For a family with children, Que Choisir recommends starting by looking at 8–10 kg washing machines, then considering a larger capacity if you regularly wash large loads and bulky items. If you only wash a duvet occasionally, compare this capacity with using an external laundry service from time to time. In every case, check the dimensions, cycle times and consumption figures for the specific model.
If you wash everyday loads frequently, the capacity should suit the laundry you actually wash, not just the number of people in your household. Que Choisir recommends 8–10 kg as a starting point for families with children.
If you regularly wash sheets, throws or duvets, it may be worth considering a capacity over 10 kg. Also check the load limit for the programme you plan to use and the care instructions for each fabric.
If your everyday laundry fits a capacity suited to your household and you rarely wash very bulky items, compare a smaller domestic machine with using an external service from time to time. Check locally that the service is suitable for the fabric.
Worth considering: Que Choisir recommends this range as a starting point for families with children when very large loads are not a regular occurrence.
Limitation: the stated capacity does not guarantee that a particular duvet can be washed on the intended programme.
Worth considering: if you regularly wash large loads, this capacity could be useful. It follows Que Choisir’s advice to match the machine size to the textiles you wash regularly.
Limitation: a larger drum does not remove the need to check the machine’s overall size or how long it will take to run consecutive cycles.
Worth considering: if only a few exceptional items need a very large drum, this option could save you choosing a domestic machine around those rare washes.
Limitation: it will not reduce the number of cycles for everyday laundry at home. Check the service’s capacity and availability near you.
Once you know how often you wash large loads, compare models on the features that will make a difference in everyday use.
| Feature | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Consider how often you wash large loads. Compare 8–10 kg models, then look at a larger capacity if these loads are frequent. Check the permitted load for the fabric and its programme. | I want to avoid running multiple cycles for sheets and towels, but don’t want to choose 11 kg just for the occasional duvet. Que Choisir recommends 8–10 kg as a starting point for families with children. |
| Dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then check the delivery route. The specifications for the exact model matter more than capacity alone. | The machine needs to fit through the doorways and into its space once installed. As two separate examples, Electrolux lists a depth of 658 mm for its 10 kg EW6FI4130SA, while Samsung lists 600 mm for its 11 kg WW11BB504DAE. |
| Consumption | Compare the energy label figures for the exact models: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin-drying efficiency class, as well as the energy efficiency class. | I’d rather compare the figures for the reference cycle than assume that a larger capacity will reduce my consumption. ADEME notes that the Eco programme is often the reference programme. |
| Duration | Check the Eco 40-60 cycle time at the stated load, as well as the programmes you’ll actually use. Electrolux lists 3 h 50 at full load for the EW6FI4130SA. | If I need to run several loads one after another, I need to fit their cycle times into my day, including when the drum is full. |
| Durability | In France, check the washing machine’s durability index and the details of its criteria where shown. Also check the information available about spare parts for your chosen model. | For a washing machine that gets frequent family use, capacity isn’t the only consideration. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, the durability index has been gradually replacing the washing machine repairability index since 8 April 2025. |
A large capacity makes more sense when you regularly wash bulky items. Que Choisir points out that XXL models should suit your actual needs and can take up more space.
Keep a note of the size of your usual loads for a few weeks, then compare a capacity suited to everyday laundry with an occasional option for exceptional items.
The energy efficiency class alone won’t tell you the litres per cycle or the Eco 40-60 cycle time. These figures can affect how well a model fits your household’s routine.
Compare the labels for the exact models side by side: capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 cycle time and spin-drying efficiency class.
A washing machine may fit in its intended space but be difficult to get through doorways or along a corridor. For example, Electrolux lists a depth of 658 mm for its 10 kg EW6FI4130SA.
Measure the space, allowing for the necessary clearance, then check the doors, landings and any other access points along the delivery route.
The programme name alone doesn’t tell you the permitted load or whether it’s suitable for your fabric. Samsung’s cold-wash claims are also based on test conditions specific to the brand.
Check the duvet’s care label and the machine’s manual, especially the maximum load for the programme you plan to use.
These manufacturers’ models show the features to compare for different load sizes; they are not a comparison of every model in their ranges.
The WAN24209FR is an example of a 9 kg front-loading washing machine, within the range Que Choisir recommends as a starting point for families with children.
The WW11BB504DAE is an example of an 11 kg capacity worth considering if you regularly wash large loads.
The 10 kg EW6FI4130SA lets you consider capacity, overall size and Eco 40-60 cycle figures together.
The WWD380 WCS is another example of a 9 kg front-loader. Consider it without assuming you need to move up to 10 or 11 kg.
These 9–11 kg front-loading models let you compare a family-sized capacity with larger options. Start by considering how often you wash bulky loads, then check the installation requirements and programmes for your chosen model.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large family loads. The model name indicates a 10 kg capacity, 1 400 tr/min, an A energy efficiency class and AutoDose. Check its dimensions and the permitted load for each bulky item you wash.
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Its stated 11 kg capacity and A energy efficiency class make it worth considering if you regularly wash large loads. Before choosing, measure the delivery route and check the manual for the permitted load when washing duvets.
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This 11 kg front-loader with an A energy efficiency class is worth considering for regularly washing large loads. If you want to wash a duvet in it, check the permitted load in the manual, the care label on the fabric and the machine’s dimensions before ordering.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity makes this model worth considering for large family loads. Check the model-specific information for the EWF1410N2, including its depth, Eco 40-60 cycle time and permitted load for bulky items.
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With a stated 9 kg capacity, this model is within the starting range Que Choisir recommends for families with children. Its name indicates a spin speed of 1 600 tr/min and a connected feature. Check its dimensions, Eco 40-60 cycle time and the load limits for the programmes suited to your laundry.
Que Choisir recommends starting by looking at 8–10 kg models for families with children, then considering a larger capacity if you regularly wash large loads of sheets, towels or duvets. How often you wash these items matters more than one unusually bulky item.
If a high capacity is your priority, consider front-loading models instead: Que Choisir says top-loading washing machines do not exceed 8 kg. Whichever type you choose, check the model’s permitted load and the duvet’s care instructions.
Compare the labels for the exact models: energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco 40-60 cycle time. The European Commission defines Eco 40-60 for normally soiled cotton declared washable at 40 °C or 60 °C. These figures do not describe every programme.
It gives you another point of comparison alongside capacity and consumption. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, it has been gradually replacing the washing machine repairability index since 8 April 2025. Check the score and the details of the criteria shown for the models you are considering.
Measure the space and the full delivery route, then check separately which services you need, such as installation or removal of your old appliance. A Joybuy washing machine listing presents these services separately, so check the terms that apply to your order.