Studio flat renters without a utility room
If your machine needs to fit in a kitchen, alcove or bathroom, measure the space needed to move around it, open the door or lid, and reach the connections.
Who is this guide for?
Small households short on depth
If there’s room for a front-loader but it could stick too far into the room, compare the depth of slim models and check how much space you have in front of the door.
People short on width
If you have a narrow passage or bathroom, a top-loader may be worth considering, provided its lid can open fully without hitting a cupboard or shelf above it.
What should you check?
Top-loaders and slim front-loaders suit different space constraints. Consider a portable option only if the dimensions or connections rule out a standard installation.
Narrow top-loader
Best if: width is your main constraint. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders are generally between 40 and 46 cm wide.
Bear in mind: the lid needs room to open upwards, and this design won’t necessarily solve a lack of depth.
Slim front-loader
Best if: depth is limited. UFC-Que Choisir describes slim models as around 33 to 45 cm deep.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space in front of the machine to open the door and load it. Check its width and capacity too.
Portable option
Consider it: when neither a top-loader nor a front-loader can be installed.
Be prepared: it won’t necessarily do everything a standard washing machine can. Check each model’s capacity, spin performance and water management.
| Factor | What to check | What this means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Check the water inlet, waste outlet and power supply, and make sure you can reach them after installation. If the machine is near a shower or bath, have the location checked. | If I can’t connect the machine where I plan to put it, its size won’t solve the problem. Around 34% of consumers put installation feasibility first. |
| Space and access | Measure the alcove, allow room for the hoses, and check that the door or lid can open fully. | I need to be able to get past the machine and load the laundry once it’s installed. For around 33% of consumers, access and available space are the main concern. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, and check the permitted load for the programmes you’ll use. | If the drum is too small for my usual loads, I’ll need to run more cycles. Around 20% of consumers prioritise choosing a suitable capacity. |
| Portable use | If you can’t install a standard machine, check the other option’s maximum load, how it’s filled and drained, and its spin performance. | If there’s no suitable space for a standard machine, I need another way to do my laundry. This is the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Measuring only the alcove
A front-loader might fit in the space but block the way when its door is open. A top-loader might fit across but be unable to open beneath a shelf.
Before ordering, check the machine’s dimensions, the space behind it for the hoses, and the clearance needed to open it fully.
-
Always choosing the smallest capacity
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a drum that’s too small can mean more cycles, while a machine with too large a capacity may not suit households that regularly wash smaller loads.
Estimate how much dry laundry you have, how often you wash, and whether you regularly wash bulky items.
Extra cycles also mean spending more time washing the same amount of laundry.
-
Treating the bathroom like any other room
If the machine is near a shower or bath, its position and power supply are crucial, even if it physically fits in the room.
If you’re unsure about where to position the machine or its socket, have the installation and the applicable electrical safety zones checked before you buy.
Brands to consider for this type of washing machine
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a washing machine in a small bathroom?
Yes, as long as the space and connections allow for a suitable installation. If there’s a shower or bath, have the position of the machine and its power supply checked against the applicable electrical safety zones. Available space alone isn’t enough to make a decision.
Which connections should you check before ordering?
Check that you can access a water inlet, a waste outlet and a power supply suitable for the model. Check their positions and the instructions in the manual to make sure the connections will still be accessible after installation.
Is a slim washing machine easier to install than a top-loader?
Not in every space. A slim front-loader mainly saves depth and needs clearance in front of its door, while a top-loader mainly saves width and needs room above it to open. UFC-Que Choisir gives approximate depths of 33 to 45 cm for slim models and says top-loaders are generally between 40 and 46 cm wide. Be sure to measure the model you choose and the space where it will go.
What capacity should one person or a couple choose?
UFC-Que Choisir says 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. Use this as a guide, taking into account how often you do your laundry and what you wash, then check the load limits for the programmes you plan to use.