According to UFC-Que Choisir, a 10 to 12 kg washing machine becomes a more practical choice when large loads are frequent and regularly fill the drum. If you mostly wash smaller loads and only wash duvets occasionally, it’s better to choose a capacity that suits your usual cycles and consider using a launderette for items that won’t fit in your machine. Either way, check the maximum load for each programme and the space you’ll need to install the machine.
If you often wash sheets, throws and other bulky items, a larger capacity could save you from running several cycles. However, UFC-Que Choisir advises choosing a capacity to suit your usual loads, rather than basing your decision solely on the largest item you need to wash.
Washing a duvet now and then doesn’t reflect how you use your machine day to day. For regular cycles, compare the capacity and Eco 40-60 programme data; for duvets, check separately the permitted load for the appropriate programme.
Before choosing a large drum, measure the available depth, the space in front of the door and the delivery route. The dimensions published by LG France, Samsung France and Haier France show that models with similar capacities don’t necessarily take up the same amount of space.
Start by considering how often you wash large loads, then check what the machine can actually take and how much space it needs. A launderette is another option for items that are particularly bulky or rarely washed.
| What to consider | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent large loads | Capacity in kg of dry laundry; permitted load for the programme designed for the item in question. | If your laundry baskets are often full, being able to wash bulky items at home without running several cycles is a top priority. Around 31% of consumers would put this capacity at the heart of their decision. |
| Smaller everyday loads | Energy, water and cycle-time data for the Eco 40-60 programme; load-management features specific to the model. | If your everyday loads are small, I’d rather choose a machine that suits this use than one designed for an occasional duvet. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Space and access | Overall dimensions, clearance for the door and access through doorways, corridors or lifts. | A large drum is no use if the machine won’t fit in its intended space or the door can’t open properly. For around 25% of consumers, being able to install the machine would be the main consideration. |
| Occasional need | Capacity at a nearby launderette and the care instructions for the item. | If you only wash a large duvet occasionally, I’d keep a machine that suits everyday laundry and take the duvet elsewhere. Around 19% of consumers would prefer this occasional solution. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that an oversized machine that is rarely full may not suit your household’s washing habits. Capacity alone also doesn’t tell you how much water or electricity a machine uses.
Work out how often you really wash large loads, then compare the Eco 40-60 programme data on the labels of the models you’re considering.
The stated weight refers to dry laundry under specific programme conditions. The permitted load for a duvet or delicate cycle may be different.
Check the model’s manual and the duvet’s care label before relying on your machine to wash it at home.
A machine that fits the available width may still be too deep, have a door that can’t open fully or be difficult to get through the access route. For example, LG France lists the F14R78WSTA as 565 mm deep, but 1 100 mm deep with the door open.
Check the full dimensions of the model you’ve chosen, then measure the space and every access point along the delivery route.
A machine chosen for a duvet that’s rarely washed may not be the best fit for everyday loads. A launderette with machines for bulky items means you don’t have to make that compromise for every household wash.
If you’re considering this option, check the capacity available near you and factor in the journey.
These examples from well-known brands give you a guide to dimensions and capacity, but you’ll still need to check the exact model you plan to install.
LG France lists the F14R78WSTA front-loading washing machine with an 11 kg capacity and dimensions of 600 × 850 × 565 mm.
Samsung France lists the WW11BGA046AE with an 11 kg capacity and dimensions of 600 × 850 × 600 mm.
Haier France lists the freestanding HW100-B14939 with a 10 kg capacity and dimensions of 595 × 672 × 850 mm.
Bosch Electroménager France describes the WGG254FAFR as a 10 kg front-loading washing machine with a spin speed of up to 1 400 rpm and dimensions of 845 × 598 × 588 mm.
This selection includes 10 to 11 kg washing machines to consider for frequent large loads, as well as a 9 kg model for households with more modest everyday loads. The stated capacity alone doesn’t confirm whether a particular duvet can be washed in the machine.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads: this front-loading washing machine has a stated capacity of 11 kg and an A energy rating. Before washing a duvet, check the permitted load for the relevant programme. Also measure the machine and the space needed to open the door.
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With a stated capacity of 10 kg, this model is worth considering for frequent bulky loads. The product title lists a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and an A energy rating. Check the manual for the permitted load when washing your duvet, and make sure you have enough space to install the machine.
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This 10 kg model could be a good option for frequent large loads; the product title lists a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and 16 programmes. Before planning to wash a duvet, check the programme and its permitted load, as well as the appliance’s full dimensions.
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This 9 kg capacity is worth considering if you mostly wash smaller loads and only deal with bulky items occasionally. The product title lists a spin speed of up to 1 600 rpm. Don’t rely on the stated capacity alone to decide whether your duvet can be washed using a suitable programme.
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With a stated capacity of 10 kg, this model is worth considering for frequent large loads. If you’re buying it to wash duvets, check the manual for the appropriate programme and load capacity. Also measure the available space and door clearance.
It’s a more practical choice when you regularly wash large loads. UFC-Que Choisir says that a capacity of 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of three to four people. So weigh up a larger capacity against how often you wash bulky loads, rather than basing your decision on one duvet you only wash occasionally.
No. The stated capacity applies to dry laundry under specific programme conditions; it isn’t a guarantee for every type of fabric. Check the maximum load for the appropriate programme in the manual, as well as the care instructions on the duvet’s label.
Measure the space, the clearance needed in front of the door and every access point on the delivery route. LG France lists the F14R78WSTA as 565 mm deep, or 1 100 mm with the door open. Use the dimensions of the exact model you choose, rather than those of another model with the same capacity.
Yes, if you only wash them occasionally and there’s a suitable machine near you. Revolution Laundry offers large-capacity machines for bulky items. Check the available capacity, the care instructions for your item and how far you’ll need to travel.