First, choose a capacity that suits the loads you wash regularly. Then decide between a front-loading or top-loading machine based on the space available in front of or above the appliance. The stated capacity does not apply to every programme, so before choosing between models of a similar size and capacity, check the manual, energy label and details of the durability index.
If you often wash bedding, towels and clothes for several people, look for a capacity that suits your usual loads. Don’t choose a larger drum just to accommodate one bulky item you wash occasionally. UFC-Que Choisir points out that choosing the wrong capacity can mean running more cycles or using more energy and water than necessary.
In a bathroom, kitchen or narrow alcove, width alone won’t determine which machine is right for you. You’ll also need room to open the door of a front-loader or the lid of a top-loader. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a top-loader, which is generally narrower, may suit certain space constraints.
To compare energy and water use, spin performance, noise and durability information, check the details for the model you’re considering. ADEME recommends consulting the energy label. In France, the breakdown of the durability index provides further details to consider, beyond its overall score.
Start with the loads you wash most often, make sure the appliance will fit and can be opened, then compare the usage and durability information for models that genuinely suit the space.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and washing frequency | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, then check the manual for the maximum load allowed on the programmes you use. | When my laundry baskets fill up quickly, I want to wash my usual loads without having to run lots of cycles. Around 29% of consumers prioritise getting the capacity right. |
| Size and access to the drum | Measure the space and access route. Allow room to open a front-loader’s door or keep the space above a top-loader clear. | In a narrow room, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach the laundry without anything getting in the way of the opening. This is the main consideration for around 24% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, spin performance and noise | For similar capacities, compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, spin-drying class and noise level during spinning shown on the energy label. | If I dry laundry indoors or the washing machine is near a living area, I also look at spin performance and noise, not just energy and water use. Around 24% of consumers prioritise these factors in everyday use. |
| Durability and repairability | Check the durability index and its breakdown, particularly the criteria relating to spare parts, maintenance and repairability. | Before choosing an appliance I’ll use regularly, I want to understand what its durability score actually means. Maintenance and repairability are a priority for around 23% of consumers. |
The capacity shown for a washing machine refers to a load of dry laundry under the conditions of the reference programme. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the limits may be lower for other fabrics. The energy figures on the label refer to the Eco 40-60 programme, so don’t assume they apply to all your cycles.
For new purchases in France, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to economie.gouv.fr. The score combines repairability and reliability criteria. The DGCCRF recommends checking the breakdown to understand what it covers.
A drum that’s often only partly full can lead to unnecessary energy and water use, while one that’s too small may mean running more cycles. This is the trade-off UFC-Que Choisir highlights when choosing a capacity.
Think about your usual laundry loads and how often you wash before factoring in bulky items that only go in occasionally.
A machine advertised as 8 kg won’t necessarily take 8 kg of synthetic fabrics or wool. For an example of an 8 kg machine, UFC-Que Choisir gives limits of 3.5 kg for synthetics and 2 kg for wool. Your machine’s limits will depend on its manual.
Check the load limits for the programmes you use most often, especially for delicate fabrics.
A narrow top-loader needs space to open from above, while a front-loader needs room in front for its door. So even if a machine fits in its space, it may still be difficult to load.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check that the door or lid can open fully and that you can reach the connections.
The score brings together several criteria, but on its own it doesn’t explain the repair conditions or any commercial warranty that may be available.
Check the breakdown of the index and read the terms of any commercial warranty separately. A commercial warranty is not the same as the legal guarantee of conformity.
The French range includes front-loading washing machines worth considering if this is the type of loading you prefer.
The W1 range includes front-loading models with different capacities. Installation options depend on the model.
The range includes top-loading models to consider when limited width makes a top-loading design a good fit.
These Joybuy models let you compare 7 kg and 8 kg front-loaders with a 7 kg top-loader. First choose the loading style and capacity to suit your laundry and your space, then check the details for the model you decide on.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your usual loads suit a 7 kg capacity and you have enough space to open a front-loading door.
The model name indicates a spin speed of 1,400 rpm and an A energy rating. Check the load limits for the programmes you use and the durability index breakdown before choosing.
Image unavailable
The 8 kg capacity is worth considering if it suits your regular loads and a front-loader fits your space.
The model name indicates a spin speed of 1,400 rpm and an inverter motor. Check the full dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the durability index breakdown.
Image unavailable
A top-loader is worth considering if access to a front-loading door is a problem, as long as there’s enough room to open the lid.
The model name indicates a capacity of 7 kg, a spin speed of 1,200 rpm, an A energy rating and Wi-Fi connectivity. Measure the space, including the clearance above the appliance, and check the durability index breakdown.
Image unavailable
This 8 kg front-loader is worth considering if the capacity suits your regular loads and you have enough space in front of the door.
Before choosing it over another front-loader, compare the energy label and spin-drying class, then check the French durability index and its breakdown.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for usual loads suited to an 8 kg capacity, if there’s enough room to use a front-loading door.
The model name indicates a spin speed of 1,400 rpm and Steam Hygiene and SensiCare features. Check the manual for load limits by programme, along with the durability index breakdown.
No. The stated capacity refers to a load of dry laundry under the conditions of the reference programme. Synthetic, wool and delicate programmes may allow a smaller load. Check the manual for your model if these fabrics make up a significant part of your laundry.
No. Its narrower width can help, but you’ll need room to open the lid. A shallower front-loader may also suit your space, as long as you allow enough clearance in front of the door and check that the capacity is right for you. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering these dimensions together.
Yes. According to economie.gouv.fr, it has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. The score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability criteria. For online purchases, also check the breakdown of the parameters, available alongside the index.
Check the criteria relating to spare parts in the index breakdown, then look at the repair terms and any commercial warranty offered. The European Commission requires certain spare parts to be available for 10 years for washing machines covered by its ecodesign rules, but this doesn’t necessarily apply to every part or every fault. In France, according to economie.gouv.fr, the legal guarantee of conformity covers new goods for two years; it is separate from a commercial warranty.