First, choose a capacity that suits your usual loads and a design that you can open and use easily in the space available. Then compare spin noise, spin performance, cycle times and consumption on a like-for-like basis. A washer-dryer makes most sense if you need both functions and its drying capacity suits your laundry.
Whether you’re replacing your main machine or buying one for the first time, choose a capacity that suits your usual loads rather than automatically opting for a larger drum. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough. Que Choisir also highlights cycle times as an area of concern among its respondents.
If the space available has specific width or access requirements, check the dimensions and how the machine opens. Que Choisir describes a top-loading machine as an option to consider when access from above or available width is important.
A washer-dryer can meet your needs if you want to wash and dry without installing two machines. However, check the drying capacity separately: it may be lower than the washing capacity. Que Choisir also notes that drying performance can be limited and that most of the models assessed use water during drying.
For household laundry, start with your usual loads and the space available, then compare noise, spin performance, cycle times and consumption. ADEME says that a capacity of 7 kg is usually enough, but this isn’t a rule for every household.
In a survey conducted from 15 to 24 May 2025, Que Choisir heard from 4,350 readers and subscribers who responded to its newsletter. Their main concerns included spin noise, maintenance and cycle times. These responses highlight factors worth considering, but they don’t measure the priorities of all consumers.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Capacity in kg; your usual loads and the length of the programmes you use. | When I do laundry regularly but my loads vary, I look for a suitable drum rather than automatically choosing the largest one. Around 26% of consumers put washing capacity first. |
| Space and access | Overall dimensions, available clearance and the space needed to open the machine. | If space is tight or I need to load from above, I check that the machine will actually open where it’s going to be installed. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the machine’s position and access for loading. |
| Noise and spin performance | Spin noise shown on the label; the model’s spin performance, if available. | If the machine runs near living areas or the laundry needs to dry afterwards, I compare noise and spin performance. Around 16% of consumers prioritise quiet operation and spin performance. |
| Cycle times and consumption | kWh per 100 cycles and litres per reference cycle; the length of the programmes you’re considering. | If I need to fit laundry around a busy schedule, I also compare the length of the cycles I’ll use. Around 16% of consumers prioritise cycle times and consumption. |
| Easy maintenance | Where the filter access panel is; how much clearance you need to follow the instructions. | If space in front of the machine is limited, I check that I can still access the panel and filter easily. Around 11% of consumers prioritise easy access for maintenance. |
| Built-in drying | Separate washing and drying capacities; the length and consumption of the combined cycle. | If I don’t have room for two appliances, I check that the load I want to dry is within the drying capacity. Around 10% of consumers put built-in drying first. |
A large drum won’t necessarily be a better fit for smaller loads. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough, but the right capacity depends on your laundry and how often you wash.
Think about the size and frequency of your laundry loads before comparing capacities.
A top-loader needs room to open from above, while a front-loader needs space in front of the door. A machine may therefore be awkward to load even if its dimensions seem suitable.
Measure the space and check that the machine can open before choosing a design.
Samsung lists the WD10HG6U34BEU3 as having a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. So, for a wash-and-dry cycle, the load must be based on the drying capacity, not just the washing capacity.
Compare the load you want to dry with the drying capacity, and check the combined-cycle information separately.
Maximum spin speed in revolutions per minute isn’t enough on its own to tell you how noisy a particular model is or how well it spins.
Compare the noise level shown on the label and, where available, the spin performance results for the specific model.
If you’re looking at front-loading washing machines, the French product page for the Série 4 WAN2827UFR lists an 8 kg capacity and a spin speed of 1,400 tr/min.
The PerfectCare 600 EW6T3263EC is a top-loader listed with a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm.
LG France describes the F952SR50WRS as a slim washer-dryer with a 9/5 kg capacity.
The WD10HG6U34BEU3 washer-dryer is listed with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Hisense France identifies the WF5I8043BWF as a freestanding front-loading model.
This selection includes front-loading and top-loading washing machines for everyday household laundry.
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Worth considering for everyday laundry if a 7 kg capacity suits your usual loads.
7 kg; 1,400 tr/min; Class A.
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Consider this model if loading from above suits your space; leave enough clearance to open the lid.
7 kg; 1,200 tr/min; Class A.
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Worth considering for everyday loads if a front-loader suits your space and there’s enough room to open the door.
7 kg; 1,200 tr/min; Class A; 16 programmes.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads. ADEME says that 7 kg is usually enough, so compare this capacity with the laundry you actually wash.
10 kg; 1,400 tr/min; Class A.
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Worth considering if you need a stated capacity of 10 kg; check that it suits your usual loads.
10 kg.
Compare the labels and product information on a like-for-like basis, including kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres per cycle. ADEME notes that these figures don’t predict how much energy and water all your programmes will use.
Follow the instructions for your model. For its machines, Bosch recommends checking that the transit bolts have been removed and that the appliance is level if it moves. If it won’t drain properly, its guidance suggests checking the filter and hose, among other things. This is the manufacturer’s advice, not a diagnosis for every fault.
Before buying, check where the access panel is and whether you’ll be able to reach it. For its machines, Bosch says to unplug the appliance before following the draining and cleaning procedure. Always refer to the instructions for your model.
No. When a consumer buys from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies under its own terms. The DGCCRF states that you have two years from delivery of the goods to take action; a commercial warranty is optional and separate.
For the relevant front-loading and top-loading washing machines, the durability index has replaced the repairability index since 8 April 2025. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists these two categories; don’t assume the same requirement applies to a washer-dryer.