Start by considering the weight and type of laundry you actually put together: washing frequently doesn’t, by itself, mean you need a large drum. A higher-capacity machine may suit you if you often have large loads that can be washed together on the same programme. If you mostly sort your laundry into small loads, check the capacity allowed by the programmes you use most and the space the appliance needs.
You often sort your laundry by fabric or colour and run several small loads. Washing frequently doesn’t necessarily mean that a large drum is right for you; ADEME recommends matching the capacity to the amount of laundry you actually wash.
You often have enough laundry that can go in the same wash, or you regularly wash bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir says a higher capacity can make sense when you frequently have large loads to wash.
You need to balance capacity, dimensions and access for loading. Choosing between a front-loading and a top-loading machine depends, among other things, on the space available and how you access the appliance.
ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your actual needs, while UFC-Que Choisir points out that the maximum load also depends on the programme. Start by identifying the loads you wash most often, then compare the other factors that affect how you use your machine.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for different programmes | Check the maximum load for the programmes you use most; the stated capacity may not apply to every fabric type. | When I sort my laundry often, I want to know how much each programme can take before choosing a drum size. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise the capacity they can actually use on different programmes. |
| Regular large loads | Assess the size of the loads you actually put together and compare it with the appliance’s dimensions. | If I often have large loads that can be washed together, I want to wash them in one go without choosing a machine that’s too bulky for my home. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise combining regular large loads. |
| Consumption per cycle | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and programme duration on the same Eco 40-60 basis; check the programmes you use separately. | When my machine runs often, I compare water and electricity use on the same basis before looking at my usual washing habits. Around 21 % of consumers put consumption per cycle first. |
| Space, access and noise | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to open the machine; compare the spin noise levels of the models you’re considering. | If my machine needs to fit in a specific space, I want to be able to load it easily without blocking access or disturbing nearby rooms. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise fit, access and noise. |
Loads separated by colour or fabric type don’t necessarily add up to one large load that’s suitable for a single programme. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is usually sufficient, while recommending that you match the capacity to your actual needs.
Check the size of your usual loads before comparing capacities, and see which fabrics can be washed together in the same cycle.
Programmes for synthetics, delicate fabrics or wool may take less laundry than the standard programme. So the rated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your usual loads will fit in every cycle.
Check the load chart in the manual for the programmes and fabrics you wash most often.
The energy label is based on the Eco 40-60 programme; figures for a quick or specialist cycle aren’t directly comparable. Manufacturer figures may also relate to specific tests or other models.
First compare the same figures on the energy label, then check the information for the programmes you plan to use.
The models below are specific examples and don’t represent every product in a brand’s range. Compare their dimensions and specifications with your usual loads and programmes.
The WAN2827FFR is an 8 kg front-loading washing machine with a stated spin speed of 1 400 rpm. It may be worth considering for medium-sized loads, if its capacity and dimensions suit your household.
The EW6T5127CE is a 7 kg top-loading model, 400 mm wide. It may be worth considering if top-loading access and available width are key factors.
The F14X56WHST is an 11 kg front-loading washing machine to consider if you regularly have large loads and the appliance fits the space available.
According to Samsung, the WW80CGC04DAHEF is an 8 kg front-loading washing machine with SmartThings. Its stated dimensions are 600 × 850 × 550 mm.
These front-loading washing machines have capacities ranging from 8 to 12 kg. Compare them with the size of your actual loads, the dimensions of the space available and the limits for each programme; UFC-Que Choisir points out that maximum capacity varies by cycle.
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Its stated capacity of 8 kg may suit you if it matches the size of the loads you usually put together.
Stated spin speed: 1 400 rpm. For the Eco 40-60 cycle, the product information lists 33 kWh per 100 cycles and 38 litres per cycle.
Programmes listed include Auto Wash, wool, bedding, Quick Wash and Eco 40-60. Check the manual for the load limit of each programme.
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Its stated capacity of 12 kg is worth considering if you regularly have large loads that can be washed together on the same programme.
The product information lists 16 programmes and a spin speed of 1 400 rpm. For Eco 40-60, it lists 44 kWh per 100 cycles and 45 litres per cycle.
The stated dimensions are 850 × 595 × 681 mm. Check the space required and the programme load limits in the manual.
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Its stated capacity of 8 kg may suit medium-sized loads, as long as it matches your needs and the programmes you use.
The product information lists a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and 14 programmes, including a 14-minute quick cycle described as suitable for small loads.
For Eco 40-60, the stated figures are 47 kWh per 100 cycles and 43 litres per cycle. SensiCare is described as adjusting the cycle to the load size; check the details for each programme.
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Its stated capacity of 8 kg may suit everyday loads if it matches the amount of laundry you actually wash.
The product information lists a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and 12 programmes. For Eco 40-60, it lists 47 kWh per 100 cycles and 43 litres per cycle.
The stated dimensions are 600 × 450 × 840 mm. Check the available space and the maximum load for the programmes you use most.
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Its stated capacity of 10 kg is worth considering if you regularly have large loads that can be washed together.
The product information lists a spin speed of 1 400 rpm, 16 programmes and a steam function. The drum is stated to be 530 mm.
Check the appliance’s dimensions and the load limits for the programmes you use.
The stated capacity applies to the standard programme; programmes for synthetics, delicate fabrics or wool may take less laundry. Check the manual for your model to find the limits for the fabrics and cycles you usually wash.
First compare energy labels on the same Eco 40-60 basis, using kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. These figures don’t guarantee the consumption of a quick programme, so check the information for the cycles you’re interested in.
Measure the space for the appliance, the route it will need to pass through and the clearance required to open the door or lid. Check the installation instructions for your chosen model before setting it up.
No. The durability index, which has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025, is a score from 0 to 10 and isn’t a guaranteed lifespan. The Ministry of the Economy recommends checking the details of the criteria behind the score.
An energy label is compulsory for new washing machines sold in shops or online. The European Commission says the current scale has run from A to G since 1 March 2021; an older A+++ rating can’t be compared as if it used the same scale.