Who is this choice for?

Households that often fill the drum

Sheets, towels, throws and duvets regularly make for full laundry baskets. The aim is to reduce the number of wash cycles while still making sure you have enough space to fit and open the appliance.

Families with loads of different sizes

Large loads are mixed in with smaller, sorted washes. Choose a capacity that suits your usual laundry loads, then check what the load-adjustment feature actually does on each model.

Households that rarely wash extra-large items

You might occasionally machine-wash a thick duvet or a large throw, but your everyday loads are more modest. An occasional bulky item shouldn’t, on its own, determine the size of the drum you use all year round.

Which features should you prioritise?

Start with the size and frequency of your usual loads, then consider smaller washes, unusually bulky items and the space available. Load adjustment can be available on machines with different capacities; it isn’t a separate drum category.

What matters to you What to check Who it suits
Regular large loads Compare the capacity for dry laundry with the load limits for the programmes you use for bulky items. When the laundry basket is regularly overflowing, I want to wash more clothes at once without running extra cycles. Around 36% of consumers would make capacity for these large loads their priority.
A balanced capacity for family life Match the capacity to your everyday loads, then compare the water and energy figures on the labels on a like-for-like basis. If I do laundry often but rarely wash extra-large loads, I’d rather choose a drum size that suits what I wash most often. This balanced capacity would be a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Frequent small loads Check how load adjustment works and the limits of the programmes you use. When I often sort small loads by fabric or colour, I want to understand how the machine adapts each cycle. Around 21% of consumers would put this use first.
Occasional extra-large items Check the permitted load for duvets and whether it’s practical to wash very large items elsewhere when needed. If I only wash a thick duvet occasionally, I don’t want to choose an oversized drum for all my other laundry. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this consideration.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing 12 to 15 kg for a duvet you rarely wash

    UFC-Que Choisir says that very large capacities are most useful for bulky items you wash regularly. If the drum is usually only partly full, this may not be the right choice for everyday laundry.

    Think about how often you have full loads and wash duvets before choosing a capacity. For an occasional extra-large item, you could also consider using a laundrette.

    This occasional solution means travelling when you need to use it.

  • Assuming the stated capacity applies to every programme

    As UFC-Que Choisir explains, the stated capacity is the weight of dry laundry allowed for the cotton or Eco 40-60 programme. Synthetic, wool and delicate programmes may have lower load limits.

    Check the model’s programme table if these fabrics make up a large part of your laundry.

  • Measuring the space, but not the access route or door clearance

    An appliance may fit in its space but be difficult to bring through the delivery route, or there may not be enough room in front for the door to open. For example, LG states that the F14R31WHSA needs 1 100 mm of depth with the door open at 90°.

    Measure the space, doors, hallways and clearance in front of the door; compare these with the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging.

  • Assuming a faster spin will definitely save you money

    A faster spin can leave less moisture in your laundry, but how useful it is depends on the programme, fabric and how you dry your clothes afterwards.

    Compare the spin-drying efficiency class, noise level and available speeds on the programmes you’re interested in. Don’t assume the maximum speed alone will save you money.

Brands to consider for these needs

Bosch

The WGG154A0FR is worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg front-loader with dimensions specified by the brand.

  • Bosch lists a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and dimensions of 845 × 597 × 588 mm for this model, as well as automatic programmes and the i-DOS function.
  • Measure the available depth and check the energy label. These features don’t apply to every Bosch washing machine.

LG

The F14R31WHSA is worth considering if you need an 11 kg capacity for frequent large loads.

  • For this model, LG lists dimensions of 600 × 850 × 565 mm, load detection and a Duvet programme.
  • The depth needed reaches 1 100 mm with the door open at 90°, so check the clearance in front of the appliance and the delivery route.

Samsung

The WW10FG6U34LKU3 is a 10 kg front-loader to consider if depth and access to the room are important factors.

  • Samsung lists dimensions of 600 × 850 × 560 mm for this model.
  • Also check that the packaged appliance will fit through doors, hallways and lifts. Features listed for this model don’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.

Electrolux

The EW6FI4130SA is worth considering if you alternate large loads with smaller ones.

  • For this 10 kg model, Electrolux says SensiCare adjusts the programme duration, water and energy use to the load weight. The product details also list a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and a depth of 658 mm.
  • This feature doesn’t remove the need to compare the consumption figures and dimensions of the model you’re considering.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does the capacity in kilograms refer to?

According to UFC-Que Choisir, it refers to the weight of dry laundry allowed for the cotton or Eco 40-60 programme. Check the instruction manual for the maximum loads on other programmes, including synthetics, wool and delicates.

How can you compare two washing machines with the same capacity?

Compare their energy labels on a like-for-like basis: electricity use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, duration of the reference programme, noise and spin-drying efficiency. ADEME recommends checking the label to assess these factors; the same capacity doesn’t mean the appliances will have the same figures.

Is measuring the space for the washing machine enough?

No. Allow for the door to open and make sure the packaged appliance will fit through the access route. For the LG F14R31WHSA, LG lists a depth of 565 mm for the appliance, but 1 100 mm with the door open at 90°. Check the measurements for the model you’re considering.

Can a spin speed of 1 400 to 1 600 tr/min replace a tumble dryer?

No. An effective spin can reduce residual moisture, but it won’t dry your laundry completely. To decide how important this feature is, also consider the spin-drying efficiency class, the programmes you use and how you dry your laundry.

What should you check about maintenance before buying?

Check access to the filter, the instructions in the manual, spare-parts availability and the model’s warranty terms. UFC-Que Choisir highlights maintenance, access to the filter and spin-cycle noise among the things users pay attention to.