Studio flat dwellers without a utility room
If your washing machine needs to fit in a kitchen or small bathroom, look for a format that keeps the walkway clear without reducing the drum size so much that you have to do more washing.
Who are these formats for?
Renters with a narrow bathroom
Dimensions alone won’t tell you where to put the machine. Promotelec recommends checking its position in relation to the bathroom zones, earthing and protection of the circuit by a 30 mA residual-current device. Get the installation checked if you’re unsure.
Households short on width
A top-loader may suit a narrow alcove, provided its lid can open freely. By contrast, a slimline front-loader is most useful when the machine would otherwise stick out too far into the room.
What should you check before choosing?
The main constraint varies from one space to another. First measure what’s in short supply, then choose the loading type and a capacity that suits your needs.
Standard front-loader under a worktop
Consider this if: your kitchen alcove can accommodate the machine and the door can open without blocking the walkway.
Bear in mind: insufficient depth or clearance can rule out this format, even if there’s enough width.
Slimline front-loader
Consider this if: depth is the main issue and loading from the front is still practical.
Bear in mind: the term ‘slimline’ doesn’t guarantee there’ll be room for the hoses or clearance for the door.
Top-loader
Consider this if: width is limited but there’s enough space above the machine to open the lid.
Bear in mind: a fixed worktop above the machine could prevent you from loading it.
Mini washing machine for occasional use
Consider this if: you only have very small loads to wash and can’t install a plumbed-in domestic machine.
Bear in mind: a small capacity may mean more cycles for everyday washing, towels or bedding.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height. Allow room for the hoses, the door or lid to open, and access around the machine. | I need to be able to load the machine and move around it, not just fit it into the alcove. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg of dry washing with your usual loads. Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean more cycles, while an unsuitable capacity can affect energy and water consumption. | I want to get my washing done in a reasonable number of cycles, without choosing a large drum that I rarely fill. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, the route for the inlet hose and the waste outlet. In a bathroom, also check the electrical requirements and positioning guidance from Promotelec. | Before I order, I want to know whether the machine can be connected and installed in that spot. |
| Everyday use | Compare the spin noise, rinsing, spinning, programme duration and energy and water consumption of the models you’re considering. Que Choisir assesses these separately in its tests. | In a small room close to my living space, dimensions aren’t my only consideration. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Automatically choosing the smallest drum
According to Que Choisir, a capacity that’s too small can mean doing more loads, even if the machine takes up less space.
Estimate the size of your usual dry load before comparing capacities.
Extra cycles can also increase your water and electricity consumption.
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Measuring the alcove without allowing for the door to open
A machine may fit in the space but still be difficult to load if the door or lid hits an obstacle.
Measure the clearance in front of a front-loader or above a top-loader, and allow room for the hoses.
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Ordering before checking the connections
You’ll need a usable water inlet and waste outlet. In a bathroom, Promotelec also specifies requirements for the location and electrical supply.
Check the connection points, and ask a qualified professional to inspect the installation if you’re unsure about the machine’s position or the electrical circuit.
An unsuitable connection or location may mean the installation needs to be modified before you can use the machine.
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Assuming size tells you how noisy or effective it is
A reduced depth alone won’t tell you how noisy the machine is, how well it rinses or how long its programmes take.
Compare the specifications of the exact models you’re considering. If you look at test results, make sure they were produced using comparable methods.
A few brands to know
These ranges give you examples of formats to consider; check the dimensions and capacity for each model.
Candy
Candy offers a range of slimline front-loaders with a reduced depth, as well as top-loaders.
- Two loading styles to explore, depending on the space in front of or above the machine.
- Depth, capacity and noise levels vary by model, so check the exact specifications.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool lists a width of 40 cm for some of its top-loaders available in France.
- The brand lists the TW 621CS SENSE WASH FR and ZEN TDLRBX 6252BS FR/N models at this width.
- This measurement doesn’t apply to the whole range. Check the depth and lid clearance for the model you choose, too.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s range includes the EW7T3375DA top-loader, listed with a 7 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
- These measurements help you check whether this model will fit your available space.
- They don’t apply to other Electrolux models, and you’ll still need room to open the lid.
A Joybuy option for front loading
Consider this front-loading model if depth is a concern in your space. Also measure the width, allow room for the hoses and check the clearance needed in front of the door. Its inclusion here doesn’t mean it will necessarily suit a very narrow space.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg front-loading washing machine
If you have room for a front-loader, check the alcove dimensions, space for the hoses and door clearance before choosing this model. Its product name lists an 8 kg capacity, a 1 400 tr/min spin speed, an Inverter motor and a white finish. Make sure its capacity suits your usual washing load.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom?
According to Promotelec, this may be possible if the machine is outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and the hidden zone, is earthed and has a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device. If you’re unsure, ask a qualified professional to check the exact location, particularly if it’s near a bath or shower.
Is a bathroom cupboard enough to isolate the machine?
No. Promotelec says you need to assess the cupboard with its doors open and determine which zone applies, taking horizontal and vertical distances into account. Have this setup checked before deciding to use the cupboard as the machine’s location.
Which connections should you check before buying?
Check that there’s an accessible water inlet, a route for the inlet hose and a suitable waste outlet, then check the electrical supply at the location. The hoses should be easy to route without kinks that could interfere with water supply or drainage.
Does a slimline front-loader mean you don’t need to check the clearance?
No. Its reduced depth may help in a narrow room, but you still need to allow room for the hoses and for the door to open in front of the machine. Measure the clearances needed for the model you’re considering.
Should you choose the smallest drum for a studio flat?
Not if your usual loads would mean running extra cycles. Que Choisir points out that a drum that’s too small can mean more loads, and that an unsuitable capacity can affect consumption. Compare capacities with the amount of washing you actually do.