Washing machine drums are measured in kilograms — the weight of dry laundry they're designed to wash in one go. Pick the right capacity and you'll wash more efficiently with fewer loads. Here's a simple guide.
What the kg rating means
It's the maximum dry load, not how heavy the machine is. Bigger isn't always better — running a huge drum half-empty wastes energy, while overstuffing a small one cleans poorly.
What size for your household?
- 6–7kg: one or two people.
- 8kg: a small family of three to four — the most popular size.
- 9–10kg: larger families, or anyone washing bulky bedding often.
- 11kg+: big households and heavy users.
A few tips
- Match the size to your typical load, with a little headroom for duvets.
- Check the spin speed (rpm) too — a faster spin means drier washing and quicker drying.
- Look at the energy label; an efficient machine costs less to run over years of use.
Final thoughts
For most Irish families an 8kg machine hits the sweet spot; size up if you regularly wash bedding or have a big household. Browse washing machines online or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
