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Buying guide: how to choose a washing machine

A washing machine is chosen first on its capacity, water and energy consumption, and noise level during spinning. The scores shown on each product page place these measurements against the market, making it easier to compare beyond marketing claims.

What to check

Washing capacity This criterion measures the weight of laundry the drum holds in one load. The higher it is, the more can be washed in a single cycle, which matters for larger households or bulky items like bedding. Recent market listings range from around six kilograms for the lowest-capacity models to eleven kilograms for the largest, with a median around eight kilograms. A high score points to a spacious drum, while a lower one suits occasional use or smaller homes. Market median: 9 kg
Water consumption per cycle This criterion measures how much water a washing cycle uses. The lower the consumption, the better the score, since it reduces the water bill and the environmental footprint of each wash. Market listings range from around fifty-two litres for the least efficient models to forty-one litres for the most frugal, with a median around forty-five and a half litres. A high score signals a machine that limits water use at every wash. Market median: 45.5 L
Noise level during spinning This criterion measures the sound emitted during the spin cycle, the loudest phase of a wash. The lower the level, the better the score, an important point if the machine sits near a living room or bedroom. Market readings range from around seventy-nine decibels for the loudest models to seventy-one decibels for the quietest, with a median around seventy-six decibels. A high score indicates quieter operation during this phase. Market median: 76 dB
Spin speed This criterion measures the maximum speed the drum reaches during spinning. The higher it is, the drier the laundry comes out, cutting down on air-drying time or tumble-dryer use. Market data shows a narrow range, from around one thousand two hundred revolutions per minute for the slowest models to one thousand four hundred for both the median and the best performers. A high score means more effective spinning, to weigh against the noise it generates. Market median: 1,400 RPM
Energy consumption This criterion measures the electricity used over one hundred wash cycles. The lower this figure, the better the score, since it keeps the bill down over time. Recent listings place values between around fifty-nine kilowatt-hours for the least efficient models and thirty-five kilowatt-hours for the most frugal, with a median around forty-five and a half kilowatt-hours. A high score reflects an appliance that limits consumption over sustained use. Market median: 45.5 kWh
Installation and upkeep A washing machine needs a stable, level floor along with a water supply, drainage, and a nearby power outlet, which shapes the choice between freestanding and built-in models. Routine care includes cleaning the filter, door seal, and detergent drawer regularly, habits that preserve the performance measured by the criteria above over time. These factors do not appear in the product score but affect longevity and day-to-day comfort of use.

Benchmarks based on 62 recent market listings, collected on 1 November 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under 350 €

At this price level, capacities tend to stay modest and water or energy consumption scores often sit toward the lower end of the market range.

350 to 600 €

This tier brings more varied trade-offs, where good capacity or fast spinning sometimes pairs with consumption still close to the median.

Over 600 €

Above this threshold, listings more often show high scores across several criteria at once, including capacity, water use, and quietness during spinning.

Frequent mistakes

Picking too large a capacity often raises water and energy use per cycle, even for lightly loaded washes.
Overlooking spin noise can cause daily discomfort if the machine sits near a living space.
Mistaking a high spin speed for fully dry laundry: it shortens drying time without eliminating it.
Forgetting to check available space and connections before buying can complicate installing the chosen model.

Models in this category

Best rated first, among those our merchants offer.

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