Who is this choice for?

People living near noise-sensitive neighbours

You sometimes do your washing early or late, or near a room that’s in use, and want to keep noise and vibrations to a minimum during the spin cycle.

People living in a small home

You need to fit the machine into a limited space and find the right balance between its dimensions, loading style and the capacity you need.

People without room for a separate tumble dryer

You’re considering a washer-dryer, while bearing in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.

What should you prioritise?

UFC-Que Choisir identifies spin-cycle noise as a weak point across all washing machine categories. First, choose a format that fits your space, then compare the noise levels of the models that would fit there.

Front-loading washing machine

Worth considering: if you have enough room for the machine and to open the door, and want a capacity suited to your laundry.

Bear in mind: measure the depth and clearance in front of the machine as well as its width.

Top-loading washing machine

Worth considering: if top loading better suits your space or you have limited width.

Bear in mind: leave enough clearance above the machine and check that its capacity suits your usual loads.

Washer-dryer

Worth considering: if you want to wash and dry without making room for a second appliance.

The trade-off: according to Bosch Électroménager France, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. After a full wash load, you may need to take some clothes out before drying.

Criterion What to check Who should consider it?
Noise and vibration during the spin cycle Compare the dB and noise class on the label for the exact model. Check that you’ll be able to install it level on a hard floor. When I do the washing near other people in the home, I want to avoid disturbing them during the spin cycle; around 50% of consumers would prioritise quiet operation.
Size and capacity Measure the space, including room for the door to open. Compare the capacity in kg and the duration of the reference programme. If my space is narrow, I want the machine to fit without compromising on a suitable load size; around 30% of consumers would put dimensions and capacity first.
Built-in drying Compare the washing and drying capacities separately. Check the label information for the combined cycle and the wash-only cycle. Without room for a separate tumble dryer, I’d rather have both functions in one appliance, even if I need to split the drying load; this would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Judging noise by spin speed

    A maximum spin speed in revolutions per minute is no substitute for the noise level given for the spin cycle. The Bosch spec sheet for the WUU28T69FR also states that its maximum spin speed is reduced automatically if the load is unbalanced.

    To compare your favourite models, check their labels for dB, noise class and the duration of the reference programme.

  • Blaming every banging noise on the model

    A machine that isn’t level, or still has its transit bolts in place, can shake more during the spin cycle. Electrolux France also highlights the importance of installing the machine on a hard, level floor.

    Before your first wash, follow the instructions to remove the transit bolts, adjust the feet and check the hoses.

  • Assuming a washer-dryer can dry a full wash load

    According to Bosch Électroménager France, a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.

    Check both capacities for the model you’re considering and decide whether you’ll be able to take some clothes out before drying.

    If your wash load is too large to dry in one go, you may need to handle the laundry again or run several drying cycles.

  • Choosing a top-loader without checking your usual load size

    A convenient loading style for a narrow space doesn’t remove the need to check that the capacity suits your laundry needs.

    Measure the space and compare the capacity of the top-loading models you’re considering with the amount of laundry you usually wash.

Brands to consider by model

Bosch

A brand to consider when comparing front-loading machines or washer-dryers. Check the spin noise and capacity of the model you choose rather than relying on its range name.

  • The Bosch spec sheet for the WUU28T69FR states that its maximum spin speed is reduced automatically if the load is unbalanced.
  • This feature on one specific model doesn’t mean that all Bosch washing machines are quieter.

Electrolux

A brand whose installation advice can help you prepare to set up a front-loading or top-loading washing machine.

  • Electrolux France links spin-cycle shaking, among other things, to the machine being level and recommends installing it on a hard, level floor.
  • Installation advice is no substitute for comparing the dB listed for each model.

LG

A brand to compare model by model when spin noise is a key consideration.

  • The LG France spec sheet for the F74552WH lists a spin-cycle noise level of 75 dB(A) for this specific model.
  • This figure doesn’t apply to other LG washing machines: check the label for the model you’re considering.

Washing machines on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which figure should I compare when choosing a quiet washing machine on spin?

Start by comparing the spin noise in dB and the noise class on the label for the exact model. The European Commission says the label also shows the duration of the reference cycle, as well as water and energy consumption. These can help you choose between appliances that are suitable for your home.

Does a low dB rating guarantee there’ll be no vibrations in my home?

No. The label rating helps you compare models, but installation and loading matter too. Bosch Électroménager France and Electrolux France both highlight issues caused by machines that aren’t level. Follow the instructions to remove the transit bolts and install the appliance on a hard, stable floor.

Can a washer-dryer dry the entire load it has just washed?

Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity, which Bosch Électroménager France says is lower than its washing capacity. Compare both capacities for the model you choose and plan to take some clothes out if the wash load is too large to dry in one go.