Choose a capacity to suit the loads you wash most often, rather than the largest duvet in your home. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts the needs of a three- to four-person household at around 8 to 9 kg, and considers 10 to 12 kg more suitable when you regularly wash large loads. A capacity of 12 to 15 kg is mainly for washing very bulky items regularly. If the drum is often only partly full, compare energy and water use, programmes and the space the machine takes up before opting for a larger capacity.
If you regularly wash large loads, a suitably sized drum can save you from splitting your laundry into several washes. UFC-Que Choisir links capacities of 10 to 12 kg with households that do back-to-back loads. Whether this is worthwhile depends on how often you actually fill the machine.
The stated capacity isn’t the only thing to consider. Check which programme is designed for these fabrics, its maximum load and the space needed to install and open the machine. UFC-Que Choisir mainly recommends very large capacities for bulky items that are washed regularly.
If you alternate between large loads, small washes and delicate fabrics, compare the Eco 40-60 programme data and the load limits for the programmes you use most. Check whether the specific model has a load-detection feature, but don’t assume it will affect every cycle in the same way.
Start by considering how often you fill the drum, then check the load limits for each programme and the space available. To compare energy use, ADEME recommends looking beyond the energy class alone.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| How often you wash large loads | Look at your usual cotton and household linen loads, and compare them with capacities of 8 to 9 kg and 10 to 12 kg. | If your baskets are regularly full, reducing the number of cycles becomes the main priority. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise a capacity that suits their frequent large loads. |
| Bulky items | Check the maximum load for the programme designed for duvets or throws, and measure the clearance needed for the door. | If you often wash thick duvets or large throws at home, make sure the item fits in the machine and is suitable for the programme you choose. Around 19% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Space and versatility | Measure the access route, the machine’s depth and the space needed with the door open; check the maximum load for other programmes. | If space is limited, I want to be able to wash large loads without choosing a machine that’s too deep to install and use. This would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Part-loads | Compare the Eco 40-60 figures on the energy label and check the conditions for any load-adjustment features. | If you alternate between small and large washes, extra capacity shouldn’t be your only consideration: energy and water use and programmes matter too. Around 25% of consumers would make this flexibility their main concern. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washing machine with a very large capacity may use more, particularly if it often runs half-full. Fewer cycles alone don’t necessarily mean lower water or electricity use.
Consider 10 to 12 kg if you often wash large loads. Look at 12 to 15 kg mainly if very bulky items are a regular part of your laundry.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum loads for synthetics, wool and delicates are lower than the stated capacity for cotton or Eco 40-60.
Before choosing a machine to wash a duvet or your usual laundry, check the load table in the manual and make sure you know which programme you’ll use.
Two appliances with the same energy class shouldn’t be compared on that letter alone: the energy label also gives figures for consumption, cycle duration and noise. It doesn’t show how well every programme washes or rinses.
Compare exact model numbers using the same measures, including kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 cycle duration and spin information.
The durability rating covers factors relating to reliability and repairability. It doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity, which, according to the French Ministry of the Economy, applies in France to goods sold by a business to an individual, whether they’re new, second-hand or refurbished.
Check the rating for the model and keep a copy of its product information, your order confirmation and the terms of any commercial warranties.
These examples highlight features to check on a specific model; they don’t tell you how every model from a particular brand will perform.
The WGG254FAFR is a 10 kg front-loading model. Bosch France lists its dimensions as 845 × 598 × 588 mm.
LG France lists the F14R76PLST as an 11 kg model with load detection and automatic water-level adjustment.
Samsung France describes the WW11DG6B25LEU3 as an 11 kg connected washing machine with AI Energy mode.
Haier France lists the HW100-B14959U1 as a 10 kg model with a 1 400 rpm spin speed and dimensions of 595 × 583 × 850 mm.
These 9, 10 and 11 kg front-loading washing machines are suited to households that regularly wash large loads. The right choice also depends on the items you wash, the load limits for each programme and the space available.
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Worth considering if you often wash large loads and want to look at features designed for varying load sizes. This front-loading model is listed with an 11 kg capacity and an A energy rating. Check the manual for the load limits of each programme, and measure the space needed for the door.
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A capacity to consider if your baskets are often full, but you don’t need an 11 kg drum. The model name indicates a 10 kg capacity, a 1 400 rpm spin speed and an A energy rating. Check the load limits for each programme and the clearance needed for installation.
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This 10 kg front-loading machine is suited to households that regularly wash large loads. To check whether it’s also suitable for your woollens or delicates, look at the maximum load for each programme. Also check that you have enough space with the door open.
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A mid-sized capacity to consider if you sometimes wash large loads but don’t regularly fill a 10 to 12 kg drum. This model is listed with a 9 kg capacity and a maximum spin speed of 1 600 rpm. Check the load limits for your laundry and the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if your usual laundry loads call for a 10 kg drum. This front-loading model is listed with a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm and an A energy rating. Compare the detailed figures on the energy label, and measure the access route and the space needed to open the door.
No. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the stated capacity refers to dry laundry for reference programmes, particularly cotton or Eco 40-60. The maximum loads may be lower for synthetics, wool and delicates. Check the programme table for the model you’re considering.
Compare like for like: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 cycle duration, noise and spin information. The European energy label shows these details, but it isn’t enough to establish how well other programmes wash or rinse.
Yes. The weighted regulatory figures for the Eco 40-60 programme take the stated capacity, half-load and quarter-load into account, under the framework set out by the European Commission. However, they don’t show the energy and water use of every other programme. Check the model’s product information sheet to compare it with your usual use.
Check the durability rating shown for the model. According to ADEME, displaying this rating has been compulsory in France for the washing machines covered since April 2025. It relates to reliability and repairability. Read the information that accompanies the rating rather than treating it as a guaranteed lifespan.
Yes. In France, when a business sells a washing machine to an individual, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. This is separate from a commercial warranty offered by the seller or manufacturer. Keep the product description and your proof of purchase.