Households that air-dry almost all their laundry
You want your laundry to come out less wet before you hang it up. In that case, the spin-drying efficiency class matters more than the maximum spin speed alone.
Who is this advice for?
People living in a small home
Measure the available space and check access to the drum before choosing between a top-loading machine, a front-loading model and a washer-dryer. With a washer-dryer, compare washing and drying capacities separately.
Households concerned about spin-cycle noise
If your machine is close to a living area, check its declared noise level and noise class during the spin cycle. Make sure it is installed on a stable surface, too: Electrolux says that an unlevel machine or an unevenly distributed load can cause noise and vibration.
What should you look for?
If you mostly dry laundry on a rack, start with your usual load sizes and the space available. Then compare the spin-cycle and noise specifications of the models you’re considering.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry that comes out less wet | The spin-drying efficiency class on the label and settings suited to your fabrics. ADEME recommends choosing class A for quick indoor drying. | If I air-dry almost all my laundry, I want it to come out less wet so it dries more easily; around 31% of consumers put spin-drying performance at the top of their list. |
| A suitable capacity | Washing capacity in kg and the size of your usual loads, as well as any occasional bulky items. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough. | For everyday loads, I want a drum I can fill without having to run multiple cycles; around 25% of consumers prioritise a suitable capacity. |
| Spin-cycle noise | The declared noise level in dB(A), the noise class during the spin cycle and whether the machine can be installed on a level floor. | When the machine is running near my living area, I want to keep noise to a minimum; nearly 19% of consumers prioritise spin-cycle noise. |
| Space and integrated drying | Appliance dimensions and access; for a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. If stacking two appliances, check that the stacking kit is compatible. | If space is limited, I need to decide between drying some of my laundry in a combined appliance and installing two separate appliances; around 25% of consumers make this choice first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on rpm alone
Maximum spin speed is no substitute for checking the spin-drying efficiency class when choosing a washing machine for indoor drying.
Check the class on the exact model’s energy label. ADEME recommends choosing class A if you want your laundry to dry quickly indoors, while also following the care instructions for your fabrics.
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer cannot necessarily dry a full load of everything it can wash. For example, Bosch offers a model with a 10.5 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Compare both capacities in the specifications for the model you’re considering, and decide how much laundry you want to dry in one cycle.
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Automatically choosing a large drum
A capacity you rarely use may not suit your usual smaller loads. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough, but this is only a general guide: think about your own loads, too.
Consider your usual loads and any occasional bulky items before choosing a capacity.
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Blaming the machine for every vibration
According to Electrolux, a machine that is not level or has an unevenly distributed load can make noise and vibrate during the spin cycle.
Compare declared noise levels before buying, then follow the installation and loading instructions for the machine you choose.
Brands to know when comparing models
Bosch
The brand’s washer-dryers are worth considering if you’re short on space for two separate machines.
- Bosch lists washing and drying capacities separately for its models, including a 10.5 kg washing and 6 kg drying option.
- Check how much laundry you want to dry: in this example, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
Electrolux
Its top-loading washing machines are worth a look if width or top loading is a key factor in your choice.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 6 kg, a spin speed of 1,500 tr/min and a width of 400 mm for its EW8T3653BA top-loading model.
- If you plan to stack two front-loading appliances, check that the models and dimensions are compatible with your chosen kit. Compatibility is not universal.
Whirlpool
The published specifications for its top-loading models show what to compare when width and spin-cycle noise matter.
- Whirlpool’s TDLRSX7232BSFR specifications list a width of 40 cm, a capacity of 7 kg and a spin-cycle noise level of 72 dB(A).
- This model is no longer in the catalogue, so check the specifications and availability of any model you’re currently considering.
Washing machines for air-drying your laundry
These top-loading and front-loading models are for washing laundry that will mainly be dried indoors afterwards. For each one, compare its capacity and dimensions with your home, then check the spin-drying class, noise level and durability index for the model on offer.
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Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you prefer to load your laundry from the top and 7 kg suits your usual loads.
Maximum declared spin speed: 1,200 tr/min. Before choosing this model for indoor drying, also compare its spin-drying efficiency class and declared noise level.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
Top loading may suit your set-up, as long as you have enough clearance to open the machine.
Declared capacity: 6 kg; maximum spin speed: 1,400 tr/min. Check that this capacity suits your bulkier loads, and compare the spin-cycle noise specifications.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth considering if you prefer a front-loading machine and your usual loads call for an 8 kg capacity.
Maximum declared spin speed: 1,400 tr/min. If space is tight, check the full dimensions and clearance required, then look up the spin-drying efficiency class.
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CHiQ JW75883G, 7 kg dark grey front-loading washing machine
Its declared capacity of 7 kg may suit everyday loads, but check the size of your usual washes first.
Maximum declared spin speed: 1,200 tr/min. Before choosing this model for indoor drying, check its spin-drying efficiency class and declared noise level: you can’t tell either from the spin speed alone.
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Bosch WGE02407FR, 7 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth comparing if 7 kg suits your usual loads and you have space for a front-loading machine.
Maximum declared spin speed: 1,400 tr/min. When making your decision, distinguish the spin-drying efficiency class from the energy efficiency class, and check the durability index for this model.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for on the label if I dry my laundry indoors?
Compare the spin-drying efficiency class, capacity and declared spin-cycle noise level, as well as the information about the Eco 40-60 programme. ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying class A if you want your laundry to dry quickly indoors.
Does the durability index apply to washing machines sold in France?
Yes. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says that the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025. It covers factors including reliability, maintenance and repairability. Check the index for the exact model rather than mistaking an older repairability rating for its durability index.
Can you stack any tumble dryer on a front-loading washing machine?
No. You need to check that the two appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. For example, Electrolux says one of its kits is suitable for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm, subject to checking the models concerned.
Does spin-cycle noise depend only on the washing machine you choose?
No. The declared noise level helps you compare models, but installation and the load can also affect how much vibration you notice. Electrolux points out that a machine may not be level or the laundry may be unevenly distributed. Follow the installation and operating instructions for the model you choose.