Households whose laundry basket fills up quickly
If you want to combine loads, start by considering the size of your usual wash. ADEME says that a 7 kg drum is usually enough, so a larger capacity should meet a regular need.
Who is this guide for?
Households that wash bulky household linen
If sheets and towels often fill the drum, look at the machine’s capacity as well as its programme times and spin cycle. The capacity in kilograms alone doesn’t tell you everything about how it will suit your everyday needs.
Households short on space
If the space available or access to the drum limits your choice, compare the dimensions and opening style of front-loading and top-loading models. UFC-Que Choisir notes that available space often determines this choice, and that some people prefer to load their laundry from above.
What should you look for?
Front-loading washing machine
Worth considering: if you regularly wash large loads and have enough space for the door to open.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says that the greater capacity of front-loading machines can come with longer programmes.
Top-loading washing machine
Worth considering: if space or top-loading access matters more than combining very large loads.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says the top-loading models in its guide have a maximum capacity of 8 kg; check that your chosen model can handle your household linen.
Once you’ve chosen a format, compare machines based on your usual loads and the Eco 40-60 programme data. Don’t confuse the stated capacity with the loads you’ll actually be able to combine.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your regular loads, including household linen. | When my laundry basket is often full, I want to combine loads without choosing a drum that’s rarely full. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Space and access | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed for the door and connections. | If space is limited or loading from the top matters more to me, the format comes before maximum capacity. This is estimated to be the priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Programmes and everyday use | Check the Eco 40-60 programme duration, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, noise and spin-drying class. | When I do laundry frequently, I want to be able to compare programme times, noise and consumption before choosing. Around 37% of the consumers concerned would put these features first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the biggest drum to do fewer washes
A large capacity will only reduce the number of cycles if your loads are big enough to make use of it. ADEME recommends matching capacity to your actual needs and says that 7 kg is usually enough.
Before comparing capacities, think about the size of your usual laundry loads and how often you wash bulky items.
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Assuming a larger capacity means a shorter programme
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the increased capacity of front-loading machines can go hand in hand with longer programmes.
Compare the Eco 40-60 programme time for the specific model with the programmes you plan to use.
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Choosing a top-loader without checking its capacity against your loads
Top-loading can be a good solution if space or access is an issue, but the top-loading machines featured by UFC-Que Choisir have a maximum capacity of 8 kg.
Check the model’s dimensions and capacity against your sheets, towels and other bulky loads.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The European Commission says the label also shows energy consumption per 100 cycles, water per cycle, programme duration and noise. The rating alone doesn’t tell you everything about how a machine will perform in everyday use.
Compare these figures and the capacity on the labels of the models you’re interested in.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Front-loading models worth considering if you’re looking for a 9 kg capacity and want to compare the programmes available on each model.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists the WUU28T69FR as a 9 kg front-loading model with a 1,400 rpm spin speed.
- SpeedPerfect is listed on a different model, so don’t assume it’s available on every Bosch machine. Check the cycle times for the model you choose.
Miele
Front-loading models with different capacities to compare if you’re deciding between moderate and larger regular loads.
- Miele France lists the WWD380 WCS PWash&Steam&9kg as a 9 kg front-loading model with a 1,400 rpm spin speed.
- Features vary by model, so check the capacity, programmes and energy label for the one you choose.
Whirlpool
7 kg top-loading models to consider when loading from above is essential.
- Whirlpool France lists the TWB 721 SENSE WASH FR as a 7 kg top-loading washing machine.
- Before choosing this format, check that the model’s capacity and dimensions suit your bulky loads and the space available.
Front-loading washing machines on Joybuy
These front-loading models offer stated capacities from 9 to 11 kg. Compare them with your regular loads: a larger capacity will only help you space out your washes if you can make proper use of it.
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Haier X Series 11 HW100-BD14397PGU1, 10 kg
Worth considering if you regularly wash bulky loads; check that this capacity suits your usual laundry basket.
Front-loading model with a stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm, an A energy rating, AutoDose and Wi-Fi.
Check the dimensions and the clearance needed for the door to open.
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Samsung WW90DG6U85LBU3 AI Wash 6000 Series, 9 kg, black
Worth considering if a 9 kg capacity suits your regular loads without leaving the drum too empty.
A-rated washing machine. To compare cycles, also check the model’s Eco 40-60 programme duration and spin-drying figures.
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Electrolux EW7FI259160V SteamCare SmartSelect, 9 kg
A capacity worth considering if your regular loads call for 9 kg; compare programme times before choosing a machine for frequent use.
Connected front-loading model with a stated spin speed of 1,600 rpm. Also check that its depth and door opening suit the space available.
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Candy BR 411BL9-S, 11 kg, white
Worth considering for very bulky, regular loads; 11 kg may be more than you need if your washes are usually small or medium-sized.
A-rated front-loading model. Compare its dimensions and the programme times for cycles suited to your laundry.
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CHiQ JW105883G, 10 kg, dark grey
Worth considering if you regularly wash loads close to 10 kg; check that this capacity suits your usual laundry.
Front-loading model with a stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 16 programmes. Before comparing it for everyday use, check its energy label, Eco 40-60 programme duration, noise level and exact dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I choose when the laundry piles up quickly?
Choose a capacity to suit your regular loads, rather than basing it only on how often you do the laundry. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough. If you regularly wash bulky loads, also compare larger front-loading models, provided you can make use of their capacity.
What should I compare on the energy labels of two washing machines?
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, programme duration and noise level, as well as capacity. The European Commission says that the label data is based on the Eco 40-60 reference programme, so check separately which programmes you’ll use day to day.
Is a quick programme enough for frequent washing?
No. Its duration alone won’t tell you whether it’s suitable for all your loads. UFC-Que Choisir assesses washing, rinsing, spin-drying, programme duration, consumption and noise separately. Check the conditions for the quick programme and the cycles suited to your laundry.
What should I check about maintenance and after-sales service?
Before you buy, check the care instructions, availability of spare parts and the service terms for the model you’ve chosen. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of maintenance to help a washing machine work properly and last longer.