Start by measuring the actual dimensions of the space, the clearance needed to open the door or lid, the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. A front-loading model is suitable when there is enough depth and space in front of the door, a top-loading model is mainly useful when width is limited, while a compact model can help when depth is the main obstacle. Then compare the capacity, energy label, noise level, spin speed and durability index of the exact model.
Start by choosing an appliance that fits the available space and your actual laundry routine, rather than basing your decision solely on the stated capacity. The French National Consumer Institute notes that the average number of weekly washes was often not discussed when advice was given in shops.
Balance width, depth and opening space: a top-loading model mainly reduces the width, while a compact or slim model is primarily designed to reduce depth, depending on the model.
Check the electrical location before buying. Promotelec states that, in a bathroom, the washing machine must be positioned outside the safety zones, earthed and protected by a 30 mA residual-current device.
Choose this if: you have standard width, sufficient depth and clear space in front of the door.
Bear in mind: the front-opening door needs clearance; a large capacity is only useful if you genuinely fill it with your usual loads.
Choose this if: the available width is more limited than the depth and the top of the appliance remains accessible.
Bear in mind: leave enough vertical clearance for the lid and also check the capacity, noise level, energy label and full dimensions.
Choose this if: depth is the factor preventing installation, after measuring the space needed for the hoses and door.
Bear in mind: “Compact” does not guarantee either a small capacity or compatibility with every housing.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual loads and washing frequency. Also check the Eco programme data and the energy label for the model. | I want to avoid choosing a drum that is too large for my everyday washing, without having to run extra cycles when laundry builds up. |
| Size and access | Measure the exact model’s height, width and depth. Check the opening range of the door or lid, as well as the space needed for the hoses. | My washing machine must fit the space, remain accessible for everyday use and avoid crushing the connections. |
| Consumption, noise and spin | Read the kWh/100 cycles, litres per cycle, noise level and spin class on the label. Compare like with like. | I’m looking for an appliance suited to my home and neighbours, especially if laundry is dried indoors or near a living area. |
| Installation | Confirm that there is a water inlet, an accessible waste outlet and a suitable electrical circuit. In a bathroom, check the safety zones, earthing and residual-current protection. | I want to connect the appliance without choosing an unsuitable or unsafe location. |
| Durability | For a new washing machine, look for the durability index out of 10 for the specific model. Check the information on repairability and reliability, not just the stated warranty. | I want to compare repairability and reliability beyond the standard warranty. |
Household size, usual loads and the number of weekly cycles all affect the most suitable capacity. A 2015–2016 survey by the French National Consumer Institute showed that these questions were not always discussed in shops.
Note the number of people in your household, your usual washes, bulky items and washing frequency before comparing capacities.
A front-loading door needs space in front of it, a top-loading lid needs clearance above, and a compact format does not necessarily reduce every dimension. Dimensions vary from one model to another.
Compare the exact model’s H × W × D dimensions with the actual space, and allow access to the connections, filter and opening.
In a bathroom, the location may be excluded by the safety zones. Promotelec also highlights the importance of earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection.
Check the safety zones and electrical circuit before ordering. If the existing installation is uncertain, ask a qualified professional for advice before choosing the location.
In France, the durability index has applied to new washing machines since April 2025. It takes both repairability and reliability into account.
Look for the exact model’s durability rating and the calculation criteria where available; a motor warranty promise alone is not enough to compare appliances.
Worth considering for a standard front-loading washing machine: the French WGE02201FR product sheet presents a 7 kg model measuring 848 × 598 × 588 mm.
Worth considering for a top-loading washing machine when width is limited: the French YW7T3713DA product sheet states 7 kg and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
Worth considering when depth is restricted: Candy offers slim or compact formats, with a stated depth of around 33 to 46 cm for this category.
Joybuy options covering front-loading, top-loading and compact formats, so you can compare size, capacity and installation requirements when moving into a new home.
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Worth considering when width is limited and the lid can open without obstruction.
Stated dimensions: 860 × 405 × 600 mm; 7 kg, 1 200 rpm, A rating, 40 kWh/100 cycles and 42 L/cycle. The stated spin noise level is 77 dB(A), class C; check the model’s durability index before buying.
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Suitable for a standard space with enough clearance in front of the door.
Stated dimensions: 59.8 × 84.8 × 59 cm; stated depth with door: 63.2 cm. A rating, 40 kWh/100 cycles, 44 L/cycle, 1 400 rpm and 72 dB, noise class A; check the connection requirements and the model’s durability index.
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Could suit small daily loads in a home where available width is limited.
Stated dimensions: 86 × 40.5 × 60 cm; 6 kg, 1 400 rpm, B rating, 49 kWh/100 cycles and 41 L/cycle. Allow clearance above the lid; the stated spin noise level is 79 dB(A), class C.
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Worth considering when limited available depth makes a standard washing machine difficult to install.
Stated slim depth: 47 cm; 7 kg capacity, A rating, 1 200 rpm and 16 programmes. Check the width, height, door opening, hose clearance, noise level, consumption and durability index before choosing.
Measure the width, depth, height and clearance needed to open the door or lid. Also check the water inlet, waste outlet and socket or electrical circuit; the hoses must be taken into account, not just the dimensions of the housing.
Yes, subject to certain conditions. Promotelec states that it must be positioned outside zones 0, 1, 2 and the concealed zone, earthed and powered by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device; if in doubt, have the installation checked by a qualified electrician.
ADEME states that 7 kg is sufficient in most cases. Nevertheless, base your choice on your usual loads and washing frequency: a larger capacity is justified if it genuinely avoids extra cycles or regularly accommodates bulky items.
Yes. In France, the durability index has applied to washing machines since April 2025. This score out of 10 gives equal weight to reliability and repairability; check that it corresponds to the model you have chosen.
Yes, but they are designed for different uses. To compare water and energy consumption between models, use the standardised data on the energy label for the reference Eco cycle; reserve a quick programme for situations suited to the laundry and the time available.