Start by choosing a format that fits the space available and is convenient to load. Then compare models for washing, rinsing, spin performance and energy and water use. A top-loader is best suited to a narrow space. A washer-dryer is worth considering if it would be difficult to install a separate tumble dryer, provided you’re happy with a smaller drying capacity than washing capacity.
If you wash clothes, towels and household linen throughout the week, start with the size of your usual loads, then look at washing, rinsing, spin performance and cycle times. ADEME says that a 7 kg capacity is enough in most cases. However, tests by UFC-Que Choisir show that washing results vary from one model to another.
A narrow gap, a worktop or the space needed to open the machine may determine the format before you even consider its features. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loading washing machines are generally 40 to 46 cm wide. Remember to check the depth and access to the lid or door, too.
If it’s difficult to install a separate tumble dryer, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so compare both load sizes and the full cycle before choosing.
First rule out formats that won’t fit your space or suit the way you want to load the machine. Then compare the figures for the cycles you’ll actually use.
Consider it : if there’s enough room to open the door and you’d like to install the machine under a worktop or, with compatible appliances and a suitable stacking kit, in a stacked setup.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to bend down to load it and leave enough clearance in front of the machine.
Consider it : if you have limited width or prefer loading laundry from above. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders are generally between 40 and 46 cm wide.
Bear in mind : you’ll need clear access to the lid, so this format isn’t suitable for installation under a fixed worktop.
Consider it : if you need to dry laundry but can’t install a separate appliance.
Bear in mind : according to UFC-Que Choisir, the drying load is smaller than the washing load. Check the cycle time and energy and water use for the combined cycle, too.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Washing, rinsing and spin performance | Check an independent test of the exact model and make sure its capacity suits your usual loads. | If I need laundry to be thoroughly rinsed or ready to dry without being left too damp, I want to know how the model performs, not just its advertised spin speed. Around 25% of consumers put this aspect of laundry care at the top of their list. |
| Size and loading | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room to open the door or lid. | In a tight space, I need to be able to install the machine and access my laundry easily. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Water and electricity | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and Eco cycle duration on the same usage basis. | When I do laundry regularly, I want to keep resource use under control without losing sight of how long the programme takes. Around 19% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Durability and maintenance | Check the durability index for the model in question, the availability of spare parts and access to the parts that need maintaining. | To keep my washing machine for longer, I need to be able to maintain it and assess whether it can be repaired. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Built-in drying | Compare washing and drying capacities separately, then check the figures for the combined cycle. | If there’s no room for a separate tumble dryer, I can accept drying a smaller load and waiting longer for a full cycle to finish. Around 12% of consumers prioritise built-in drying. |
In France, according to the ministries responsible for ecology, the durability index has replaced the repairability index for the washing machines covered since 8 April 2025. Look at the breakdown behind the score, too: it doesn’t replace maintenance instructions or an assessment of washing performance.
UFC-Que Choisir says that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. You may therefore need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Check both capacities and choose a washer-dryer based on the space you actually have.
Figures for washing alone don’t tell you about a wash-and-dry cycle. A comparison is only useful if it covers the same function and reference cycle.
Check the washing and wash-and-dry figures separately on a washer-dryer’s label, and take the programme duration into account as well.
UFC-Que Choisir’s laboratory tests found differences in washing, rinsing and spin performance between models.
If any of these results are important to you, look for an independent assessment of the exact model.
Access to the filter and other parts that need maintenance matters in everyday use. The durability index also provides information about maintenance and spare parts.
Check the index breakdown and the model’s instructions, then make sure its location will leave enough room to access the parts you need.
These models include front-loading, top-loading and built-in drying options. First choose the format that suits your home, then check the washing performance and maintenance information for the specific model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if your usual loads call for an 11 kg capacity. Check the depth of the space available and, if laundry performance is a priority, look for test results for this specific model.
Energy rating A, as stated in the product name.
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Top-loading could suit you if width is your main constraint; make sure there’s enough room to open the lid. The stated capacity is 7 kg, with a maximum spin speed of 1,200 rpm.
Check the dimensions of the space and the washing performance of this model before you decide.
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Worth looking at if you want an 8 kg front-loader and need to keep an eye on the depth of the space available. The product name states a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you how well the machine spins.
Also measure the clearance needed to open the door and, if necessary, look for tests of this exact model.
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Worth considering if you need both functions but can’t install a separate tumble dryer. The product name states an 11 kg washing capacity but only 6 kg for drying, so a larger wash load can’t be dried all at once.
Before you buy, compare the combined-cycle figures on the label for the exact WD11DG6B85BEU3 variant.
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Worth considering if a top-loader suits your space and 6 kg is enough for your usual loads. If the capacity is too small, you may need to run more cycles.
The product name states a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm and an energy rating of B. Check there’s enough clearance above the machine.
If width is your main constraint, measure the space before considering a top-loader: UFC-Que Choisir says these models are generally between 40 and 46 cm wide. A front-loader may fit under a suitable worktop, but you’ll also need to allow for its depth and the space required to open the door.
No. It helps you compare things such as electricity and water use, the reference programme duration and noise levels, but it can’t tell you on its own how well a machine washes or rinses. For that, check independent tests of the exact model, such as those carried out by UFC-Que Choisir.
Not if the wash load is larger than its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so check both figures and be prepared to remove some of the laundry before starting the drying cycle.
For the washing machines covered, check the durability index and the breakdown behind its score. According to the ministries responsible for ecology, it has replaced the repairability index for this category since 8 April 2025. Its criteria include maintenance and the availability of spare parts.