Start by making a list of what is already provided and identifying the tasks you cannot easily manage in another way, such as storing food, preparing meals or caring for laundry. For each appliance you choose, check the dimensions and connections first, then compare usable capacity, the information on the energy label and, where displayed, the applicable repairability or durability information.
You want to cover the essentials without taking up too much space. Top-loading, slimline or 45 cm models are worth considering after measuring the space, checking clearance and verifying the existing connections.
Start by identifying what is provided and what is genuinely missing to avoid buying duplicates. Choosing a washing machine or dishwasher then depends on how often it will be used, the alternatives available and the existing installation.
Compare compatible appliances using their energy labels and the applicable French repairability or durability ratings for their category. An energy rating alone does not tell you how durable an appliance is.
Prioritise when: the home does not already include the appliance and it is used frequently or is difficult to replace, particularly for laundry.
Bear in mind: distinguish everyday needs from simple convenience; a dishwasher is optional if washing up by hand is quick and acceptable for your household.
Prioritise when: the available dimensions and connections genuinely match the model you have chosen.
The trade-off: a more compact model may have a smaller capacity, meaning you may need to run cycles more often depending on how you use it.
Prioritise when: several compatible appliances meet the same need in your home.
Check: read the label alongside capacity, programme duration and noise; it does not replace checking the installation or dimensions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Compare the washing machine’s kg capacity with your usual laundry load. For a dishwasher, compare the number of place settings with your meal routine. ADEME states that a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient most of the time. | I want a machine suited to my laundry or washing-up needs, without buying an appliance that is too large or regularly running barely full cycles. |
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the delivery route and door clearance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, top-loading washing machines are approximately 40 to 46 cm wide, while slim models are approximately 33 to 45 cm deep. | In a small home, the appliance must fit in the intended space without obstructing a cupboard, door or walkway. |
| Connections | For a washing machine or dishwasher, check that there is a nearby water inlet, waste-water outlet and suitable electrical supply. Also check the model-specific requirements in its manual. | I want to be able to use the appliance as soon as it is installed, without discovering too late that a connection is missing or that work is required. |
| Water, energy and noise | Compare appliances in the same category using the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, reference programme duration and noise level shown on the label. | I want comparable information to help me plan cycles in my home, especially if the kitchen is open-plan or the appliance is used frequently. |
| Repairability and service life | Look for the rating applicable to the category. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for washing machines from 8 April 2025; the repairability rating remains particularly relevant for dishwashers and vacuum cleaners when displayed. | I want to compare more than just the initial purchase price when information about maintenance, spare parts or repairability is available. |
A washing machine or dishwasher may require a suitable water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. Without these, the appliance may not be usable as intended.
Measure the space and check the existing connections before comparing models. If the home does not have them, clarify with the landlord or a suitably qualified professional what is permitted and required before placing your order.
A capacity that is too large takes up more space and may encourage you to run underfilled cycles. ADEME states that a 7 kg capacity is sufficient for a washing machine most of the time.
Choose the capacity according to your laundry volume and washing frequency. Only go larger if your household or textiles genuinely require it.
The energy class alone does not show water consumption, cycle duration, noise or capacity. The stated consumption figures are based on a reference programme.
Compare appliances in the same category using all the relevant fields: kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, capacity, duration and noise.
A 45 cm dishwasher may suit a small household, but UFC-Que Choisir states that it is not necessarily cheaper than a larger model. Depending on how it is used, its smaller capacity may also require more frequent cycles.
Choose the format based on your available space and the number of place settings you genuinely use, then compare consumption, installation and the consumables required.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the BDFN15D431W and BDIN28470C models among the dishwashers recently tested and published.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the SMS25AW09F and SMS4EVW36F models among the appliances recently tested.
The BF3424CX model is listed among the dishwashers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the I0FD641A model among the appliances recently tested.
The W3FD634, WH3FC14BN71X and WH6IB14BN7S1S models are listed among the dishwashers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
These Joybuy options are washing machines for a first home, including compact formats and capacities suited to everyday domestic use. Check the model’s dimensions, connections and complete energy label before buying.
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Worth considering if a depth of 450 mm suits the space and an 8 kg capacity matches your laundry volume.
Declared specifications: 47 kWh/100 cycles, 43 L/cycle, 12 programmes, delayed start and a spin noise level of 74 dB.
Check the Eco programme duration and precise connection requirements in the manual. An 8 kg capacity may be more than a single person or couple with little laundry needs.
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This top-loading model may suit a narrow space thanks to its stated width of 405 mm.
Declared specifications: 7 kg capacity, 1200 rpm, class A, 40 kWh/100 cycles, 42 L/cycle and 16 programmes.
Its stated depth is 600 mm and its spin noise level is 77 dB, class C: check the available clearance and whether the noise level is acceptable in your home.
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A 7 kg capacity may suit everyday use in a first home when laundry is washed regularly.
Declared specifications: 1400 rpm, class A, 40 kWh/100 cycles, 44 L/cycle and a spin noise level of 72 dB.
The stated total depth with the door is 63.2 cm. Check the space in front of the appliance, the delivery route, the installation instructions and the existing connections.
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Consider it when depth is limited and a 7 kg capacity matches your laundry routine.
Declared specifications: 470 mm depth, 1200 rpm, 16 programmes, 15-minute quick cycle and 530 mm drum.
Check the complete energy label, including consumption, Eco duration and noise, as well as door clearance, surrounding space and the home’s connections.
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This format may suit a household that genuinely needs to wash larger loads.
Declared specifications: 9 kg capacity, 1600 rpm, 73 L drum, class A, 44 kWh/100 cycles, 48 L/cycle and a spin noise level of 72 dB.
The stated depth is 66 cm, and a 9 kg capacity may be excessive in a small space. If connected features matter to you, also check the application, network and set-up requirements.
There is no one-size-fits-all list. Take stock of the equipment already available, then prioritise tasks you cannot reasonably manage in another way: storing food, preparing meals and caring for laundry. A dishwasher may be useful depending on the household, but UFC-Que Choisir states that it is not essential if washing up by hand remains quick and acceptable.
No. It is suitable only if its dimensions and capacity match your space and laundry volume. According to UFC-Que Choisir, slim models are approximately 33 to 45 cm deep and have a capacity of around 4 to 6 kg; also check the water inlet, waste outlet, suitable electrical supply and floor stability.
No. A 45 cm model with 9 place settings may suit a small household and take up less width, but UFC-Que Choisir explains that it is not necessarily cheaper than a larger format. Also check the cold-water inlet, waste outlet, earthed socket and available dimensions around the worktop.
Only compare appliances in the same category and read all the relevant fields: energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, reference cycle duration and noise where these details appear on the label. For washing machines and washer-dryers, the European Commission specifies information including energy, water, duration and noise data.
For washing machines, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating from 8 April 2025, according to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition. For dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, the repairability rating remains information provided under the scheme presented by the ministry. These ratings out of 10 provide a useful comparison, but do not replace checking the product details, guarantee and suitability for your home.