For a household of 3 to 4 people, Que Choisir says that an 8 to 9 kg washing machine is generally sufficient. A capacity of 10 to 12 kg is a better fit if you regularly wash large loads of household laundry. Before choosing a large drum, also check the space available and the load limits for synthetic, delicate and wool programmes, which may be lower than the stated capacity.
If sheets, towels, throws or duvets regularly fill your laundry basket, the aim is to avoid running several cycles for large loads. Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity based on how often you actually wash these items.
From family-sized washes to smaller loads of sportswear, synthetics or wool, the useful capacity also depends on the programme you choose. Que Choisir points out that specialist programmes take less laundry than the maximum stated capacity.
The machine’s depth, the route into your home and the space needed to open the door matter just as much as its width. If you run spin cycles near your living areas, it’s also worth comparing the noise level on the energy label.
Start by thinking about the loads your household actually washes. Que Choisir generally puts the needs of a household of 3 to 4 people at around 8 to 9 kg, while a larger drum makes more sense if you regularly wash bulky items.
Consider this if: your laundry baskets are full, but you only occasionally wash very bulky items.
Bear in mind: if sheets, towels and bulky items build up, you may need to run several cycles.
Consider this if: you regularly wash large loads that genuinely fill the drum.
Bear in mind: a large machine that is rarely full may use more water and electricity than necessary and will need more space.
Consider this if: only a few thick duvets or very large throws exceed your usual load sizes.
Bear in mind: some items may need to be washed separately, using a solution suited to their size.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Regular large loads | Compare the weight of your usual cotton loads and how often you wash sheets, throws or duvets with the capacity in kg for dry laundry. | When household laundry often builds up, I mainly want to avoid splitting large washes; around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Load limits for different programmes | Check the manual for the exact model to find the limits for synthetics, delicates and wool. Don’t assume these programmes take the same load as cotton or Eco 40-60. | If I often sort laundry by fabric, I want to know how much each programme can really take; nearly 29% of consumers prioritise load capacity by programme. |
| Energy use with different load sizes | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the Eco 40-60 label. Check separately whether the machine has a stated load-detection function. | Between large family washes and small sportswear loads, I’d rather avoid a drum that’s often underfilled; around 21% of consumers prioritise keeping energy and water use under control. |
| Installation and cycle times | Measure access routes, the machine’s full depth and the space in front of the door. Also compare the Eco 40-60 cycle time and spin noise. | If space is limited and I run several cycles back to back, I want to be able to install and use the machine without too much hassle; around 14% of consumers prioritise installation, cycle time and noise. |
According to Que Choisir, a larger capacity is only useful if you regularly wash large loads. An oversized drum that’s rarely full may use more water and electricity than necessary.
Choose a machine based on your usual loads rather than a duvet you wash once a year, then compare the Eco 40-60 figures for models with a similar capacity.
Specialist programmes take smaller loads than cotton or Eco 40-60. Que Choisir gives the example of an 8 kg washing machine that takes 3.5 kg for synthetics and 2 kg for wool.
Check the load table in the manual for the model you’re considering before relying on a single cycle for sorted laundry.
Depth and door clearance vary between models. For the LG F14R31WHSA, LG gives a depth of 565 mm excluding protruding parts and 620 mm including them.
Measure access doors and hallways too, then check the model’s specifications for its depth with the door open and the space needed for connections.
If you run several cycles back to back or have the machine near your living areas, the reference programme’s duration and spin noise can affect everyday use.
To compare capacities that suit your loads, check the Eco 40-60 cycle time and the spin noise emissions shown on the energy label.
These models illustrate capacities and dimensions worth comparing. The specifications given by each manufacturer apply to the model named, not its entire range.
The WGH254A0FR is a 10 kg family-sized front-loader to consider if you regularly wash large loads.
According to LG, the F14R31WHSA combines an 11 kg capacity with load detection. Check its dimensions carefully against the space available.
The WW11BGA046AE is an 11 kg model to consider if a larger capacity suits your household’s regular loads.
The WWD380 WCS is a 9 kg option for households whose usual loads may not justify a larger drum.
No. The maximum capacity doesn’t automatically apply to synthetics, delicates or wool. To plan your laundry, check the load limits for each programme in the manual for the exact model, as Que Choisir recommends.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity, Eco 40-60 cycle time and spin noise. As the European Commission and ADEME explain, these figures provide a basis for comparing the reference programme, but don’t show the energy and water use of every specialist programme.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir says very large capacities are mainly useful for bulky items that are washed regularly. If you only wash these items occasionally, choose a machine for your everyday loads first and plan a suitable one-off solution, without exceeding the limits in the manual.
For a new washing machine bought from a professional seller in France, you can make a claim against the seller under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. The DGCCRF explains that a commercial warranty is optional and supplements statutory warranties rather than replacing them.
Not necessarily: check its washing and drying capacities separately. For example, Bosch lists a washing capacity of up to 10 kg but a capacity of 6 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WDU8H500FF. So a full-capacity wash load can’t be dried in one go in this model.