Drum Capacity (kg)

How we research

Drum capacity is the maximum weight of dry laundry a washing machine is rated to wash in one load, given in kilograms.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

What it means

The energy label lists the maximum load [1]. Bosch’s buying guide suggests 6 or 7 kg for singles or households of one or two people, 8 or 9 kg for homes of three or four, and 10 kg for five or more people such as families. For bulky items such as duvets it suggests an 8 to 10 kg model [2].

Why it matters when you buy

A drum that is too small means more washes, and one that is too large is only useful if you fill it. Smart Energy GB advises waiting for a full load rather than running repeated half loads [3], so buy the size you will actually fill.

A worked example

A household of four washes about 16 kg of laundry a week. On an 8 kg machine that is two full loads. On a 10 kg machine it is 1.6 loads, so one full load and a part load, or two loads that are not full.

Illustrative scenario: figures are examples, not quotes, valuations or market prices.

Sources

  1. Energy label information, Bosch Home UK, bosch-home.co.uk. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  2. Which washing machine? Buying guide, Bosch (Malta site, as we could not open a UK equivalent), bosch-home.com. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  3. Best time to use the washing machine, Smart Energy GB, smartenergygb.org. Page last updated 17 August 2026. Checked 19 October 2026.