Choose a capacity that suits the loads you wash regularly, then check the maximum load for your usual programmes: the stated capacity in kilograms does not apply to every fabric, as the National Consumer Institute and UFC-Que Choisir point out. If you’re short on width, consider top-loading models, making sure there’s room to open the lid. If depth is the issue, check the exact dimensions of a compact front-loader, including the door and connections.
Your laundry baskets vary from small loads to larger ones, depending on the week, the children, sport or household linen. The right capacity can help you avoid extra cycles without leaving a large drum only partly filled most of the time.
The available width or depth may determine the machine format before you even consider capacity. You’ll also need to be able to reach the drum and open the machine once it’s installed.
As well as capacity, you want to compare energy and water use, the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme, spin noise and, in France, the durability index of the model you’re considering.
If the amount of laundry in your household varies, start with your usual loads and the programmes you use, then check that the chosen format will work in your room.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and laundry habits | Compare the dry weight of your usual loads with the rated capacity, then check whether the programmes you use can handle those loads. | When my laundry basket is often overflowing, I want to avoid splitting loads without choosing a drum that’s too large for the rest of the week ; around 33 % of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Size and access | Measure the space and allow room to open the door in front of a front-loader, or to lift the lid of a top-loader. | If my room is small, being able to use the machine once it’s in place matters more than having a larger capacity ; this would be a priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Bulky laundry and fabrics | Check the manual for the permitted loads for household linen and your synthetic, delicate or wool programmes. | I regularly wash sheets or fabrics with different load limits : knowing what each programme can handle would come first for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, noise and durability | Check the model’s full energy label : energy and water use, Eco 40-60 duration and spin noise. In France, also check its durability index. | When several machines suit my laundry loads and my room, I want to compare their everyday use and lifespan ; around 17 % of consumers would prioritise these criteria. |
According to the National Consumer Institute and UFC-Que Choisir, the rated capacity refers to dry laundry under standard conditions ; synthetic, delicate and wool programmes may take smaller loads.
Check the manual for the maximum load of the programmes you expect to use most often.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that choosing the wrong capacity can mean either doing more washes or regularly running the machine with only a small load.
Base your choice on your usual laundry loads and how often you wash large items, rather than on the number of people in your household alone.
A front-loader needs clearance in front of the door, while a top-loader needs room above it to open. So even a machine that fits can be awkward to use.
Also measure the delivery route, allow space for the connections and make sure there’s room to handle your laundry.
The letter doesn’t tell you how much water the machine uses, how long the reference cycle takes or how noisy it is during the spin cycle. In France, the durability index is another useful guide for relevant washing machines, according to the ministry responsible for the environment.
Compare the full details of models that already meet your capacity and space requirements.
As an example of a slim top-loader, Whirlpool France lists the TDLR 6267 FR as 40 cm wide, 60 cm deep and with a 6 kg capacity.
If you’re looking at a higher-capacity front-loader, Bosch Electroménager France lists the WGG04209FR as 9 kg, 598 mm wide and 588 mm deep.
Candy France’s slim range offers options to explore if you’re looking for a front-loader to fit a shallow space ; it includes a 5 kg model.
Miele France’s product details for the front-loading W1 WWA120 WCS and WEG885 WCS list capacities of 8 kg and 9 kg respectively, with a 1 400 rpm spin speed for both.
These models have rated capacities from 7 to 9 kg, and include front-loaders and a top-loader. First choose a format that suits your room, then compare its capacity with your usual laundry loads.
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Worth considering if your usual loads suit a 7 kg front-loader and there’s room to open the door in your room.
Rated capacity : 7 kg ; spin speed : 1 400 rpm ; energy rating : A. Check the manual for the load limits of your usual programmes.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads and have room for a front-loader.
Rated capacity : 9 kg ; colour : black ; energy rating : A. Check the permitted load for each programme before making 9 kg your deciding factor.
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Worth considering if a top-loader better suits the layout of your room ; make sure there’s enough clearance above it to open the lid.
Rated capacity : 7 kg ; spin speed : 1 200 rpm ; energy rating : A. Check its width, depth and programme load limits to make sure it suits your needs.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg capacity and a depth that suits your space ; also measure the room needed for the door and connections.
Rated capacity : 8 kg ; spin speed : 1 400 rpm ; colour : white. Check the manual for the load limits of your programmes.
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Worth considering if a mid-range capacity suits your usual laundry loads and you have enough room in front of the door.
Rated capacity : 8 kg ; spin speed : 1 400 rpm ; energy rating : C ; colour : white. To compare it with other models, check the energy label and programme load limits.
No : 8 kg is the rated capacity for dry laundry, not a load size that applies to every fabric. UFC-Que Choisir says synthetic, delicate and wool programmes may take much smaller loads ; check the load table in your model’s manual.
Not necessarily : a top-loader may suit a narrow space, but you need to be able to open the lid and reach the laundry. Also measure its depth and check that its capacity suits your regular loads ; if depth is the only issue, look at the dimensions of a compact front-loader too.
Compare energy and water use, the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme and spin noise, after checking that both capacities meet your needs. The figures for the reference programme don’t necessarily reflect each of the cycles you usually run.
Check the durability index for the model in question, scored out of 10. According to the ministry responsible for the environment, it has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines since 8 April 2025 ; compare the score for models that already suit your space and laundry needs.
Compare the spin noise listed for each model and make sure it can be installed in accordance with the manual. This can help you choose between machines that suit your loads, but you’ll still need to check their capacity and dimensions.