Kaufberater
How to choose a washing machine: capacity, spin and the energy label
This guide explains how to read a washing machine's energy label, how many kilograms and how much spin you need and why depth matters. Then it shows today's prices, with shipping shown separately for each offer.
Von der Fordeal-Redaktion mit KI aus den Vergleichsdaten erstellt. Fakten am 8. Oktober 2026 anhand der 3 Quellen am Ende geprüft; erstmals veröffentlicht 8. Oktober 2026. Die Produkte wurden nicht physisch getestet.
The short answer
Measure the space first (depth, width, water inlet and drain), then pick the capacity by household: 6 to 7 kg for one or two people, 8 kg and more for a family. Between machines of the same size compare the energy per 100 cycles on the new label and the total price with bulky-goods shipping.
- The label's capacity is for cotton; synthetics and wool take a smaller load.
- Carrying in and taking away the old machine are not in the total; shops charge them separately.
Which models do we recommend?
- Model: Bosch WAN28266BY (Preis wird erfasst)
- Capacity and spin: 8 kg, 1,400 rpmType and class (maker's figure): freestanding, class A, 59 cm deep
- Model: Beko WITC 7612 B0W (Preis wird erfasst)
- Capacity and spin: 7 kg, 1,200 rpmType and class (maker's figure): built-in
- Model: Lord W3 (Preis wird erfasst)
- Capacity and spin: see the label in the offerType and class (maker's figure): see the label in the offer
Decision flow: which washing machine
Does it go into the kitchen units rather than the bathroom?
Ja → Look for a built-in machine and compare its size with the opening.
Is your bathroom narrow?
Ja → Look for a depth up to 45 cm and measure the water inlet and drain too.
Do you wash for a family?
Ja → Choose 8 kg or more.
Nein → For one or two people 6 to 7 kg is enough; among same-size machines compare the energy per 100 cycles.
What should you look at?
- Capacity in kg: 6 to 7 kg is enough for one or two people, 8 kg or more for a family. Capacity applies to cotton; synthetics and wool take smaller loads.
- Spin speed: 1,200 to 1,400 rpm spins laundry dry enough to dry faster. The label shows the spin-drying efficiency class.
- Energy label: since 1 March 2021 it uses an A to G scale and shows energy per 100 cycles of the eco 40-60 programme, capacity, programme length, water per cycle and spin noise.
- Eco 40-60 programme: a machine must have it; it washes normally soiled cotton marked for 40 and 60 °C in one cycle. The label figures refer to it.
- Depth and type: for a narrow bathroom look for 45 cm depth or less; a built-in machine (such as the Beko WITC 7612 B0W) fits inside kitchen units.
- Spare parts: under EU rules the maker must supply parts such as door hinges, seals and detergent dispensers for 10 years.
What do they cost today, band by band?
We compare washing machines at only a few shops today, so the bands are narrow. For large appliances shipping is a noticeable part of the total.
How has the price of Bosch WAN28266BY moved?
Für wen
- You buy a first or replacement washing machine.
- Your bathroom is narrow and you need a depth up to 45 cm.
- You need a built-in machine for a kitchen unit.
Worauf achten
- Not measuring depth and width including the water inlet and drain.
- Comparing old labels (A+++) with new ones (A to G); the new scale is stricter.
- Buying more capacity than you use; half loads use more energy per kilogram.
- Leaving out delivery, carrying in and taking away the old machine.
Häufige Fragen
- How many kilograms do I need?
- 6 to 7 kg for one or two people, 8 kg or more for a family.
- Why does the label show consumption per 100 cycles?
- It is one standard way to compare machines: energy for 100 cycles of the eco 40-60 programme.
- What is a built-in washing machine?
- A machine made to sit inside kitchen units behind a door. Its dimensions and installation differ from a freestanding one.
- Where do I find the full label?
- The label carries a QR code leading to the EU's EPREL database with detailed data on the model.