For frequent washing, start by choosing a capacity you’ll fill regularly: a large drum is of little use if your loads are small. A front-loader is a good choice if you have room in front of the door and wash large loads; a top-loader is better if space is tight or you prefer loading from above. Consider a washer-dryer if you also need to dry clothes in the same appliance, bearing in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you run the washing machine often, choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you accumulate between washes. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is enough for most households, helping you avoid running extra cycles without filling the drum.
Width alone won’t help you choose between a top-loader, a front-loader and a washer-dryer. Check the depth, the clearance needed to open the door and the capacity you need too.
When comparing models for regular use, check the water and energy figures, cycle duration and noise level on the EU energy label, then look up the durability index for the specific model sold in France.
Choose the type of appliance to suit your laundry loads and available space, then compare the figures for models that meet both requirements.
Consider it: for regular, larger loads, provided the space in front of the appliance is accessible.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room for the door to swing open, and you’ll have to bend down to load it.
Consider it: if width is limited or you’d find it easier to load from above.
Bear in mind: capacity is generally more limited; UFC-Que Choisir says the top-loaders featured in its guide have a maximum capacity of 8 kg.
Consider it: if you need both washing and drying but don’t have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kg with your usual loads. Check the capacity for the programme you use and make sure there’s enough room to load the machine. | My laundry basket fills up quickly, but I don’t want to run cycles with half-empty drums. ADEME says that a capacity of 7 kg is enough for most households. |
| Energy and water use, and cycle duration | On the EU energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. Also check the stated spin noise level. | I do laundry regularly and want to compare water and energy use, as well as cycle duration, using the same reference programme—not different programmes. |
| Washing and drying | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. Compare the label figures for washing alone with those for a wash-and-dry cycle. | One appliance would save me space, but I need to be able to adjust the load if I want to go straight from washing to drying without taking any clothes out. |
| Installation and lifespan | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the door. For the model you’re considering in France, check the durability index and care information. | I want to be able to load the machine each time without difficulty, and choose a model whose durability information I can check. |
A larger capacity only reduces the number of cycles if you accumulate enough laundry to make use of it. ADEME recommends running a wash with enough laundry to fill the drum without packing it tightly.
Keep an eye on your usual loads for a week or two before choosing a capacity.
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how much water a cycle uses, how long it takes or how noisy it is. The European Commission says these figures are shown on washing machine energy labels.
For the models on your shortlist, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the Eco 40-60 duration and the spin noise level side by side.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer can handle a smaller load for drying than for washing. So a full wash load may not be able to go straight into a single drying cycle.
Check both capacities and decide whether you’d rather reduce the initial load or remove some of the laundry before drying.
A front-loader needs space in front of the door, while a top-loader needs to be accessible from above. Depth and clearance matter too when space is limited.
Measure the space and required clearances before comparing programmes or capacities.
In France, Beko offers front-loaders, top-loaders and washer-dryers.
Electrolux offers all three types of appliance covered here: front-loaders, top-loaders and washer-dryers.
In France, Whirlpool offers ranges with front-loading, top-loading and built-in drying options.
This selection includes front-loaders, top-loaders and a washer-dryer. The right capacity depends on your usual loads; for the washer-dryer, consider how much drying you really need too.
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Its top-loading design could suit you if width is limited and 7 kg is right for your usual laundry loads.
The model name indicates a 1,200 rpm spin speed and an A energy rating. Allow enough room to open the top, and check the full dimensions and the durability index for this model.
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Consider this front-loader if your usual loads make good use of its 8 kg capacity and you have enough clearance in front of the door.
The model name indicates a 1,400 rpm spin speed and SensiCare function. Before deciding, compare the Eco 40-60 duration and the durability index for this model.
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This top-loader is best suited to households whose regular loads are close to 6 kg and who prefer to load laundry from above.
The model name indicates 17 programmes, a 1,400 rpm spin speed and a B energy rating. Check the space above the appliance, the Eco 40-60 duration and the durability index for this model.
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This combination model is worth considering if you need drying but don’t have room for a second appliance. Its name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, while other information linked to this model states an 11 kg washing capacity. Confirm the exact capacity on the product page before buying.
To go straight from washing to drying without removing any laundry, stick to the drying capacity. Compare the figures for washing alone with those for the combined cycle, and check the durability index too.
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Its stated 8 kg capacity could suit you if it matches the loads you accumulate between washes.
The model name indicates 16 programmes and a 1,400 rpm spin speed. To compare its energy and water use with other front-loaders, check the label for kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. Also check the installation dimensions and the durability index.
Not necessarily. It’s only useful if your usual loads fill it sufficiently or if it helps you avoid extra cycles. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is enough for most households, so consider how much laundry you accumulate between washes.
When comparing two washing machines, look at kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the Eco 40-60 duration and the spin noise level. The European Commission lists these figures on the label. For a washer-dryer, compare the figures for washing alone separately from those for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. To run both functions back to back without taking any laundry out, keep the initial load within the model’s drying capacity.
Look up the durability index for the model you’re considering in France, then check the care information and warranty terms. ADEME says that washing machines have been covered by this index since April 2025; make sure you check the figure for the exact model.