Choosing a washing machine: capacity, spin speed, energy label and size

Capacity: how many kilos

The capacity in the product name, for example 8, 9 or 10 kg, is according to the energy label the maximum amount of dry laundry you can wash in the eco 40-60 programme. Other programmes, such as wool, delicates or synthetics, take less; the manual says how much.

Milieu Centraal advises loading the drum fully: that saves electricity and water per kilo of laundry. A bigger drum only helps if you fill it. If you often wash large items such as duvets, a 9 or 10 kg drum gives more room. There are machines of 8 kg, such as the AEG LF628400, of 9 kg, such as the Siemens WG44G2FLNL, and of 10 kg, such as the Samsung WW1UFG5U34AEEN.

Spin speed and spin class

The spin speed says how fast the drum turns at the end. The higher it is, the less water stays in the laundry. You notice that most when you tumble dry afterwards: wetter laundry takes longer to dry. The energy label shows the spin-drying class, from A to G: A stands for little remaining moisture, G for a lot.

Product names mostly show 1400 and 1600 rpm, such as the AEG LF628600 and the AEG LR85964 at 1600 rpm. For delicates you choose a lower speed in the programme yourself.

Reading the energy label

Since 1 March 2021 washing machines have an energy label with classes from A to G. The label gives:

• the electricity use in kWh per 100 cycles in the eco 40-60 programme;
• the capacity in kg;
• the water use per cycle in litres;
• how long the eco 40-60 programme takes;
• the spin-drying class;
• the noise during spinning, in dB(A) and a class from A to D.

The QR code on the label takes you to EPREL, the European product database. Makers sometimes put in the name how much more efficient than class A a machine is, such as "A-30%" or "40% more efficient than required for A". That means its consumption is below the limit for class A. To be sure, compare the kWh on the label. With What does an appliance really cost, electricity included? you can work out what a washing machine costs in electricity per year.

How high, wide and deep

Most freestanding front loaders are about 85 cm high and 60 cm wide, so they fit the standard opening in a kitchen or utility room. For the AEG LF628400 the maker gives a width of 59.6 cm. Depth varies more: Hisense sells the WF5I8043BWF as a Slimline model, which is less deep. Allow extra room behind and in front of the machine for the door, the hoses and the plug. The exact dimensions are in the specifications of each version.

If the space is narrow, a top loader is an option: it is narrower than a front loader and opens from the top, such as the Whirlpool TDLR 6261BS. You cannot stack a dryer on a top loader.

Stacking or in a cupboard

A dryer goes on top of the washing machine with the manufacturer's stacking kit; the washing machine is always at the bottom. The manual says which kit fits which pair. If the machine goes into a cupboard or under the worktop, check the installation instructions: they give the space needed around it, whether the top panel may come off and how the door must be able to open. Set the machine level; the feet adjust for that.

In two minds between a dryer and a washer-dryer? Read Heat pump dryer or condenser dryer.

Handy extras

• Automatic dosing: the machine doses detergent from a tank by itself. Miele calls it TwinDos, as on the Miele WQ 1200 and the Miele WER 875; AEG calls it AutoDose, as on the AEG LR7696AAD4.
• Steam: a steam programme against creases, at Miele SteamCare, as on the Miele WQ 1200.
• Noise: the specifications give the noise during spinning, for example 74 dB for the AEG LF628400 and 72 dB for the Hisense WF5I8043BWF.
• Wifi and an app: handy to see when the wash is done, not needed to wash.

All models are under washing machines.