When replacing your washing machine, first choose a type that fits the space and can be opened easily: a front loader needs clearance in front, while a top loader is mainly suited to spaces where width is limited. For new domestic washing machines covered by the rules in France, check the durability index that has applied since 8 April 2025, as set out by the government departments responsible for the environment. Then look at the index criteria for the exact model you’re considering. The score doesn’t replace checking the capacity, maintenance requirements and performance that matter to your household.
To get your laundry routine back on track with an appliance that suits your needs, match its capacity and type to your habits. Then check the durability index and the maintenance tasks required for the model.
Width isn’t the only thing to measure: check the depth, opening space and access to connections too. According to UFC-Que Choisir, top-loading washing machines are generally 40 to 46 cm wide.
The French guidance for the durability index covers areas including documentation, ease of dismantling, maintenance and spare parts. Check these criteria for the model you’re considering rather than relying on its overall score alone.
First, choose a type that suits your installation or how you use the machine. Then compare the specifications and durability information for each model.
Consider this if: you have room to open the door in front of the machine, or you’re looking at installing it under a worktop.
Keep in mind: allow space in front for the door to open. If you plan to stack a tumble dryer on top, check that the stacking kit is compatible.
Consider this if: width is your main constraint, or you prefer to load your laundry from above.
Keep in mind: leave space above the machine and make sure its capacity suits your usual loads.
Consider this if: you need a built-in drying function but don’t have room for two separate appliances.
Keep in mind: drying capacity may differ from washing capacity, so check both figures on the product page.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and capacity | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the door clearance and space for connections. Compare the capacity in kg with the size of your laundry loads; UFC-Que Choisir says top loaders generally hold between 5 and 8 kg. | I want the machine to fit in its space, be easy to open and have enough capacity for the laundry I usually wash. |
| Durability and repairs | For new domestic washing machines covered by the rules in France, check the regulatory score out of 10 and its breakdown. The guidance from the government departments responsible for the environment distinguishes between areas including reliability, documentation, ease of dismantling and spare-parts criteria. | An overall score isn’t enough for me: I want to understand what it says about maintenance and how easy the model I choose will be to repair. |
| Regular maintenance | Check the manual to see how to access the filter and detergent drawer, and what cleaning tasks are recommended for the model. | I need to be able to carry out regular maintenance in the space where the machine will be installed. |
| Cycles and noise | Check the duration of the programmes you use and the stated noise level during the spin cycle. If available, look for comparable tests of washing, rinsing and spinning performance. UFC-Que Choisir measures these aspects as part of its testing process. | If the machine is near my living areas, spin-cycle noise matters just as much as the length of the programmes I use. |
The score brings together several criteria, so it doesn’t tell you on its own how a model performs in areas such as spare parts, documentation or maintenance. The French guidance on how the score is calculated sets out these factors separately.
Check the detailed information for the exact model and compare the sub-criteria that matter to you.
A front loader needs room for its door to open, while a top loader needs space above it. Connections also take up room behind the machine.
Measure the space and the clearance needed before you order. If you’re installing the appliances in a stack, check that the stacking kit is compatible.
The two capacities can differ. For example, a Darty listing gives a washer-dryer a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. So a full load of washed laundry may not be able to go straight into the dryer in one go.
Check the washing and drying capacities separately for the model you’re considering and compare them with your usual loads.
Access to the filter and detergent drawer affects how easily you can carry out routine maintenance. Maintenance is also one of the criteria covered in the detailed French durability index.
Check that these parts are easy to reach before you buy, then follow the manual for cleaning the drum, drawer and any other parts specified.
Customer surveys and after-sales service data can offer insight into different types of appliances, but they don’t replace checking the exact model.
Electrolux is one of the brands covered in Fnac-Darty’s after-sales service barometer for front-loading washing machines.
Miele features in UFC-Que Choisir’s customer satisfaction survey of readers who responded, as well as Fnac-Darty’s after-sales service barometer for front-loading washing machines.
Bosch is among the brands mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir and is also included in Fnac-Darty’s after-sales service barometer for front-loading washing machines.
These three front-loading models are options to consider if you’re looking for a front loader. Compare their stated capacity and features with your available space, then ask for the durability index breakdown for the model you’re considering.
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Consider this model if its stated 7 kg capacity suits your laundry loads and there’s room for the door to open. The listing states 1,200 rpm, 16 programmes and an A energy rating. Check the full dimensions and the detailed durability index information for this model.
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Before choosing this model, compare its stated 9 kg capacity with the size of your usual loads. The listing mentions 1,600 rpm, along with SteamCare, SmartSelect and Connected features. Check its dimensions, access to parts that need maintenance and the detailed durability index information for the model.
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With a stated capacity of 8 kg, this model can be compared with the other two front loaders according to the size of your laundry loads. The listing mentions 1,400 rpm and Steam Hygiene and SensiCare features. Check its dimensions and ask for the French durability index calculation sheet for this model.
Yes, for domestic washing machines covered by the scheme. According to the government departments responsible for the environment, the durability index replaced the repairability index for this category from 8 April 2025. The order published on Légifrance sets out which appliances are covered. Check the information for the new model you’re considering.
For appliances covered by the scheme, the government departments responsible for the environment require the index to be displayed in shops and online. Look for the dedicated section on the retailer’s product page. If it shows only the score, ask for the calculation breakdown for the exact model.
No. The French index brings together reliability and repairability criteria, but it can’t guarantee how a particular appliance will perform in the future. Check the individual criteria, as well as the dimensions, maintenance requirements and features that matter for your laundry.
Start by following the model’s manual for cleaning the parts you can access. UFC-Que Choisir recommends running a wash at a minimum of 60 °C at least once a month, either with an empty drum or with a load of laundry. Check your appliance’s instructions before making this part of your routine.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, top loaders are generally 40 to 46 cm wide, but you’ll still need to check their depth, the space needed to open the lid and the room required for connections. Also compare their capacity, generally between 5 and 8 kg, with the size of your usual loads.