In a small flat, first compare the noise emissions during the spin cycle for the exact model you’re considering, then check that its dimensions allow for a stable installation. The declared figure can help you compare appliances, but it won’t tell you on its own how much vibration will travel through the floor or how noisy the machine will seem in your living space.
In a studio flat, the spin cycle can interrupt a conversation, your rest or working from home if the machine is close to your living space. Les Numériques highlights this as a particular nuisance in small homes.
If the machine has to stand on a floor that transmits vibrations, correct installation matters just as much as its acoustic specifications. Miele recommends adjusting the feet and tightening their lock nuts to stop the washing machine moving during the spin cycle.
A top-loading machine may suit a space constraint, as Les Numériques points out. However, its dimensions alone won’t tell you how noisy the model will be during the spin cycle.
Start by comparing the declared noise during the spin cycle, then measure the space and check the installation requirements. A format that fits your space doesn’t mean you can skip these acoustic checks.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-cycle noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB and the acoustic class for the exact model; look for an independent review if available. | If my washing machine is close to my living space, I want to be able to stay there during the spin cycle without being disturbed by the noise. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this need for a quieter home. |
| Vibrations | Check that the floor is level and read the instructions for adjusting the feet before installation. | On a floor that transmits vibrations, my main concern is stopping the machine from moving and making the home shake; around 33% of consumers would put this stability first. |
| Space | Measure the space and allow enough room to open the door or lid and connect the machine, whether you choose a front-loader or a top-loader. | When width is limited, I first need a machine I can install properly. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Usage life and energy consumption | Check the energy label and the durability index, if one is displayed for the model. | Once the noise and installation are right for my home, I also want to consider energy consumption and how long the machine is likely to last. Around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
This description doesn’t necessarily say whether it refers to the wash or spin cycle. Even a figure measured under set conditions won’t tell you exactly how noisy the machine will seem in your home.
For the exact model, compare the noise emissions during the spin cycle and its acoustic class. If an independent review is available, check how its measurements were taken too.
A machine that isn’t level can vibrate or move during the spin cycle. Miele specifically highlights the importance of tightening the lock nuts on the feet.
Check the installation space before buying, then follow the instructions for your model to adjust the feet once it’s in place.
If the machine still isn’t stable, you may need to reposition it or adjust it again.
A top-loader may suit a narrow space, but its loading style won’t tell you how noisy it is.
Use the dimensions to check that it will fit, then compare the acoustic specifications for the exact model.
A machine that’s right for your living space should also meet your needs for energy consumption and usage life. ADEME recommends using the energy label and durability index as guides when choosing a washing machine.
Once you’ve checked the noise and confirmed that the machine can be installed securely, compare these details for the models you’re still considering.
These examples relate to specific models or ranges. Always compare the acoustic specifications and dimensions of the machine you’re considering.
A brand worth considering model by model if you’re looking for a front-loader.
One to compare if you want to weigh noise against the other washing performance of a front-loader.
A brand to compare, taking the chosen model’s installation instructions into account.
An option to consider when space is a major constraint.
Compare the noise emissions during the spin cycle in dB and the acoustic class for the exact model. The labelling set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2014 provides these reference points; don’t compare a wash-cycle figure with a spin-cycle figure.
No. They let you compare declared figures measured under set conditions, but they can’t tell you on their own how much vibration will travel through your floor. Les Numériques also takes measurements at a distance of one metre in a laboratory. These offer another point of comparison, but can’t recreate every flat.
Check that the washing machine is level, then adjust the feet and tighten their lock nuts as instructed in the manual. Miele says that loose lock nuts can allow the machine to move while it’s running.
Not necessarily. Choose a top-loader if its dimensions suit your space, then check its spin-cycle noise. Les Numériques highlights the advantages of this format for small spaces, but its size doesn’t establish how noisy a particular model will be.