Choose a capacity based on the loads you actually wash: 8–9 kg may suit a multi-person household, while 10–12 kg makes more sense if you regularly wash full loads and bulky items, as Que Choisir explains. If you also do lots of small washes, check the load-adjustment features on the specific model rather than assuming a larger drum will use less. You should also check the energy label and the space needed for installation.
If you regularly wash full loads, bedding and duvets, compare the usable capacity for your usual programmes with the machine’s dimensions. Que Choisir says 10–12 kg capacities are particularly useful in households that often need to wash large loads.
Bedding may call for a large drum, but sorting laundry also means you may end up with smaller loads. Check whether each model has load detection or an automatic water-level adjustment feature, but don’t mistake these for a measure of its half-load consumption.
Before choosing a capacity, measure the space available and allow room to open the door. ADEME recommends matching the appliance size to your needs and using the energy label to compare water and electricity use, as well as noise levels.
If you do laundry frequently, start with the size of your usual loads rather than the number of people in your household. Que Choisir points out that a large capacity which is rarely used to the full may not be suitable for smaller loads.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Regularly washing large loads | Capacity in kg of dry laundry, and the load limit for the programmes you use for bedding or duvets. | If your laundry baskets are often full, avoiding extra wash cycles becomes a priority; around 46% of consumers put capacity for large loads at the top of their list. |
| Frequent small loads | Whether the specific model has load detection or automatic water-level adjustment; consumption figures for the programmes you use. | If sorting laundry regularly leaves me with small loads, I want a machine that can handle these too; around 36% of consumers prioritise this flexibility for both small and large loads. |
| Installation and everyday use | Depth and door clearance; kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise levels shown on the energy label. | A large capacity won’t help if the appliance blocks access or doesn’t suit my needs; around 18% of consumers give priority to installation and consumption figures. |
According to Que Choisir, these capacities are most suitable when you regularly wash very bulky items. A large drum that is only partly filled can lead to unnecessary consumption.
Before choosing a capacity, think about how often you wash full loads and duvets.
The rated capacity is the weight of dry laundry for the specified programme. The maximum load for wool, synthetics or delicate fabrics may be lower.
If you often wash these fabrics separately, check the load table in the manual for the model you’re considering.
The same rating doesn’t tell you how much water a cycle uses, how long the programme takes, or how noisy the machine is or how well it spins.
Compare the figures on the label for the Eco 40-60 programme, particularly kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, as ADEME recommends.
Depth varies between models, and you’ll need extra room to open the door and load your laundry.
Check the dimensions of the specific model, the route to its final position and the space needed to open its door.
The front-loading Bosch WGB256A2FR is worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg model with dimensions listed on its French product page.
The LG F14R33WH is a 10 kg model with stated load detection, making it worth a closer look.
The Miele WCK360 WCS is another 10 kg front-loading model, with several useful figures listed for comparison.
These 10 kg front-loading models are suited to households that regularly wash large loads. If you also wash smaller loads, check the features and consumption figures for the specific model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads and are interested in automatic dosing. The product name lists a 10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm, an A energy rating and AutoDose. Check the consumption figures for the programmes you use and make sure you have enough space for installation.
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One to consider if your laundry baskets are regularly full. The product name lists a front-loading design, a 10 kg capacity, plus Steam and TimeSave features. Check the model’s product page for its dimensions and the features that matter for smaller loads.
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An option to consider if capacity for large loads is your priority. The product name lists a 10 kg freestanding front-loading model, 1,400 rpm and an A energy rating. Check its dimensions and the figures on the energy label before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash bulky loads. The product name lists a 10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm, 16 programmes and a steam function. Compare the figures on the energy label rather than assuming the promotional claim linked to its rating means it will save energy.
No. The rated capacity is the maximum weight of dry laundry for the specified programme. The permitted load may be lower for wool, synthetics or delicate fabrics. Check the programme table in the model’s manual.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 programme duration, spin performance and noise levels shown on the energy label. ADEME recommends looking at these figures, not just the capacity.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check access to the space, the connections and the room needed to open the door. Check the depth on the product page for the specific model.
It gives you an additional way to compare repairability and reliability, but doesn’t replace checking the model’s specifications. According to ADEME, displaying the index has been compulsory for the washing machines covered by the rules in France since April 2025. Compare the displayed scores when looking at several appliances.