For a shared flat, first choose a washing machine that will fit in the space available, then pick a capacity that everyone will fill regularly. ADEME says 7 kg is often enough, but the amount of laundry you can realistically combine matters more than the number of housemates. Then compare spin noise, running costs and the durability rating of the model you’re considering.
If your shared laundry basket fills up quickly, look for a capacity that suits the loads you can regularly put together. ADEME recommends matching capacity to your actual needs rather than automatically choosing a large drum.
If the machine is near bedrooms or a living area, compare the noise and spin specifications for the exact model. You can’t judge how noisy a machine will be simply by whether it’s front-loading or top-loading.
If the available width, the machine door or the connections limit your choice, measure the space and check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection before settling on a type.
When choosing between a front-loading and a top-loading machine, start with the space available: UFC-Que Choisir says top-loading models are generally 40 to 46 cm wide, while a front-loading model needs room in front for the door to open. You can then compare capacity, noise and running costs across the models that will fit.
Consider this if: there’s enough room for the door to open and for the model’s dimensions.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep the space in front of the machine clear while doing laundry.
Consider this if: a narrower machine is essential and there’s room to open the lid above it.
Bear in mind: the available capacity and clearance above the machine need to suit your shared laundry loads.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and shared loads | Compare the capacity in kg of dry laundry with the amount you can regularly combine, including sheets and towels. | When our shared laundry piles up, I want to avoid running several small loads without choosing a drum that will often be only half-full. Around 27% of consumers rank having the right capacity as their top priority. |
| Noise and spin performance | Check the model’s noise and spin-efficiency specifications, and consider how close it is to the bedrooms. | If the machine runs near rooms people use, I want to keep noise to a minimum without compromising on how well it spins laundry that needs to dry. For around 27% of consumers, noise and spin performance are the top priorities. |
| Water and electricity | Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle using the same label reference: the eco 40-60 programme. | With regular laundry loads, I want to compare how much different models use on a like-for-like basis. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation and durability | Check the dimensions, clearance for opening the machine and connections, then look at the durability rating for the model sold in France. | Before choosing, I need to know whether the machine will fit in its intended space, then check how durable it is for shared use. Around 26% of consumers see this as their main requirement. |
A drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles, but a large machine that’s often only partly full won’t suit your usual laundry needs either.
Estimate how much dry laundry everyone actually combines. The 7 kg recommended by ADEME is a useful general guide, not a set capacity for every shared home.
Whether a machine is front-loading or top-loading is first and foremost a question of space; noise and spin performance vary from model to model.
Once you’ve chosen a type that fits, compare the noise and spin specifications as well as the energy label information for the exact model.
Having enough space isn’t enough: the machine also needs a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection.
Check the installation space before you buy. If you’re unsure, especially if the machine will be installed in a bathroom, ask a qualified professional to check the connections and electrical safety.
If the space isn’t already equipped, plumbing or electrical work may be needed before installation.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection, then measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the machine. Depending on the model, a door needs clearance in front of the machine, while a lid needs clearance above it.
Have the space and electrical safety checked before installation. Promotelec highlights the importance of earthing, electrical protection and positioning the appliance in a bathroom. A qualified professional can assess the layout of your home.
Compare the energy efficiency class, electricity use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, the duration of the eco 40-60 programme, spin performance and noise. The European Commission lists this information on washing machine energy labels. The figures for the reference programme won’t necessarily reflect every load you do at home.
It helps you compare models sold in France against durability criteria, but doesn’t guarantee that an appliance won’t break down. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, this rating out of 10 has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, replacing the repairability rating for these appliances.