Households that dry clothes indoors
If you regularly use an airer, check spin efficiency and noise before focusing on the maximum spin speed quoted. Also compare water and energy use for the cycles you’re likely to run.
Who is this guide for ?
People with limited space for an appliance
Available width may make a top-loader the better choice. Remember to measure the depth and height too, along with the space needed to open the machine and the route to its final position.
Households with little space for drying clothes
A washer-dryer lets you dry some loads in the same appliance. However, Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so check both figures.
Which features should you compare ?
Front-loading
Worth considering : if the model fits the space available and you’ll mainly be drying clothes on an airer after washing.
Bear in mind : the machine must fit the available width; the quoted maximum spin speed alone doesn’t tell you how every load will come out.
Top-loading
Worth considering : if the available width rules out the front-loader you had in mind. The AEG LTR8C7331A is one example of this style, measuring 397 mm wide, according to AEG France.
Bear in mind : a narrower design still needs to be checked for spin noise and enough clearance to open the lid.
Washer-dryer
Worth considering : if you sometimes lack space to dry clothes and want the option of drying a suitable load in the same appliance.
Bear in mind : according to Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Once you’ve chosen a format that suits your available space, compare the specifications of the exact model with your usual loads and the cycles you plan to use.
| Feature | What to check | For my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and spin | Match the capacity in kg to your usual loads, then compare the spin efficiency class and maximum speed for the programme you’ll use. Bosch says the WGE03207FR automatically reduces its maximum speed if the load is unbalanced. | I often dry clothes indoors: I’m looking for a suitable capacity, without assuming the machine will reach its maximum speed on every wash. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB and their class on the label. Also check the levelling and load distribution instructions for the model you’re considering. | If the machine spins near a room in use, noise matters just as much to me as where I put it. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the machine and the access route. Check the manual for the water supply, drainage and stability requirements. | My space is narrow or access is restricted: I’ll check the measurements before choosing between a front-loader and a top-loader. |
| Cycles and consumption | Compare water and energy use for similar cycles. With a washer-dryer, distinguish between the figures for washing alone and those for a wash-and-dry cycle. | If I plan to use the integrated dryer, the figures for the combined cycle matter more to me than the washing-only class. |
| Durability | Check the durability index shown for the exact model and find out about its maintenance and repair options. According to the French ministry responsible for ecology, this index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025. | I want to keep my appliance for a long time: this index can help inform my choice, alongside capacity, spin performance and installation requirements. |
Which mistakes should you avoid ?
-
Focusing only on the maximum rpm
For the Bosch WGE03207FR, Bosch says the maximum speed is reduced if the load is unbalanced. So the quoted figure doesn’t guarantee the same spin performance for every load.
Also compare the spin efficiency class and follow the loading instructions in the manual.
-
Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
According to Que Choisir, a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. You may need to split a full wash load before starting the drying cycle.
Check the two capacities separately and compare the drying capacity with your usual loads.
-
Comparing the wrong energy class
The BUT product listing for the Samsung WD90DG5B15BE gives it an A rating for washing alone and a D rating for the wash-and-dry cycle. These ratings relate to different uses.
If you expect to use the integrated dryer, compare the figures for the combined cycle across models.
-
Forgetting about access and connections
A space that’s wide enough for the appliance doesn’t necessarily mean it will fit through the doors or can be installed according to the manual. Bosch also highlights the importance of removing the transit bolts and levelling the machine.
Measure the route and the space where the machine will go, then check the connections and installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Which branded models make useful benchmarks ?
These models show a range of configurations; their features won’t necessarily apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bosch
Bosch France lists the front-loading WGE03207FR with an 8 kg capacity and a maximum speed of 1 200 tr/min.
- Its stated dimensions are 848 × 598 × 588 mm, so check that it fits the space you have in mind.
- Bosch says the maximum speed is automatically reduced if the load is unbalanced.
- Bosch says spare parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years; check the terms for the model you’re considering.
AEG
According to AEG France, the top-loading LTR8C7331A is 397 mm wide and has a capacity of 7 kg.
- Its stated dimensions are 903 × 397 × 599 mm, which may be useful when checking a narrow space.
- The Darty listing for this model gives a noise level of 79 dB. Check that this is suitable for where you’ll put it and when you plan to use it.
Samsung
Samsung France lists the WD90DG5B15BE washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
- Samsung France gives the dimensions for this model as 600 × 850 × 600 mm.
- A 9 kg wash load exceeds its stated drying capacity of 6 kg.
- The BUT listing gives it an A rating for washing alone and a D rating for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Which Joybuy products should you consider ?
These two models suit two of the uses discussed here: washing clothes in a front-loader before drying them on an airer, or occasionally using the integrated dryer in a washer-dryer. Compare their features and installation requirements with your own loads and available space.
Image unavailable
Bosch WGE02407FR, 7 kg front-loader, 1 400 tr/min
Worth considering if you wash loads of up to 7 kg before drying them indoors. The product title states a maximum speed of 1 400 tr/min and an A energy class. Check the spin performance and dimensions of this model against your needs, and remember that the maximum speed doesn’t reflect the result of every cycle.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, washer-dryer 10 kg / 6 kg
Worth considering if you’d sometimes like to dry clothes in the same appliance: it has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. So you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying it. The title gives it a D rating; check the label to see which cycle this applies to.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for on the label if I dry clothes indoors ?
Compare the capacity, spin efficiency, noise, and water and energy use for the cycles you plan to run. ADEME links an effective spin with faster indoor drying. With a washer-dryer, distinguish between the figures for washing alone and those for the combined cycle.
Does a higher rpm guarantee less damp laundry ?
No. The quoted maximum speed won’t necessarily be reached with every load. Bosch says the WGE03207FR automatically reduces it if the load is unbalanced. Compare the spin efficiency too, and follow the loading instructions for the model.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full washing load ?
Not if the wash load exceeds its drying capacity. Que Choisir says this is lower than the washing capacity, so check both figures for the model you choose and be prepared to remove some laundry before drying if needed.
What is the durability index for a washing machine ?
It gives you an additional point of reference when comparing reliability and repairability. According to the French ministry responsible for ecology, the durability index has applied to washing machines in France since 8 April 2025. Check the figure for the exact model, as well as its capacity, spin performance and installation requirements.
What should I measure before installing a machine in a small room ?
Measure the appliance and the space it will occupy, allow for the door to open and check the route through any doorways. Then consult the manual for connection requirements. Bosch also says to remove the transit bolts and level the washing machine during installation.