Choose a capacity based on the loads you actually wash: according to ADEME, 7 kg is often enough, while UFC-Que Choisir suggests that households with children or those who regularly wash bulky items may need between 8 and 10 kg. If space is tight, a top-loading model is worth considering. In every case, check the load limits for each programme, the full dimensions and the energy label for the specific model.
The size of your household matters, but how often you do laundry, how you sort your clothes and the space available can all affect your choice.
If you regularly wash large loads of sheets, towels or duvets, a capacity of 8 to 10 kg may be suitable, as UFC-Que Choisir suggests for families with children. A larger capacity is less useful if these loads are only occasional or the drum is rarely filled properly.
If the space available is narrow, a top-loading machine may be easier to fit: UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loading washing machines. You’ll also need to leave enough room to open the lid.
If you wash cotton, synthetics, wool and delicate items separately, the load limits for each programme matter more than the single capacity figure shown on the product page. Check the programme table for the model you’re considering before deciding on a machine size.
Start with your laundry loads and the space available, then compare the performance information for models that meet both requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual laundry loads. Check the manual for the limits on synthetic, wool and delicate programmes: the stated capacity may not apply to every fabric. | I mainly wash everyday loads: according to ADEME, 7 kg is often enough. If sheets, towels or duvets regularly fill the machine, it’s worth considering the 8 to 10 kg range suggested by UFC-Que Choisir for families with children. |
| Style and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the connections and the space needed to open the machine. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loading models; check the exact dimensions of each front-loading model. | A narrow space points me towards a top-loading machine, provided there’s room to lift the lid. If I have space for a front-loader, I’ll also check access to the door and the depth required. |
| Water, energy and noise | On the EU energy label, compare the class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin noise. Also check the duration of the reference programme and the spin-drying efficiency class. | If the machine is near a living area, spin noise matters to me. If I often dry laundry indoors, I’ll also check the spin-drying efficiency rather than judging it by the maximum spin speed alone. |
| Durability and support | Check the durability index for the exact model and the details behind its rating. Make sure you distinguish the terms of any commercial warranty from the statutory guarantee that applies to your purchase. | I want to be able to compare durability information and know who to contact if something goes wrong. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. |
A machine advertised as 8 kg may not take 8 kg on programmes for other fabrics. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes the load for the synthetic programme from the maximum capacity of the cotton programme.
Estimate the size of your loads after sorting your laundry, then check the limits for each programme in the manual for the specific model.
A higher capacity doesn’t mean you should ignore how much laundry you actually wash. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is often enough to avoid running extra cycles with underfilled drums.
Choose a capacity of 8 to 10 kg for larger loads that genuinely feature in your regular laundry routine, particularly the household linens mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir.
A machine may fit widthways but still leave too little room for the connections, opening the door or lifting the lid.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and compare it with the machine’s dimensions and the clearances required in the installation instructions.
A commercial warranty covers the parts and conditions set out in its terms; it doesn’t, by itself, tell you how durable the washing machine is. In France, it doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies to sales from a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains.
Read the commercial warranty terms and the durability index for the model separately before comparing offers.
These models illustrate different styles and capacities for comparison; their features don’t represent every machine from their respective brands.
The Bosch WAN24209FR is an example of a 9 kg front-loader. Its French product listing gives dimensions of 845 × 598 × 590 mm.
According to the manufacturer’s product listing, the Electrolux YW7T3713DA top-loader has a 7 kg capacity and measures 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
According to Miele France, the WEA125 WCS front-loader has an 8 kg capacity, a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and AddLoad and CapDosing functions.
These 9 or 10 kg front-loading models are best suited to households that regularly wash large loads. Their inclusion here doesn’t replace the need to compare their overall dimensions and the load limits for the programmes you use most.
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Worth considering if your household regularly washes large loads of bedding and towels that call for a 9 kg capacity. The model name lists 1 400 tr/min, an A energy class, a Direct Motion motor, steam and Wi-Fi.
Check the depth required, including connections, and the load limits for the programmes you’ll use.
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Its 10 kg capacity is worth comparing if large loads are a regular feature of your household laundry. The product name lists 1 400 tr/min, an A energy class, Direct Motion, AutoDose, steam and Wi-Fi.
Pay particular attention to the available depth, connections and load limits for each programme.
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This 10 kg front-loader is worth considering if your bulky laundry loads genuinely fill a machine of this capacity. The product name lists TimeSave and an Inverter motor.
Measure the depth of the space available, including the connections, before choosing this model.
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The 9 kg capacity may suit households that regularly wash large loads of bedding and towels. The model name lists a maximum spin speed of 1 600 tr/min and connected features. If drying time matters to you, compare the spin-drying efficiency class too.
Check the depth required and the clearance needed to open the door carefully.
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Compare its 9 kg capacity with the size of your usual loads, particularly sheets and towels. The product name lists an A energy class.
Before choosing, check the installation dimensions and the maximum loads for programmes other than cotton.
No. Maximum loads can vary by fabric and programme. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol, for example, distinguishes the capacity of the synthetic programme from that of the cotton programme. Check the load table in the manual for the model you’re considering.
If width is your main constraint, consider top-loading models: UFC-Que Choisir says they are generally 40 to 46 cm wide. However, check their height and the space needed to open the lid. For a front-loader, measure the depth and the clearance needed for the door too.
Compare the energy class, consumption in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, the duration of the reference programme and spin noise. The European Commission confirms that these details appear on the label. Use the same basis of measurement when comparing two models.
Yes. The French ministry responsible for ecology says that, from 8 April 2025, the durability index is gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines. Check the score and its breakdown for the specific model rather than judging an entire range by a single machine.
No. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. Read the terms of any commercial warranty offered with the washing machine separately.