Start by choosing a capacity that suits the loads of laundry your household actually washes, then check the load limits for the programmes you use. A front-loader is worth considering for bulky loads if you have the space; a top-loader may be a better fit if space is tight or you prefer loading from above. In either case, compare cycle times, energy and water use, and spin noise using the information for the specific model.
If clothes, towels and bedding regularly fill your washing machine, compare its capacity with your usual loads. A large drum won’t necessarily mean fewer cycles if the programmes you use have lower load limits than the machine’s rated capacity.
In a flat or shared home, spin noise matters particularly if the machine is near a room in use or runs at times that may disturb other people in the household.
Width isn’t the only thing to consider: allow for depth, loading, door or lid clearance, and enough room to get the machine into place. Then check that its capacity suits your household laundry.
Consider one if: you often wash bedding or other bulky loads and have enough space.
Bear in mind: the rated capacity won’t apply to every programme. Compare programme times too, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door.
Consider one if: space is limited across the width, or you prefer loading from above.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, top-loaders have a maximum capacity of 8 kg. You’ll also need enough clearance to open the lid.
Whichever format you choose, start with what matters most to you: usable capacity, noise levels, fitting laundry around your schedule, or the space the machine takes up. Check the other criteria too before choosing between two models.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the weight of your usual loads of dry laundry with the maximum load for the programmes you use, not just the rated capacity. | When clothes and household laundry pile up, I want to wash my usual loads without running extra cycles. Around 31% of consumers make capacity their top priority. |
| Spin noise | Check the model’s spin-noise rating and consider where it will be positioned in your home. | If the machine is near a living space or might disturb others, quiet operation matters more than secondary features. Around 25% of consumers put this need first. |
| Energy and water use, and cycle time | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco 40-60 cycle time. Also check the duration of the programmes you plan to use. | To fit laundry around my household’s schedule, I want to know both the stated energy and water use and how long the cycles take. Around 25% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, allow for the door or lid to open, and check the access route for installation before choosing a front- or top-loader. | When space is tight, I first need a machine that fits and is easy to load. Installation requirements are the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
If the capacity is much greater than your usual loads, you may end up running partly filled cycles. On the other hand, a machine that’s too small may mean doing more washes. Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity that suits the laundry you actually wash.
Estimate the size of your usual loads of dry laundry and how often you wash bulky items before settling on a capacity.
The rated capacity applies to cotton or the Eco 40-60 programme. Load limits may be lower for synthetics, wool or delicate fabrics.
Check the model’s programme table if these fabrics make up a significant proportion of your laundry.
Two machines you’re considering may also differ in water use, Eco 40-60 cycle time and spin noise. These details affect everyday use, particularly if the machine is near a room in use.
Compare the label figures for models that suit your loads, and pay particular attention to noise if the location makes it a concern.
A narrow design doesn’t guarantee enough capacity for bedding and towels, or that there’ll be enough space in front of the machine or above the lid.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the model’s capacity against your household laundry loads.
Bosch offers a range of front-loading washing machines with capacities from 7 to 10 kg, with features varying between series.
The front-loading W1 range includes models with capacities of 8 or 9 kg, with different programmes and features across the range.
Some Electrolux SteamCare front-loading washing machines combine a 9 kg capacity with fabric-specific programmes and a steam option.
Whirlpool offers top-loading models, including the TDLR7251FR, a good example of a narrow machine that loads from above.
This selection includes a top-loader and front-loaders with different capacities for everyday household laundry. Compare their format and capacity with your loads and available space, then check the specific model details for the cycles and noise levels that matter to you.
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Worth considering if a top-loader suits your space and 7 kg matches your usual loads.
Stated spin speed of 1,200 rpm; steam and Wi-Fi features listed in the product title.
If you often wash wool or delicate fabrics, check the load limits for the relevant programmes. Also compare the model’s spin-noise rating on its label.
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Consider it for regular loads of clothes and household laundry if your household will make good use of a 9 kg capacity.
Stated spin speed of 1,600 rpm; SteamCare and SmartSelect features listed in the product title.
Check the space available for installation, the Eco 40-60 cycle time and the maximum loads for the programmes you’re interested in.
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This 11 kg capacity is most worth considering if you regularly have large loads of laundry. It isn’t a reason on its own to choose this size if you usually do small washes.
Rated A in the product title. Maximum load may vary by programme.
Check the dimensions, door clearance and load limits for the cycles you plan to use.
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Worth considering if 9 kg suits your loads and you’d like a short cycle among the available programmes.
The product title lists a spin speed of 1,400 rpm, a steam function and a 15-minute quick programme.
Check the exact dimensions before planning installation. Also check the label to compare energy and water use, and spin noise.
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Consider it if an 8 kg capacity suits your household’s usual loads.
The product title lists a spin speed of 1,400 rpm, 16 programmes and a steam function.
Check that the dimensions fit your space, as well as the model’s energy and water use, Eco 40-60 cycle time and spin noise.
No. The rated capacity is for dry laundry on the cotton or Eco 40-60 programme, and other programmes may have lower load limits. Que Choisir gives the example of an 8 kg model limited to 3.5 kg for synthetics and 2 kg for wool. Check the load table for the model you’re considering.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 cycle time, spin-drying efficiency and spin noise. ADEME presents these details as useful points of reference when buying; if you mainly use other programmes, check their durations in the model documentation too.
Yes. According to ADEME, washing machines sold in France have been required to display a durability index since April 2025. Include the index for the specific model in your comparisons, but don’t confuse it with the energy-use information on the energy label.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold by a business to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It covers faults in conformity and is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the retailer or manufacturer.
Yes. Follow the care instructions for your model. For its AutoDose appliances, Electrolux recommends cleaning the reservoirs regularly to prevent deposits building up, and cleaning them before switching to a different brand or type of product.