If you’re concerned about spin-cycle noise
You want to minimise the noise your neighbours hear. The noise level shown on the label helps you compare appliances, but it doesn’t tell you whether the floor where you plan to install yours is stable.
Who is this guide for?
If you have limited space at home
You’ll need to check the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed for the door to open and for the connections. Que Choisir distinguishes between narrow top-loading models and shallower slim front-loaders.
If you want to avoid extra wash cycles
You’re looking for a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you usually wash, rather than choosing a drum based solely on its maximum size. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually sufficient, though you should consider your own laundry routine.
What should you check before buying?
First measure the space and check the connections: the machine’s format determines which models can be installed. Then compare appliances with a capacity that suits your household.
Standard front-loader
Consider this if: you have around 60 cm of width and enough space in front of the door.
Consider: the front-opening door needs clearance, which may be limited in a small room.
Top-loader
Consider this if: width is your main constraint; Que Choisir says this format is commonly 40 to 46 cm wide.
Consider: you’ll need enough clearance above the machine to open the lid.
Slim or compact front-loader
Consider this if: depth, rather than width, prevents you from installing a standard front-loader; Que Choisir puts the depth of slim front-loaders at between 33 and 45 cm.
Consider: a slim model is generally still 60 cm wide, and its capacity needs to be sufficient to avoid running extra cycles.
For regular washing in a flat with close neighbours, each row below reflects a need that consumers might prioritise.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise and vibration | Compare the declared spin noise and noise class across models with a suitable capacity. Check that the floor where you plan to install the machine is flat and stable. | If my neighbours can hear the spin cycle, I want to minimise the disturbance without relying on the label to make up for an unstable floor; around 36 % of consumers put noise and vibration first. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, access routes and clearance for the door to open; check that there’s access to a water supply, a drain and a suitable socket. | In a narrow room, I need to be able to get the machine in, open it and connect it; nearly 29 % of consumers prioritise these installation constraints. |
| Capacity | Estimate the weight of dry laundry in a typical load and consider any bulky items you wash. ADEME gives 7 kg as a general guide that is usually sufficient, rather than a rule for every household. | To avoid running extra washes, I’m looking for a drum that suits my household’s laundry; around 21 % of consumers prioritise finding the right capacity. |
| Water, electricity and spin performance | For models with a similar capacity, check the label for energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and spin-drying efficiency, especially if you dry laundry indoors. | When I dry laundry at home, I want to compare running costs without overlooking spin performance; around 14 % of consumers prioritise this balance. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing based only on the decibel rating
The declared noise level helps you compare washing machines, but an unstable floor can make vibrations more noticeable in your flat.
Before you buy, compare the labels of models that suit your household and make sure the intended location is flat and stable.
-
Choosing a compact model without considering how often you’ll need to wash
If its capacity is too small for your household’s laundry, you may need to run more cycles, even if the machine fits easily into the room.
Measure the space first, then compare the compact model’s capacity with that of larger machines that could also fit there.
-
Confusing maximum capacity with the capacity you need
A small drum may mean more cycles, while a large drum isn’t automatically a better fit for a modest amount of laundry.
Think about your usual loads and any bulky items you wash. Use ADEME’s 7 kg guide as a point of comparison, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
-
Looking only at the energy rating
A letter doesn’t tell you everything about water use, the length of the reference programme, noise or spin performance. The European Commission shows this information separately on washing machine labels.
Compare these figures across models with a similar capacity. Pay attention to spin performance too if you dry laundry at home or put it in a tumble dryer afterwards.
Brands to consider when comparing models
A brand can help you put together a shortlist of models to investigate, but you’ll need to check the noise, dimensions and capacity of the specific model.
Miele
Miele features in Que Choisir reader surveys and washing machine comparisons.
- A brand to explore by comparing individual models’ capacity and label information.
- A general opinion of the brand won’t tell you how noisy or bulky a particular model is.
Bosch
Bosch is among the washing machine brands covered by Que Choisir and could be included when comparing front-loaders.
- Compare models with a similar capacity using their labels.
- Check the exact depth and spin noise of each model rather than relying on the brand name.
Siemens
Siemens is among the brands mentioned in Que Choisir’s reader survey.
- You can assess its models using the same criteria as the competition: capacity, dimensions and label information.
- Reported satisfaction with a brand doesn’t measure the noise or vibration of each appliance.
AEG
Que Choisir includes an AEG model among its examples of top-loading washing machines, a format worth considering when width is limited.
- Check the dimensions of top-loading models that will fit your space.
- Width isn’t the only consideration: you’ll also need room to open the lid and a capacity that suits your needs.
LG
LG is also mentioned in the reader rankings featured by Que Choisir.
- You can compare its models individually by capacity and the information on their labels.
- The brand’s reputation alone won’t tell you the depth or spin noise of the model you choose.
A top-loading washing machine to consider on Joybuy
This top-loading model is worth considering if you’re looking at this format for a narrow space. Its capacity needs to suit your laundry, and you should check the clearance needed to open the lid and the spin noise before choosing.
Image unavailable
Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loader, 1 400 tr/min
Worth considering if you’re looking for a top-loading model and its dimensions, lid clearance and connections suit your space.
The product name indicates a capacity of 6 kg, a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, an Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes.
It also mentions a B rating: check which indicator this refers to on the label, then compare its spin noise with that of models with a similar capacity.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the noise levels of two washing machines using their labels?
Compare the declared spin noise and noise class of models with a capacity that suits your household. The label shown by the European Commission also gives energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the length of the reference programme. These figures help you weigh up other factors beyond noise alone.
Will a washing machine with a low noise rating prevent vibration?
No. A declared noise level doesn’t guarantee that you won’t notice vibrations in your flat. Que Choisir recommends installing a washing machine on a flat, stable floor, so check the intended location as well as comparing labels.
Which format should I consider if I have less than 60 cm of width?
A top-loading washing machine is one option if width is your main constraint: Que Choisir says this format is commonly 40 to 46 cm wide. Also measure the depth and the height needed to open the lid, then check the connections. A slim front-loader mainly reduces depth, not width.