Choose a capacity based on the loads you actually wash regularly. According to Que Choisir, 10 to 12 kg becomes a more relevant choice when you do several loads in succession. An even larger drum is mainly worthwhile if you regularly wash bulky items; if you also do lots of small loads, look at the model’s load detection, energy and water consumption, and dimensions.
You get through regular laundry loads one after another and want to combine loads without immediately opting for a very large drum. According to Que Choisir, it’s worth considering a capacity of 10 to 12 kg if you really do several loads in succession.
Duvets, throws or large amounts of household linen regularly feature in your laundry. Check that the capacity suits the items and programmes you plan to use, rather than assuming the stated maximum applies to every cycle.
You alternate between full baskets and smaller loads sorted by fabric or colour. Check the load detection features on the model you’re considering and compare its consumption figures, rather than choosing on maximum capacity alone.
Start with the loads you wash most often, then compare the capacity you need with the available space and the model’s features. A large drum and a load detection function can both be useful, depending on your needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Combining everyday laundry | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with the usual size of your loads, then compare consumption figures based on the Eco 40-60 programme. | When my baskets fill up quickly, I want to reduce the number of cycles without choosing a capacity I’ll rarely use. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Washing bulky items | Check the manual for the programmes and load limits for your items, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door. | If I often wash duvets or throws at home, I want to avoid splitting these loads. This would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Handling small loads | Check the load detection features listed for the model and its consumption figures. | I do laundry frequently, but sorting often leaves me with small loads. I don’t want every cycle to be sized for a full basket. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise a machine that adapts to these loads. |
| Installing and keeping the appliance | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the clearance needed with the door open; also check the model’s durability rating. | With limited space, I need to be able to install and use the washing machine without overlooking its durability. This would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Extra capacity only reduces the number of cycles if your usual loads can make proper use of it. Que Choisir points out that using a large-capacity model mainly for half-loads doesn’t guarantee lower consumption.
For a week or two, keep track of how often your baskets are full and which bulky items you actually wash. Then choose a capacity that suits those regular loads.
The stated weight may not be the maximum load for wool, synthetics or a duvet. Exceeding a programme’s limit could affect the wash.
Check the load chart in the manual for the items you wash most often.
A large-capacity washing machine may also be deeper, and you’ll need extra clearance to open the door.
Check the exact dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the clearance required to get the machine into place.
The energy label and durability rating tell you different things. According to the French ministry responsible for the environment, the durability rating for the household washing machines it covers provides information on factors including repairability and reliability.
When choosing between two suitable capacities, compare each model’s energy label figures and its durability rating out of 10.
Bosch offers front-loading washing machines in capacities including 10 kg, worth considering if your baskets are often full.
LG offers 11 kg front-loading washing machines to consider if you regularly wash large loads.
Miele’s range of front-loading washing machines includes models with capacities from 8 to 10 kg, which are worth comparing if an intermediate capacity suits your usual loads.
These 10 or 11 kg front-loading washing machines are worth considering if you do several loads in succession or your baskets are often full. For each one, check the programme load limits and installation requirements before deciding on a capacity.
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Worth considering if your everyday loads are often full, but check which programmes are available for smaller loads.
The product name lists a 10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm, an A energy rating, AutoDose, steam and Wi-Fi. Measure the clearance needed with the door open and check this model’s durability rating.
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Worth considering if your baskets are often full. If your loads vary a lot, check the product details for the features available on this specific model.
The product name lists a 10 kg capacity and mentions TimeSave and an Inverter motor. Check how much space you’ll need when the door is open.
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Worth considering if your baskets are regularly full. For duvets, check the load limit for the relevant programme.
The product name lists an 11 kg capacity and an A energy rating. Before ordering, check the dimensions, delivery access and whether your electrical connection is suitable for the appliance.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads, but don’t assume every programme can take the full stated capacity.
The product name lists an 11 kg capacity and an A energy rating. Check the manual for load limits by fabric type and measure the space needed with the door open.
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Worth considering for frequent everyday laundry if a 10 kg capacity suits your usual loads.
The product name lists 1,400 rpm and an A energy rating. Compare consumption figures and measure the space needed for installation, including with the door open.
According to Que Choisir, 10 to 12 kg becomes a more relevant choice when you really do several loads in succession, while 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people. Base your choice on the loads you wash regularly, and only go for a larger capacity if you often wash bulky items.
No. The maximum stated capacity may not apply to synthetics, wool or duvets. For an 8 kg appliance, Que Choisir gives limits of 3.5 kg for synthetics, 3 kg for jeans and 2 kg for wool. Check the manual for the model you choose.
Compare figures on the same basis, including weighted energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle for the Eco 40-60 programme. Also consider your usual loads: a larger capacity doesn’t guarantee lower consumption if the drum is often only half full.
It complements capacity and consumption figures by providing information on factors including the repairability and reliability of the household washing machines it covers. According to the French ministry responsible for the environment, this rating out of 10 replaced the repairability rating for these washing machines on 8 April 2025. Compare the score and the details available for each model.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then check the clearance needed with the door open and the route for delivery. Also make sure the water inlet, drain and electrical connection are suitable for the model you’ve chosen.