I had never heard of a TL before I moved to Australia lol. We have always had FL. European models are better for FL whereas the others are better at TL. I had to use a TL when I first moved here my clothes were never the same again. I still don't understand how it washes. I gave whinging pomme a whole new meaning when it came to the TL & my clothes.
Mine is a Ariston (Italian model) and I can stop & open the door at any point in the cycle. With FL it is about getting to know your machine & very often you can find that at certain points you can open the door. For example on some you can turn it to spin & open. The size doesn't impact the wash from experience we have had 7kg to 9 kg machines reason being the actual washing comes from the clothes hitting one another. Just don't fill them too full as you will damage the drum & the clothes won't be able to move in order to wash. Mine is also only attached to the cold & heats to whatever temp you have selected.
I am so envious I love washer machine shopping