Best Slim Front Load Washing Machine

Many modern users, when upgrading their washing machines or buying their first front-loading washing machine, prefer narrow models. There are two main reasons: firstly, most washing machines are built into furniture, and narrow models are better suited for built-in installations. Secondly, a narrow model allows for some space savings, which is crucial for our small apartments.

Whenever the decision to buy a narrow washing machine comes up, the proverbial problem of choice arises. How do you choose the best narrow washing machine so that it will last for years and never cause you any problems? It's a difficult question, you'll agree, but we'll try to answer it in this article.

What should a washing machine be like?

In the modern sense, a narrow washing machine is considered to be a device whose body has a depth of 36-40 cm. There is also super-narrow washing machines, but they have an even more modest depth (33-35 cm), given that the width and height of the body are close to standard. Here is the first mandatory requirement for the washing machine you choose: a narrow washing machine should have a depth of 36 to 40 cm and no more.

Clearly, depth isn't everything. Any online store will immediately offer a couple dozen models of automatic front-loading washing machines that meet the specified parameters. Just search for it, and you'll immediately get results that are even more misleading. What else should you consider besides width, depth, and height? The following characteristics immediately come to mind:

• drum capacity;
• maximum spin speed;
• appearance and presence of display;
• composition and number of programs;
• model security.

Narrow washing machine models are usually not known for their large load capacity, but if you have a family of 3-4 people, you'll have to do laundry every few days, and once a week, a large load of laundry: bed linen, pillows, outerwear. In this case, you need a drum with a capacity of at least 5-6 kg.

When washing a large load of laundry, you'll want it to be properly spun, and proper spinning is only possible at a speed of at least 1000 rpm. Therefore, a front-loading washing machine should spin at a minimum of 1000 rpm, preferably 1200.

You'd also want a front-loading, shallow-depth washing machine to look stylish and modern, with a display, a backlit panel, and other bells and whistles. Otherwise, the front of the washing machine will have to be hidden from view, which is a hassle.

If you initially want to build in a washing machine and you already have furniture ready for it, then you don’t necessarily need to worry about the beauty of its facade.

The washing machine's programs should also be functional and varied. Here, it is not even the number of washing modes that matters, but their quality; in other words, each program must always be in demand by the user. If the washing machine has any additional useful functions, this is also welcome.

Any modern top-loading or front-loading washing machine, whether narrow or standard, should be well protected. Full leak and foam protection is preferable, but partial leak protection is a must.

We take into account the little things

In addition to the basic specifications, there are various technical details to consider that will make installing and using a narrow washing machine easier. Let's list these details, and as you read this article, you'll be inspired to consider other factors when choosing a narrow washing machine.

1. The best washing machine with a shallow depth should have a removable lid. This will definitely make it easier to integrate.
2. If you have small children in your family, then the control panel should also be protected from children.
3. A narrow washing machine should have a larger door diameter to make it easier to load large and bulky items.
4. A narrow washing machine should be heavy and have a sufficient number of counterweights that will make the “home helper” more stable.
5. The best washing machine must have a direct drive motor, as such motors last much longer.

Direct drive washing machines have inverter motors rather than brushed motors and no drive belts.

We compare price and quality

So, we've identified a rough list of qualities that the best narrow washing machine should have. Now we need to review a range of models and determine which shallow-depth washing machine is the best. We'll also take a look at which manufacturers are currently producing the best machines. Our experts, having reviewed numerous narrow washing machine models, selected the best ones and compiled a ranking, which we'll share with you now.

• LG F-80B9LD. This narrow washing machine, created by Korean manufacturers, is considered by our technicians to be the best based on key selection criteria: quality, reliability, price, and ease of repair. An indestructible inverter motor, good parts, and easy, inexpensive repairs – all of this characterizes this model. The drum has a 5 kg capacity, a 1000 rpm spin speed, and a stable, heavy-duty frame with dimensions of 60 x 40 x 85 cm (W x D x H). It's energy efficient, features a child safety lock, a variety of useful wash programs, and a removable top lid. Price: $300.
  
• The Bosch WGL is a close second to our leader, coming from a renowned German company. This washing machine measures 60 x 40 x 85 cm (W x D x H). The drum holds 5 kg of laundry at a maximum spin speed of 1000 rpm. The Bosch WGL20261 is more energy-efficient than the leader, specifically using 9 liters less water and slightly less energy. However, we cannot put this model in first place due to the high cost of some parts and the difficulty of repairing individual components. The price of the model is also less attractive - $370.
  
• Electrolux EWS1054SDU. Third place goes to this excellent slim washing machine from Electrolux. Its stunning design, spacious 5 kg drum, 1000 rpm spin speed, and depth of just 38 cm make this model worthy of first place. Add in the child safety lock, imbalance detection, and many other useful features, and this machine easily ranks first. The notorious issue of repairability is a drawback, as the Electrolux falls short of LG and Beauchamp models in this regard. Average price: $320.
  

The Electrolux EWS1054SDU lacks a direct drive, which is not a good thing, especially considering the fairly common problems with drive belts.

• Hotpoint-Ariston VMSF 6013B. A superb slim washing machine. If the experts were to base their ratings solely on technical specifications, this washing machine would easily rank first. Just think: dimensions (W x D x H) are 60 x 40 x 85 cm, a 6 kg load capacity, 1000 rpm spin, a wide and convenient door, energy-efficient, standard safety features, and a good selection of programs. There's only one problem: repairs. Spare parts are expensive, and some components are beyond repair. Otherwise, the washing machine is great, especially the price – $230.
  
• Candy GC41072D. Rounding out our ranking is this amazingly slim Candy washing machine with a phenomenal 7 kg drum load capacity. It's hard to believe that a washing machine with dimensions of 60 x 40 x 85 cm (W x D x H) can hold such a large load, but it does. Its advantages don't end there. It has 16 wash programs, a display, and a protective cover. Furthermore, the machine is perfectly balanced, so it stays perfectly still during a 1000 RPM spin cycle. Reliability and repairability are a bit of a challenge, but the price is only $261.
  

In conclusion, our experts attempted to answer the question: which narrow washing machine is the best today? Currently, the LG brand's "home assistant" tops the list, but naturally, that could change soon. We hope you find this information helpful!

   

2 reader comments

1. November 27, 2017 at 12:17 AM

   Dimka:

   440 depth

   Answer
2. May 22, 2018 at 9:10 PM

   Denis:

   For me, the best narrow car is the Indesit. The price is reasonable and the quality is top-notch 🙂

   Answer