Start by choosing a capacity that suits your usual loads and a style you can use comfortably every day. A top-loader is mainly suited to those who need to load laundry from above; a washer-dryer only makes sense if you’ll genuinely use the same appliance to dry your clothes. For the front-loading and top-loading models covered by the durability rating, compare that rating alongside the specific model’s energy and noise figures.
You’re looking for a capacity that suits the loads you actually wash, without running extra cycles or automatically opting for the largest drum. ADEME and UFC-Que Choisir point out that the usable capacity also depends on the programme you choose.
You want to compare repairability, reliability and care requirements for the specific model before replacing your appliance. The durability rating and its criteria can help inform your choice, but they don’t guarantee a particular lifespan.
You need to decide between front-loading, access from above or an integrated drying function, if that meets a genuine need. UFC-Que Choisir notes, for example, that some users prefer a top-loader because they don’t have to bend down to load or unload it.
Choose this if: you have enough space in front of the door and want to match the capacity to your regular loads.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity may not apply to programmes for delicate fabrics; check the permitted load sizes in the manual.
Choose this if: loading from above or a narrower appliance better suits your space and habits.
Bear in mind: leave enough space above to open the lid, then check the capacity and rating of the specific model.
Choose this if: you genuinely want to wash and dry in the same appliance and its drying capacity suits your loads.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Compare the label information for washing and for washing and drying separately.
For the front-loading and top-loading washing machines covered by the scheme in France, compare the durability rating with the model’s other features rather than treating it as a promise of longevity. ADEME also recommends considering capacity, water and energy use, spin performance and noise.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Compare the weight and frequency of your loads with the limits for the programmes you use, especially for delicate fabrics. | If I do laundry regularly, I want to avoid extra cycles without buying a drum that’s too large for my loads. Around 26% of consumers put finding the right capacity first. |
| Durability and repairability | For a model covered by the scheme, check its durability rating and the criteria behind it. Distinguish between a commercial warranty covering a component and one covering the appliance. | When replacing an appliance, I want to be able to assess its repairability and reliability rather than relying on a general promise. Around 26% of consumers prioritise how long an appliance will last. |
| Water and electricity use | Compare the stated figures and the programme they refer to. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing alone and washing and drying. | For frequent cycles, I want to compare water and electricity use on a like-for-like basis. Around 21% of consumers prioritise cycle consumption. |
| Noise and spin performance | Check the decibel level and noise class during the spin cycle, as well as the model’s spin-drying efficiency class. | If the machine runs while I’m at home, spin-cycle noise can affect my choice. Around 16% of consumers say it’s their main concern. |
| Integrated drying | If you’ll use this function, check the separate washing and drying capacities and the figures for the full cycle. | I only want to dry clothes in the same appliance if the function meets my needs and the capacity works for me. Around 11% of consumers prioritise integrated drying. |
The stated capacity applies to the reference programme and may be lower for other fabrics. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the maximum load varies depending on the programme.
Compare the limits in the manual with the loads you actually wash, particularly for synthetics and delicate fabrics.
The rating brings together repairability and reliability criteria; it doesn’t predict exactly how long an appliance will work. A commercial warranty covering the motor may have a different scope from one covering the whole appliance.
Check the details of the model’s rating and read the terms and coverage of each warranty carefully.
Washing and drying capacities are different. A full washing load may exceed the capacity allowed for drying.
If you plan to use both functions, check both capacities and the label information for the wash-and-dry cycle.
An example of an 8 kg Series 4 front-loader to help you check the dimensions and warranty terms of a specific model.
An example of a top-loading range to consider when loading from above is important to you.
An example of a washer-dryer to consider if drying is part of how you plan to use it.
An example of a 6 kg top-loader to help you explore the programmes available in this style.
An example of an 8 kg W1 front-loader for comparing label figures with the manufacturer’s information.
This selection includes front-loading washing machines and washer-dryers for household laundry. Choose a drying function only if it suits the way you’ll use the appliance.
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Worth considering if you plan to wash and dry in the same appliance; the stated drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
Washing capacity: 11 kg. Drying capacity: 6 kg. Class A as stated in the product name.
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Worth considering if a 7 kg capacity suits your usual loads and you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine.
Capacity: 7 kg. Spin speed as stated in the product name: 1,400 rpm. Class A as stated in the product name.
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Worth comparing if your usual loads call for an 11 kg capacity and you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine.
Capacity: 11 kg. Colour: white. Class A as stated in the product name.
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Worth considering if an integrated drying function meets your needs; remember to factor in the separate drying capacity.
Washing capacity: 10 kg. Drying capacity: 6 kg. Class D as stated in the product name.
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Worth comparing if a 10 kg capacity suits your loads and you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine.
Capacity: 10 kg. Spin speed as stated in the product name: 1,400 rpm. Class A as stated in the product name.
No. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough most of the time, but it isn’t a universal rule. Compare this guide with the weight and frequency of your loads, and the limits of the programmes you use.
Check the dimensions and clearance needed for loading, then follow the installation instructions for your model. For routine care, ADEME recommends avoiding too much detergent, as this can leave residue in the appliance and cause unpleasant smells.
No. A commercial warranty covering a motor has its own terms and scope. When a consumer buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies under its own conditions. Service-Public.fr states, among other things, that the defect must appear within two years of the goods being delivered.
Under the “one-for-one” take-back scheme, the retailer must take back your old appliance of the same type free of charge. Service-Public.fr gives a washing machine delivered to your home as an example. Check with the seller how to arrange collection before delivery.
For the front-loading and top-loading washing machines covered by the scheme since 8 April 2025, the rating is out of 10. The French Ministry of the Economy states that, for online sales, the rating details must be accessible from the same page, close to the price, in no more than one action. This rule shouldn’t automatically be applied to every washer-dryer.