Studio flat with limited depth
You have enough width for a front-loader, but there is not enough space in front of a recess, shower or passageway. Compare the stated depth, hoses and door clearance before prioritising capacity.
Which homes and households is it suitable for?
Very narrow bathroom or utility room
When available width is the main obstacle, a top-loader can keep the passage clear thanks to its top-opening design. However, you must leave clear space above the lid and check the installation requirements for use in a bathroom.
For one person or a couple
For regular washing, a capacity of 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one or two people, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Adjust this guideline if you often wash towels, bedding or bulky fabrics.
Essential selection criteria
Choose the format based on the factor that genuinely limits installation: width, depth, opening clearance or connections.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and movement around the appliance | Compare the width, depth, height and position of the connections. Allow for the door swing of a front-loader or the clearance above a top-loader. Slim models are approximately 33 to 45 cm deep, while top-loaders are around 40 to 46 cm wide, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | I want to be able to open the machine and move around without blocking a door, shower or passageway. |
| Everyday capacity | Check the maximum load for the programme you use, not just the capacity stated for cotton or Eco 40-60. A 2 to 3 kg mini washing machine limits the amount of bulky laundry you can wash and may mean running more cycles. | I am looking for a capacity suited to my usual laundry without having to split loads every time. For one person or a couple, UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends 5 to 7 kg. |
| Installation and delivery | Confirm the cold-water supply, drainage, electrical circuit and route to the room. For an Electrolux installation service, the water supply and drainage must be within 1.2 m; check the manual and the requirements for the model you choose. | I want to know whether the appliance can get into my home, be connected without an unsuitable extension and be installed in a safe location. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Measuring only the recess
A slim model reduces the depth of the cabinet, but its door still needs clearance. A front-loader also needs access to the hoses, while a top-loader requires clear space above it and cannot be opened beneath a fixed worktop.
Measure the width, height, depth to the wall, space in front of the appliance, area above a top-loader, connections and delivery route. Then compare these measurements with the diagram for the exact model.
-
Choosing a mini washing machine as your main appliance without calculating load sizes
Appliances with a 2 to 3 kg capacity are intended as supplementary solutions. Their limited load makes blankets and other bulky items impractical to wash and may mean running more cycles.
If space allows, first compare 5 to 7 kg slim, top-loading or front-loading models for the laundry needs of one or two people.
-
Ordering before checking the location in the bathroom
Promotelec states that a washing machine installed in a bathroom must be earthed, protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and positioned beyond zone 2. A cupboard does not automatically make the location suitable.
Identify the bath or shower, and have the installation checked by a qualified professional when the location is close to a water source or the circuit is old.
A guide to the main brands
Electrolux
The range includes 6 kg top-loaders and slim front-loading models, which can be useful when you need to balance a compact footprint with everyday laundry needs.
- The Electrolux EW6T3465DA is listed at 890 × 400 × 600 mm, with a 6 kg capacity and 1,200 rpm. Its 40 cm width suits locations with limited side clearance.
- The 600 mm depth and opening lid mean you must check the available clearance in front and above the appliance.
- The 1.2 m distance stated in Electrolux’s pre-installation guide relates to its installation service; also consult the manual for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
The 6 to 7 kg top-loaders are worth considering when available width is more limited than depth.
- The TDLR6253BFR illustrates the classic dimensions of a narrow top-loader: 40 cm wide, 90 cm high, 60 cm deep and with a 6 kg capacity.
- This reference is marked as no longer available on its product page; compare the dimensions of the models currently offered.
- According to Whirlpool, delivery into the room and commissioning may be separate from standard delivery.
Bosch
Depending on the model, freestanding or integrated front-loading machines may suit kitchen or bathroom recesses with sufficient depth.
- The Bosch WGE02406FR is listed at 848 × 598 × 588 mm with a 7 kg capacity, making it worth considering when the recess and front clearance are sufficient.
- The cabinet depth does not remove the need to check the space required for hoses and door opening.
- Bosch reminds users to remove the transit bolts and level the feet during installation.
Washing machines available on Joybuy
Joybuy top-loading washing machine options for homes where passage width is the main constraint, with a stated capacity suited to regular laundry for one or two people.
Image unavailable
Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader
At 40.5 cm wide, this top-loading model is a good fit where side clearance is limited, while offering a stated capacity of 6 kg.
Stated dimensions: 86 × 40.5 × 60 cm. Top loading; check the clear space needed above the lid, the depth including connections and whether the location is suitable.
Image unavailable
Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg top-loader
This top-loading washing machine combines a stated width of 405 mm with a 7 kg capacity for regular laundry.
Stated dimensions: 860 × 405 × 600 mm. The lid needs clearance above it; also check the depth including hoses, the drainage and the electrical supply before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can a washing machine be installed in a bathroom in France?
Yes, provided the installation complies with the applicable rules. Promotelec states that the appliance must be earthed, protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and positioned beyond zone 2; a bathroom cupboard does not automatically make the location acceptable.
What capacity should you choose for a studio flat to avoid running too many cycles?
For one person or a couple, 5 to 7 kg is generally a good starting point according to UFC-Que Choisir. Allow more capacity if you often wash sheets, towels or bulky fabrics, and check the permitted load for the programmes you actually use.
Can a top-loading washing machine go beneath a worktop?
Not if the worktop prevents the lid from opening. A top-loader takes up less width and avoids the front clearance needed by a front-loader, but it must have clear space above it. Consult the installation diagram for the exact model.
Which connections should you check before delivery?
Check for a stop tap, a compatible water supply, accessible drainage and a suitable electrical supply. For its service, Electrolux specifically requires the water supply and drainage to be within 1.2 m; the requirements of the model and seller may differ.
Does delivery always include carrying the appliance upstairs and commissioning?
No, it depends on the service selected. Whirlpool states, for example, that its standard delivery may stop at the foot of the building or outside the home, while delivery into the room and commissioning may be available at an additional cost.