First, choose a capacity that suits the loads of dry laundry you actually collect. A drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles, while a large drum that’s rarely full may not suit your needs. Then compare the energy label figures for consumption, the duration of the reference programme, noise and spin efficiency. If limited width means you need a top-loading machine, or you want drying built in, check the specific requirements of these appliances before choosing.
You regularly wash bedding, towels and everyday clothes. The size of your loads and the programmes you use matter more than the size of your household when choosing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the wrong capacity can mean doing more loads of laundry.
If your washing machine needs to fit into a tight space or run near occupied rooms, consider its dimensions, loading type and the noise level stated for the spin cycle. A narrower machine isn’t necessarily quieter.
A washer-dryer combines two functions in one appliance, but its maximum drying load may be smaller than its washing capacity. Before choosing one, check both capacities and the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Start with your usual loads, then check your installation requirements against the information on the energy label. Whether you choose a front-loader, a top-loader or a washer-dryer will then depend on the space available and whether you really need drying.
Consider this: if you regularly put together large loads and have enough room for the appliance and to open the door.
Bear in mind: a larger capacity should still be matched to the loads you actually wash and the limits of each programme.
Consider this: when width is your main constraint; Electrolux lists a width of 400 mm for its EW7T3733BA model.
Bear in mind: check that the model’s capacity suits your loads; UFC-Que Choisir states that washing machines in this category do not exceed 8 kg.
Consider this: if built-in drying would be useful and you don’t have room for a separate appliance.
Bear in mind: the drying load may be smaller than the washing load: LG lists a 9 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V50WRS.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and washing frequency | Compare your dry laundry loads with the stated capacity, then check the load limits for the programmes you use. | When bedding and towels pile up, I want to avoid running several cycles because there isn’t enough room in the drum. Around 31% of consumers put this match between capacity and washing frequency first. |
| Water and electricity | On the energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme; for a washer-dryer, look separately at the wash-and-dry cycle. | If I do laundry frequently, I want to compare the consumption figures for the cycle I’ll use. For around 25% of consumers, keeping consumption under control is the top priority. |
| Noise and spinning | Check the noise emissions during the spin cycle and the spin efficiency class, rather than relying only on the maximum spin speed. | With an appliance near living areas, I want to keep noise to a minimum while also considering how well it spins the laundry. This balance comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size and durability | Measure the space and room needed to open the machine; for a new front-loading or top-loading washing machine sold in France, check the model’s durability index and the breakdown of its score. | In a home where every centimetre counts, I need to make sure the appliance will fit and check its durability information before deciding. Around 19% of consumers prioritise both of these requirements. |
According to the European Commission, washing machine energy labels include information such as energy consumption per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and noise during the spin cycle. These figures relate to the reference programme and don’t necessarily reflect the figures for other programmes. For the relevant new washing machines sold in France, the ministries responsible for Ecology and the Economy state that the durability index has applied since 8 April 2025; check the score and its breakdown for the model you’re considering.
A large capacity isn’t as useful if you mostly run small loads. The permitted load may also be lower for programmes designed for synthetic, delicate or woollen fabrics.
Think about the dry laundry loads you usually wash, then check the manual for the models you’re considering and the programmes you’ll actually use.
Two appliances won’t necessarily suit the same needs just because they have a similar energy class. The label also gives figures for consumption, programme duration, noise and spinning for the cycle shown.
Compare these figures side by side for appliances of the same type. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a wash-and-dry cycle.
The two limits can differ. For example, LG lists a 9 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V50WRS.
If you plan to dry your laundry regularly, choose a model with the drying capacity you need and check the figures for the complete cycle.
If a washed load exceeds the drying limit, you’ll need to reduce it before drying, which can take extra time.
The durability index for new front-loading and top-loading washing machines sold in France takes repairability and reliability criteria into account. A brand’s reputation is no substitute for checking the score of the specific model you’re considering.
Before making your final choice, check the model’s score out of 10 and the breakdown of how it was calculated.
These models illustrate different configurations; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The WUU28T69FR front-loader is worth considering if you’re looking for a 9 kg capacity.
The EW7T3733BA top-loader is an option to consider if you need a narrower machine.
The WWD380 WCS front-loader combines a stated capacity of 9 kg with features you can compare against your laundry habits.
The F964V50WRS washer-dryer is an example of a combined appliance for when you need drying built in.
Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the reference programme, as well as the noise level and spin efficiency class. According to the European Commission, these figures relate to the Eco 40-60 programme, so they don’t automatically describe other cycles.
No: the stated capacity doesn’t necessarily apply to every fabric or programme. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of an 8 kg machine with a limit of 3.5 kg for synthetics and 2 kg for wool; check the manual for the model you’re interested in.
Not always: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. LG lists a 9 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V50WRS; check both limits for the model you’re considering and the figures for its wash-and-dry cycle.
Yes, for the relevant new front-loading and top-loading washing machines sold in France since 8 April 2025. The ministries responsible for Ecology and the Economy state that the index is scored out of 10 and that its breakdown must be available at the time of purchase; check the information for the specific model you choose.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow enough room to open the door or lid. Compare these measurements with the exact dimensions of the model and the installation requirements in its manual, rather than relying only on its loading type.