First, choose a capacity that suits the loads you wash regularly, then pick a loading style that works with the space and access available. Next, compare energy and water use, cycle duration, spin performance and noise on a like-for-like basis. To assess durability, check the relevant rating and its criteria, without treating it as a promise of how long the machine will last.
You want a capacity that suits your usual loads, without opting for a larger drum just for the occasional wash. ADEME recommends matching capacity to your household’s needs and says that a 7 kg model is enough for most households.
You’ll need to check the width and depth, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. A top-loading and a front-loading washing machine need different kinds of access.
You compare consumption figures on a like-for-like basis and look at reliability and repairability criteria, without taking a marketing claim as a guaranteed lifespan.
Worth considering: if the door can open freely and the capacity suits your usual loads.
Bear in mind: a larger drum isn’t necessary for small loads, and some higher-capacity front-loading models may have longer programmes.
Worth considering: if width is limited, the lid will be accessible and the capacity suits your usual loads.
Bear in mind: a narrower width doesn’t guarantee a shallow depth or enough clearance above the machine.
For a new domestic washing machine sold in France, first check that it suits your home and your laundry loads, then compare its usage and durability indicators.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters more to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for regular loads | The maximum capacity in kg and the load limits for the programmes you use. | If I mostly wash everyday loads, I want to avoid choosing an oversized drum or having to run extra loads. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a capacity suited to their regular loads. |
| Space and access | The machine’s dimensions, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open it. | When space is tight, I also check that there’s enough clearance above a top-loader or enough room in front of a front-loader’s door. Around 23% of consumers prioritise how well the machine fits into their home. |
| Water and electricity | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration shown for the reference cycle. | For frequent washing, I compare water and electricity use without assuming these figures predict the results for every programme. Around 18% of consumers make consumption their top priority. |
| Product lifespan and repairability | The durability rating for the specific model and a breakdown of its criteria. | If I want a better idea of its expected lifespan, I look at reliability and repairability criteria rather than relying on a single promise. Around 18% of consumers put this concern first. |
| Noise, spin performance and cycle duration | Spin noise in decibels, the spin-drying efficiency class and the duration of useful programmes. | If the machine is near a room in use or time is a factor, I check the noise level and duration of the cycles I’ll use. Around 12% of consumers prioritise quieter operation or shorter laundry cycles. |
Since 1 March 2021, the European Union energy label has used a scale from A to G. Its consumption and duration figures relate to reference cycles, including “eco 40-60”, rather than every programme. For the front-loading and top-loading washing machines covered by the rules, the durability index has replaced the repairability index since 8 April 2025. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this regulatory index does not set a minimum score for buyers to look for, so check the model’s criteria in detail too.
A larger capacity won’t necessarily be useful for your usual loads; ADEME recommends choosing one that suits your household’s needs.
Start with your regular loads and check the load limits of the programmes you plan to use.
A top-loader can be narrow but still need plenty of depth and clearance above it. A front-loader needs enough room for the door to open and for you to load the machine without obstruction.
Measure the delivery route, the space for the machine and the opening clearance separately for the specific model.
Having to rearrange access or reschedule installation can delay getting your machine set up.
These indicators answer different questions. A manufacturer’s claim about lifespan testing is not a guarantee of how long the machine will last for the buyer.
Check energy and water use, the index criteria and the terms of any commercial guarantee separately.
Label figures relate to a reference cycle; they don’t describe every programme or every load.
First compare labels on a like-for-like basis, then check the durations and settings of the programmes you’ll use.
These points relate to specific ranges or models; they don’t automatically apply to every model from a brand.
Worth considering for a domestic front-loading washing machine, particularly if an 8 kg capacity suits your household’s laundry loads.
Worth considering for top-loading models when width is a key factor.
Worth considering if your usual loads call for a high-capacity front-loader.
Worth considering when comparing published information for 8 kg front-loaders.
Worth considering for top-loading washing machines available in different capacities.
This selection features front-loading washing machines in a range of capacities. Compare each drum size with your usual loads and check that the dimensions suit your home.
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Worth considering if your regular loads call for a stated capacity of 11 kg.
The product information lists 37 kWh per 100 cycles and 48 litres per Eco 40-60 cycle.
It also lists 1,400 rpm, a spin noise level of 72 dB and noise class A.
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Its stated capacity of 7 kg is worth comparing with your usual loads.
The product information lists 40 kWh per 100 cycles and 44 litres per reference cycle.
It also lists 1,400 rpm, a spin noise level of 72 dB and noise class A.
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Compare its stated capacity of 7 kg with the size of your everyday loads.
The product information lists 40 kWh per 100 cycles and 44 litres per cycle.
It lists 1,400 rpm, a noise level of 51 dB when washing and 72 dB when spinning. The product information states that installation must be carried out by a qualified professional.
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Choose a stated capacity of 10 kg only if it suits your household’s regular loads.
The product information lists 31 kWh per 100 cycles and 46 litres per Eco 40-60 cycle.
It also lists 1,400 rpm, a spin noise level of 72 dB and noise class A.
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Worth considering if your regular loads call for a stated capacity of 12 kg and the machine fits in your available space.
The product information lists dimensions of 850 × 595 × 681 mm, 44 kWh per 100 cycles and 45 litres per Eco 40-60 cycle.
It also lists 1,400 rpm, a spin noise level of 72 dB and noise class A.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the “eco 40-60” reference cycle on a like-for-like basis. These figures won’t predict exactly how much energy and water your other programmes or actual loads will use.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. Check the connections and follow the model’s instructions, particularly for removing the transit bolts and levelling the machine.
Compare the stated spin noise level with the duration of the programmes you plan to use. Reference-cycle figures don’t describe every programme; also follow the instructions for levelling the machine.
In France, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025, replacing the repairability index for these categories. The French Ministry of the Economy says that details of the score must be accessible from the same online sales page, next to the index and in no more than one click. An old repairability reference on its own doesn’t tell you the model’s current durability index.
No. In France, a new appliance sold by a professional to an individual must come with the legal guarantee of conformity. A commercial guarantee is additional and doesn’t replace it; check the items covered, its duration and its terms separately.