Households doing several loads a week
Compare the amount of laundry that builds up between washes with the drum capacity. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity to suit your actual loads, rather than running extra cycles with a partly filled drum.
Who are these criteria for?
People who dry their laundry indoors
The spin efficiency class helps you compare how much moisture remains in your laundry. If the machine is near a room in use, check its spin noise level too.
People short on space or looking to avoid bending down
Measure the space needed to open the door or lid and access your laundry. UFC-Que Choisir notes that available space and ease of loading can influence your choice of a top-loader.
Which criteria should you compare first?
Front-loading washing machine
Consider it: if the door can open in front of the machine and the capacity suits your regular loads.
Bear in mind: check the clearance needed for the door; a large capacity is only useful if you fill it regularly.
Top-loading washing machine
Consider it: if access from the top works better for your space or saves you from bending down, as UFC-Que Choisir notes.
Check: according to Que Choisir, top-loaders generally don’t exceed 8 kg; make sure the model’s capacity can handle your larger loads.
Keep or repair your current machine
Consider it: if the machine still meets your needs and can be used safely, or if a fault can be repaired.
Check: a fault needs to be diagnosed; whether it can be repaired depends on factors including the appliance and the parts required.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual loads of dry laundry, including sheets and towels. ADEME says 7 kg is enough in most cases. | I want to wash my usual loads without running extra cycles or choosing a drum that’s rarely full. |
| Energy and water use | On the label, compare water use per cycle and energy use in kWh per 100 cycles for the Eco 40-60 programme, using the same basis. The European Commission links these label measurements to this programme. | I do laundry regularly, so I want to compare the stated consumption of machines that suit my loads. |
| Spin performance and noise | Check the spin efficiency class, then the spin noise level in dB and its class. Don’t judge these results by the stated rpm alone. | If I dry laundry indoors, how damp it is after washing matters. Noise matters too when the machine is close to rooms in use. |
| Installation | Measure the model and the space needed to open the door or lid. UFC-Que Choisir says that available space and access to the drum can influence the choice between a front-loader and a top-loader. | I need to be able to install the machine and load the laundry without blocking access or exceeding the capacity I need. |
| Durability | In France, the ministries responsible for ecology say that the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025. For your current machine, have its repair options assessed. | Before replacing my machine, I want to know whether it still meets my needs and whether a fault can be repaired. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing the largest capacity available
A large drum won’t save you from frequent cycles if your usual loads are small. ADEME recommends matching the capacity to the laundry you actually wash.
For a week or two, keep track of your usual loads, including sheets and towels, then choose a capacity that suits this regular volume.
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Relying on rpm alone
The stated spin speed doesn’t replace the spin efficiency class or the noise rating. Both are useful criteria if you dry laundry indoors.
Compare the spin class, dB level and noise class on the label of each model you’re considering.
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Assuming a top-loader can handle every large load
UFC-Que Choisir says top-loading washing machines generally don’t exceed 8 kg. This limit may matter if you often wash large loads.
Measure the space and lid clearance, then check the capacity of the specific model.
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Replacing a machine without looking into repairs
A fault alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance can be put back into service.
Before deciding to replace the machine, find out what caused the fault and whether the parts needed are available.
Which brands should you consider?
Miele
If you’re comparing Miele front-loaders, assess each model against your loads and available space.
- For the WCA132WCS and WED385 WCS, compare the capacity, spin performance and noise rating on the label for the specific model.
- Satisfaction reported in a reader survey doesn’t tell you how each individual appliance performs.
Bosch
Compare Bosch front-loader specifications with your laundry volume and installation requirements.
- For models WGE03207FR and WGE02201FR, check the capacity, spin performance and Eco 40-60 programme duration individually.
- An opinion about the brand as a whole doesn’t replace comparing the specific models you’re considering.
LG
LG front-loaders may be worth including in your comparison, as long as you assess them model by model.
- Compare the label and dimensions of the LG model you’re considering with your laundry needs.
- Don’t draw conclusions about a model’s consumption, noise or reliability from a general impression of the brand.
Front-loading models to consider on Joybuy
These Joybuy options are front-loading; they include washing machines and a washer-dryer. Compare their capacities with your usual loads before considering their other features.
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Bosch WGE02407FR — 7 kg front-loader, 1,400 rpm
Consider it if your usual loads suit a capacity of 7 kg. If you dry laundry indoors, compare the spin efficiency class and spin noise level; also check the door clearance.
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Electrolux EW7FI259160V SteamCare SmartSelect — 9 kg front-loader, 1,600 rpm
Consider whether the 9 kg capacity suits your regular loads: an occasional large load alone isn’t enough to determine the capacity you need. The stated 1,600 rpm doesn’t replace comparing the spin efficiency class and noise level.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 — 11 kg washer-dryer / 6 kg drying capacity
This option combines washing and drying, with different stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you plan to use both functions, compare the figures for the wash cycle and combined cycle separately, and check that your regular loads justify an 11 kg capacity.
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CHiQ JW75883G — 7 kg front-loader, 1,200 rpm
Compare the 7 kg capacity with the laundry you actually build up between cycles. If you dry laundry indoors, check the model’s spin efficiency class and noise level: you can’t infer these from the stated 1,200 rpm.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I choose for regular laundry?
Choose a capacity based on your usual loads of dry laundry, rather than the number of people in your household alone. According to ADEME, a 7 kg washing machine is enough in most cases; go for more if your regular loads call for it.
Are rpm enough to compare machines if I dry laundry indoors?
No. Focus on the specific model’s spin efficiency class, as well as its spin noise level in dB and noise class. The stated maximum speed doesn’t tell you everything about either of these criteria.
Is a top-loading washing machine suitable for large loads?
It depends on the model’s capacity and the size of your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir says top-loaders generally don’t exceed 8 kg, so check this if you often wash lots of household linen.
What is the durability index for washing machines in France?
It gives you another way to compare new appliances, but doesn’t replace checking capacity, spin performance or dimensions. According to the ministries responsible for ecology, this index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025.
Should I replace a washing machine as soon as it breaks down?
Not necessarily. Find out what the fault is and check whether the machine can be repaired before deciding. If you’re considering a new appliance, also think about the capacity you actually need.