The trend for smaller housing units is proportional to the time that we spend at home and the absence of large spaces in our cities. We therefore often find ourselves having to go easy on the home furnishings, furniture and even household appliances (or at least downsize). The washing machine is however one of the appliances that we simply cannot make do without in our homes: with this in mind, here’s a few tips on how to furnish your laundry room or bathroom, to best exploit each and every corner of your home.
Standard front-loading washing machines
Before beginning your search for space-saving solutions, it’s worth mentioning that standard front-loading washing machines can be a lot less bulky than you may realise. In fact, generally speaking, they measure around 60 cm in depth and width, and approximately 85 cm in height (you can even knock off a few centimetres by removing the top panel). The real gain however lies in the drum capacity, which for standard size Candy washing machines, is up to 12 kg with a class A+++ energy rating, ideal for large families or for those who frequently wash duvets and bulky clothing. We therefore recommend carefully checking the measurements of your bathroom or laundry room before considering purchasing a smaller appliance.
‘Small’ or slim front-loading washing machines
For small spaces or to meet specific requirements, we offer a number of front-loading washing machines that are smaller than standard models, without sacrificing the drum capacity and energy efficiency. We’re referring to our slim Candy washing machines, which are smaller in terms of depth than our standard 60 cm models. The pocket model can be just 40-45 cm in depth, whilst still guaranteeing a drum capacity of up to 7 kg and an energy efficiency rating of up to A+++. If instead you live alone or as a couple, the smallest washing machine on the market is likely to fulfil your requirements: we’re talking about the Candy Aquamatic, with a drum capacity of 3.5 to 4 kg and an energy rating from A to A+, all housed in an ultra-mini format (69x51x45 cm).
Top-loading washing machines
Sometimes washing machines are positioned in small cavities between a wall and a column, or there’s simply not enough manoeuvre space inside the bathroom to open the door. In these and other cases, the best option without a shadow of a doubt is a doorless washing machine, i.e. a model that opens from above. Narrower compared to a standard size model (40 cm instead of the usual 60 cm), they have the clear advantage of a user-friendly opening. Even in this case, there’s no need to make sacrifices in terms of drum capacity and energy efficiency: Candy top-loading washing machines can cope with up to 8 kg of laundry and boast an energy rating of up to A+++.
Washer-dryer
What about those who don’t have the space to hang their washing inside or outside, especially in the winter when the rain and humidity make life more difficult? Luckily, in addition to clotheshorses that expand in height, we also have technology to come to our rescue. Modern washer-dryers are the ideal solution for washing and drying clothes quickly, with an appliance that takes up the same amount of space as a standard size washing machine (60 cm in depth) or, even in these cases, a slim model measuring less than 50 cm in depth. All of this, obviously, whilst respecting the highest energy standards and a washing and drying capacity that varies depending on the model chosen. Candy offers washer-dryers with a capacity of up to 10 kg + 6 kg (10 for washing and 6 for drying) with the possibility of selecting an automatic 6+6 washing and drying programme.
Dryer
If instead you have enough space to accommodate multiple appliances, nothing stops you from opting for both a washing machine and a dryer. Like washing machines, these appliances in their standard sizes occupy modest spaces, and yet the role they play is truly fundamental for everyone who owns one. Being able to dry up to 10 kg of laundry in next to no time and with a class A+++ energy rating is, in essence, the dream of many. For smaller spaces, there’s always the slim version, which at just 46 cm2 in depth, enables you to dry up to 7 kg of laundry.
Side-by-side or stacked appliances?
If you have the possibility of accommodating two separate appliances or simply opt for a washing machine and a dryer instead of a washer-dryer, depending on the space available, you can choose to stack them or install them side by side. In the first case, stacking your washing machine and dryer, one on top of the other, means exploiting space in terms of height and saving space in terms of width. In the second case, you’ll instead be able to position them side by side, perhaps below a work surface. If you’re looking for a solution that reduces the overall visual impact, you can choose to ‘hide’ your appliances inside cabinets: no one will even know they’re there! This solution applies to both standard size appliances and their space-saving or slim counterparts. If both appliances are positioned side by side, choosing two of the same depth is merely a question of aesthetics; we do however recommend that you always take the drum capacity of the two appliances into consideration, opting for similar characteristics. If instead you’ve chosen to stack your appliances, the washing machine and dryer must be the same size. If the room in which you’re planning on installing your twin appliances or the cabinet where you hope to ‘hide’ them is smaller in depth, you can always opt for a slim dryer and stack this on top of a washing machine of just 40 cm.
Built-in household appliances
Candy washing machines, washer-dryers and dryers are also available in built-in versions to enable them to be installed inside a cabinet. Built-in models are no different to free-standing models in terms of function, but they do differ in size and shape: for instance, they don’t have a top panel or baseboard, and instead have a number of points to enable them to be fixed to the door, so as to allow the appliance door and cabinet door to be opened simultaneously.
Laundry compartment... on the veranda
If you really don’t have enough internal space, but do have a veranda, you could always position your appliances outside by setting up the necessary connections and discharge hose, so as to avoid clutter in the home. What matters is that the structure is sufficiently sealed and in no way exposed to the elements, which could end up damaging the appliances, in addition to rendering the warranty null and void. As you can see, when it comes to Candy’s vast offering, you’re truly spoilt for choice. There’s a solution for all your needs, which will you opt for?
