For a household of three to four people, an 8 to 9 kg washing machine is generally enough. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a capacity of 10 to 12 kg is a better fit when you regularly have large loads to wash. If you often wash duvets, also check the load limits for each programme and the care label on the fabric: the stated capacity does not guarantee that a particular duvet can be washed.
If sheets, towels and everyday laundry regularly fill your machine, compare 8 to 9 kg with 10 to 12 kg based on the size of your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir mainly recommends the latter range for households that regularly have large loads to wash.
It’s not just about the number of people in your household: check whether the programme and its maximum load are suitable for the bulky items you wash regularly. Check their care labels too.
For a machine with a capacity of 10 kg or more, measure the space where it will go, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door before choosing a model.
Start with the size of your usual loads, then check the programmes, energy label and dimensions of the models you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare how often your laundry baskets are full with the stated capacity. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for three or four people; 10 to 12 kg is a better fit if you regularly have large loads to wash. | I want to avoid regularly splitting up loads of sheets and towels, without choosing a large drum for loads that are usually modest. |
| Programmes | Check the manual for the maximum load for the programme you’ll use and any guidance on duvets. UFC-Que Choisir explains that the stated capacity refers to the weight of dry cotton laundry or the Eco 40-60 programme. | I wash bulky items regularly, so I need to know whether each one is suitable for the right programme, rather than looking only at the capacity in kg. |
| Consumption | On the energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and programme duration on the same Eco 40-60 basis. The European Commission says these details are shown on washing machine energy labels. | If I run the machine often, I’d rather compare the figures shown on the labels than assume that a larger drum uses less energy or water. |
| Dimensions | Check the dimensions of the machine and its packaging, then make sure there’s enough access space and clearance for the door when open. The same capacity doesn’t mean the machine will fit in your available space. | The machine needs to fit through to its intended location and be easy to load once installed. |
| Durability | In France, check the durability index if one is shown. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, it has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines since 8 April 2025. | I want to take this indicator into account alongside capacity and consumption when comparing models. |
Extra capacity is most useful for regularly washing large loads. If your laundry baskets are usually fairly small, you may rarely use it.
For a few weeks, keep an eye on how often you have full baskets and wash sheets and towels before deciding between 8 to 9 kg and 10 to 12 kg.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the figure in kg refers to dry laundry on the cotton or Eco 40-60 programme; it doesn’t tell you the maximum load for every other programme.
Check the manual for the right programme and follow the care label on each duvet or throw.
These figures alone won’t tell you the water consumption per cycle or how long a wash takes. The European Commission says the energy label includes both of these details, as well as energy consumption per 100 cycles.
Put the labels for the models you’re considering side by side and compare the same Eco 40-60 indicators.
A washing machine may have the capacity you need but still not fit through your access points or have enough room for its door to open fully.
Measure the space, doors and corridors along the delivery route, then check the package dimensions and the clearance required for installation.
These examples highlight the features of specific models; they don’t represent every washing machine from each brand.
The WGG254FAFR is an example of a 10 kg front-loading machine to consider for regular large loads.
The F14R31WHSA is a good example to look at if you’re considering an 11 kg front-loading machine with a Duvet programme.
The WW11BGA046AE is worth a look if you’re after an 11 kg capacity but need to keep an eye on depth.
The SensiCare 600 EW6FI5120WA is an example of a 10 kg front-loading machine with an advertised feature that adjusts the wash according to the load.
These 10 or 11 kg front-loading machines are worth considering if you need a large capacity for regular big loads. If you wash duvets, check the programmes and permitted loads for the model you’re interested in separately.
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Its stated 11 kg capacity is worth considering if your everyday laundry baskets are often full. Before planning to wash a duvet or choosing where to put it, check the manual for the load limit on the relevant programme and the dimensions needed for installation.
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This stated 10 kg capacity suits households that regularly fill large laundry baskets. The product name lists 1 400 tr/min, AutoDose and Wi-Fi; check the load limits for each programme and make sure there’s enough room to open the door.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity makes it one to consider for frequent large loads. The product name mentions TimeSave and an Inverter motor; check the manual for the permitted loads on each programme and measure the access route to the installation site.
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Its stated 11 kg capacity could suit households with regularly large laundry baskets. For duvets, check the manual for the suitable programme and its maximum load; also check the dimensions before delivery.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity makes it worth considering for frequent large loads. Joybuy’s product listing mentions 1 400 tr/min and 16 programmes; compare consumption on the energy label, and check the dimensions and load limits for each programme.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the stated capacity refers to the weight of dry laundry on the cotton or Eco 40-60 programme. Check the manual to find out the maximum load for the programme intended for your fabric.
No. A larger capacity should first and foremost suit your regularly large loads. To compare two washing machines, use the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle shown on their energy labels, on the same Eco 40-60 basis.
Measure the space where it will go and the route through doors and corridors, then check the package dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door. Capacity in kg alone won’t tell you whether the machine will fit in your home.
Check the durability index if one is shown for the model you’re considering. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, this index has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines since 8 April 2025.