For a shared household, start by choosing a capacity that suits the amount of laundry everyone can realistically combine. According to ADEME, 7 kg is enough in most cases, but that doesn’t automatically suit every household. A top-loader is mainly useful when width is limited; a front-loader may fit under a worktop, while a washer-dryer only makes sense if you need one appliance to wash and dry your clothes. Then check the dimensions, noise level, spin performance and the information given for each appliance.
If you plan to do shared loads, compare the capacity with the laundry that can realistically wait until the next cycle. ADEME suggests 7 kg as enough in most cases to avoid running several underfilled loads, but you should adjust this to suit your routine.
If the machine will be running while other people are at home, noise is an important consideration. If you dry clothes indoors or put them in a tumble dryer afterwards, also check the model’s spin information.
Measure the available space and the delivery route before choosing a front- or top-opening machine. UFC-Que Choisir notes that top-loaders take up little width; you’ll still need to check the connections and clearance required for the appliance you choose.
Choosing between a front-loader, a top-loader and a washer-dryer starts with the space available and whether you need to dry clothes in the same appliance. The style of machine alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it will be or how well it will wash.
Consider this if: there’s enough room for a door that opens at the front, especially if you’re installing the machine under a worktop.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to bend down to load it, and you should compare the model’s dimensions with those of the alcove.
Consider this if: width is your main constraint, or you’d prefer to load the laundry without bending down. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for the top-loaders covered in its guide.
Bear in mind: you’ll need clear access to the top-opening lid. Also check that the model’s capacity suits the amount of laundry you’ll combine.
Consider this if: you want one appliance to wash and dry your clothes.
Bear in mind: compare its washing and drying information separately rather than applying the figures for a washing machine alone. The European energy labelling regulation covers these two categories separately.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and cycles | Compare the capacity in kg with the dry laundry you’ll combine between washes, then check the load limits for the programmes you use most often. | If several people are waiting to do their washing on the same day, I want a capacity that suits the combined load without having to run several half-empty drums. Around 35% of consumers would put this approach to managing cycles first. |
| Noise and spin performance | Check the model’s noise and spin information, taking into account when you do the laundry and how you’ll dry it. | When the machine is running near living areas, I want to minimise noise and get the laundry ready for the way it’ll be dried. Noise and spin performance would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the alcove, access route and clearance; check the existing water supply, drainage and electrical connections. | In a home with narrow access, I need to be able to get the appliance inside and connect it where it’s going to be installed. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this installation requirement. |
| Durability and consumption | Check the durability index and the energy and water information, comparing appliances in the same category. | For an appliance used by several people, I want to consider its durability and the resources listed for the cycles we’re likely to use. This information would be the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition says that the durability index applies to washing machines placed on the market since 8 April 2025. It can help you make your choice, but it doesn’t replace checking the model’s capacity, dimensions and usage information.
ADEME’s 7 kg guideline applies to most cases, but not every laundry routine. Bulky fabrics or difficulty combining loads can change what your household actually needs.
Estimate how much dry laundry you can wash together, then check the programme load limits in the instruction manual.
A machine that fits the alcove width won’t necessarily fit through the doors, or leave enough room to open it and access the connections.
Measure the installation space and delivery route, then check the model’s installation requirements before placing your order.
If your existing connections aren’t suitable, plumbing, electrical or carpentry work may be needed. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide explains that its installers don’t carry out this work.
A front-loader or top-loader won’t necessarily have the same features as another machine of the same style. UFC-Que Choisir assesses washing, rinsing and spinning separately in its tests.
Compare the information on the label and, if you consult a test, make sure it covers the exact model you’re considering.
According to ADEME, the index takes reliability and repairability into account; it doesn’t tell you whether the capacity, noise level or dimensions will suit your household.
Use it alongside the water, energy, spin and noise information, after checking that the appliance can be installed in your home.
No. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough in most cases, but it isn’t a rule for every household. Compare this guideline with the laundry you’ll actually combine, any bulky fabrics and the load limits of the programmes you use.
A top-loader is worth considering if width is limited or you’d prefer to load the machine from above. UFC-Que Choisir gives a width of between 40 and 46 cm for the top-loaders in its guide. However, check all the dimensions, the space needed to open the lid and the capacity of the model you choose.
Consider a washer-dryer if your household also needs the appliance to dry clothes. Check the information for its washing and drying functions separately: the European energy labelling regulation covers household washing machines and household washer-dryers as distinct categories.
Yes. According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, this applies to washing machines placed on the market in France since 8 April 2025. The index is scored out of 10 and gives an indication of durability. ADEME says it takes reliability and repairability into account, but it doesn’t tell you on its own whether the appliance will suit your space or laundry routine.
Measure the installation space and the entire delivery route, then compare the existing connections with the requirements in the model’s instruction manual. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide explains that its installers don’t carry out any plumbing, electrical or carpentry work that may be needed.