Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads, then check the manual to see how much each programme you plan to use can take: the stated capacity in kilograms does not necessarily apply to every cycle. An 8–9 kg front-loader is worth considering if you only wash bulky items occasionally; a 10–11 kg front-loader may be a better fit if they regularly mean splitting your washing into separate loads. A top-loader can be a useful compromise when width is the deciding factor, although it generally has a more limited capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If household laundry often takes several cycles, look for a capacity that suits these regular loads rather than just your usual clothes washing. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a machine with insufficient capacity can mean doing more loads.
If everyday washing makes up most of your laundry and you only wash duvets occasionally, compare a mid-range capacity with the loads you actually do. A high stated capacity does not guarantee the same limit on every programme.
If a front-loader is difficult to fit into the space available, a top-loader may still be an option for family laundry. However, check that its capacity and programmes suit you if you need to split bulky items into separate loads.
Consider this if: you do family washing regularly, but only wash very bulky items occasionally.
The trade-off: some duvets or thick, bulky loads may still need to be washed separately.
Consider this if: sheets, towels and other large loads often mean running several cycles.
The trade-off: don’t size up for all your washing based on a few exceptional loads; also check the space needed for installation.
Consider this if: width is a genuine constraint for installation, as well as your need to do family washing.
The trade-off: its generally lower capacity may mean splitting bulky laundry into more loads.
| Consideration | What to check | What consumers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Bulky loads | Compare your usual loads with the maximum capacity for programmes intended for sheets and bulky items. | When sheets and thick towels pile up, I want to avoid running another cycle just to get through the washing; around 36% of consumers prioritise reducing the number of these cycles. |
| Everyday capacity | Assess the size of your usual loads, then check the appliance’s depth and the clearance needed for the door. | If I only wash bulky items occasionally, I’d rather have a capacity suited to everyday family washing; this is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, and cycle duration | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco 40-60 programme duration on the label, then consider the cycles you’ll use. | With frequent washing, I want to compare water, energy and time on a like-for-like basis; around 21% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Available width | Measure the available width and the space above a potential top-loader, then compare its capacity with your bulky loads. | If there isn’t enough width for a front-loader, I still need to be able to manage my household’s washing; around 14% of consumers prioritise this compromise. |
The European Commission defines rated capacity in relation to the selected programme and the manufacturer’s loading instructions. To compare the energy figures on the label, ADEME highlights, among other things, energy use per 100 cycles and the Eco 40-60 programme duration. These figures alone don’t tell you how all your usual cycles will perform.
As defined by the European Commission, rated capacity relates to a selected cycle and a load that follows the manufacturer’s instructions. A programme designed for other fabrics may have a different load limit.
Before choosing, check the load table in the manual for the programmes you plan to use for sheets, towels and bulky items.
UFC-Que Choisir says that a machine with the wrong capacity can mean either doing more loads or using water and electricity unnecessarily. How often you wash bulky items matters just as much as their size.
Start with your usual washing, then compare the Eco 40-60 figures for models that meet your needs. Don’t assume you can work out energy use from the number of kilograms alone.
UFC-Que Choisir says that top-loaders generally have a capacity of no more than 8 kg. The Whirlpool TDLR6242SFR/N, for example, combines a stated width of 40 cm with a capacity of 6 kg. A narrower design does not mean a capacity comparable to that of a large front-loader.
Check the clearance needed above the machine for opening the lid, and decide whether splitting some household laundry into separate loads will work for you.
An example of a mid-capacity front-loader: Bosch lists the WAN24209FR as a 9 kg model.
An example of a large-capacity front-loader: LG France lists the F14R31WHSA as an 11 kg model, with Duvet and Eco 40-60 programmes.
An example of a top-loader when width is the priority: Whirlpool France lists the TDLR6242SFR/N as 6 kg and 40 cm wide.
These 9 kg and 11 kg front-loaders cover the two capacities considered for family washing. Compare their programmes and the load limits for your bulky laundry before choosing. A top-loader involves a different installation compromise.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads and want to compare an 11 kg front-loader.
Energy rating A stated in the product name. Check the manual for the load limit on the cycle intended for bulky items, as well as the space needed for installation.
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Its stated capacity of 11 kg may suit a household that regularly washes large loads.
Energy rating A stated in the product name. If you wash duvets, check the manual for suitable programmes and their maximum load rather than relying on the rated capacity alone.
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This 9 kg front-loader is in the range worth comparing if everyday family washing makes up most of your laundry.
The product name lists a spin speed of 1,600 rpm, along with the SteamCare and SmartSelect names. Check the manual for the load limit on cycles intended for bulky laundry.
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Its stated capacity of 9 kg makes it worth comparing for regular family washing.
The product name lists a spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Before planning where to put it, confirm the exact dimensions of this model and check the load limits for each programme.
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This 9 kg front-loader is worth comparing with other mid-capacity models if you only wash bulky items occasionally.
The product name lists a spin speed of 1,400 rpm. To compare energy use, check the energy label for this model; the manual will specify the maximum loads for programmes suited to your household.
No. As defined by the European Commission, rated capacity relates to a selected programme and a load that follows the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the programme table for the specific model to see how much the cycle you plan to use for bulky items can take.
Compare the capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and duration for the Eco 40-60 programme, along with the spin and noise information. ADEME provides these figures to help compare appliances; check separately which programmes and load limits are suitable for your own fabrics.
Check the dimensions of the model you choose, the space needed to open it and the instructions in its manual. For installation, Electrolux recommends, among other things, a flat, hard floor. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for levelling and maintenance.
No. The legal guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial warranty. The French Ministry of the Economy states that it applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Before taking out extra cover, compare what it actually adds to your legal rights.