Start by choosing a capacity that suits the amount of laundry your household usually washes, rather than opting for the biggest drum available. According to ADEME, 7 kg is usually enough, as long as you don’t leave the drum mostly empty or overfill it. Then choose between a front-loading and top-loading machine based on the space you have and the size of your loads, and compare the figures shown for each specific model.
You’re looking for a capacity that suits the laundry that builds up between washes, without choosing such a large drum that your usual loads rarely fill it. ADEME recommends starting with what you actually need and waiting until you have a full load.
You need to be able to open and load the machine in the space available, while also considering how noisy it is when spinning if it’s near a living area.
You want to compare water and energy consumption, the Eco programme duration and spin performance on a like-for-like basis, then check the durability index that applies to new washing machines sold in France.
For a household where laundry piles up, the capacity should first of all suit your usual loads. The loading style then determines how the machine will fit into your home.
Consider this if: a front-opening door suits your space and your regular loads call for a capacity of more than 8 kg.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that the greater capacity of front-loading models can come with longer programmes.
Consider this if: loading the drum from the top works better for your setup and the capacity suits your usual loads.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, top-loading models don’t exceed 8 kg. This matters if you often wash large loads in one go.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and washing frequency | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual loads, and check the maximum load for the programmes you’ll use. According to ADEME, 7 kg is usually enough. | When the laundry basket is overflowing, I want to avoid doing one small wash after another without buying a drum that’s too big for my usual laundry. Around 31% of consumers would put choosing the right capacity first. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available and the room needed to open the door; compare the model’s dimensions and its stated spin noise level. | If the machine is near a living area, I need to be able to load it easily and take the noise during the spin cycle into account. Space and noise levels would be priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
| Consumption and drying | On the model’s label, compare energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use in litres per cycle, the Eco programme duration and the spin efficiency class. | I wash regularly and dry my laundry indoors, so water, electricity and spin performance all matter when I choose. Around 25% of consumers would put these criteria first. |
| Durability and product information | For a new washing machine sold in France, check the model’s durability index and read its product information sheet before ordering. | I prefer to check information about lifespan and the stated specifications before keeping the same appliance for a long time. Around 19% of consumers would make this their priority. |
A large drum won’t reduce the number of washes if your usual loads are small. You may simply carry on running cycles that aren’t full.
Think about how much laundry builds up before a typical wash, rather than an unusually large load. ADEME says a 7 kg capacity is usually enough.
A suitably sized load doesn’t mean filling the drum to the brim: clothes need room to move around.
Wait until you have enough laundry, leave some space in the drum as ADEME recommends, and stick to the load limit for your chosen programme.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you how much water the machine uses, how long the Eco programme takes or how well it spins — all useful to know if you dry laundry indoors afterwards.
For the models you’re considering, compare the stated kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, noise level and spin efficiency class.
Without the product information sheet, it’s difficult to compare the stated specifications of two appliances. For the relevant washing machines sold new in France, the durability index has supplemented this choice since 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecology.
Check the index for the exact model and ask for its product information sheet before buying if it isn’t easy to find.
Often, yes: ADEME says 7 kg is enough most of the time. If your usual loads really do exceed this capacity, consider a larger drum; don’t base your choice solely on the occasional oversized wash.
No. ADEME recommends waiting until you have a full load without packing the clothes in tightly, so there’s room for them to move around. Also stick to the maximum load for the programme you’re using.
It can be, if its capacity covers your usual loads. However, UFC-Que Choisir says these models don’t exceed 8 kg. If you often need to wash more than that in one go, compare front-loading models too, and remember to allow enough room for the door to open.
In particular, compare the energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use in litres per cycle, the Eco programme duration, spin noise level and spin efficiency class for the exact model. European regulations base these figures on the Eco 40-60 programme, so compare the values shown on the same basis.
Yes, for the washing machines covered: according to the ministry responsible for ecology, the durability index has replaced the repairability index for this category since 8 April 2025. Treat the score for the model you’re considering as additional information about its reliability and repairability, rather than a substitute for checking its practical features.