Who is this buying guide for?

Someone with a narrow space for laundry

If width is the main constraint, a top-loader could be a good option, provided you can keep the space above it clear. The Consumers’ Association describes top-loaders as an option for spaces with limited width.

Someone washing small cotton loads

You wash your pyjamas with other laundry and want to match the capacity and programme to your usual load and the care labels. Milieu Centraal recommends considering factors such as the machine’s size and programmes.

Someone concerned about noise or leaks

You’re paying extra attention to spin noise, a stable installation and the types of water protection available. The Consumers’ Association explains that different safety features respond to different types of leak.

What should you consider when choosing?

Narrow top-loader

Best for: a space where width is the main constraint and the top lid can open freely.

Things to consider: you’ll need to be able to reach the top, and a top-loader can’t be installed under a worktop. AEG lists the LTR87ULM as 397 mm wide, with a 6 kg capacity; Whirlpool lists the TDLR 6261BS BE as 40 cm wide, with a 6 kg capacity. These are product specifications, not comparative performance tests.

Front-loader, possibly a shallower model

Best for: a space with around 60 cm of available width, where depth or the size of load you want to wash is a key factor.

Things to consider: allow space for the door, hoses and access. Beko lists the BM3WFU3741W as 60 cm wide and 49.6 cm deep, with a 7 kg capacity; Bosch lists the WAN28274NL as 598 mm wide and 590 mm deep, with an 8 kg capacity.

Washer-dryer

Best for: a situation where you also want to tumble-dry your laundry and don’t have space for two appliances or a suitable place to dry it.

Things to consider: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Bosch lists the WNA13400NL with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity; according to Milieu Centraal, a washer-dryer uses more energy than washing and drying separately.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Will the machine fit? Measure the space, access route, door or lid opening and room for connections. Compare these with the full dimensions of the exact model. If the recess is narrow, I want to know whether the machine will fit and whether its door or lid can open freely. Around 36% of consumers put fit above other buying considerations.
Cotton washes and load size Read the care labels and check the cotton programme, programme capacity and Eco 40-60 information. This programme is designed for normally soiled cotton that can be washed at 40 or 60 °C according to its care label. I want to wash pyjamas with my usual laundry on a setting that suits the care labels. Around 29% of consumers give suitable cotton programmes and load capacity top priority.
Noise and water protection Compare the spin noise on the energy label, place the machine on a stable surface and check what hose, overflow or base protection the model has. If the machine is close to my living space, I pay attention to noise and the types of leaks the safety features can detect. Around 21% of consumers put noise and the risk of leaks first.
Drying in one place Decide whether an airer will do. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities and the figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle. If I don’t have a suitable place to dry laundry, I want to know whether the washer-dryer can also dry my load. Around 14% of consumers give drying in one place top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming ‘compact’ means both narrow and shallow

    A top-loader may need little width, while a shallower front-loader can still be around 60 cm wide.

    Measure the width, depth, access route and space needed to open the door or lid separately before choosing a model.

    If a machine won’t fit through the access route or in the space, you may need to pay extra for delivery or installation.

  • Taking the energy rating or a quick programme as a guarantee for every wash

    EU label values are based on Eco 40-60; other programmes may have different capacities and energy consumption.

    Check the care label, the programme you want to use and the information for that model. Eco 40-60 is designed for normally soiled cotton that can be washed at 40 or 60 °C according to its care label.

  • Judging a washer-dryer by its washing capacity alone

    Bosch lists the WNA13400NL with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. Milieu Centraal points out that a washer-dryer uses more energy than washing and drying separately.

    Compare both capacities and the figures for the full cycle before choosing the drying function as a space-saving solution.

  • Assuming every ‘water safety system’ protects you in the same way

    Hose protection, overflow protection and a base sensor respond to different events.

    Check the specific safety features of the model you’re considering and which leaks they can detect or prevent.

Brands to compare

AEG

Worth considering if a narrow top-loader suits your available space.

  • AEG lists the LTR87ULM as 397 mm wide, with a 6 kg capacity and cotton and Eco 40-60 programmes.
  • You’ll need to be able to reach the top. These specifications alone don’t show how its washing performance compares with other brands.

