Start by choosing a capacity that suits your usual loads: a large drum won’t prevent you from running partly filled cycles if your laundry baskets are small. A top-loading machine is mainly suited to narrow spaces, while a front-loader may work under a worktop or, subject to certain conditions, in a stacked setup. Then compare the models that fit your space by checking the energy use, spin performance and noise levels shown on their labels.
If your laundry baskets are often fairly small, choose a capacity based on the amount of laundry you wash each cycle rather than the size of your household alone. ADEME says 7 kg is enough in most cases, but it’s worth comparing this with your actual loads.
If you dry laundry on an indoor clothes airer or put it in a tumble dryer afterwards, pay close attention to the spin-drying efficiency class. ADEME recommends choosing class A for this kind of use.
In a living area or a narrow space, check the stated noise level during spinning, the appliance’s dimensions and the room needed to open the door or lid.
To choose between a top-loader and a front-loader, start by measuring the space available. According to Que Choisir’s guide, top-loading machines are generally 40 to 46 cm wide; a front-loader usually needs around 60 cm of width, as well as clearance in front of the door.
Consider this if: there’s enough width and you’d like to install the machine under a worktop or stack it with a compatible tumble dryer.
Allow for: space in front of the door; a stacked setup also requires a suitable stacking kit.
Consider this if: width is your main constraint or you prefer a machine that opens from the top.
Allow for: clearance above the lid and check the capacity, especially if you regularly wash large loads.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Capacity in kg compared with the size and frequency of your usual loads. | If my laundry baskets are small, I want to avoid buying a drum I’ll rarely fill; around 33% of consumers would put choosing the right capacity first. |
| Spin performance | Spin-drying efficiency class, especially if you dry laundry indoors or use a tumble dryer. | When I dry laundry on an indoor airer, I want to reduce the moisture left after washing; this would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Noise and space | Stated noise level during spinning, dimensions and clearance needed to open the machine. | Near a living area or in a narrow space, I need to be able to install the machine without overlooking spin noise; around 25% of consumers would prioritise these constraints. |
| Energy and water use, and maintenance | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco 40-60 cycle, programme duration and the model’s durability index. | When I do laundry frequently, I want to compare water and energy use, as well as maintenance options, rather than looking at the energy class alone; this would be the top consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
Compare the label figures for appliances that first meet your capacity and installation needs. For capacity, Gifam suggests 6 kg for one person, 7 to 8 kg for a couple and 9 kg or more for a family; the actual size of your loads is still the deciding factor.
A large drum won’t necessarily reduce the number of cycles if you usually wash small loads. ADEME recommends matching the capacity to your actual needs.
Before comparing capacities, estimate the size of a typical laundry load and how often you do the washing.
On its own, it doesn’t tell you how damp laundry will be after spinning, how noisy the machine is or how long the cycle takes.
For models with a suitable capacity, also compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco 40-60 cycle, the programme duration, spin performance and noise levels.
A narrow top-loader still needs room for its lid to open; a front-loader needs space in front of the door. Stacking requires compatible appliances and a suitable kit.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the clearance needed to open the machine and the installation requirements.
Some respondents to Que Choisir’s washing machine survey were less satisfied with how easy it was to access the filter.
Check the model’s manual, make sure you’ll be able to reach the parts that need maintenance once it’s installed, and look at its durability index.
Que Choisir’s survey gathers feedback from readers who chose to take part. Its brand ratings don’t necessarily reflect the features of every individual model.
A brand to consider if customer satisfaction feedback matters to you when comparing models.
A brand to compare with other manufacturers when choosing a washing machine for your home.
A brand to compare model by model for capacity, spin performance and installation.
A brand to include in a comparison based on your household’s space and laundry needs.
A brand to consider if you’re comparing different capacities and formats for home use.
This selection of Joybuy models includes front-loaders from 7 to 9 kg and top-loaders from 6 to 7 kg. Compare their capacity with your usual loads, then check the label details and dimensions of any model that fits your space.
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Worth considering if your usual loads call for a 9 kg front-loader.
Check the space needed for installation and compare the spin-drying efficiency class if you often dry laundry indoors.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg front-loader suits your loads and you need to check the available depth carefully.
This model is listed with an inverter motor; check the clearance needed for the door and the connections before buying, too.
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Worth comparing if a 7 kg capacity suits your regular loads.
This is a front-loader; check the installation requirements and spin-drying efficiency class if you often dry laundry indoors.
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Worth considering if the width of your space makes a top-loader a good fit and 7 kg suits your loads.
This model is listed with a steam function and Wi-Fi connectivity. Measure the clearance above the lid and check that its spin noise is suitable for the room.
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Worth considering for a narrow space if 6 kg is enough for your usual loads.
This top-loader is listed with an inverter motor, Wi-Fi connectivity and 17 programmes. Check the clearance above the lid and make sure the spin noise is suitable for your home.
As well as the energy class, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco 40-60 cycle, the duration of that programme, the spin-drying efficiency class and noise levels during spinning. Compare models that first suit your loads and your space.
Yes, if drying laundry quickly indoors or transferring it to a tumble dryer is a priority. This is the situation in which ADEME recommends a class A spin-drying efficiency rating. Also check the noise during spinning and any other factors that matter to your household.
A top-loader is generally narrower: Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm. However, you’ll need enough clearance to open the lid from above. For a front-loader, measure the space in front of the door and check whether it can be installed under a worktop.
It gives you another way to compare the reliability and repairability of the models covered. Use it alongside the manual and maintenance information for the exact model, but don’t treat it as a guarantee against breakdowns.
Check the manual to see how to access the filter and other parts that need maintenance, then make sure you’ll still be able to reach them once the machine is installed. Some respondents to Que Choisir’s survey were less satisfied with how easy it was to access the filter.