want to open the door without blocking the walkway; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this access. |
| Width and top-opening clearance | The machine’s width and the clearance needed above the lid. | When space is tight on either side, I want to load laundry from above while still being able to open the lid; around 25% of consumers would prioritise width. |
| Under-worktop installation | The dimensions of the space and explicit confirmation in the model’s documentation that it can be installed under a worktop or has a removable top. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to keep my worktop while fitting the machine into its space; around 25% of consumers would put this type of integration first. |
| Washing capacity | The stated capacity in kg, compared with the household’s usual laundry loads. | If I wash large loads, I want to avoid a drum that’s too small and would mean running more cycles; capacity would come first for around 19% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Focusing only on the stated width
A narrow machine can still stick out into the walkway because of its depth, or make loading difficult once the door is open.
Mark out the floor space the installed machine will occupy, then check the door’s opening area on the model’s diagram.
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Putting a top-loader beneath a fixed worktop
According to France’s National Consumer Institute, top-loading washing machines are loaded from above. A worktop that blocks the lid will prevent you from using the machine as intended.
Keep the space above clear, or look for a front-loader that the manufacturer approves for under-worktop installation.
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Removing the top of a front-loader without checking the instructions
Bosch describes a removable top for some of its under-worktop ranges, but this doesn’t apply to every front-loading washing machine.
Before installation, check the fitting instructions and warranty conditions for the exact model.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Top-loading washing machines to consider on Joybuy
Consider these two top-loading washing machines if width is limited and there’s enough clear space for the lid to open. Compare their capacity with the amount of laundry you wash, and check the installation clearances for the model you choose.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you’re short on width but have clear space above for loading laundry.
Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated spin speed: 1,400 tr/min; 17 programmes and Wi-Fi are mentioned in the product name.
Before choosing where to put it, check the installation diagram for the clearance needed to open the lid and connect the machine.
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Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you want a top-loader and would like to compare its stated 7 kg capacity with the amount of laundry you wash.
Stated spin speed: 1,200 tr/min; steam and Wi-Fi are mentioned in the product name.
Check the installation diagram for the clearance needed to open the lid and connect the machine.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a washing machine for a studio flat?
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the installation diagram for your chosen model. Allow space for connections and opening the machine too: in front of the door for a front-loader, and above the lid for a top-loader.
Can you put a top-loading washing machine under a worktop?
Not if the worktop stops you opening the lid: a top-loader is loaded from above. If you want to keep a fixed worktop, look for a front-loader that the manufacturer approves for under-worktop installation.
Can you remove the top of any front-loading washing machine?
No, it depends on the model. Bosch describes this feature for some ranges with a removable top; check the manual and fitting instructions for the exact product before changing how it’s installed.
Does a washing machine need to be installed by a professional?
Not always: UFC-Que Choisir says you can install a machine without a technician, as long as you follow the safety instructions. For under-worktop installation, follow the instructions for your model and get appropriate help if the fitting involves anything beyond what they cover.