Whirlpool

Another top-loader to compare if width matters more than having clear space above the appliance.

  • Whirlpool lists the TDLR 6261BS BE as 40 cm wide and 60 cm deep, with a 6 kg capacity.
  • Check this model’s programmes, noise level and water protection; brand descriptions aren’t independent comparative tests.

Beko

Worth considering if a front-loader around 60 cm wide will fit, but depth is limited.

  • Beko lists the BM3WFU3741W as 60 cm wide and 49.6 cm deep, with a 7 kg capacity, a cotton programme and a stated spin noise level of 76 dBA.
  • Allow space for the door and connections. Beko’s EnergySpin saving is a manufacturer comparison with a specific older Beko model.

Bosch

Worth considering if a standard-width front-loader will fit, or if you need to tumble-dry in the same space.

  • Bosch lists the WAN28274NL as 598 mm wide and 590 mm deep, with an 8 kg capacity and AquaStop.
  • Bosch lists the WNA13400NL with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. This difference applies to this model and shouldn’t be assumed for other Bosch appliances.

Joybuy products

This selection includes front-loaders and a washer-dryer. Compare the available depth, the size of load you need to wash and whether you want to tumble-dry in the same space.

AEG LR73R862 7000 Series washing machine

AEG LR73R862 7000 Series

An option if you want to combine washing and tumble-drying in one place. Check the separate washing and drying capacities for this model before buying.

The product name lists 8 kg, 1600 rpm and energy class A.

View at Joybuy
AEG LF61R840 6000 Series front-loader

AEG LF61R840 6000 Series

This front-loader could be a good fit if depth is a consideration. Measure the space and room for connections before you decide.

The product name lists 8 kg, 1400 rpm and energy class A. The product information gives a depth of 57.7 cm and mentions ProSense load detection.

According to the product information, it isn’t suitable for installation outdoors or in a damp room.

View at Joybuy
Bosch WGB2440BFG Serie 8 front-loader

Bosch WGB2440BFG Serie 8

A front-loader to consider if you want to wash small loads. Compare its stated external dimensions with the space you have available.

The product name lists 9 kg, 1400 rpm and energy class A. The product information mentions a Mini Load programme, dimensions of 845 × 598 × 590 mm, AquaStop and a wool/hand-wash programme.

View at Joybuy
Sharp ESNFB914CWDACB washing machine

Sharp ESNFB914CWDACB

A front-loader to compare if you want to wash cotton pyjamas with other laundry. Check the dimensions and programme details against your care labels.

The product name lists 9 kg, 1400 rpm, energy class A, Steam+ and AquaStop. The product information mentions Cotton and Eco 40-60 programmes.

View at Joybuy
Haier HW100-BP14929A i-Pro 1 washing machine

Haier HW100-BP14929A i-Pro 1

This front-loader is worth comparing if you wash pyjamas with other laundry and want the load size to be taken into account during the cycle.

The product name lists 10 kg, 1400 rpm, an inverter motor, steam and 70 dB. The product information says water consumption and cycle time are adjusted to the weight of the load.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which programme should you use for cotton pyjamas?

Start by checking the care label on each pair of pyjamas; it shows, among other things, the maximum washing temperature. Eco 40-60 is designed for normally soiled cotton laundry that can be washed at 40 or 60 °C according to its care label, so don’t assume it’s automatically suitable for every cotton garment.

What should you consider when installing a machine in a small flat?

Before buying, check the dimensions, access route and access to the connections. The Consumers’ Association’s installation advice recommends a stable surface and correctly connected water inlet and drain. Remove the transit bolts before use, too. If you’re planning to put the machine in a bathroom, have the safety of the electrical connection for that specific location assessed.

How can you compare running costs and after-sales service?

On the EU energy label, compare energy consumption in kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and water consumption per cycle. These figures apply to the labelled programme, not automatically to every cotton programme. Ask the retailer what delivery and installation include. The Dutch government states that if there’s a problem with a product, the seller must provide a solution under the statutory guarantee.

Where can you take an old washing machine?

According to the Dutch government, you can return an old household appliance to the shop or online service where you buy a new, similar appliance, among other options. When placing your order, check how the return or collection of your old appliance will be arranged.