When replacing a washing machine, start by choosing a style that fits the space and suits the way you load your laundry: a top-loader can work well when width is limited, while a front-loader can be installed under a worktop, for example. Then compare usable capacity, noise, energy-label information and, in France, the durability rating. This rating gives you information about repairability and reliability, but it doesn’t tell you whether the machine suits your laundry loads or your home.
If you need to keep up with regular laundry, start with your usual loads rather than the stated capacity alone. It’s also worth considering programme duration, spin-cycle noise and how easy it is to access the filter.
Width may point you towards a top-loader: UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this style. You’ll also need to allow room to open the lid and measure the route to the installation space.
Comparing water and electricity consumption isn’t enough to assess durability. The energy label and durability rating provide different information, which you should consider alongside how easy the machine is to maintain.
First, make sure you know what will fit in your space, then compare capacities that suit your laundry loads. Usage and durability information can help you choose between the machines that will actually fit in your home.
Worth considering: if space is limited widthways or you’d find it easier to load laundry from the top. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for top-loaders.
Allow for: clearance above the machine so you can open the lid. Also check that the capacity suits your laundry loads.
Worth considering: if you want to place the machine under a worktop or explore stacking it with a compatible tumble dryer.
Allow for: space in front of the door, a suitable depth and the fact that loading usually involves bending down.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, then allow for the space needed to open the machine and connect it. Also check the delivery route. | I need to be able to install and open the machine in the space available, without blocking access to the connections. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kilograms with the weight of your usual dry laundry loads and the limits for the programmes you use. UFC-Que Choisir says that 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. | My regular laundry loads should fit without needing extra cycles. If I often wash bulky items, I also need to consider how much room they take up in the drum. |
| Noise and cycles | Check the spin-cycle noise level and the duration of the eco 40-60 programme. To compare washing, rinsing and spinning performance, look for tests that measure each result separately. | The machine will be close to a living area, or I need to plan my laundry around specific times. |
| Water and electricity | On the energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle, bearing in mind the reference programme. ADEME recommends checking this label when choosing a machine. | I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis, then choose a capacity that suits the loads I wash. |
| Durability | Check the durability rating out of 10 and its breakdown, then see how easy it is to access the parts that need maintenance. According to Service-Public.fr, this rating has been displayed when buying eligible washing machines in France since 8 April 2025. | I want to take repairability and reliability into account without assuming that one rating covers noise, dimensions or washing performance. |
A capacity that’s too small may mean extra cycles, while an oversized drum may be left underfilled for everyday loads. The maximum load also varies by programme.
Estimate the weight of your usual dry laundry loads and how often you wash bulky items, then check the permitted load for the programmes you’ll use.
Spin speed alone doesn’t tell you about rinsing, noise or cycle duration. UFC-Que Choisir measures these features separately in its washing machine tests.
Read the energy label as a whole and, when comparing similar models, look for test results on the features that matter to you.
The rating brings together repairability and reliability criteria. It doesn’t tell you whether the capacity, noise level or size will suit your household.
Use it to compare machines that suit your needs, then check their dimensions, energy labels and maintenance access separately.
A top-loader needs enough room for the lid to open, while a front-loader needs space in front of its door. If you’re stacking a tumble dryer on top, you’ll also need to check that the two appliances are compatible.
Measure the space, opening clearance and delivery route. If you’re planning to stack a tumble dryer on a front-loader, check which stacking kit is suitable.
This installation may require an additional stacking kit.
These front-loading models give you a choice of capacities when replacing a household washing machine. If limited width points you towards a top-loader, start with the style and installation criteria above.
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Compare its stated 11 kg capacity with the size of your usual laundry loads and the limits for the programmes you use. Before choosing this model, measure the available depth and check the durability rating shown at the point of purchase.
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This 8 kg model is worth considering if the capacity suits your laundry loads. Its stated spin speed of 1 400 tr/min isn’t enough to judge noise or washing performance, so compare those details too and measure the space needed for installation.
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Its stated capacity is 8 kg, with 16 programmes and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. To compare it with another front-loader, check the energy label, noise level and full dimensions; spin speed alone won’t help you decide.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity is worth considering if your loads regularly need that much room; check the limit for each programme you use. The title lists 16 programmes and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. Also check the dimensions, noise level and consumption before choosing.
According to Service-Public.fr, the durability rating must be displayed at the point of purchase in France for eligible washing machines, and has been since 8 April 2025. When shopping online, look for the rating out of 10 and check its breakdown to understand the repairability and reliability criteria.
No. It tells you about repairability and reliability, but not whether the machine will suit your space or laundry loads. Also check the capacity available for each programme, noise levels and the energy-label information.
A top-loader is worth considering when width is limited: UFC-Que Choisir says this style is generally 40 to 46 cm wide. Remember to check the capacity you need and the clearance above the lid. A front-loader may be a better fit if you’re planning to install the machine under a worktop.
UFC-Que Choisir says that 5 to 7 kg is generally enough for one person or a couple. To choose a different capacity, estimate the size of your usual loads and how often you wash bulky items, then check the maximum load for the programmes you’ll use.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the machine. If you’re planning to stack a tumble dryer on a front-loader, check that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible.