Who is this choice for?

Households that do lots of small loads

You want a drum that suits your usual laundry baskets, without having to run lots of partly filled cycles. ADEME and UFC-Que Choisir recommend matching the capacity to the loads you actually wash.

Households with limited space

You need to consider both the space available for the appliance and the room needed to open it. According to the National Consumer Institute, a top-loader is loaded from above, while a front-loader is loaded from the front. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights how important it is to have easy access to your laundry.

Households mindful of noise and energy use

If your machine runs regularly near living areas, spin-cycle noise matters just as much as the water and energy figures and programme duration. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these factors in its tests.

Which criteria should you prioritise?

First, check that the machine will fit in its space and that its capacity suits your laundry loads. Choosing between a top-loader and a front-loader doesn’t mean you can skip comparing the specifications of the exact model.

Front-loader

Consider this if: you have enough clearance in front of the door, or want to install the model under a worktop where it is designed to fit.

Bear in mind: loading from the front means bending down, and can be less convenient if there’s limited space in front of the machine.

Top-loader

Consider this if: the available width or access to your laundry from above is a key factor in your choice.

Bear in mind: you’ll need enough room to open the lid; this style is generally not suitable for installation under a worktop.

Criterion What to check Who this matters to
Usable capacity Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with your usual loads, and check the load limits for the programmes you use. If my laundry baskets are often small, I want to avoid an oversized drum, but I don’t want to have to run several cycles for larger loads either. Around 33% of consumers put getting the capacity right first.
Space and loading Measure the space, access route and clearance needed to open the door or lid. If the space is tight, I need a machine I can install and load without anything getting in the way. For around 25% of consumers, space and access to the laundry come first.
Noise and regular use Check the model’s label for spin-cycle noise, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. When I do laundry near living areas, I want to balance noise, the stated energy and water use, and cycle times. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Durability For a new model sold in France, check its durability index out of 10 and the rating breakdown, as well as its capacity and dimensions. Before replacing an appliance I use often, I want to understand the information available about its repairability and reliability. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this criterion.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a larger drum will use less energy

    A higher capacity won’t necessarily suit your loads or the programmes you use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an unsuitable capacity can increase consumption or mean you have to do more washes.

    Start with your usual laundry baskets and check the manual for the load allowed in each programme that matters to you.

  • Looking only at the energy rating or spin speed

    These figures don’t tell you everything about spin-cycle noise, water use or the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. ADEME says these factors should also be considered when choosing a washing machine.

    Compare the figures on the labels of the models you’re considering, then check whether the reference programme’s duration works for you.

  • Forgetting the space needed to open the machine

    A front-loader needs clearance in front of the appliance, while a top-loader needs room to open upwards. So the style you choose might fit the space but still be awkward to use.

    Measure the appliance, access routes and opening space, then check the model’s connections and installation requirements.

  • Looking only at the durability rating

    The overall rating brings together information on repairability and reliability, but it doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, noise or how much space the machine takes up.

    Check the index breakdown on the product page and compare it with the dimensions and energy label.

Brands to know for this choice

There are no brands to feature in this section.

Joybuy products

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Frequently asked questions

Does a new washing machine sold in France have to display a durability index?

Yes, for the relevant front-loading and top-loading washing machines. According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025. For online sales in France, the rating breakdown must also be available on the product page, as stated by the French Ministry of the Economy.

Is a 7 kg washing machine big enough for regular laundry?

Often, yes: ADEME says a 7 kg drum is sufficient most of the time. Still, compare this capacity with your usual loads and any bulky items you wash, then check the limits for the programmes you use.

What does the capacity in kg refer to?

It refers to a load of dry laundry, not the permitted load for every programme. Before choosing, check the model’s manual to see what loads are allowed for the fabrics and cycles you use.

Which figures should I compare if the machine runs near living areas?

Check the model’s spin-cycle noise, then its water and energy use and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. The label lets you compare these figures under standard conditions, but it doesn’t tell you everything about all the cycles you’ll use.