When replacing your washing machine, first choose a format that fits the available space: a front-loader if there’s enough room for its width and door to open, or a top-loader if space is tight or you prefer loading from above. A washer-dryer is a good choice if you want one appliance to wash and dry your clothes, but bear in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Then compare the remaining models based on your usual load sizes, spin noise and comparable consumption figures.
The space available, how you load your washing and where you’ll dry it all help determine the right choice before you even start comparing programmes.
If your space can accommodate a front-loader, it’s a good place to start comparing. Measure the depth and the clearance in front of the door too, then choose a capacity to suit your usual loads rather than the size of your household alone.
A top-loader may suit a narrow space or work better if you prefer loading from above. UFC-Que Choisir says this format is generally 40 to 46 cm wide; you’ll also need enough clearance above the appliance to open the lid.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, as UFC-Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. You may need to reduce the load or dry some items separately.
First rule out any formats that won’t fit your space or drying arrangements. Then compare the capacity and usage figures for the models still in the running.
Consider one: if there’s enough width and space in front of the appliance to open the door.
Trade-off: a larger capacity is only worthwhile if it suits the loads you usually wash.
Consider one: if width is limited or you prefer loading your washing from above.
Trade-off: you’ll need enough headroom to open the lid; UFC-Que Choisir puts the capacity of this format at 5 to 8 kg.
Consider one: if you need a single space to accommodate both washing and drying.
Trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so a full wash load may need to be dried in two batches.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearance needed for the door or lid and the connections. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders are generally 40 to 46 cm wide. | I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking walkways or interfering with nearby fittings. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kilograms with your usual loads and any bulky items you wash. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | Are my loads usually large enough to make regular use of this drum capacity? UFC-Que Choisir says 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one or two people, depending on how often and what type of washing they do. |
| Noise | Check the spin-cycle noise emissions on the EU energy label. Also check the installation requirements and filter access in the manual. | If the machine is near a living area, I want to compare the spin noise of the models I’m considering rather than infer it from their stated spin speed. |
| Energy and water use | On the EU energy label, compare electricity use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. For a washer-dryer, also check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle. | I want to understand what the consumption and duration figures mean for my use, without assuming that a quick programme delivers the same results as the reference programme. |
| Durability | For washing machines covered by the scheme in France, check the durability index and its breakdown. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says it has replaced the repairability index for this category since 8 April 2025. | I’d like to compare the stated reliability and repairability of each model, then read the terms of any commercial guarantee separately. |
A drum that’s often only partly full won’t automatically make doing the laundry more convenient. ADEME says a 7 kg capacity is enough most of the time, though how often you wash and whether you have bulky items can affect what you need.
Think about your usual loads and any items you wash separately before comparing capacities.
Two appliances with the same capacity or spin speed aren’t necessarily comparable when it comes to noise, cycle times or consumption.
For models that fit your home, compare the energy labels, durability indices and full dimensions. If you want to compare washing results, look for tests of the exact models you’re considering.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. You may therefore need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Check both capacities and decide whether this works for you in return for the space you’ll save.
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines covered by the scheme on 8 April 2025, according to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. The score isn’t a guarantee; any commercial guarantee is also separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity.
Check the score and its breakdown, then read the terms of any commercial guarantee separately from your statutory rights.
These brands feature among the models reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir. Their inclusion in tests doesn’t indicate how a particular model performed or whether it’s available from Joybuy.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the Bosch front-loaders WGE03207FR and WGE02201FR among the models added to its comparison in March 2026.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the Miele front-loaders WCA132WCS and WED385 WCS among the models added to its comparison in March 2026.
The Hisense WF3S9043BB3 front-loader is also among the models added to UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison in March 2026.
These options are for replacing your appliance with a front-loader or a washer-dryer if you want washing and drying in one machine. If your space requires a top-loader, compare the dimensions of top-loading models instead: the options below won’t meet that requirement.
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Worth considering if your usual loads call for a 9 kg front-loader and its door suits your space. The product listing states a spin speed of 1 600 tr/min; also compare the energy label, noise level and durability index shown for this model.
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Compare this 8 kg front-loader with your usual laundry volumes and the measurements of your space. Its name indicates a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min; if you’re installing it near living areas, also compare the spin noise stated on the energy label.
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The stated 11 kg capacity is suited to genuinely large loads or bulky items; it may be more than you need for smaller washes. Check the installation dimensions, then compare the consumption figures and durability index for this specific model.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so it can’t dry a full wash load in one go. Check the dimensions, cycle times and consumption figures before choosing this format.
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Compare this 8 kg front-loader with your usual loads and the space available. Its name lists a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, 16 programmes and a steam function; check the full dimensions and energy label figures rather than assuming these features indicate how much energy it uses.
For washing machines covered by the scheme, look for the durability index. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, it has replaced the repairability index for this category since 8 April 2025. Its score out of 10 takes repairability and reliability into account, so compare the figure shown for each model.
Compare the energy class, electricity use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and spin noise emissions. The European Commission links the regulated consumption, duration and water figures to the Eco 40-60 programme, so they may not reflect every other programme.
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 for the model and be prepared to remove some of the washing if necessary.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells goods to a private individual. Service Public says the defect must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. This guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the retailer or manufacturer.
Remove the transit bolts and other transport fixings by following the model’s instructions, then check that the appliance is installed correctly. UFC-Que Choisir reminds users that these fixings must be removed before first use.