Start by choosing a format that suits the dimension you’re short on: a slim front-loader if depth is the issue, a top-loader if width is limited, or a compact model if you need to save space in several dimensions. Then check the door opening, connections and how much laundry you usually wash. A portable or add-on option involves more handling and is best suited to smaller loads.
If your space is narrow or shallow, check how much room the appliance takes up once installed, including when the door is open. Que Choisir distinguishes slim washing machines, which reduce depth, from top-loaders, which are designed to take up less width.
Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you build up, rather than simply the number of people in your household. Que Choisir Ensemble suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people, which you can adjust to suit your usual loads.
A portable or add-on option may suit you if you’re happy to fill it or move laundry by hand. Mestic France describes an appliance that can be filled with a bucket; you’ll also need to plan for the power supply and water drainage.
First identify the dimension that’s limiting your installation, then check the door opening, capacity and any remaining practical considerations.
Choose this if: depth is your main constraint and there’s room for the door to open in front of the appliance.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir gives a depth of 33 to 45 cm for this category, but you’ll also need to allow for protruding parts and connections when measuring your space.
Choose this if: width is limited and you can access the top of the machine.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm, depending on the appliance. The lid needs room to open, and a narrow machine isn’t necessarily shallow.
Choose this if: your space means you need to reduce several dimensions without giving up an automatic washing machine.
Bear in mind: Haier France describes a compact 5 kg model measuring 510 × 492 × 700 mm, in width × depth × height order. These dimensions apply to this model only.
Choose this if: you can’t install a standard appliance and are prepared to handle the water or laundry yourself.
Bear in mind: Manual filling and the washing or spinning stages may require more input than an automatic appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and door opening | Measure the width, height and depth. Check the space needed for the door or lid to open, as well as the room taken up by the connections. | If the open door or hoses could block access, I want to know how much room the appliance will really take up once installed. Around 31% of consumers prioritise keeping access clear. |
| Suitable capacity | Compare the amount of laundry you usually wash with the programme capacities and the bulky items you need to launder. | If I want to avoid laundry piling up or running small loads too often, I’m looking for a drum that suits my routine. Around 25% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Connections and installation | Locate the water inlet, drain and power supply. Check the instructions and the space where the appliance will go. | If the water inlet or drain makes installation tricky, I want to know whether an appliance can be installed and what I’ll need to handle myself. Around 19% of consumers prioritise whether installation is feasible. |
| Noise and drying | Check the noise and spin information on the energy label, then plan where you’ll dry your laundry. | If the machine is near my living space or I dry laundry indoors, noise and spin performance matter when I’m choosing. Around 13% of consumers prioritise comfort in their living space. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check what the installation service includes and whether the filter and connections will be accessible. | If I need to keep extra work to a minimum and make maintenance easy, I also check what services are available for the appliance. Around 12% of consumers prioritise installation costs and maintenance. |
The measurement may or may not include the door, hoses or other parts that stick out. So, a measurement that looks suitable may not be enough to confirm that the appliance will fit.
Ask for a dimensioned diagram that specifies what’s included, then compare it with your space and the room needed to open the machine.
If you don’t check everything, you may have to rethink the layout or connections.
A drum with too little capacity can mean more wash cycles, while a larger drum is only useful if it suits the amount of laundry you wash. Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity to match your needs.
Think about your usual loads, including bedding and bulky items, before settling on a size.
Extra cycles take more time and involve more handling.
These appliances don’t necessarily offer the same stages or the same washing and spin capacities. For one portable machine it has reviewed, Mestic France lists a washing capacity of 3.5 kg of dry laundry and a spin capacity of 1.5 kg of wet laundry.
Check which operations are automatic and what each capacity refers to.
Filling, draining or transferring laundry may involve extra handling.
What’s included in an installation service depends on the seller. Electrolux states that its installers don’t carry out plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
Ask the seller to confirm the scope of the service in writing before you buy, especially if your space needs adapting.
You may need to hire a separate professional for work that isn’t included.
The products below include a foldable portable option and front-loading washing machines with different capacities. Check the full dimensions of each appliance before choosing one for a tight space.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a portable, foldable appliance for a space where it’s difficult to install a standard washing machine.
The title lists a 10 L capacity, three wash times (2, 5 and 10 min), a 40 W motor and a speed of 320 RPM. It also mentions a draining basket and suction cups.
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Consider this if a 9 kg capacity suits your loads. Check all the dimensions before seeing whether it will fit in an alcove.
The title lists a width of 465 mm, a 530 mm drum and a spin speed of 1400 RPM. It also mentions a 15-minute quick wash programme and a steam function.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg capacity and the full dimensions suit your home.
The title lists 16 programmes, a pet hair programme and a steam function.
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Consider this if an 8 kg capacity suits your laundry. Check the depth and other dimensions against the space available.
The title lists 16 programmes, a pet hair programme and a steam function.
No. Check the dimensions with the connections in place and the installation diagram for your chosen model. In a discussion posted by the Darty after-sales community in September 2026, the measurements reported varied depending on which parts were included; they don’t establish a universal clearance.
Que Choisir Ensemble suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people, not as a requirement. Take into account how much laundry you actually wash and any bulky items.
No, they can differ. For the MW-120 machine, Mestic France lists a washing capacity of 3.5 kg and a spin capacity of 1.5 kg of wet laundry. Check the specifications for the appliance you’re considering.
Not necessarily. The scope depends on the service offered. Electrolux states that its installers don’t carry out plumbing, electrical or carpentry work, so check the seller’s terms.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model. For example, Samsung France support gives a height of 60 to 90 cm for its appliances; don’t assume this range applies to another model.