You have the connections, but access is tight
The water supply, waste outlet and socket are all accessible. Now you need an appliance that leaves enough room to move around and open the drum without obstruction.
Who are these options for?
You’re particularly short on depth
You have enough width, but a standard front-loader would take up too much of the room. Compare a slim model with the space available, allowing for the door when it’s open.
You can’t install a standard washing machine
If there isn’t enough space or the connections make installation impractical, a mini washing machine may handle small loads. You’ll need another solution for bulky items.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
According to Que Choisir, a slim model mainly reduces depth, while a top-loader is better suited to limited width. The right size also depends on the space you need to load your laundry and access the connections.
Compact front-loader
Consider this if: you’re short on both width and depth but would prefer a front-loading machine.
Bear in mind: capacity may be more limited, and you’ll need clear space in front of the door.
Slim
Consider this if: depth is your main constraint and you have room for a width similar to that of a standard front-loader.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need enough space in front of the machine to open the door.
Top-loader
Consider this if: you’re short on width or can’t leave enough space in front of a front-loader.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep the top clear to load your laundry.
Mini washing machine for occasional use
Best suited to: small loads when it isn’t possible to install a standard appliance.
Bear in mind: you may need to run more washes, and bulky items may not fit.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Check the water supply, waste outlet and accessible socket, then check the clearances specified in the instructions. | If I can’t connect the appliance or reach the tap after installation, a compact size won’t help. Around 36% of consumers would make installation feasibility their priority. |
| Access and opening the drum | Measure the space with the hoses in place and check that the door or lid can open fully. | In a narrow room, I want to load the laundry without blocking the way through; almost 29% of consumers would prioritise this access. |
| Capacity and number of cycles | Consider your usual laundry, including bulky items, and check the load limits for each programme. | If my laundry requires several small washes, saving space isn’t enough. Capacity would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Drying, noise and energy and water use | Check the label for the exact model and compare spin performance, noise, energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle. | If I dry laundry in my living space, I want to consider spin performance and noise as well as the space the machine takes up; almost 14% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the space where the machine will go
An appliance may fit in the space but still leave too little room to open the door, move around or reach the connections.
Measure the route to the room too, check that the drum can open fully and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Confusing slim with narrow
According to Que Choisir, a slim model mainly saves depth, so it won’t necessarily solve a lack of width.
If width or front access is an issue, compare its dimensions and drum access with those of a top-loader.
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Expecting a mini washing machine to handle all your laundry
Small load capacities and sometimes poor spin performance can make it harder to wash bulky items and dry laundry in your studio flat, as Que Choisir points out.
Think about your usual washing loads and use this size as a supplementary option if its limitations mean it won’t meet all your needs.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
A Joybuy washing machine to consider
This front-loading washing machine may be worth considering if depth is your main constraint. Before choosing this style, compare its dimensions, connections and door clearance with the space you have available.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg white washing machine
Worth considering if you’re looking to save depth, provided you check the space needed for the hoses and to open the door.
Advertised capacity of 8 kg, spin speed listed at 1 400 rpm and an Inverter motor. If there are one or two people in your household, compare this capacity with the amount of laundry you have. Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a washing machine for a studio flat?
Measure the space where the machine will go and the route it will take to get there. Then check the room needed for the hoses and to open the drum. For a standard appliance, also make sure the water supply, waste outlet and socket will still be accessible once it’s installed.
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom in France?
Only if the location and electrical installation comply with the rules that apply to bathrooms. Promotelec explains that the NF C 15-100 series of standards covers these installations. If you’re considering electrical work or are unsure about where to position the appliance, ask a qualified professional to assess the project.
Can a mini washing machine be used as your main appliance?
Not necessarily. Que Choisir describes this size as a supplementary option, with indicative capacities of 2 to 3 kg and sometimes poor spin performance. Check how you’ll wash sheets and other bulky items before relying on it for all your laundry.
Should you choose the smallest drum to save space?
Not if its capacity means you have to run more cycles. Que Choisir generally puts the needs of one person or a couple at around 5 to 7 kg. Use this as a guide and adapt it to your fabrics and how often you wash.