Choose a capacity based on the loads you wash most often, rather than your bulkiest duvet. UFC-Que Choisir says an 8 to 9 kg washing machine is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people, while 10 to 12 kg is a better choice if you regularly wash large loads. For the occasional duvet that won’t fit, using a launderette can save you from buying an oversized machine. In every case, check the load limits for each programme and make sure you have enough space to install the machine.
If you’re often washing clothes, sheets and towels, a 10 to 12 kg capacity is worth considering if you regularly fill the drum. UFC-Que Choisir points out that how often you do laundry matters more than the size of your household alone.
If you want to wash these items at home, the stated capacity in kilograms isn’t enough to go on. Check the fabric care label, the load limit for the suitable programme and how much room is left in the drum once the item is inside.
If most of your loads are medium-sized or you sort them by fabric, a standard capacity may suit your day-to-day needs. For an exceptionally bulky item, consider using a launderette rather than buying a large drum that’s rarely full. This is in line with the selection criteria set out by UFC-Que Choisir and ADEME.
The right capacity depends first on how often you wash full loads. Duvet washing and programme load limits may also affect your choice.
Consider this: if most of your loads are everyday laundry and you only occasionally wash very bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir considers this capacity generally sufficient for a household of 3 to 4 people.
Bear in mind: very full laundry baskets may mean you need to run several cycles.
Consider this: if you regularly wash large loads or bulky items, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: a drum that’s rarely full may not suit your usual loads, and you’ll need to make sure its dimensions fit the space available.
Consider this: if a standard machine suits your everyday loads, but some duvets are too bulky to wash without cramming them in.
Bear in mind: these washes mean an extra trip and a little more planning.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent large loads | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, and measure the space needed with the door open. | If your family laundry baskets are often full, avoiding the need to split sheets and towels across several cycles becomes a priority; around 40 % of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Bulky items washed at home | Check the load limit for the suitable programme, the duvet’s care label and the space left in the drum. | If you regularly wash duvets or throws at home, you’ll need to be able to fit them in without cramming them; this would be the main need for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Everyday loads | Check the maximum load for each programme and compare the energy, water, duration and noise information on the labels. | If your usual loads are modest or you sort them by fabric, having a drum that suits your day-to-day needs matters more than having a very high maximum capacity; around 30 % of consumers would prioritise this use. |
The stated kilogram capacity refers to dry laundry on the cotton or reference Eco 40-60 programme. UFC-Que Choisir says the load limit for synthetics may be half that of cotton, or even less.
Check the manual for the load limits of the programmes you’ll actually use.
An occasional duvet won’t necessarily reflect your usual loads. A machine that’s too large for most of your laundry may be less practical to use, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Choose a capacity to suit most of your cycles, and consider a launderette for items that won’t fit properly in the machine.
A duvet takes up more space and weighs more when it’s soaked with water, according to Whirlpool’s advice. So the stated capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking how much room is available.
Follow its care label, check its condition and leave room in the drum. Otherwise, choose a suitable launderette machine.
The rating doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your laundry or cover all the other information on the label. ADEME recommends choosing an appliance that matches how you plan to use it.
When comparing models that suit your loads, look at kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the Eco 40-60 programme duration and noise information, then check the dimensions.
The WGG154A0FR front-loading model is a useful point of comparison for a family-sized 10 kg capacity.
The F14R31WHSA provides a reference point for assessing its stated 11 kg capacity and drum volume.
The FFBB10469WVFR illustrates the features to look at for bulky loads, but doesn’t guarantee that a particular duvet will fit.
The WWD380 WCS PWash&Steam&9kg offers a mid-range capacity to compare with how often you wash large loads.
These 8, 10 and 11 kg models let you compare a capacity for everyday laundry with drums designed for larger loads. When washing duvets, the load limit for the programme you use and the space in the drum remain key, whatever the stated capacity.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large family loads and would also like to wash bulky bedding.
Stated capacity of 11 kg; energy rating A shown in the product name. Before planning to wash a duvet, check the load limit for the Duvet programme, the fabric care label and the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you mostly wash everyday loads and only occasionally do very large washes.
Stated capacity of 8 kg and a 1 400 tr/min spin speed. If you plan to wash a duvet, check the manual for the load limit on the relevant programme and look at the fabric care label.
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Worth comparing if most of your family laundry is everyday washing, with bulky bedding washed only occasionally.
Stated capacity of 8 kg and a 1 400 tr/min spin speed. Having a Duvet programme doesn’t guarantee it’s suitable for your duvet: check its load limit and the care label.
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Worth considering if your family laundry baskets are regularly full.
Stated capacity of 10 kg, 1 400 tr/min spin speed, energy rating A, and AutoDose and Wi-Fi functions mentioned in the product name. For a duvet, check the manual to find out which programme is suitable and its maximum load before relying on the overall capacity.
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Worth comparing if you regularly wash large family loads, rather than choosing a capacity based on a few occasional duvets.
Stated capacity of 10 kg. Check the manual for the load limits on the programmes you use and whether you can wash your bulky items; measure the available space before installation too.
No. The stated capacity refers to dry laundry on the cotton or reference Eco 40-60 programme, and other cycles may take smaller loads. Check the load chart in the manual for the synthetic, wool or delicate programmes you use.
No. The capacity in kilograms doesn’t guarantee that the duvet will be able to move around in the drum or that the programme is suitable. Check its care label, the programme’s load limit and the space left in the drum. If you have to cram it in, consider using a launderette.
Measure the space, access routes and room needed to open the door, then compare these with the dimensions of the exact model. Follow the manual for connections, and ask a qualified professional for advice if your installation presents a particular challenge.
You can ask about taking it to a collection point, recycling centre, retailer or social and solidarity economy organisation. These are the options listed by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition. Check with the seller what take-back arrangements are available with your purchase.