Choose a capacity based on how often you do large loads, rather than a single duvet: according to UFC-Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people, while 10 to 12 kg is more suitable when you do load after load. The stated capacity refers to dry laundry on the reference programmes. For bulky items, also check the load limit for the programme, the care label and the space available around the appliance.
If clothes, towels and bedding often add up to several machine loads, compare your usual loads with the capacity you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir says 10 to 12 kg models are useful for households that do load after load.
For throws and duvets, the weight in kg isn’t the only thing that matters. Check the item’s care label, the programme’s load limit and whether there’s enough room in the drum.
If you rarely wash bulky items, choose an appliance that suits your everyday laundry first. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people; how often you actually do large loads is still the key factor.
To decide between 8–9 kg and 10–12 kg, start with your usual loads, then consider bulky items separately: the stated capacity doesn’t apply to every cycle.
Consider this if: you do regular everyday washing but only wash bulky duvets occasionally. UFC-Que Choisir says this capacity is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people.
Limitation: a bulky item may exceed the load limit for the right programme or not have enough room to move around in the drum.
Consider this if: large laundry baskets, bedding and towels regularly build up. This is the situation in which UFC-Que Choisir considers these capacities more suitable.
Limitation: a larger drum won’t automatically use less energy if it’s rarely full, and its stated capacity doesn’t mean it can wash every duvet.
Consider this if: your usual loads fit in a smaller appliance and you only rarely wash exceptionally bulky items.
Limitation: this extra step won’t reduce the number of cycles needed for everyday laundry, and you’ll still need to follow the item’s care label.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Note how often you do full loads and, if needed, weigh a typical load of dry laundry. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for 3 or 4 people; 10 to 12 kg is more suitable if you do load after load. | Are my laundry baskets often full enough to justify a larger drum, or only when I do a few occasional washes? |
| Duvets and throws | Compare the item’s care label with the model’s manual: check for a suitable programme, the permitted load and the space in the drum. Samsung gives 10 to 12 kg as a guide for a king-size duvet in its guide, but that doesn’t guarantee every item will be suitable. | I regularly wash bulky items and want to check they meet the requirements for the cycle I choose. |
| Load limits by programme | Check the load table for cotton, Eco 40-60 and specialist cycles. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the stated capacity for dry laundry on reference programmes doesn’t automatically apply to other programmes. | For woollens or delicate laundry, I can’t plan a load based only on the number of kg shown on the front of the machine. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance’s depth and the space needed with the door open, as well as the clearance in front of it. For example, for the LG F14R31WHSA, LG France gives a depth of 565 mm and a depth of 1 100 mm with the door open at 90°. | The machine needs to fit in its space while still allowing me to open the door and load laundry easily. |
| Everyday use | Compare energy and water figures for the same reference cycle. Also consider spin noise and how easy it is to access parts that need maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir says respondents to its May 2025 survey raised programme duration, maintenance and noise as concerns. | As well as capacity, cycle times and any disturbance from the spin cycle matter in my day-to-day use. |
UFC-Que Choisir notes that the stated dry laundry weight applies to the reference cotton or Eco 40-60 programmes; other cycles may take a smaller load.
Before buying, check the manual for the exact model to see the load limits for the programmes you’ll use.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, larger capacities are mainly suited to households that do load after load; an appliance that’s too large for your usual loads may use more resources.
Keep track of how often you do large loads over several weeks before deciding whether you’ll use this capacity regularly.
You may need much more space with the door open: for the F14R31WHSA, LG France gives an appliance depth of 565 mm and a depth of 1 100 mm with the door open at 90°.
Also check the clearance in front of the machine, the skirting boards and the position of the connections.
The programme name alone doesn’t tell you the permitted weight or any restrictions related to the item’s fabric. Samsung advises checking the duvet’s care label.
Compare the care label with the load limit and programme instructions in the washing machine manual.
These features relate to the models or ranges named by their manufacturers; they don’t replace checking the specific model you’re considering.
A front-loading washing machine to consider if you’re looking at 10 kg models.
The F14R31WHSA lets you consider both a stated capacity of 11 kg and the space needed when the door is open.
Samsung’s French 11 kg washing machine range offers a useful comparison for regular large loads.
The WWI880 WCS is a useful reference if you want to compare a 9 kg model with higher-capacity appliances.
These 10 or 11 kg models are suited to choosing a larger drum for regular, substantial loads. If you’re washing a duvet, always check the programme limits and the item’s care label before choosing a model.
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Its stated capacity of 11 kg is worth considering if you regularly do large loads. Before washing a duvet, check the load limit for the right programme and the item’s care instructions. Also measure the space needed to open the door.
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This 10 kg model is worth considering if you regularly have large laundry baskets. Its name mentions a 1 400 rpm spin speed and AutoDose; for bulky items, check the load limit for the cycle you’re planning to use.
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The stated capacity of 11 kg is worth considering for repeated large loads, but don’t assume it applies to every programme. Check the manual for the limits when washing a duvet or large throw, and make sure there’s enough space with the door open.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity makes this model worth considering if you regularly do large loads. Before planning to wash a duvet, compare its care label with the load limit for the programme you’ve chosen.
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This 10 kg model is worth considering for frequent large loads. Its name lists 16 programmes, a 530 mm drum and a 1 400 rpm spin speed; these details don’t tell you the load limit for a duvet. Check the manual and measure the available space.
No. Samsung gives 10 to 12 kg as a guide for a king-size duvet, but also advises checking its care label. Then check the manual for the load limit on the suitable programme for the specific model.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the capacity shown on the energy label refers to the weight of dry laundry on the reference cotton or Eco 40-60 programmes. Other cycles may have a lower load limit, so check the programme table before planning a large wash.
No. LG France lists this programme on the F14R31WHSA, but the name alone doesn’t tell you the weight or dimensions of the duvet it can take. Compare the appliance manual with the item’s care label.
Compare figures based on the same reference programme, particularly Eco 40-60, then consider separately what capacity you need. A consumption figure alone doesn’t tell you whether the drum suits your usual loads.
According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability index is gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines from 8 April 2025. Use it as additional information, but don’t confuse it with the capacity you need for your laundry.