Choose a capacity based on your usual laundry loads, rather than an occasional duvet wash. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of three or four people, while 10 to 12 kg is a better fit when you regularly wash larger loads. Samsung also suggests 10 to 12 kg for a king-size duvet. If you often wash small loads, compare the machines’ energy and water use, and don’t assume that an automatic setting will make up for a large drum that’s only partly full.
If clothes, towels and bedding regularly fill your laundry basket, look for a capacity that means you don’t have to split your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering how often you actually do the laundry, not just the size of your household.
Your bedding needs to fit in the drum without exceeding the load limit for the relevant programme. Samsung suggests 10 to 12 kg for a king-size duvet, but always check its care label and your washing machine’s manual.
If you often wash items separately but sometimes need more room for household bedding, consider both the capacity and the machine’s energy and water use. ADEME recommends checking that a larger capacity genuinely meets your needs.
Start with the loads you wash most often, then check separately how much room you need for duvets and how the machine performs when the drum is less full. The three priorities below are for shoppers choosing a washing machine for a larger household or bulky items.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cycles | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with the larger loads you usually wash. UFC-Que Choisir gives 8 to 9 kg as a general guide for households of three or four people. | When laundry builds up at home every day, I want to avoid splitting a regular load across two cycles; around 36% of shoppers rank this as their top priority. |
| Duvets and throws | Check the item’s care label and the maximum load for the relevant programme, which may differ from the machine’s rated capacity. Samsung suggests 10 to 12 kg for a king-size duvet. | If I regularly wash a duvet or throw at home, I need a programme that can genuinely handle it; this is the top priority for around 36% of shoppers. |
| Small loads | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for the models you’re considering. Check the manual to see exactly what the load-sensing feature adjusts. | If I often wash colours or delicate fabrics separately, my large drum will also run with only a small amount of laundry in it; around 28% of shoppers prioritise using resources efficiently for these smaller loads. |
A capacity far larger than your usual loads could mean the drum is only partly full most of the time. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity that reflects the laundry you actually wash.
For a few weeks, keep track of how often you wash clothes, bedding, throws and duvets before choosing a capacity.
A machine advertised as 10 kg won’t necessarily take 10 kg on its duvet, wool or delicates programme. The manual for Electrolux model EW6FI5120WA says to follow the maximum load for each programme.
Check the programme table for the model you’re considering and the duvet’s care label before relying on being able to wash it at home.
Depth also varies between high-capacity machines: Electrolux lists a depth of 658 mm for its 10 kg EW6FI5120WA, while Haier lists 679 mm for its 12 kg X11.
Check the exact model’s dimensions against the available space, access routes, connections and the room needed in front of the door.
An adjustment feature alone doesn’t guarantee low energy and water use when the drum is only partly full. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the effectiveness of this adjustment varies between models.
Check the features described in the manual for the exact model, and compare its energy label with those of the other capacities you’re considering.
These examples can help you compare specific configurations. Their features shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every washing machine from the same brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg front-loading machine with a duvet programme.
The 10 kg and 12 kg X11 models are worth considering if you regularly wash larger loads.
An option if you’re looking for a larger capacity while keeping an eye on the space it takes up.
A 10 kg model whose product information lets you compare several stated features.
These 8 to 10 kg models offer a chance to compare standard and larger capacities for family laundry. If you’re washing a duvet, always check its care label and the load permitted on the chosen model’s programme.
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Worth considering if you alternate between larger family loads and smaller washes.
The product name lists a 10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm, an A energy rating, AutoDose and Wi-Fi connectivity. Check the manual for the load permitted for bulky items and the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if your usual loads are fairly small and you only wash bulky items occasionally.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm and SensiCare. If you plan to wash a duvet, check the load permitted on the relevant programme and the item’s care label.
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Worth considering for frequent everyday washing, with the occasional larger load.
The product name lists a 9 kg capacity, 1,600 rpm, SmartSelect, SteamCare and a connected feature. Check the depth required and, for a duvet, the relevant programme and its maximum load.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash larger family loads that make a 10 kg drum worthwhile.
The product name mentions TimeSave and an Inverter motor. Before relying on it to wash a duvet, check the programmes and their maximum loads in the manual. Also measure the space available in depth.
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Worth considering if you often wash larger loads and have enough space for this model.
The product name lists a 10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm and an A energy rating. Check the dimensions before buying, then consult the energy label and manual to compare energy and water use, and the loads permitted for each programme.
No. The permitted load depends on the programme. Electrolux’s manual for the EW6FI5120WA says to follow the maximum load for each one. Check the load table for the model you’re considering, particularly for duvet, wool and delicates programmes.
Samsung suggests 8 kg as a guide for a single duvet and 10 to 12 kg for a king-size duvet. However, check that your duvet is machine washable and that its load is within the limit for the programme you choose.
Compare the capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco 40–60 programme duration for the models you’re considering. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help you choose, rather than judging energy use by the stated capacity in kilograms alone.