When replacing a washing machine, choose a capacity that suits your usual loads and a model that fits the available space, then compare its durability rating and energy label. A top-loading washing machine may suit a narrow space, provided you can open the lid. No rating means you can skip checking the specific model’s dimensions, water use, noise and spin performance.
If you want to reduce the risk of having to replace your appliance again too soon, look at the information on spare parts, maintenance, ease of dismantling and resistance to wear. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition outlines these criteria in the durability rating that applies to eligible washing machines.
Choose a capacity to suit the loads you wash regularly, rather than occasional, unusually large loads. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient most of the time, and advises against running cycles with a barely filled drum.
Before choosing a front-loader or a top-loader, measure the space, the delivery route and the room needed to load the machine. According to its manufacturer’s product information, the Electrolux EW6T3264AK top-loader is 400 mm wide; this measurement does not apply to all top-loading models.
Once you’ve measured the space and worked out the size of your usual loads, compare the information for the exact model: its durability rating, energy label and installation requirements. Top-loaders and front-loaders have different clearance requirements, but in either case, the capacity should suit your laundry.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and repairability | For an eligible front-loader or top-loader, check its durability score out of 10 and the details behind it when you buy. In particular, look at the information about spare parts and maintenance. | I want to be able to look into maintenance and repair options before replacing my appliance. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this need for durability. |
| Suitable capacity | Match the capacity in kg to your usual loads and how often you run a cycle. Check the drum volume if you wash bulky items. | My usual laundry loads should fit in the drum without forcing me to run too many underfilled cycles. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Water, energy and noise | Compare the models’ energy labels for water and energy use, noise during the spin cycle and spin performance. | If the washing machine is near a living area, I also want to take noise and running costs into account. Around 25% of consumers would put these day-to-day considerations first. |
| Space and access | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as access routes. Allow room for the door or lid to open and make sure the connections will be accessible. | In a restricted space, I need to be able to install the appliance and access the laundry every day. Nearly 19% of consumers would prioritise the space required and ease of access. |
A larger capacity is only useful if your loads call for it. ADEME says that 7 kg is sufficient most of the time and recommends avoiding repeated cycles with underfilled drums.
Make a note of your regular loads and any genuinely bulky items you wash, then compare the capacity and consumption figures of the models you’re considering.
The rating provides information about certain aspects of durability. It doesn’t replace the energy label, which lets you compare water and energy use, or the dimensions on the product information sheet, which you need to plan the installation.
Check all three for each model on your shortlist before making a decision.
A top-loader may be narrow, but you still need enough room to open the lid. A front-loader also needs enough clearance for its door.
Measure the space, access routes and opening clearance, then check them against the dimensions of the exact model.
According to the European Union, the old energy label ratings with a ‘+’ are no longer used for washing machines, having been phased out in 2021.
When comparing two new appliances, check their current labels and compare the figures for water, energy and noise directly.
These examples illustrate different model configurations to consider. The features listed do not apply to every model in a brand’s range.
The Bosch WAN2827TFR front-loader is one example of an 8 kg model, rated at 1,400 rpm and measuring 845 × 598 × 590 mm, according to Bosch.
According to Electrolux, the EW6T3264AK top-loader has a 6 kg capacity, spins at 1,200 rpm and is 400 mm wide.
Miele lists the WEA125 WCS 8kg Active front-loader with an 8 kg capacity and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
LG lists the F14R15WHS front-loader with an 11 kg capacity and a 68 L drum: a configuration to consider if your loads genuinely require that much space.
Yes. The durability rating applies to the front-loading and top-loading washing machines covered by the French scheme. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, it replaced the repairability rating for these appliances on 8 April 2025. It is scored out of 10 and can be checked when you buy in store or online.
No. 7 kg is a useful guide, not a capacity that suits every household. ADEME says it is sufficient most of the time; compare it with the size of your usual loads, how often you run a cycle and any bulky items you actually wash.
Read both models’ energy labels on the same basis and compare their water and energy figures directly. The label also lets you check noise levels. According to the European Union, the current scale for washing machines runs from A to G, without the old ‘+’ ratings.
No. A narrow width won’t help if there isn’t enough room to open the lid fully. Also measure the height, depth, delivery route and access to the connections, then check the specifications of your chosen model rather than relying on it being a top-loader.