Who are these criteria useful for?

Households looking to avoid extra wash cycles

If you regularly wash everyday clothes, bedding or towels, use the size of these loads as a guide when choosing capacity. ADEME recommends matching the drum to your household’s needs.

Households sensitive to spin noise

If your washing machine is near living areas or runs at times when noise could be disruptive, compare the spin noise level shown on each model’s energy label.

Buyers mindful of energy use and lifespan

If you want to consider water and electricity use as well as repair options, check the energy label, the model’s durability rating and its warranty terms.

What sets washing machines apart?

If a top-loading machine means you don’t have to bend down, look at top-loading models. For larger regular loads, compare front-loading machines too. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the format alone is no substitute for checking the specifications of the specific model.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Capacity Compare the rated capacity in kg with your usual loads, then check the Eco 40-60 programme duration. The 7 kg figure cited by ADEME is a useful guide, not a threshold that suits everyone. If my bedding and everyday laundry mean I have to run several cycles, I want a suitably sized drum without choosing a large capacity I’ll rarely use. Around 29% of consumers may put this match at the top of their list.
Noise and spin cycle Check the spin noise level in dB, its noise class and the spin-drying efficiency class on the exact model’s label. If the machine runs near living areas, I want to keep disruption to a minimum without compromising on spin performance, especially if I dry laundry indoors. This would be the top priority for around 24% of consumers.
Water and electricity Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the Eco 40-60 programme duration for machines with similar capacities. These figures appear on the energy label described by ADEME. If I do laundry often, I want to compare resource use on a like-for-like basis, even if an Eco cycle takes longer. Around 24% of consumers would prioritise these energy and water figures.
Durability and warranties Check the durability rating for the specific model and the information available about spare parts. Distinguish the terms of a commercial warranty from your rights under the legal guarantee of conformity. If I plan to keep an appliance for a long time, I want to understand what its durability rating covers and what repair and support options are available. This would be a priority for around 23% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid when replacing your machine

  • Automatically choosing the largest capacity

    A large drum is only useful if it suits the loads you actually wash. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough in most cases, while UFC-Que Choisir notes that some programmes on large-capacity front-loading machines can take longer.

    Think about your usual loads, including bedding and towels, then compare them with the capacity and Eco 40-60 duration of the models you’re considering.

  • Relying on the energy class alone

    The letter on the label doesn’t tell you everything about water use, cycle duration, spin performance or noise. Compare two machines using the same reference programme.

    Look at the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and other label details together, taking into account the capacity you need.

  • Treating the durability rating as an overall score

    According to the National Consumer Institute, this rating takes factors including repairability and reliability into account. On its own, it doesn’t tell you about noise, energy and water use, or whether the drum capacity suits your laundry needs.

    For the household washing machine concerned when sold in France, check the rating available before you buy, then look at the energy label and the features that matter to your household separately.

  • Confusing a commercial warranty with a legal guarantee

    The French Ministry of the Economy distinguishes the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a trader to a private individual, from a commercial warranty, whose cover depends on the contract.

    Before accepting an extended warranty, check its duration, exclusions and cover for parts, labour and call-outs. Make sure you understand what it adds to your legal rights.

Brands to consider

There are no brands to feature in this section.

Joybuy products for replacing your machine

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is the durability rating enough to help me choose a washing machine?

No. The durability rating doesn’t replace comparing capacity, noise and energy and water use. The National Consumer Institute explains that this score out of 10 takes factors including repairability and reliability into account. You should also check the details of the specific model you’re interested in.

What should I compare on the energy label?

Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, programme duration, spin-drying class and spin noise level for the exact model. The Eco 40-60 programme is the reference basis specified by the European Commission for requirements relating, among other things, to efficiency, duration and water use.

Is a 7 kg washing machine right for my household?

A 7 kg model may suit you if its capacity covers your usual loads: ADEME says that 7 kg is enough in most cases. However, think about any large loads you wash regularly before choosing this capacity or opting for a larger drum.

Which warranty should I check before buying in France?

Check your rights under the legal guarantee of conformity with the professional seller, then read the terms of any commercial warranty separately. As the French Ministry of the Economy points out, a commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee; its cover and exclusions depend on its terms.