Choose a capacity that suits the large loads you wash regularly, rather than your most unusual load. According to Que Choisir, 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people, while 10 to 12 kg is a better fit if you do several loads in a row. If you often wash duvets or throws at home, also check the load limit for the relevant programme, the care instructions on the item and the appliance dimensions.
If you do several large loads every week, start by comparing 8 to 9 kg and 10 to 12 kg, based on how often you actually need them. Que Choisir suggests considering 10 to 12 kg when you regularly do several loads in a row.
If you regularly wash sheets, throws or duvets, the kilogram figure alone isn’t enough: you also need to consider the programme, its maximum load and the item’s care label.
If large loads are only occasional, base your choice on your usual washing. Also check the space available for installation and, as ADEME recommends, the water and energy figures and duration for the Eco 40-60 programme.
Start with your usual loads, then check bulky items and the space available separately. A higher rated capacity doesn’t mean every programme can handle the same load.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cut down on wash cycles | How often you do large loads and the capacity of the programme you use. Que Choisir generally recommends considering 10 to 12 kg when you regularly do several loads in a row. | If I regularly do several large loads, I want to combine my usual washing without basing my choice solely on an exceptional load. Around 42% of consumers prioritise reducing the number of cycles. |
| Wash bulky items | The item’s care label, a suitable programme and the maximum load shown in the manual for the exact model. | If I regularly wash duvets and throws at home, I want to know whether the relevant programme can actually handle them. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Avoid buying an oversized appliance | Installation dimensions and the energy label figures, particularly water per cycle and energy for 100 cycles. | If my large loads are less frequent, I’d rather choose a machine that suits my everyday washing without overlooking how much space it takes up. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
The rated capacity refers to a load of dry textiles for a specific programme. Que Choisir notes that the LG F94V35WHS has a maximum load of 9 kg for cotton but only 4 kg for synthetics. So the stated figure doesn’t apply equally to both programmes.
Check the load table in the manual for the model you’re considering, particularly for programmes designed for duvets, synthetics or delicate fabrics.
A large drum can take up more space without meeting a regular need. Que Choisir says that 8 to 9 kg is generally enough for a household of 3 to 4 people, and suggests 10 to 12 kg when you regularly do several loads in a row.
Make a note of how often you do large loads before choosing a capacity. Only look for an even larger model if you regularly wash bulky items.
According to Que Choisir, top-loading washing machines available in France generally have a maximum capacity of 8 kg, unlike some front-loading models.
If you’re looking for 10 kg or more, consider front-loading models and make sure you measure the space needed to open the door.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you how much water a cycle uses or how long the Eco 40-60 programme takes. ADEME recommends checking these figures on the label, along with the capacity and spin-drying efficiency.
Compare the labels of the models you’re considering using the same measures, and take into account how often you’ll run your washing machine.
Bosch offers front-loading washing machines with a 10 kg capacity, which are worth considering if you regularly do large loads.
The LG range includes 11 kg front-loading models to consider for large, regular loads.
Samsung France offers a range of 11 kg washing machines for households looking for this capacity.
These 10 or 11 kg front-loading models suit households that regularly do large loads. If you also want to wash duvets or throws, check the load limit for the relevant programme on each model.
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For regular large loads, its stated 11 kg capacity is within the range Que Choisir recommends considering when you do several loads in a row.
Energy rating A. If you want to wash a duvet, check the load limit for the suitable programme before buying.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity is worth considering if you regularly do large loads, in line with the 10 to 12 kg range recommended by Que Choisir.
Stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm; energy rating A. Check the manual for the maximum load for bulky items.
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This 10 kg model is worth considering if you regularly do large family loads.
The product title mentions TimeSave and steam functions. If you wash duvets, check the suitable programme and its maximum load in the manual.
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Its stated 11 kg capacity is worth considering for frequent large loads. This model is listed as having a Duvet programme.
Energy rating A. The programme name alone doesn’t confirm that it can handle your duvet. Check its maximum load, the item’s care label and the installation dimensions.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity suits regular large loads, for which Que Choisir suggests considering the 10 to 12 kg range.
Stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 16 programmes. Before choosing this model, check its installation depth and the load limit for bulky items.
It refers to the maximum weight of dry textiles for a cycle of the programme concerned, as defined by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2014. It doesn’t mean every programme can handle that load, so check the load table in the manual for the exact model.
No. The stated capacity alone doesn’t confirm that a particular duvet can be washed in the machine. Check its care label, whether there’s a suitable programme and the programme’s maximum load in the manual.
Compare the capacity, energy use for 100 cycles, water per cycle, the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme and spin-drying efficiency. ADEME recommends checking these figures on the label. Consider them alongside how often you do your washing, rather than choosing based on capacity alone.