For regular laundry, start by choosing a capacity that suits the amount of washing you actually build up between cycles, rather than going for the largest drum available. A top-loader is mainly worth considering when width is limited; a front-loader can work if there’s enough room for it and its door to open. Then compare the energy label figures, Eco 40-60 programme duration, spin performance and noise levels for each model you’re considering.
If clothes and household laundry pile up between washes, choose a capacity that suits your usual loads. ADEME advises against running lots of cycles with an underfilled drum, while still leaving enough room for the laundry to move around.
In a bathroom, kitchen or narrow alcove, the available width may determine which type of appliance you can choose. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders are usually 40 to 46 cm wide; you’ll also need to allow room for the lid to open.
If the machine is near living areas or you dry laundry indoors, compare its noise levels and spin efficiency. The European Commission says the energy label includes noise emissions; also check the model’s spin-drying efficiency class.
Start with your usual loads, then check the space available before comparing the energy label figures. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity to suit your needs, while the European Commission sets out the standardised information shown on washing machine labels.
Consider this if: you have around 60 cm of width and would like to install the machine under a worktop, for example.
Bear in mind: measure the depth and the space needed in front for the door to open. A large drum is only worthwhile if your laundry loads call for it.
Consider this if: width is your main constraint, or you’d rather load the laundry without bending down. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders are usually 40 to 46 cm wide.
Bear in mind: check that the capacity suits your loads and that the lid can open freely above the machine.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drum capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the loads you usually build up and any larger items you wash occasionally. | If I often run a wash with only a small amount of laundry, I want a drum that suits my usual loads rather than the largest capacity, which I’d rarely use. Around 36% of consumers would put this at the top of their list. |
| Water, energy and cycle duration | For a similar capacity, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. | When I run repeated cycles, I want to compare their energy and water use without overlooking how long they take. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Size and loading | Measure the width, depth and clearance needed to open the door or lid. | In a tight space, I need to be able to install the machine and get to the laundry easily day to day. Around 21% of consumers would put this first. |
| Noise and spin performance | Compare noise emissions during spinning, the noise class and the spin-drying efficiency class. | If the machine runs near living areas or I dry laundry indoors, noise and the amount of moisture left in clothes matter especially. Around 14% of consumers would make these their priority. |
A large capacity won’t reduce the number of cycles if you still regularly wash small loads. ADEME says 7 kg is usually enough, but that won’t be right for every household.
Before choosing a capacity, compare your usual loads with your occasional needs, particularly for sheets and towels.
The energy rating letter doesn’t tell you everything about water use or the duration of the reference programme. The label described by the European Commission provides these figures too.
For models with a similar capacity, compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 duration, spin performance and noise figures side by side.
ADEME says a half-load may use less water but the same amount of electricity. Choosing the wrong capacity won’t, by itself, solve the problem of frequently running underfilled cycles.
When your laundry allows, wait until you have a full enough load, but don’t fill the drum so much that the laundry can’t move around.
Bosch offers a range of front-loading washing machines, including built-in and under-worktop models.
The front-loading W1 and W2 ranges include models with different capacities and features.
The front-loading range includes SensiCare models designed to handle loads of different sizes.
These top- and front-loading models let you compare capacities of 7, 8 and 10 kg for regular laundry. Match each capacity to your usual loads, then check the dimensions and energy label figures for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if the available width points you towards a top-loader and 7 kg suits your loads.
Advertised spin speed of 1,200 rpm; energy rating A. Check there’s enough clearance above the machine to open the lid.
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Worth considering if your usual loads suit a 7 kg capacity and you have space for a front-loader.
Advertised spin speed of 1,400 rpm; energy rating A. Also measure the depth needed, including space for the door to open.
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A 10 kg capacity is worth considering if you regularly build up large loads; it may be more than you need if you often wash small loads.
Advertised spin speed of 1,400 rpm; energy rating A. Check the dimensions and installation clearances.
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Worth considering if your loads need an 8 kg capacity rather than 7 kg and a front-loader suits your space.
Advertised spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Check the full dimensions, connections and clearance needed for the door.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits your routine and you’d like to compare features designed for loads of different sizes.
Advertised spin speed of 1,400 rpm. If cycle times matter to your routine, check the Eco 40-60 programme duration on the model’s label.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 programme duration, spin efficiency and noise during spinning. ADEME and the European Commission highlight these as factors to consider; also weigh them against the capacity and dimensions you need at home.
No. A top-loader is mainly useful when width is limited. UFC-Que Choisir says this type is usually 40 to 46 cm wide, but you’ll need room to open the lid and a capacity that suits your needs. A front-loader may fit under a worktop if the dimensions allow.
Aim for a good-sized load without cramming the laundry in: it needs room to move around. ADEME advises against half-loads, which may use less water but the same amount of electricity. Also follow the programme instructions and take the fabrics you’re washing into account.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model and check that it is stable and level. Electrolux’s guidance for its appliances calls for a flat, hard floor and feet that are firmly in contact with it; the exact instructions depend on the washing machine you install.
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, including when a product does not match its description. A commercial warranty is separate: check what it covers, how long it lasts and any exclusions, without confusing it with your statutory rights.