Choosing the right washing machine capacity can make all the difference to your laundry routine. Whether you’re part of a bustling household with mountains of clothes to clean or a single professional with smaller loads to wash — our guide will help you find the perfect washing machine size for your home.

What does washing machine capacity mean?

When you’re on the lookout for a new washing machine, you’ll see a range of washing machine capacities. This is how much you can fit into the laundry appliance. But bear in mind that drum sizes are measured in the weight of dry clothes. You won’t need scales or a washing load size chart handy though, as you can generally tell how much you can wash just by the drum size.

Wondering what size washing machine you need? The most common sizes are between 8 and 9 kg. That’s because these are ideal for average family-sized loads. But what you need will depend on what you’re washing and how often you’re using it.

Freestanding washing machines have a wide range of capacities. There’s everything from under 7 kg capacities to drums over 12 kg — that’s enough to easily fit in and wash a king-size bedding set. If you’ve got a built-in kitchen, you might want to consider integrated washing machines instead. These mostly have 8 or 9 kg capacities, so they’re great for a family home.

Small drum (up to 7 kg)

How much will it wash?

As a general guide, small drum washing machines can handle around:

• 5 small towels and 6 lightweight tops.

• 2 pairs of jeans, a jumper, and 10 pairs of socks or underwear.

• 2 bedsheets and 2 pillowcases.

Who’s it right for?

If you’re washing for one person and doing four loads or less a week, this size is just about perfect. The added bonus is that smaller washing machines can mean faster cycles times. Ideal if you’re heading out for the night and you want your fave clothes cleaned in a flash.

Standard drum (8-9 kg)

How much will it wash?

In average sized drum washing machines, you could expect to fit:

• 5 small towels and 10 lightweight tops.

• 4 pairs of jeans, a jumper, and 20 pairs of socks or underwear.

• 2 bedsheets and 4 pillowcases.

Who’s it right for?

If you’re a couple or have a flatmate or two, this will be a great size for you. Or you might just be on your own and love your workouts! Either way, it’s a good size if you’re doing four to six loads a week.

Large drum (10 kg)

How much will it wash?

Expect large drum washing machines to take on roughly:

• 6 small towels and 12 lightweight tops.

• 5 pairs of jeans, a jumper, and 22 pairs of socks or underwear.

• 2 bedsheets, a duvet cover, and 2 pillowcases.

Who’s it right for?

A large drum washing machine is designed for a small family who need to do four to six washes a week. A bigger drum size is also practical if you want to tackle bedding in one go. Plus, the more you wash at once, the less wear and tear on the washing machine — which will extend its life.

Extra-large drum (over 11 kg)

How much will it wash?

Extra-large drum washing machines can clean around:

• 8 small towels and 15 lightweight tops.

• 5 pairs of jeans, 2 jumpers, and 30 pairs of socks or underwear.

• 3 bedsheets, a duvet cover, and 4 pillowcases.

Who’s it right for?

The biggest washing machines are perfect for large, active families who need to do six or more washes a week. And an extra-large drum size will save you energy and money if you can do larger loads and fewer washes.

Is overloading your washing machine bad?

We’ve all had Sunday nights when we’ve realised the laundry has piled up and there’s nothing clean for tomorrow. But don’t be tempted to cram it all in, as overfilling your washing machine can be a bad idea. Here are a few reasons why:

• Your laundry won’t clean properly: If there isn’t enough room for your clothes to move around, the machine won’t wash them as thoroughly. Your detergent won’t be able to do its job properly either. Which means some of your clothes might come out smelling like detergent, while others smell as bad as they did in the laundry basket. Yuck!

• Overloading can damage your machine: Your load may not feel too heavy when it goes into the machine, but just imagine how heavy it will be once it’s soaking wet. That extra weight can put strain on its motor, bearings, and generally affect its performance over time. Another reason not to cram.

• Your clothes could get damaged too: Overloading may cause clothes to rub against the drum or door seal, leading to marks, tears, or snags in delicate fabrics.

What else should I think about when buying a washing machine?

• Washing time: Washing machines with an extra-large drum size can take up to twice as long as smaller drums — basically as they have more to wash. So, if you’d rather wash in a rush, it’s definitely something to think about.

• Cost per wash: Larger washing machines can use 10% less energy per wash than smaller washing machines. At the same time, you’ll probably have to pay more than a smaller model. That means it’s worth thinking about what works for you.

• How much space you have: Drum sizes will only affect the depth of your washing machine, not the width or height. So, if you want to get a larger machine into a cabinet space, it will fit but might stick out a bit.

FAQs

What is the standard washing machine capacity?

The standard washing machine capacity is typically between 8 and 9 kg, perfect for most family-sized loads. Whether you're washing for a couple or a small household, this size gives you enough room to tackle your laundry without overloading.

Is 7 kg a large capacity washing machine?

A 7 kg washing machine is considered a small drum size. It’s ideal for one person or smaller loads, so if you're washing for a larger household, you might want to consider a bigger capacity washing machine.

Need a hand with installation?

Our tech experts can help you with installing your washing machine. Including checking your connections are safe and removing and recycling your old machine.

After more advice?

You’re in luck! Our washing machine buying guide cuts through the jargon and cycles through the best features you should look out for. And our laundry advice section right here on TechTalk is loaded with even more helpful tips.