Who is this guide for?

Smaller household looking to avoid half-loads

You live alone or as a couple and want a capacity that suits smaller amounts of laundry, without buying a drum you’ll rarely fill.

Household that waits to do a full load

You wait until the laundry basket is full, or regularly wash bedding and towels. Your machine should be able to handle these loads without you always having to split them up.

Buyer comparing how appliances perform

You already know which capacity suits you and want to compare models by their water and electricity use, spin performance, noise and durability information.

What should you look for?

First assess the size of your usual loads, then compare appliances with a suitable capacity using figures based on the same programme.

What matters What to check Who it matters to
Frequent small loads Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, and check the limits for the programmes you use most often. If you live alone or as a couple, you may want to wash regularly without choosing a drum that’s rarely full. Around 36% of consumers would put suitability for small loads at the top of their list.
Large loads that have to be split Consider how much laundry builds up between washes, particularly if you regularly wash bedding and towels. If your laundry baskets are often full, having to split the laundry across several cycles can become the main issue. The ability to combine loads would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Performance information For a similar capacity, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, spin performance, noise and the durability index. Once they’ve chosen a capacity, some consumers mainly want to compare appliances by their water, electricity and durability information. Around 28% would make this their priority.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Choosing based only on the number of people

    Two households of the same size can build up different amounts of laundry. How you sort your clothes and how often you wash them both affect how full the drum gets.

    Look at your usual loads of dry laundry and the items you wash regularly. Use the size of your household as a starting point only.

  • Assuming the stated capacity applies to every programme

    The rated capacity doesn’t mean that wool, synthetics and delicate cycles can all take the same load. A lower limit may mean you need to split your laundry.

    Check the manual for the maximum load sizes of the programmes you plan to use on the exact model you’re considering.

  • Comparing energy use without checking the programme

    The figures on washing machine energy labels are based on Eco 40-60; they don’t necessarily reflect a quick or delicate cycle.

    Compare labels on this same basis, then check the duration and load limits of any other programmes that suit your routine.

  • Overlooking durability when comparing models

    A machine’s capacity and stated energy use don’t tell you everything about its maintenance needs or how easy it is to repair.

    If you’re buying a new washing machine in France, also check its durability index and make a note of the exact model reference so you can find out about spare parts and after-sales service.

Brands to consider

These models give you examples of capacities and information to compare. The features listed don’t apply to every model in each brand’s range.

Bosch

The WGE02406FR is a useful point of comparison if you’re looking for a 7 kg front-loading washing machine.

  • Bosch Électroménager France lists a capacity of 7 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min for this model.
  • Check that the load limits for the programmes you normally use suit your laundry.

LG

The F84N25WH is an example of an 8 kg model whose specifications let you check the figures for the Eco 40-60 programme.

  • LG France lists 73 kWh per 100 cycles and 48 L per cycle for this model.
  • These figures apply to this model and its reference programme. Check the manual for information about other cycles.

Miele

The WEA125 WCS 8kg Active is another front-loading model to consider in the 8 kg category.

  • Miele France lists a capacity of 8 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min for this model.
  • Compare the energy label and durability index for the model on sale. Don’t infer its energy use from capacity alone.

Electrolux

The EW6FI4805AR gives you the chance to compare the water and electricity figures for an 8 kg front-loading model.

  • Electrolux France lists 47 kWh per 100 cycles and 43 L per cycle for this model.
  • These figures are based on the reference programme. Check the load limits and cycle times for the programmes you’ll use.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the stated capacity apply to every programme?

No, the stated capacity doesn’t necessarily apply to every cycle. Synthetics, wool and delicate programmes may take smaller loads. Check the maximum load for each programme in the manual for the model you’re considering.

What should you compare on a washing machine’s energy label?

For a similar capacity, compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, cycle duration, spin performance and noise. As the European Commission explains, the reference figures for washing machines are based on the Eco 40-60 programme and don’t describe every cycle.

Is the Eco 40-60 programme suitable for every fabric?

No. The European Commission defines this programme for normally soiled cotton garments marked as washable at 40 °C or 60 °C. For other fabrics, follow their care labels and your washing machine’s instructions.

Should you check the durability index in France?

Yes, if you’re comparing new washing machines sold in France. ADEME says that washing machines have been required to display this index since April 2025. Check it alongside the capacity and energy label for the exact model.