10 Best Washing Machines

Buying guide

Not sure which washing machine is best for you? Our buying guide will help you choose the right washing machine based on your needs.

One of the most important considerations is what type of washing machine you want to buy. Typically, you distinguish between three types of washing machines: Front-load washing machines, top-load washing machines, and washer-dryers (washing machine and tumble dryer combined). In the following table, you can read more about the advantages, disadvantages, measurements, prices, etc., for each of the three types of washing machines:

Front-load washing machine

Advantages

Energy efficient

Use the least water

Best cleaning performance

Stackable

Large selection

Disadvantages

High purchase price

Long wash cycles

Size

Height: 85 cm

Width: 60 cm

Depth: 60-65 cm

Capacity

Typically, 8-10kg

Price

£299-2999 (Avg.: £725)

Top-load washing machine

Advantages

Low purchase price

Shorter wash cycles

Easier to load/unload

Disadvantages

Small selection

Small capacity

Less energy efficient

Not stackable

Emits more noise

Size

Height: 90 cm

Width: 45 cm

Depth: 60 cm

Capacity

Typically, 6-7kg

Price

Washer-dryer

Advantages

Washing and drying in one unit

Space-saving

Disadvantages

Small drying capacity

Relatively expensive purchase price

Size

Height: 65 cm

Width: 60 cm

Depth: Around 65 cm

Capacity

Typically, 8-10kg for wash

Typically, 4-6kg for drying

Price

£229-1489 (Avg.: £587)

All washing machines have an energy label that provides information about the most important specifications. The energy label for washing machines provides information about:

• Energy efficiency class
• Energy consumption for 100 cycles
• Water consumption for 1 cycle
• Duration for 1 eco-cycle
• Capacity
• Drying performance
• Noise level
• Noise level class

With the energy label, you can easily compare key specifications between washing machines.

On the energy label, you can find the washing machine’s energy efficiency class, which ranges from A to G, where A is the best.

With an energy-efficient washing machine, you can save money on your electricity bill. The following chart shows how the energy efficiency class is distributed across the washing machines:

You can find the best energy-efficient washing machines here.

On the energy label, you can find the washing machine’s energy consumption for 100 eco cycles. Several factors affect energy consumption, such as the drum size, the washing temperature, the type of motor, etc.

The AEG LFR71864B is the washing machine with the lowest energy consumption, with a consumption of 42 kWh for 100 eco-cycles. In comparison, the model with the highest consumption consumes 73 kWh.

If you are looking for a washing machine with a low energy consumption, take a look at one of the following models, which are the five washing machines with the lowest energy consumption:

The following chart shows how the energy consumption is distributed across the washing machines:

The noise level is an important factor to consider, especially if your laundry room is near living spaces or if you’ll be running it during the night.

On the energy label, you can find the washing machine’s noise level class, which ranges from A to D, where A is the best. The following chart shows how the noise level class is distributed across the washing machines:

The noise level of the washing machine is also indicated on the energy label. It is indicated for the noisiest part of the wash cycle (which is the spin phase).

The noise level for the washing machines ranges from 67 dB to 81 dB, which is a big difference in noise level.

If you are looking for a quiet washing machine, take a look at one of the following models, which are the five quietest:

The following chart shows how the noise level is distributed across the washing machines:

You can find the best quiet washing machines here.

On the energy label, you can find the drying performance of the washing machine on a scale from A to G, where A is the best. The drying performance tells how much moisture is left in the clothes after a wash and, thus, how long it takes to dry.

A washing machine with a high spin speed typically also has a better drying performance, but a high spin speed also has the disadvantage that it wears more on the clothes.

This is how the drying performance is distributed across different washing machines:

Most washing machines have a variable spin speed that you can adjust according to the clothes you are washing.

The following chart shows how the maximum spin speed is distributed across the washing machines:

Consider the size of your household and the amount of laundry you need to wash regularly. Washing machines are available in various capacities, where 9 kg is the most common.

The following chart shows how the capacity is distributed across the washing machines:

You can read more about each capacity here:

• 8 kg washing machines
• 9 kg washing machines
• 10 kg washing machines

Washing machines come in a wide price range, so knowing how much you’re willing to spend will narrow down your options. Consider the features you want, and keep in mind that energy-efficient washing machines can be cheaper in the long run.

The cheapest washing machine is the Samsung WD90TA046BX/EU, for £229, and in comparison the most expensive model, £2999. If you are looking for a cheap washing machine, take a look at one of the following models, which are the five cheapest:

The following chart shows how the price is distributed across the washing machines:

You can find the best cheap washing machines here.

On the energy label, you can find the washing duration for the standard eco-program.

Be aware that washing machines have faster programs than this.

The washing duration in the standard eco-program ranges from 195 minutes to 240 minutes for the washing machines. The distribution is shown in the following chart:

These are the five washing machines with the shortest eco program:

These are some of the most popular functions you might want to consider for your washing machine:

• Automatic dosing of detergent: Automatic dosing of detergent is a feature found in some washing machines that automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent for each load of laundry. You can find the best washing machines with automatic dosing of detergent here.
• WiFi connectivity: WiFi connectivity in washing machines allows you to connect your appliance to your home network and control it remotely using a smartphone app. You can find the best washing machines with WiFi connections here.