In a studio flat, start by checking the space available and how much room you’ll need to open the appliance. A shallow front-loader is a good option if depth is limited, while a top-loader means you don’t need to leave space in front for a door to swing open. Choose a mini washing machine for small, occasional loads only. If you also need to dry your laundry in the same space, compare a washer-dryer’s separate wash and dry capacities before deciding.
Your main washing machine needs to fit into a small kitchen or bathroom without requiring too many cycles for everyday laundry. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a capacity of 5 to 7 kg for one or two people; use this as a guide and compare it with your laundry routine.
Before choosing between a main washing machine and a mini machine for occasional use, check what’s possible in your home: the available space, water supply, drainage and electricity supply.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in the same space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you use a clothes airer, consider the moisture produced: ADEME recommends drying clothes in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan.
Measure the available space and clearance, then compare each option’s capacity and connections with your needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Based on my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and opening clearance | Measure the width, depth and height, allowing for the connections and access needed to move the appliance into place. Leave room for a front-loader door to open, or for a top-loader lid to lift. | I’m short on depth, so I’ll look at shallow front-loaders. If I don’t have enough space in front of the appliance, I’ll check whether a top-loader can open freely. |
| Wash capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the number of people in your household, bulky laundry and how often you do a wash. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. | I want to wash everyday laundry without splitting it into lots of small loads. A mini washing machine would only suit me if small, occasional loads are enough. |
| Connections | Check the water supply, drainage and electricity requirements against the instructions for the exact model. Promotelec lists washing machines among appliances that require dedicated circuits. | Before ordering, I need to know whether the appliance can be installed in the space I have in mind, especially if the home hasn’t had a washing machine before. |
| Drying | For a washer-dryer, check the wash and dry capacities separately: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower. Also check the length of the programme that suits your needs. | If I can’t easily hang my laundry out to dry, built-in drying could be useful. I’ll need to plan loads that fit within its drying capacity. |
A small appliance for occasional use may mean splitting everyday laundry, towels or bedding across several cycles.
If it’s going to be your main appliance, compare your usual loads with the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 to 7 kg for one or two people, but you’ll need to adapt this guide to your own needs.
A front-loader may fit into an alcove but leave no room to open the door; a shelf could stop a top-loader lid from opening.
Also measure the space needed for the door or lid to open, the hoses and the access required to move the appliance into place. Then compare these measurements with those of the exact model.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. You may need to split a load that fits into one wash into smaller loads for drying.
Check both capacities in the product specifications. If you want to run a wash and then dry the laundry, plan your loads around the lower capacity.
Splitting a load takes more time if you need to run several drying cycles.
Promotelec sets out safety zones that restrict the installation of electrical equipment near a bath or shower.
Check the proposed location and electrical circuit before buying. If the installation needs to be changed or you’re unsure whether it meets the requirements, ask a qualified professional for advice.
This freestanding front-loader is worth considering if you’re looking for a main appliance and have enough room to open the door. Whether it’s suitable for your home depends on the dimensions and connections listed in its instructions.
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For regular washing, compare its stated 8 kg capacity with your usual loads. It’s above the 5 to 7 kg guide UFC-Que Choisir gives for one or two people. The model name indicates that it’s freestanding, with a 1,400 tr/min spin speed and an Inverter motor. Before choosing a space for it, check the dimensions, door clearance and required connections in the instructions.
Don’t choose a socket just because it’s nearby. Promotelec lists washing machines among appliances that require dedicated circuits. Ask a qualified professional to check the installation if a circuit needs to be added or changed, or if you’re unsure about the existing one.
The exact location in relation to the shower or bath is crucial. Promotelec sets out safety zones that restrict the installation of electrical equipment nearby. If you’re unsure, ask someone to assess the room before planning to install the appliance there.
Check the water supply, waste water drainage and electricity supply at the planned location. Bosch’s installation instructions distinguish between these three connections; check the requirements and clearances in the instructions for the model you’re planning to buy.
Not if the load is larger than its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir says this is lower than the wash capacity. Compare the two figures for your chosen model and remove some of the laundry before drying if necessary.
Yes, but bear in mind the moisture released as your laundry dries. ADEME recommends drying clothes indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with an extractor fan.