First, choose a capacity that suits the loads your household actually washes. According to ADEME, 7 kg is usually enough, while regular bulky loads may call for a larger capacity. Next, compare the water, energy and noise figures on the label, and pay particular attention to spin performance if you dry clothes indoors. For a new appliance sold in France, the durability rating adds to these checks, but it doesn’t replace choosing the right format or measuring the space available.
You want to fill the drum without running extra cycles or choosing a capacity that’s larger than you need. According to ADEME, 7 kg is usually enough. If you regularly wash sheets, towels or other bulky loads, compare larger capacities against the loads you typically wash.
The spin-drying efficiency class deserves particular attention if you want to remove more water before hanging out your washing. Also consider the appliance’s noise level and the room’s ventilation: ADEME points out that air-drying clothes indoors adds moisture to the air.
A top-loading machine may suit a tight space or make it easier to load clothes without bending down. However, check the full dimensions and the model’s capacity: the format alone doesn’t guarantee that it will handle your usual loads.
Start with the loads you wash and the space available, then compare spin performance and the declared figures for models that meet both requirements.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the weight of your usual loads with the capacity in kg of dry laundry, then check the maximum load for the programmes you use. | If your laundry baskets are rarely full, you’ll want to avoid an oversized drum without having to run extra washes. Around 29% of consumers would put a capacity that suits their needs at the top of their list. |
| Spin performance and drying | Check the spin-drying efficiency class and declared noise level, rather than just the maximum speed in tr/min. | If you often hang washing indoors or use a tumble dryer, you’ll want to limit the water left in fabrics after the cycle. Around 21% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Format and access | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the machine; check the capacity of the format you choose. | In a tight space, you need to be able to install the appliance and access the drum easily. Around 21% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Consumption, noise and durability | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the noise class. For a qualifying new model sold in France, also check the displayed durability rating. | If the machine is near a living area, you’ll want to balance an acceptable noise level with the appliance’s consumption and durability. This is said to be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
A capacity that’s too large for your usual loads doesn’t guarantee lower energy consumption. On the other hand, a capacity that’s too small may mean you have to run more cycles. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough.
Before choosing a capacity, think about your usual laundry loads, how often you wash bulky items and the limits of the programmes you use.
The letters don’t use the same labelling scale, so a direct comparison could hide the differences between the appliances you’re considering.
Use the current A to G labels and, for the reference cycle, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, and the noise and spin-drying figures.
The maximum speed shown doesn’t tell you everything about spin performance or other results. Que Choisir’s tests highlight differences between models in washing, rinsing, programme duration and noise.
Check the spin-drying class and, if independent tests cover the exact model you’re interested in, compare their results with your drying needs.
This rating provides information that’s separate from capacity, noise and consumption. It also doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit in the space you have.
Compare ratings for models that already meet your format and capacity needs, and factor in the energy label and dimensions too.
A range of front-loading washing machines to consider if this format suits your space.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a top-loading machine.
Another range of top-loading washing machines to consider for a restricted space.
A range that includes both top-loading and front-loading models.
Yes. For qualifying washing machines sold in France, displaying the durability rating is mandatory both in shops and online. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability rating has replaced the repairability rating for washing machines since 8 April 2025. Check the rating for the exact model you’re considering.
Compare the current A to G energy class, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, based on the figures shown on the label. The noise class and spin-drying efficiency class tell you about two other distinct factors: noise during use and how much water remains in your washing.
Yes. The spin-drying efficiency class is important if you want to hang out less damp washing. ADEME also points out that air-drying adds moisture indoors, so choose a well-ventilated room. If you often use a fast spin, compare the declared noise levels too.
First, check the model’s installation instructions: don’t assume it’s compatible with a hot-water connection. Electrolux advises against this for its front-loading and top-loading washing machines, which are designed for a cold-water supply. This guidance is specific to the brand and doesn’t apply to every appliance.