Choose a capacity based on the dry laundry your household actually builds up and how often you wash. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an unsuitable drum size can mean more cycles or unnecessary energy and water use. A large-capacity machine is worth considering if you regularly wash big loads. Check that it has the programmes you need and that there’s enough room to install it, including space to open the door. To compare the energy figures shown, use the information on the label for the Eco 40-60 programme.
You wash everyday clothes and household linens, but don’t constantly need to wash bulky items. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, your washing habits matter more than the number of people in your household when choosing a capacity.
If sheets, towels or other bulky items regularly fill your laundry basket, a larger drum could be a good choice. However, UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity that reflects how you actually use your washing machine.
An alcove, narrow access route or the clearance in front of the door may limit your choice of models. As UFC-Que Choisir reminds us, you need to balance these measurements with a capacity that’s large enough to avoid running extra cycles.
Start with your usual loads, then check that the capacity you’re considering suits bulky fabrics, your installation space and the features you need.
| Feature | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and washing frequency | Compare the stated dry laundry capacity in kilograms with the size of your loads and how often you wash. | If my usual loads vary in size, I want to avoid both extra cycles and a large drum that’s rarely full. Around 33% of consumers put this versatility at the top of their list. |
| Large loads | Check the capacity and programme for the fabrics you want to wash, as well as their care labels. | If household linens often fill my laundry basket, I want to wash these loads at home without assuming that every programme can handle the machine’s full stated capacity. Large loads are the main requirement for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and access | Measure access routes, the full depth, connections and the door clearance for the exact model. | In a narrow room, I need to be able to get the machine in and open its door once it’s installed. Space is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Use and durability | Compare the energy label figures for Eco 40-60, then check the washing machine’s durability index. | When choosing between machines that suit my loads, I want to compare their stated energy and water use, spin performance, noise and durability. These factors come first for around 17% of consumers. |
According to the European Commission, the information on the energy label and product fiche relates to the Eco 40-60 programme; it doesn’t automatically describe other cycles. In France, the ministry responsible for the environment states that washing machines have been covered by the durability index since 8 April 2025.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an unsuitable capacity can lead to unnecessary energy and water use or mean you have to run more washes.
Before opting for a large-capacity machine, think about your usual loads and how often you wash large items.
The European Commission states that the information on the label relates to the Eco 40-60 programme. Other programmes need to be checked separately.
Start by comparing labels on this common basis, then check the manual for the cycles you plan to use.
The appliance’s depth alone won’t tell you how much room you need in front of the machine. The LG F14R31WHSA product fiche specifies the cabinet depth, total depth and depth with the door open separately.
Check the measurements for the model you’ve chosen, along with access routes and connection space. Also check the delivery and installation options offered by the retailer.
The index gives you information about durability, but doesn’t tell you whether the capacity, programmes or dimensions will suit your household.
Use it to compare models once you’ve checked that their features and installation requirements meet your needs.
The French product fiche for the LG F14R31WHSA highlights what to check on an 11 kg front-loading washing machine.
The Electrolux EW7F1484BI is an example of an 8 kg integrated washing machine to consider alongside its installation diagram.
Miele describes the WWD380 WCS as a 9 kg front-loading washing machine.
These models offer capacities of 8 and 9 kg for everyday loads, plus an 11 kg model to consider if you regularly wash large loads. Before choosing, check that each machine suits your laundry and the space available at home.
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Worth considering if your usual loads suit an 8 kg drum. The model name indicates a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and SensiCare. Check the door clearance and the energy label figures for the cycle you’re comparing.
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Compare this capacity with your regular loads if 8 kg seems a little tight. The model name indicates a 9 kg capacity, 1 600 rpm spin speed, SteamCare, SmartSelect and connectivity. Check that it has the programmes you need, that there’s enough room to open the door and that the energy label is for the exact model.
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Worth comparing for everyday loads if space is also a factor in your choice. This freestanding model is listed as having an 8 kg capacity and a 1 400 rpm spin speed. Check its full dimensions, door clearance and connections before deciding where to put it.
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Another 8 kg option to compare with your washing routine and available space. Check the room needed for the door and connections, and consult the model’s energy fiche to compare its energy and water use on the Eco 40-60 programme.
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Consider this machine if you regularly wash large loads, rather than just the occasional duvet. It has a stated capacity of 11 kg. Check the maximum load for the programme you’ll use, the care instructions for your fabrics and all the measurements needed for access and installation.
No. According to the European Commission, the energy label and product fiche for washing machines relate to the Eco 40-60 programme. Check the information for quick, delicate or duvet cycles separately if you plan to use them regularly.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says that an unsuitable capacity can lead to unnecessary energy and water use or mean you have to run more washes. A large-capacity machine makes most sense if you regularly have enough laundry to fill it.
It gives you an additional measure of a washing machine’s durability, but doesn’t replace checking its capacity and dimensions. In France, the ministry responsible for the environment states that washing machines have been covered by this index since 8 April 2025.
Measure the space available, access routes, the machine’s full depth, room for connections and the door clearance for your chosen model. As an example for this particular appliance, LG lists a cabinet depth of 565 mm, a total depth of 620 mm and a depth of 1 100 mm with the door open for the F14R31WHSA.
No. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether every duvet will fit. Check the care label, programme and maximum load in the model’s manual. The Duvet programme listed by LG for the F14R31WHSA doesn’t mean another 11 kg machine will offer the same capability.