Choose a capacity that suits the loads you actually put together. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts the needs of families with children at around 8 to 10 kg, while a smaller drum may be more suitable if you often separate laundry by fabric type. A washer-dryer can also meet your drying needs, but make sure you check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity.
If towels, sheets and clothes regularly add up to large loads, compare their usual volume with the drum capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests a capacity of 8 to 10 kg for families with children, but you should choose based on the laundry you actually put together.
Separate cycles for colours, wool or delicate fabrics can leave a large drum underfilled. Check the maximum load for each programme too, as it may be lower than the machine’s stated capacity.
If drying is part of your needs, compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer. For example, LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its F96400WHR model.
Worth considering : if you often wash smaller groups of items separately and rarely fill a large drum.
Bear in mind : accumulated sheets and towels may mean running more cycles.
Worth considering : if large loads of cottons or household linens regularly fill a big drum; UFC-Que Choisir places families with children in this capacity range.
Bear in mind : a larger capacity does not automatically mean lower energy use; ADEME advises against half-loads.
Worth considering : if you also need to dry your laundry in the machine regularly.
Bear in mind : the washing load may exceed the drying capacity, so you may need to split it.
| Feature | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the stated kg of dry laundry with the loads you put together. Check the manual for the limits that apply to the programmes you use most. | My laundry baskets fill up quickly, but I don’t necessarily wash sheets, cottons and delicates together. |
| Energy and water use | On the EU energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for the Eco 40-60 programme, as well as the stated duration. | I want to compare machines on a like-for-like basis, then take account of the programmes and loads I actually use. |
| Cycle planning | Check the Eco 40-60 duration, the permitted load for quick programmes and the spin noise level shown on the label. | The machine often runs near living areas, or my schedule leaves little time for a long cycle. |
| Installation | Measure the space, the available depth and the room needed to open the door. | A larger drum won’t help if the machine blocks the way or won’t fit in its intended space. |
| Drying | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately; compare the label figures for each use. | I need to dry loads in the machine regularly, without assuming I can dry a whole wash in one go. |
| Durability | For eligible front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France, check the model’s durability index and the details behind its rating. | If I use the machine often, I want to look at its repairability and reliability information before choosing. |
A large drum that is rarely full won’t guarantee lower energy use; conversely, a drum that’s too small could mean running more cycles.
Think about the loads of cottons and household linens you regularly put together, then choose a capacity to match.
The permitted load may be lower for wool, synthetics or delicates than for the reference programme.
Check the load chart in the manual for the programmes you’ll actually use.
If the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, you’ll need to remove some of the laundry or dry it in batches.
Compare both capacities for the specific model with the amount you plan to wash and dry.
Capacity and the energy label alone don’t tell you how repairable or reliable a frequently used washing machine is.
For eligible front-loading or top-loading models in France, check the durability index and the details behind its rating.
These brand examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t represent every product in each range.
A brand worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg washing machine, for example.
Another brand worth considering if you regularly put together large loads.
A brand to consider for both 9 kg washing machines and separate drying needs.
A brand worth considering when comparing the capacity and label figures of a specific model.
These five 8 or 10 kg front-loading washing machines are suited to households that regularly put together large loads. Choose between them based on your usual laundry loads, then check the programmes and installation space for the model you’re considering.
Image unavailableWorth considering if you regularly put together large loads. The model name indicates a 10 kg capacity, 1 400 rpm spin speed and an A energy rating; check the manual for the permitted load on the programmes you usually use.
Image unavailableA capacity to consider if your loads don’t regularly require 10 kg. The model name indicates an 8 kg capacity, 1 400 rpm spin speed and SensiCare; check the manual for load limits for different fabrics.
Image unavailableWorth comparing if you often run loads of around 8 kg. The model name indicates a 1 400 rpm spin speed and a C energy rating; check its label to compare standardised energy use and its manual for programme load limits.
Image unavailableWorth considering if you often put together bulky loads. The model name indicates a 10 kg capacity and a TimeSave function; check the permitted loads for the cycles you use.
Image unavailableWorth considering if putting together 8 kg loads suits your laundry routine. The model name indicates a 1 400 rpm spin speed and 16 programmes; compare its energy use on the energy label and measure the space available for installation.
No. The stated capacity refers to the weight of dry laundry; wool, synthetic and delicate programmes may have lower load limits. Check the table in the manual before planning your laundry.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, programme duration and spin noise level. The European Commission links these standardised figures to the Eco 40-60 programme; your actual energy and water use will also depend on how you use the machine.
Not necessarily: check both capacities. For example, LG France lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F96400WHR; a larger washing load would need to be split before drying.
It helps you assess repairability and reliability against the criteria that apply to eligible front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France. The French Ministry of the Economy says the index replaces the repairability index for these machines; check the details for the model rather than relying on its overall score alone.
Where the fabrics and care instructions allow, put together enough laundry to fill the drum adequately without stopping the clothes from moving freely. ADEME advises against half-loads, so choose a capacity that suits the loads your household can realistically put together.