Start by choosing a format that leaves enough room to load your laundry and connect the appliance. A front-loading machine is worth considering if capacity is a priority; choose a top-loader if easy access is essential, or a compact model if space limits your options. A washer-dryer combines two functions in one appliance, but you’ll need to check its drying capacity separately. Then compare the spin noise, energy label and durability rating applicable in France for each model.
Start with the amount of laundry you usually wash, then compare the stated capacity for the programmes you’ll use. A larger capacity won’t, by itself, address questions of noise or energy use. Que Choisir notes that front-loading washing machines generally offer greater capacity than top-loaders.
Measure the space, the route to it and the room needed to open the door or lid. Also check access to the water supply, drainage and electricity. The appliance still needs to be installable and usable, even if its dimensions are right.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one space. However, check both capacities: they can differ, as with a Brandt model listed as 8 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Start with the available space and the amount of laundry you wash, then compare the figures for your usual cycles and drying conditions.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Format and installation | Measure the width, height and depth; allow room to open the door or lid, connect the appliance and bring it in at delivery. | I need to load the laundry easily without blocking access to the appliance. Que Choisir points out that available space often determines the choice between a front-loader and a top-loader. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kg for the relevant programme with the amount of laundry you usually wash. Que Choisir says front-loaders generally offer greater capacity; check each top-loader individually. | If I wash frequent or large loads, I want a suitable capacity without overlooking how much space the machine will take up. |
| Built-in drying | Check the washing and drying capacities separately, then look at the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle. Brandt, for example, lists a model with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. | I can’t install two appliances, so I need to know whether a washed load can be dried in one go or whether I’ll need to split it. |
| Noise and spin cycle | Compare the stated spin noise and maximum speed in rpm. Make sure the appliance is installed on a flat, stable floor. Spin speed alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it will be. | The machine will be close to a living area or neighbours, so spin noise matters just as much as the stated speed. |
| Energy and water | Check the energy label and the specification sheet for the exact model. For a washer-dryer, distinguish the figures for washing alone from those for the wash-and-dry cycle. | I want to compare the cycles I’ll actually use, rather than figures for two different types of use. |
| Durability | Look up the durability rating for the model sold in France and check the documents for that specific model. According to the French ministry responsible for ecology, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for washing machines on 8 April 2025. | Before choosing, I want to distinguish information about a specific model from a claim about an entire range or component. |
A machine might fit into an alcove but leave too little room to open its door or reach the connections.
Also measure the clearance in front of or above the appliance, the access route for delivery, and the position of the water inlet, drain and socket.
Maximum speed isn’t enough to tell you how noisy a machine will be. Que Choisir highlights spin noise as something to watch for in its tests.
Compare the noise figures for the models you’re considering and make sure the machine is installed on a stable, level surface.
With a washer-dryer, the load you wash may exceed its drying capacity. For example, a Brandt model is listed as 8 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Check both figures and the energy data for the cycle you plan to use.
A manufacturer’s claim about lifetime testing doesn’t necessarily tell you the durability rating of a specific model.
Check the rating that applies to the model sold in France, its product details and the exact terms of any stated guarantee.
These examples show what to compare for specific models; they don’t necessarily reflect the features of every machine from a given brand.
One option to explore if you’re looking at a front-loading washing machine, using the model specifications as a guide.
Two front-loading models let you compare the capacity you need against separate specification sheets.
A brand worth exploring if dimensions or the type of installation are important factors in your choice.
This selection includes a front-loading washing machine, an appliance for a space with limited depth and a washer-dryer. Compare each one with your measurements and washing or drying needs. This selection doesn’t replace checking a top-loader if that style of access suits you better.
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Combines washing and drying in one space. The stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so check whether you’ll need to split the load after washing, as well as allowing room for the door to open and for the connections.
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This front-loading washing machine has a stated capacity of 10 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm. If you’re considering it for large loads, also measure the space needed in front of the door and compare the model’s spin noise.
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Worth considering if limited depth narrows your options. Its stated capacity is 8 kg. Check the dimensions of the model against your available space, allowing for the door, hoses and installation clearances.
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Another 10 kg front-loader to compare if you’re looking for a machine for larger loads. Before choosing this model, confirm its dimensions and the clearance required, then check its spin noise for the space where you plan to install it.
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This front-loader has a stated capacity of 10 kg, a spin speed of 1,400 rpm and 16 programmes. If noise or fitting it into an alcove matters to you, confirm the spin noise and exact dimensions for this model before choosing.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open the door and the route the appliance will take during delivery. Then check how close the water inlet, drain and power supply are, and make sure the installation floor is flat and stable.
Yes, for the model sold in France. According to the French ministry responsible for ecology, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for washing machines on 8 April 2025. Check the rating for the model you’re considering rather than relying on a general claim about the brand.
No. It helps you compare the stated figures, but the capacity, dimensions, spin noise and connections also need to suit your needs. When comparing two washer-dryers, make sure you’re looking at figures for the same type of cycle.
Not necessarily. Check both capacities for the exact model. For example, Brandt lists one model as 8 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load exceeds its stated drying capacity.
Search using the exact model name or serial number. Miele lets you search by product name or serial number, while Whirlpool provides manuals in its downloads section.