Renters with very limited space
You need to fit a washing machine into an alcove, a shower room or a narrow kitchen without blocking a door, a walkway or access to the connections.
Who is this guide for?
People living alone or couples who do laundry regularly
You want a capacity that suits your laundry without having to run lots of cycles. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people, which you can adjust to suit your sorting habits.
People without space for a standard washing machine
You’re considering a mini washing machine for small loads, accepting that it will only be a backup option, particularly for bulky items.
How do the different formats compare?
In a studio flat, width, depth and the space needed to load your laundry can each cause a different problem. First, work out what will get in the way where you plan to put the machine.
Standard front-loader
Consider it: if there’s enough depth and space in front of the door to install and use it.
Bear in mind: the open door may encroach on the walkway.
Slimline
Consider it: if depth is the main obstacle; UFC-Que Choisir describes slimline models with depths of 33 to 45 cm.
Bear in mind: a slimline model is still a front-loader, so you’ll need space for its width and to open the door.
Top-loader
Consider it: if there’s not enough width or clearance in front of the machine, but you can access the top.
Bear in mind: the lid needs room to open, and you’ll still need to check the depth for each model.
Mini washing machine
Consider it: as a backup for small loads when a standard washing machine cannot be installed.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir describes capacities of 2 to 3 kg and says that washing bulky items can be difficult.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, allowing for pipes and access. | I want the machine to fit in the room without obstructing the walkway; around 36% of consumers put size first. |
| Capacity | Compare the amount of laundry you usually wash with the load size allowed by the programmes you’ll use. | If I often wash sheets or sort my laundry, I don’t want to add extra cycles because there isn’t enough room in the drum. Capacity comes ahead of other factors for around 29% of consumers. |
| Door or lid opening | Allow enough room to open the door or lid fully, with no obstacles in front of or above it. | A door or piece of furniture could stop me loading the laundry even if the machine fits in its space; around 21% of consumers prioritise easy access. |
| Unable to install a standard machine | For a mini washing machine, check the type of wash, spin cycle and connections, as well as how you’ll deal with bulky items. | Without a suitable space for a standard machine, I mainly want to wash small loads; this is the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the smallest drum without considering your laundry
A capacity that’s too small can mean more loads. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people, but the amount of laundry you have and how you sort it matter too.
Think about the loads you usually wash, including sheets and towels, before opting for a mini washing machine.
Extra cycles also take up more of your time.
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Confusing a shallow machine with a narrow one
A slimline model can solve a lack of depth, but its door may still encroach on a narrow walkway.
If width is the issue, compare top-loaders; if it’s depth, compare slimline models. Either way, check that you can open the machine in the space you have.
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Changing the connections in a rented home without permission
ANIL points out that in France, tenants must not alter rented premises or equipment without the landlord’s written permission. Simply connecting a machine to existing fittings is not the same as making an alteration.
Before installing or permanently changing a water supply, waste pipe or socket, get written permission from your landlord.
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Expecting a mini washing machine to handle every load
According to UFC-Que Choisir, mini models with capacities of 2 to 3 kg are intended as backup options. Their spin cycles may be weak, and bulky items can be difficult to wash.
Check what the model can handle and plan how you’ll wash sheets, thick towels and other bulky items.
Washing these items elsewhere may mean making extra trips.
Brands to consider by format
Electrolux
Its slimline and top-loading models let you compare two different installation needs. Electrolux lists its slimline EW6S1064NA as having a 6 kg capacity and a depth of 411 mm, while its top-loading EWQ6412B measures 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
- Two formats to compare, depending on whether you’re short on depth or width.
- These dimensions apply to the models listed: the slimline machine needs room for the front door to open, while the top-loader needs clear space above it.
AEG
UFC-Que Choisir includes an AEG top-loader among the appliances to consider for a narrow space.
- A top-loader is worth comparing when width is limited.
- Check the dimensions, opening and capacity of the model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
UFC-Que Choisir also features a Whirlpool top-loader in its article about small spaces.
- Consider a top-loader if opening a front door would get in the way.
- Width, depth and the clearance needed above the machine vary from model to model.
Bosch
Spare parts availability may matter if you plan to keep your washing machine for a long time. Bosch says that spare parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years.
- This information from the manufacturer can help guide questions about long-term maintenance.
- Check spare parts availability for the specific model you’re considering.
A top-loading washing machine to consider on Joybuy
This top-loader could suit you if width is limited but you can still load the machine from above. In particular, check that there’s enough room to open the lid.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you want to load your laundry from above and need a 6 kg capacity.
The model name indicates 1,400 rpm, a B energy rating, an Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes.
Before choosing a spot for it, check the clearance needed to open the lid, along with the water supply, waste pipe and electricity supply.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a washing machine for a studio flat?
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then allow room for the pipes and the door or lid to open. A front-loader needs clearance in front of the door; a top-loader needs space above it to open.
What capacity should someone living alone or a couple choose?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. Choose a capacity to suit the amount of bedding and towels you wash, as well as your sorting habits, and check the load size allowed by the programmes you use.
Can a mini washing machine be your only machine?
It’s best suited as a backup option when it’s impossible to install a standard washing machine. UFC-Que Choisir describes models with capacities of 2 to 3 kg, which may have a weak spin cycle and can struggle with bulky items.
Which connections should I check before installation?
Check that the space has the water supply, waste pipe and electricity supply specified in the model’s instructions. Make sure the pipes can be fitted without being bent or trapped.
Do I need my landlord’s permission to install a washing machine?
If installation means altering rented premises or equipment in France, ask for written permission: this is the rule outlined by ANIL. If you can connect the machine to existing fittings without making any alterations, check your tenancy agreement and the layout of your home rather than assuming that changes are needed.