People living in a studio flat or small home
If you want to do your washing regularly at home, work out what is actually limiting the space: width, depth, room in front of a door or the clearance above a lid.
Who are these formats for?
Households with a narrow bathroom
A machine that fits beside a shower or bath, or in a cupboard, isn’t necessarily suitable for that spot. Promotelec also points out that the room’s layout matters when planning the electrical installation.
People who can’t install a standard machine
For small loads, a mini washing machine can be useful as a back-up when installing a standard model isn’t possible, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check how the model you’re considering is filled and drained, and what its spin capacity is.
What should you check before choosing?
Measure the space and access routes before comparing capacities: “narrow” and “shallow” don’t describe the same constraint.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Measure the doorway and recess. Top-loading models from Whirlpool and AEG cited by their manufacturers are around 40 cm wide; check the dimensions of the exact model. | The access is narrow, but I have enough overhead clearance to open a lid. |
| Depth | According to Electrolux, its slim front-loaders are generally 33 to 45 cm deep. Allow space for connections and the door to open too; “compact” doesn’t guarantee a specific size. | Depth is my main issue, and I can still reach the machine from the front. |
| Opening | Check the clearance in front of a front-loader or above a top-loader, as well as the delivery route. Assess a compact front-loader according to its specific dimensions and door opening. | I need to be able to load the machine without blocking the room door or a nearby cupboard. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, including sheets and towels. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an unsuitable capacity can increase energy and water use or mean more washing loads. | I want to avoid extra cycles without choosing a drum based solely on the number of people in my household. |
| Noise | Compare the spin-cycle specifications for specific models and check their installation requirements. AEG says an unbalanced load can cause noise during the spin cycle. | If I live in a studio flat or the machine is near a bedroom, spin-cycle noise matters to me. |
| Installation | In a bathroom, have the location and electrical installation assessed, particularly near a shower, bath or inside a cupboard. Promotelec points out that cupboard doors are considered open when assessing the relevant zones. | I don’t want to assume a spot is suitable just because the machine fits there. |
| Back-up option | If standard installation isn’t possible, check how the mini washing machine is filled and drained, and its separate washing and spin capacities. The REVO Nomad 4.5 product specifications state a 4.5 kg washing capacity and a 3.5 kg spin capacity. | I wash small loads and need to know how I’ll use the appliance day to day. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming a narrow top-loader is also shallow
The AEG LTR8C7331A top-loader is listed as 397 mm wide but 599 mm deep. A reduced width won’t necessarily solve a lack of depth.
Before choosing a model, measure all three dimensions, allow for the hoses, check the lid opening and measure the delivery route.
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Measuring a slim front-loader with the door shut
A slim machine’s reduced depth doesn’t free up the space needed to load laundry from the front. Electrolux describes its slim models as front-loading appliances.
Mark out the machine’s footprint on the floor and make sure the door can open without getting in the way.
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Choosing the smallest capacity to save space
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an unsuitable capacity can mean more cycles or excessive water and electricity use.
Think about your usual loads, including bulky items, then compare them with the stated capacity of each model.
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Treating a bathroom cupboard like an ordinary recess
Available space alone isn’t enough to assess the electrical installation. Promotelec explains that, when assessing the relevant zones, cupboard doors are considered open.
If you plan to install the machine near a shower, bath or inside a bathroom cupboard, ask a qualified professional to check the actual location.
A few pointers by brand
Electrolux
Electrolux describes its slim front-loading washing machines as generally 33 to 45 cm deep.
- Worth considering if depth, rather than width, is the main constraint.
- Front loading means you’ll need to leave space in front of the door; check the dimensions of the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool lists its TDLRBX 6252BS FR/N top-loading washing machine as 40 cm wide, with a 6 kg capacity.
- This model gives you the option of a top-loading format for a narrow access route.
- Check its depth separately, along with the overhead clearance needed to open the lid.
AEG
AEG lists the freestanding LTR8C7331A top-loader as having a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 903 × 397 × 599 mm, height × width × depth.
- This model is less than 40 cm wide.
- It is nearly 60 cm deep, and you’ll need clearance above it to open the lid.
A top-loading option on Joybuy
This top-loading washing machine is worth considering if width is your main constraint. Check its installation dimensions and the space needed to open the lid in your room.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader
Its top-loading design is worth considering if space in front of the machine is limited, provided you can open the lid. The product name lists a 6 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Compare its installation dimensions, including connections, with your available space.
Frequently asked questions
Is a top-loading washing machine suitable for every narrow bathroom?
No. It’s mainly suited to spaces where width is limited. The AEG LTR8C7331A, for example, is listed as 397 mm wide but 599 mm deep. You’ll also need to be able to open the lid and check that the electrical installation is suitable for the bathroom location.
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom cupboard?
The location needs to be assessed based on its electrical configuration, not just its dimensions. Promotelec points out that the zones covered by NF C 15-100 are assessed with the cupboard doors open. Ask a qualified professional to check your plans.
What capacity should you choose for a small home?
Compare the capacity with the loads you actually wash, particularly sheets and towels, rather than basing your choice solely on the size of your home. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an unsuitable capacity can mean more washing loads or excessive consumption.
Can a mini washing machine replace a standard machine?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir presents it as a back-up option when installing a standard model isn’t possible. Check the washing and spin capacities, as well as how it is filled and drained. For example, the REVO Nomad 4.5 product specifications list a 4.5 kg washing capacity and a 3.5 kg spin capacity.