When replacing a washing machine, compare the durability rating and its breakdown across similar models, then choose a capacity and size to suit your laundry habits and available space. A front-loading machine needs room for the door to open; a top-loading model may suit a smaller space or help you avoid bending down. Only consider a washer-dryer if you’ll make use of the built-in drying function, and check its washing and drying capacities separately.
If your machine needs replacing, look into the repairability, reliability, maintenance requirements and availability of spare parts for the model you’re considering, rather than focusing on capacity alone.
If space is tight, measure the clearance needed for the door or lid to open. Being able to load the washing without bending down may also help you choose between a front-loader and a top-loader.
Start with the size of your usual loads, then compare the energy use, spin performance and noise levels of suitable models on the energy label.
Start by working out the capacity you need and measuring the space available. Then compare the durability information and energy label details for suitable models.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and repairability | Compare the durability rating out of 10 and its breakdown for similar models. Check which parts and services are available for the exact model. | If I’m replacing a broken machine, I want to know whether the next one can be maintained and repaired. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Capacity and dimensions | Match the capacity in kg to your usual loads, and measure the machine and the clearance needed to open it. | If space is tight, I need a machine that fits where it’s going and is still easy to load. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | On the energy label, compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per Eco 40-60 cycle, spin performance and noise levels. | If I do laundry often or the machine is near a room in use, I pay particular attention to energy use and noise. Around 21% of consumers make these their priority. |
| Built-in drying | If you’re considering a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, as well as the full cycle duration. | If I don’t have room for two appliances, I want to wash and dry in the same machine, even if I need to adjust the drying load. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this. |
The rating can help you compare appliances, but it doesn’t predict breakdowns or the practical repair options for your specific model.
Check the rating breakdown, then look into spare parts, maintenance arrangements and after-sales service for the exact model.
ADEME says that a 7 kg capacity is sufficient in most cases and advises against running lots of cycles with underfilled drums.
Think about the size and frequency of your usual loads before choosing a larger capacity for the occasional bulky item.
A washer-dryer may take a larger load for washing than for drying. For example, Whirlpool lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its FFWDB 964369 SBSV FR model.
If you want to dry a whole load in the machine, compare both capacities and the full cycle duration on the product details page for the model you’re considering.
Different variants can make comparisons of energy labels, ratings or spare parts lists misleading.
Make a note of the full model reference and compare the product details with the manufacturer’s information and, for the durability rating, the national register.
Worth a look if you want to search for spare parts using a model’s E-Nr.
Worth considering if you’d like to browse an official spare parts catalogue for your product model.
Consider this brand if being able to identify parts through the manufacturer is important to you.
Worth comparing if you’ve confirmed that you need a washer-dryer.
Yes. For the household washing machines covered by the rules and sold in France, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating on 8 April 2025. The French ministries responsible for the ecological transition state that this rating out of 10 must be visible in shops and online for the products concerned.
Check the rating breakdown to understand the criteria behind the score, particularly those relating to spare parts, maintenance and how easy the machine is to take apart. Then check the information and parts for the exact model you’re interested in.
The rating breakdown is provided as a summary table, and the data used to calculate it must also be published in the national durability rating register. When comparing two appliances, make sure that each rating and its breakdown match the relevant model.
According to information published by the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to a new washing machine sold by a business to an individual in France. It covers, among other things, faults that existed when the product was delivered. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to this and does not replace it.