Renters with limited depth
If there’s enough width but the machine might obstruct a walkway, a slimline front-loader could be a good fit. You’ll still need room to open the door and connect the appliance.
Who are these formats for?
The formats described by Que Choisir cater to different space constraints: limited depth, limited width, or no room for a conventional appliance at all.
Those short on width
In a narrow alcove, a top-loader can avoid the clearance needed in front of a door. However, you’ll need enough room to open the lid fully.
Those looking for an occasional-use solution
If you can’t install a conventional washing machine, a mini washing machine may be worth considering for small loads. Check its connection requirements and washing and spin-drying capabilities before you buy.
What should you check before buying?
First, find out whether you can connect a washing machine, then identify which dimension is preventing you from installing one. Next, compare its capacity with the size of your usual loads.
Slimline front-loader
Consider this if: depth is limited, but there’s enough width and clearance in front of the door.
Bear in mind: saving depth doesn’t guarantee a large capacity or that the machine will fit under a worktop. Check both for the model you choose.
Narrow top-loader
Consider this if: width is your main constraint and loading from the top is practical.
Bear in mind: the lid needs room above it; a fixed worktop could prevent you from opening it.
Compact front-loader
Consider this if: neither a slimline model nor a top-loader will fit, and you don’t have much washing to do.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, compact front-loaders have a capacity of less than 5 kg. You may need to run extra cycles for sheets and towels.
Mini washing machine
Consider this if: you need a secondary machine because it’s impossible to install a conventional washing machine.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir describes typical loads of 2 to 3 kg. Also check the model’s spin-drying function, water heating and connection requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and connections | Check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply, then compare their positions with the instructions for the model. | If I can’t connect the machine where I plan to put it, its dimensions alone won’t solve my problem. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise being able to install and connect it. |
| Dimensions and opening clearance | Measure the alcove and access route, allowing for the door or lid to open and for the clearances specified by the manufacturer. | I want to load the washing without blocking a walkway or hitting a worktop. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise having room to move freely. |
| Capacity and cycles | Compare your usual loads with the capacity allowed by each programme, not just the maximum capacity shown. | If I often wash sheets and towels, a small drum could mean running several loads. Avoiding this extra work would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the spin noise level, programme duration and filter access in the model’s documentation. | If the machine is close to my living space, I want to be able to live with its cycles and access the filter. Around 14% of consumers would put these day-to-day considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the smallest drum without considering your washing
A low capacity can mean extra cycles for sheets, towels or items that need separating. On the other hand, choosing a machine that’s much larger than your usual loads isn’t automatically a good idea.
Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for one person or a couple. Think about the size of your usual loads and check the instructions for the limits that apply to each programme.
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Measuring the alcove but not the space needed to use the machine
You’ll need room in front of a slimline front-loader to access the door, while a top-loader needs enough clear height for its lid. Remember to allow for hoses and connections too.
Measure the width, depth, height, access route and position of the connections, then compare these measurements with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
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Expecting a mini washing machine to work as your main appliance
The small load sizes and spin-drying limitations described by Que Choisir can make this format impractical for bulky items.
Choose one for occasional use that suits the items you wash, and check the instructions for load capacity, spin-drying, water heating and connection requirements.
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Assuming a particular format will be comfortable to use
A narrow appliance isn’t necessarily quiet or easy to maintain. In a studio flat, cycle length and access to the filter can matter just as much as the dimensions.
Compare spin noise levels, programme durations and access to maintenance parts across the models that actually fit your space.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
A top-loader to consider
This top-loader is for those who prefer loading from above and have a narrow space. Before deciding whether it’s right for your studio flat, check its installation dimensions and the clearance needed above it.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader
Loading from the top can help if width is limited, provided the lid can open where you plan to install it.
Advertised capacity of 6 kg, stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm, 17 programmes and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Before buying, check the instructions for the required clearances, connections and load limits for each programme.
Frequently asked questions
Which washing machine should I choose if I’m short on depth?
A slimline front-loader is worth considering if there’s enough width and the door can open. Que Choisir generally puts the depth of this format at between 33 and 45 cm. However, check the installation dimensions and clearances for the model you choose.
Can a top-loader go under a worktop?
Not under a fixed worktop that prevents the lid from opening. A top-loader is mainly designed for spaces where width is limited: Que Choisir describes models that are around 40 to 46 cm wide. Also measure the clearance needed above the machine to load your washing.
What connections do I need for a conventional washing machine?
Check that you have a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply for the appliance you’re considering. Bosch says a freestanding washing machine needs to be installed in a room with the necessary water and electricity connections. The model’s instructions will set out the installation requirements you need to follow.
What capacity should I consider if I live alone?
Que Choisir gives 5 to 7 kg as a general guide for one person or a couple, not a requirement. If you regularly wash sheets or towels, check the load limits for each programme too: the maximum capacity shown may not apply to every type of fabric.
Can a mini washing machine replace a conventional one?
Not necessarily. Que Choisir describes mini washing machines with a capacity of 2 to 3 kg as occasional-use options that aren’t well suited to bulky items. If this is the only format you can consider, check the usable load, spin-drying function, water heating and connection requirements for the specific model.